Public Speaking Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

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. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

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Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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.

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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.

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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 Resources Student 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

Textbook: The Art of Public Speaking (2023 edition) by Stephen Lucas, with Connect access.

How to Register for Connect (via Blackboard Ultra)

Video Tutorial

1. Log in to Blackboard Ultra with your AC credentials.

2. Select SPCH 1315.

3. Open the folder containing your course assignments.

4. Select any McGraw-Hill Connect assignment link to begin registration.

5. Enter your AC email address. If prompted about an existing account/password, click “Forgot Password” and continue.

6. Create your McGraw-Hill account (using your AC email). You may add your mobile number for text alerts.

7. Select the registration option that allows you to enter your access code. Enter your purchased code and click Redeem.

8. Click Confirm. You are now registered.

9. Connect Resources

   Stay Organized

10. Digital Course Planner organizes your upcoming Connect assignments in one place with customizable calendar alerts.

11. Focus on What Matters

12. Use Reports to track performance and comprehension of key concepts.

13. Learn On-the-Go

14. Download the free ReadAnywhere App to access your eBook and SmartBook® 2.0 online or offline.
    (Note: Availability depends on your course setup.)

15. Support: Connect Student Support

    Free Study App: Sharpen – Thousands of short videos, quizzes, and flashcards.

16. Tech Support

    McGraw-Hill Customer Experience Group

17. Phone: 1-800-331-5094

18. Hours:

    • Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM

    • Monday–Thursday: 24 hours

    • Friday: 12 AM – 8 PM

    • Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM

Supplies

Supplies: Each student must provide writing/note-taking materials (pen/pencil and paper) for in-class assignments, group activities, and quizzes.

Student Performance

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of foundational models of communication.

• Apply elements of audience analysis.

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

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

• Use technology effectively when researching and/or presenting.

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

• Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches (narrative, informative, persuasive, special occasion).

Students 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

Class Policies

• Phones must be silenced during class. No texting allowed.

• All work must be original. Plagiarism or academic dishonesty (cheating, collusion, AI-generated work without permission) will result in a failing grade.

Amarillo College AI Policy:
Collusion includes “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.” AI use is only permitted when specified by the instructor.

Grading Criteria

Assignments

Speeches (60% of grade)

• Students will deliver 4 major speeches:

  • Introduction – 10%

  • Informative – 20%

  • Persuasive – 20%

  • Special Occasion – 10%

Each speech requires a typed outline. Speeches are graded on delivery, organization, and content. Notes may be used, but full essays are not allowed. Do not stand behind the podium, chew gum, or wear a hat while speaking.

Mini Speeches- 20%

We will have periodic Mini speeches given during class. These are “low stakes” assignments, but will serve as practice for your major speeches. There will be no make ups for these speeches.

Homework

• Weekly McGraw-Hill SmartBook assignments (due Mondays at 11:59 PM). No late submissions accepted.

Exams

• Midterm (Week 4) – 10%
• Final Exam (Week 8) – 10%

Participation & Attendance – 10%

• Participation and audience engagement are crucial in a speech course. More than 2 absences will result in deductions.

We will have multiple in-class activities that will count toward your attendance/participation grade.

Extra Credit

• Written Critique of a Live Speaker (+5 points to final grade). Instructions posted in Blackboard.

Grading Scale

• A: 90–100
• B: 80–89
• C: 70–79
• D: 60–69
• F: Below 60

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information