Business and Professional Speaking Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

SPCH-1321-005 Business and Professional Speaking

Prerequisites

Course Description

Study and application of communication within the business and professional context. Special emphasis will be given to communication competencies in presentations, dyads, teams and technologically mediated formats.

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

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

Supplies

Student Performance

 

Course Objectives: After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.

1. Demonstrate communication competence and critical thinking through an understanding of the foundational communication models.
2. Demonstrate essential public speaking skills in professional presentations.
3. Demonstrate written and oral competencies as it relates to employment (including job searches, interviews, interpersonal interaction, conflict management, leadership and performance appraisals.)
4. Apply essential dyadic and small group processes as they relate to the workplace.
5. Utilize various technologies as they relate to competent communication.
6. Demonstrate effective cross-cultural 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

·        1. Speeches are delivered on assigned days.  If you know well in advance, other arrangements might be possible.  Speaking late without prior approval will result in a 10 point deduction for that speech.  All late work will receive a 10 point deduction.

·        2. Tests will be made up only in emergencies. Prior approval must be obtained from the instructor.

·        3. No substances or equipment in violation of Amarillo College's Student Code of Life will be permitted in speech communication courses.

·       4.  Plagiarism is considered serious academic misconduct.  All speeches and papers presented should be the work of the student enrolled in the course.  Proper documentation should be made of materials cited from all sources.  If it is determined that a student has plagiarized a speech, paper, or exam, student will receive the grade of 0 and disciplinary proceedings against the student could ensue.

·        5.  The instructor will not initiate administrative withdrawals.  If you stop attending class, but do not officially withdraw from the class, grades will be assigned based on the work required for the class, not just work completed.

Grading Criteria

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

GUIDELINES FOR MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS

 

·         Demonstration speech – Choose a demonstration that can be completed during the time allowed (4 to 8 minutes).  You must actually demonstrate (not just describe what you have done), and include 2 sources that are cited in the speech.  Provide a typed outline for the instructor. (Use the format taught in class.)

·         Informative Speech using a visual aid– Choose a topic for this speech that lends itself to presentation using a visual aid.  Speech will be at least 4 minutes and no longer than 8 in length.  The speech must be informative, and include 3 sources that are to be cited in the speech. Provide a typed outline that follows the format taught in class.

·         Resume:  Each student will prepare a resume for a position at an actual company/institution.  The resume should include factual, not fictional, information about the student.