Public Speaking Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

SPCH-1315-AH10 Public Speaking

Prerequisites

Course Description

Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity and speech organizational techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Text: “A Speaker’s Guidebook” 6th edition Dan O’Hair, Rob Stewart and Hannah Rubenstein

Supplies

Each student must provide writing/note-taking materials

Student Performance

Course Objectives:

Through participation in lectures, reading assignments, in-class exercises and other assigned activities, students will:

1. Define and explain basic communication terms and principles which undergird competent communication. (Communication model)
2. Demonstrate knowledge of theory and competence in preparing and presenting informative and persuasive speeches and in group tasks.)
3. Apply communication principles and theory in diverse circumstances and demonstrate effective communication, distinguishing effective from less effective responses.)
4. Demonstrate use of appropriate citations for all reference work used in papers and presentations.)
5. Define and discuss how best to avoid plagiarism.)
6. Participate in class and group processes while demonstrating respect for classmates.)
7. Develop listening skills and critical thinking skills.)
8. Select topics and develop speeches of various styles for various occasions that are audience appropriate.)
9. Use visual aids in presentation to enhance communication.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (located in the Student Services Center, Room 119; phone number 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”

Grading Criteria

Please note that speaking and participation make up 70% of the final grade. Much of what we learn about public and professional speaking is gained by listening to other speakers.  It is each student’s responsibility to be an active and valuable member of the audience as classmates make presentations. Speeches must be delivered on the assigned day. If there is an unavoidable conflict or emergency, it is your responsibility to contact me that day to schedule a make-up speech.  Speakers who are absent without explanation will receive a zero. No student will be allowed to make up work without prior permission.  I reserve the right not to accept make-up work. Make-up work will only be accepted if a student has a valid and compelling reason to have missed the original speaking date and has contacted me to arrange to make up a speech.  Make-up speeches will be given outside of class time. All late speeches (regardless of the reason for the lateness) will be penalized.

Points will be deducted as follows:

Speeches given during the week designated for speeches but after the assigned speech day: subtract 5 pts from a 100 pt assignment and 10 pts from a 200 pt. assignment.

Speeches given on a designated makeup day: subtract 10 pts from a 100 pt assignment and 20 pts from a 200 pt assignment.

All late written work will be penalized one full grade.  In other words, an "A" will automatically become a "B". Students will arrive for class on time. Consistent late arrival will impact class participation grade. Turn off cell phones or put them on silent ring during class. No text messaging will be permitted during class. Plagiarism is considered serious academic misconduct. All speeches and written assignments presented in this class must be original work by the student. Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade. No form of scholastic dishonesty will be tolerated. Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disability Services (located in the Student Services Center, Room 119; phone number 371 -5436) as soon as possible. Visit the Amarillo College Disability Services website at https://www.actx.edu/disability

Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”

Assignments:

Speeches-Students will deliver 4 major speeches during the course. These speeches account for the bulk of the final grade (60%)

Each student will submit a typed outline to the “Assignment Drop Box” located on the Blackboard site that corresponds with this course. The outline is due prior to giving the speech in class. . Speeches will be graded on delivery, organization and content; Speakers will deliver their speeches extemporaneously—that is, the speaker will be familiar enough with the speech to rely only on a few note-cards. Writing the speech in essay form is unnecessary and counterproductive. Speakers will not stand behind a podium, chew gum or wear a hat while speaking.

Homework:

Various written homework assignments will be given throughout the semester. Performance on these assignments will impact student's participation grade

Chapter Quizzes:

Students will complete a quiz for each chapter. The quizzes are available online through the Blackboard site that corresponds with this course. No make ups will be offered. The lowest grade will be dropped.

Quizzes will be due by Sunday each week.

Final Exam:

Will include material covered during the 8-week course. Will be available online during the last week of class.

Extra Credit:

Up to 5 points will be added to your final grade for completing a written analysis of a public speaker.

Class Participation:

This is an eight-week course, so I am expecting students to come to class prepared. This means your chapter readings should be completed before class each day. We will be working on a variety of learning activities, discussions, and group assignments in class.

Attendance:

Attendance will be recorded. Students will swipe their ID card on the scanner located in the classroom.   Points will be deducted from your participation grade for more than two absences-- regardless of the reason for the absence.  Please note that speaking and participation make up 70% of the final grade. Much of what we learn about public and professional speaking is gained by listening to other speakers.  It is each student’s responsibility to be an active and valuable member of the audience.

Grading Policy

Grade distribution works as follows:

4 Major Speeches:

Introduction - 10%

Informative - 20%

Persuasive - 20%

Final Speech- Group Presentation: Pecha Kucha - 10%

Assessments:

Chapter Quizzes - 20%

Final Exam - 10%

Attendance/Participation - 10%

Total - 100%

Letter Grades will be determined as follows:

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 79 - 70

D = 69 - 60

F = below 60

Attendance

Attendance will be recorded. Points will be deducted from your participation grade for more than two absences-- regardless of the reason for the absence. Please note that speaking and participation make up 70% of the final grade. Much of what we learn about public and professional speaking is gained by listening to other speakers. It is each student’s responsibility to be an active and valuable member of the audience.

Calendar

Additional Information

Office Hours: Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30-10:00 AM. Monday - Thursday I am available by appointment if you need to speak in person outside of these office hours. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email. You can speak to me before and/or after class.

If you have questions about the course material, assignments, due dates etc please contact me.  If you need technical support, contact the Student Help Center located in the Ware Student Commons, Room 111, located on the Washington Street Campus. Or call (806) 371-5992.

The Student Help Center hours of operation are:

Mon – Thurs        8am - 5pm (Ware Student Commons, Room 111)

Mon – Thurs        5pm - 9pm (Library Research Desk - 4^th floor of the Ware Student Commons)

Friday                  8am - 5pm (Ware Student Commons, Room 111)