Public Speaking Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-007 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The Art of Public Speaking, 13th Edition, by Stephen E. Lucas and Paul Stop. You will need the Connect version of the textbook from McGraw Hill. You will use Connect to complete your chapter assignments and exams, which are worth 25 percent of your grade.

Supplies

• Computer
• Internet Access
• Self Discipline
• Time Management Skills

Student Performance

SPCH 1315: Public Speaking 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: 1.     Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational 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 nonverbal 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

SPEECH PRESENTATIONS

• SUBMIT YOUR OUTLINE ONLINE
  You must submit a typed copy of your outline under the O&PR (Outline and Peer Review) link in the Blackboard folder for the week you are giving your speech
  • Week 2 for Introduction Speeches
  • Week 5 for Informative Speeches
  • Week 7 for Persuasive Speeches
     
• ARRIVE EARLY: Students are expected to arrive early on each presentation day and be prepared for your presentation at 12:30 on the dot. Arriving late is disrespectful and will result in a deduction on your grade. Please do not enter the classroom during another student's presentation.
   
• STAY LATE: Students are expected to remain in the classroom and be an audience for their peers. Leaving early will result in a deduction on the Peer Review portion of your O&PR grade.
   
• SILENCE YOUR PHONE: The use of cell phones during speech presentations is prohibited; this includes phone calls, phones ringing, and text messaging. If there is an emergency, please feel free to take calls and texts in the hallway, exiting the classroom between speeches only.  
   
• SHOW UP: Speeches are delivered on assigned days, with few exceptions. If you know well in advance you will be unable to present your speech on the assigned day, please email me at mloverstreet@amarillocollege.com in advance of the presentation time. Other arrangements might be possible, but will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please be aware, you will not be able to make up the Peer Review portion of your O&PR grade.
   
• PREPARE: Arrive at the meetings prepared. Each student is required to turn in a typed hard-copy of their outline at the beginning of the meeting. If you need a copy of your outline during your speech, you will need to bring two hard copies.This is non-negotiable, and will not be accepted late. If you fail to turn in a typed hard-copy of your outline, you will only receive half credit for the Outline Portion of your O&PR grade. Students should also come to the meetings practiced and prepared, with any visual/audio aids needed for their presentation.
   
• DRESS FOR SUCCESS: All students should come to meetings in business-casual attire. I've learned from experience you are more likely to sound the part when you dress the part. Wear business appropriate clothing in which you feel confident. If you are unsure, email me!
   
• KEEP IT CLEAN: No substances, equipment, or foul language in violation of Amarillo College’s Student Code of Life is permitted in speech communication courses (not even as a visual/audio aid for speeches).
   

ACADEMICS

• LATE EXAMS: Exams will be made up only in emergencies. Prior approval must be obtained from the instructor.
   
• LATE SPEECHES: No late speeches accepted without advance notice. If you fail to show up to an on-campus presentation meeting without advance notice, you will receive a zero on your speech. Please be aware, you will be unable to make up the Peer Review Portion of you O&PR grade.
   
• LATE CHAPTER ASSIGNMENTS: Connect chapter assignments will not be accepted late. Zero chapter assignments will be dropped.
   
• PLAGIARISM: 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 a grade of 0 and disciplinary proceedings against the student could ensue.
   
• WITHDRAWALS: The instructor AND student will initiate administrative withdrawals. If you need to withdraw from (drop) the class, you must contact your instructor, and then your instructor will approve the withdrawal with the Registrar’s Office. 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. 
   
• ADA POLICY:  Amarillo College seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified persons with disabilities. This college will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required affording equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to register with Disability Support Services.

Grading Criteria

Your Final Grade Will Be Determined as Follows:

• Introduction Speech (10%) 
  • one grade for content and delivery
     
• Informative Speech (20%)
  • one grade for content and delivery
     
• Persuasive Speech (30%)
  • one grade for content and delivery
     
• Connect Assignments (25%)
  • Syllabus Quiz (facilitated in Blackboard)
  • 20 Chapter grades (quizzes built into the reading)
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam
     
• Outlines & Peer Reviews (15%)
  • Three grades (one for each speech) which will each cover the following: 
    1. Typed outline
    2. Peer Reviews (each student will complete three peer reviews of each speech)

Attendance

This class will meet in-person from 12:30-3:30 p.m for the presentation of speeches in Parcells Hall, Room 410 at the following times:

THURSDAY, MARCH 27: Introduction Speeches

• 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• PARC 410

THURSDAY, APRIL 17: Informative Speeches

• 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• PARC 410

THURSDAY, MAY 1: Persuasive Speeches

• 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• PARC 410

Calendar

Additional Information