Public Speaking Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-009 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The Art of Public Speaking 2023 release by Stephen Lucas with Connect.

 

How to Register for Connect through Blackboard Ultra:

 

Video link: https://www.mheducation.com/highered/support/connect/first-day-of-class/blackboard-ultra.html

Step 1: Login into your campus Blackboard Ultra account using your personal login and password.

Step 2: Then select SPCH 1315.

Step 3: Select the folder that contains your course assignments.

Step 4: Select any McGraw-Hill Connect assignment link to start the registration process.

Step 5: Enter your Amarillo College email address and click Begin. If you receive the message,

You have a Connect Account but have forgotten your password, click Forgot Password. *Depending on your school, you might skip this step. That’s ok! Just continue the process from that step to the end.

Step 6: Create your McGraw-Hill Education account. Please use your Amarillo College email address when creating an account. To receive text alerts, enter your mobile number. Agree to the Terms and Conditions and then click Continue.

Step 7: You’ll see 3 registration options. Choose the option that allows you to enter an access code. use the access code you purchased and click “redeem”.

Step 8: Click Confirm. You are now registered.

 

Make the most of Connect

Stay Organized

• Digital Course Planner has all your upcoming Connect assignments in one place, and you can customize calendar alerts 

Focus On What Matters

• Use Reports to track your performance and your understanding of key concepts

Learn On-the-Go

• Download the free ReadAnywhere App to take your eBook* and SmartBook® 2.0* with you – online and offline

*ReadAnywhere supports newer eBooks and SmartBook 2.0. may not be available in your Connect course.

Connect Student Support Tools

• Find more tips:https://www.mheducation.com/highered/support/student/connect.html

 

FREE Study App

Sharpen

• Thousands of short videos, quizzes, and flashcards designed for your courses: https://mhss-links.mheducation.com/G1f2/JB1243

 

Tech Support:

Please contact McGraw Hill’s Customer Experience Group for tech support using the information below.

• Phone: 1-800-331-5094
• Available for Instructors and Students
• Hours Available
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
  • Monday – Thursday: 24 hours
  • Friday: 12 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM
• https://mhedu.force.com/CXG/s/ContactUs

 

Course Materials: 

Each student must provide writing/note-taking materials. You will be using pencil;/pen and paper for in-class assignments, group activities, and quizzes.

Supplies

Student Performance

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

 

            •           Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication.

            •           Apply elements of audience analysis.

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

            •           Research, develop, and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques.

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

            •           Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication.

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

 

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 turn in a typed outline.  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:

Students are responsible for their own chapter reading assignments. These, MCGra Hill “Smartbook” assignments are found in the Weekly Folders in Blackboard. You will be responsible for reading the material and answering the questions as you go. These reading assignments are due on Monday each week (except for week 1). These assignments count toward your final grade. I do not accept late work for the McGraw Hill “Smartbook” assignments.

 

Mid-term and Final Exam: 

Will include material covered during the course. Will be available on-line during week 4 and the last week of class.

 

Extra Credit:  Five points will be added to your final grade for completing the “Written Critique of a Speaker” essay. The instructions are found in Blackboard.

 

Class participation:

This is an 8-week course, so I am expecting students to come to class prepared. This means your chapter readings should be completed before entering class each day.  We will be working on a variety of learning activities, discussions, and group assignments in class.  

 

Attendance:

attendance will be recorded.   Points will be deducted from your attendance/participation grade for more than two absences.  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. 

Class Policies:

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. 

 

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 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

Grading Policy:

Grade distribution works as follows:

4 Major Speeches’

Introduction- 10%

Informative- 20%

 Persuasive- — 20%

Special Occasion Speech- 10%

Examinations:

“Smartbook” assignments- 10%

Mid-term exam -10%

Final Exam- 10%

Attendance/Participation- 10% 

 

Letter Grades will be determined as follows:

            •A- 90-100

            •           B- 89-80

            •           C- 79-70

            •           D- 69-60

            •           F- below 59

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information