Public Speaking Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Parcells Hall&nbsp;204M</p>

Office Hours

Spring II Office Hours:

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

8:15 – 8:45 am; 10:15 – 11:15 am

If you need me outside of these times, just get in touch with me via email (use Blackboard messages or get me directly at jllewellyn@actx.edu) and we will set up a meeting that works for both of us. 

There is always some candy available in my office for you! If you just want something from the candy bowl, our office assistant, Shauna, can let you in to grab some!

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

SPCH-1315-DC002 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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The Art of Public Speaking, Lucas and Stob, published by McGraw Hill 

We will use the Connect version available from the publisher for online reading and bookwork.

Your textbook is free to you online! Information for accessing the textbook is located in your course in the "Start Here" folder. Make sure you follow the instructions to gain access to the textbook right away.

Supplies

  • The textbook listed above
  • Adequate browser capabilities 
  • Microsoft Word OR Google Docs for writing papers (you may access Google docs for free through your AC email account)
  • Any of the following visual aid software: Prezi (you can sign up for a free student account at www.prezi.com) OR Power Point OR Google Slides (also available for free with your student email account)
  • Access to a reliable computer several times a week

Student Performance

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.

Learning Outcomes: 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 an understanding of the foundation models of communication.

2. Apply elements of audience analysis.

3. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic.

4. Research, develop, and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and non verbal techniques.

5. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches.

6. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication.

7. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g. narrative, informative or persuasive).

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. Students will be required to dress appropriately for presentations. For example, do not deliver your speech in a baseball cap, chewing gum, or wearing your sweaty workout clothes.
  2. Students are expected to act respectfully to one another, meaning you need to give constructive and overall positive feedback to your classmates on their speeches, in both your reflection papers and your comments on the discussion boards.
  3. This is a college course, and when you have a question or concern about the course, you should contact your Amarillo College instructor. Please do not have your High School teacher, your parent, or another classmate ask questions for you.

Grading Criteria

Grading Policies:
There will be a total of 1000 points possible in this course.  They are distributed as follows:

 

Presentations (These are on-campus, mandatory presentations)

 Total of 400 points, or 40%

    

Speech of Introduction                       100 points
Informative Speech w/ Visual Aid       150 points
Persuasive Speech w/ Visual Aid       150 points

 

Written Assignments

Total of 200 points, or 20%

   

Resume / Cover Letter                  100 points
Reflection papers (2)                     100 points  (50 pts each)

 

SmartBook Connect Assignments

Total of 200 points, or 20%

     


Chapters 1-20 (20)                     200 points  (10 pts each)
 

 

Quizzes, Discussion Posts, and More:
Syllabus Quiz                                      10 points
Connect Orientation Video                  10 points
SmartBook Orientation Video              10 points
Discussion postings 9                         90 points (10 pts each)
Discussion 10                                      30 points
Library Assignment                              50 points  

Total of 200 points, or 20%


Letter Grades:
            For Speeches, Tests, and Major Assignments          For the Final Grade
                        A = 90 - 100                                                     A = 900 - 1000
                        B = 80 - 89                                                       B = 800 - 899
                        C = 70 - 79                                                       C = 700 - 799
                        D = 60 - 69                                                       D = 600- 699
                        F =  0-59                                                           F = 0-599

You will not be allowed to make up work. You have 7 days to complete assignments generally. Make sure you are aware of due dates as late work is not accepted. Please let me know if you are dealing with extenuating circumstances. I cannot help you if I don't know about a problem, so please contact me via email anytime you need to discuss these or other issues. For technical issues, I recommend you call our help desk at (806)371-5100 for immediate assistance during normal business hours.

Attendance

You will need to log in to the course 3-4 times weekly at a minimum to participate in discussion board postings and complete online work in the textbook.

The on-campus meetings are mandatory and speech grades are the bulk of your semester grade. Make sure you check your speech meeting dates in the course and put them in your calendar right away. If you know that you will have a conflict you can't avoid, you must get in touch with your AC instructor right away to determine a makeup date for your speech. All speeches must be delivered in person with an audience. 

Calendar

 

Class Schedule:
Instructor reserves the right to modify the schedule as needed.    

Week 1 To-Do: 8/26 – 9/1

  1. Syllabus (read completely)
  2. Start Here
    • Intro page
    • Syllabus quiz (10 points)
    • Connect orientation video (10 points)
    • SmartBook orientation video (10 points)
  3. Weekly Lessons
    • Lesson One
      • Discussion 1: introductions (10 points)
      • Video
      • PRCA
      • Discussion 2: PRCA scores/anxiety (10 points)

Week 2 To-Do: 9/2 – 9/8

  • Lesson Two
    • Ch. 1 & 2 (10 points each for 20 total points)
    • Speech 1 Assigned
    • Discussion 3: good/bad delivery (10 points)

Week 3 To-Do: 9/9 – 9/15

  • Lesson Three
    • Ch. 3, 4, & 9 (10 points each for 30 total points)
    • Work on Speech 1

Week 4 To-Do: 9/16 – 9/22

  • Lesson Four
    • Ch. 10 & 11 (10 points each for 20 total points)
    • Speech 1 Outline Due

Week 5 To-Do: 9/23 – 9/29

  • Lesson Five
    • Presentation Week! Be prepared.
    • Reflection Paper 1 Due (50 points)

Week 6 To-Do: 9/30 – 10/6

  • Lesson Six
    • Ch. 15, 5, & 6 (10 points each for 30 total points)
    • Speech 2 Assigned
    • Discussion 4: topic ideas (10 points)

Week 7 To-Do: 10/7 – 10/13

  • Lesson Seven
    • Ch. 7, 8, & 14 (10 points each for 30 total points)
    • Library Assignment (50 points)

Fall Break: 10/14 – 10/20 (no assignments, recommend continued work on informative speech)

Week 8 To-Do: 10/21 – 10/27

  • Lesson Eight
    • Ch. 12 & 13 (10 points each for 20 total points)
    • Speech 2 Outline and VA Due
    • Discussion 5: language (10 points)

Week 9 To-Do: 10/28 – 11/3

  • Lesson Nine
    • Presentation Week! Be prepared.
    • Reflection Paper 2 Due (50 points)

Week 10 To-Do: 11/4 – 11/10

  • Lesson Ten
    • Ch. 16 & 17 (10 points each for 20 total points)
    • Speech 3 Assigned
    • Discussion 6: Persuasive Topic ideas (10 points)
    • Discussion 7: Audience Analysis questions (10 points)

Week 11 To-Do: 11/11 – 11/17

  • Lesson Eleven
    • Ch. 18 & 19 (10 points each for 20 total points)
    • Resume Assignment Assigned
    • Discussion 8: Resume Tips (10 points)

Week 12 To-Do: 11/18 – 11/24

  • Lesson Twelve
    • Ch. 20 (10 points)
    • Discussion 9: persuasion (10 points)
    • Resume Assignment Due (100 points)
    • Speech 3 Outline Due
    • Speech 3 Visual Aid Due

Week 13 To-Do: 11/25 – 12/1

  • Lesson 13
    • Thanksgiving Week – Practice Speech 3! No assignments due

Week 14 To-Do: 12/2 – 12/8

  • Lesson 14
    • Presentation Week! Make this your best presentation!

Week 15 To-Do: 12/9 – 12/11 (course closes Wednesday!)

  • Lesson 15
    • Discussion 10: Final Discussion Reflection (30 points)

 

Additional Information

Syllabus Created on:

08/24/24 9:08 PM

Last Edited on:

08/24/24 9:08 PM