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.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

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.

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-1315-008 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The Art of Public Speaking eBook through McGraw-Hill Connect.

Where can students purchase access?

1. Amarillo College Bookstore
2. Directly through the Blackboard Ultra course links in Week One

Purchasing directly through the course links is a little cheaper but must be paid out of pocket (cannot use Financial Aid funds to purchase the text). Students have 14-days of complimentary access to the text, but must purchase access to be successful in the course.

Students should not purchase any other type of access to this book. Connect is a required tool for the course.

All daily work, quizzes and exams (bi-weekly and final) are completed through McGraw-Hill Connect (over 60% of the overall course grade).

More Information:

• Connect Access Code and Purchase FAQ
• Connect Where to Go for Help with Connect
• Connect Loose Leaf Option

Supplies

• Mozilla or Chrome 

• A subscription to McGraw-Hill's Connect for Lucas' The Art of Public Speaking.

  • Students must purchase this to successfully complete this course.

  • McGraw-Hill Connect offers two free weeks of access.

  • Students who do not purchase this access will not be able to complete the last speech of the term as well as other assignments each week.

• Microsoft Word or Google Docs, Google Slides or PowerPoint

• Browser permissions for Proctorio

• You must have regular access to a computer for this course.

  • McGraw-Hill Connect has a free app

    • iPhone

    • Android

Supplies for Speech Delivery with GoReact

As part of this course, you will deliver one speech via McGraw-Hill's GoReact platform. To ensure a successful experience, the following supplies and preparations are required:

1. Reliable Internet Connection
   You will need a stable internet connection to access GoReact, upload your speech recordings, and engage with feedback.

2. Computer or Device with Camera and Microphone
   Use a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone equipped with a functioning camera and microphone for recording your speeches. Test these features before recording.

3. Headphones or Earbuds (Recommended)
   These can help reduce background noise and improve audio quality for your recordings.

4. Access to McGraw-Hill Connect
   Ensure you have purchased or activated your access to McGraw-Hill Connect, which integrates with GoReact for assignments and submissions.

5. Quiet Recording Environment
   Find a space free from distractions and background noise for recording your speech. This will help ensure a clear presentation for your audience.

6. Professional or Appropriate Attire
   Dress in a manner suitable for your topic and audience, as the camera will capture your presentation. This enhances your credibility as a speaker.

7. Preparation for Online Delivery
   Practice speaking clearly and maintaining good posture, eye contact, and vocal variety while recording. Remember, your nonverbal cues are as important as your verbal delivery.

Skills*

By attempting this course, you are acknowledge you have a basic understanding of all of the skills listed below or you are willing to learn them to be successful in the course. If needed, you may visit the Underground or one of AC's various tutoring centers for assistance with technology.

• knowledge of basic computer skills including, but not limited to

  • navigation of Blackboard

    • how to write journals

    • how to submit an assignment

    • how to participate in a discussion board

    • how to participate in a group discussion/assignment

  • navigation of Google Drive & associated apps

    • how to convert Google Doc to .pdf

    • creation of Google Slides

  • willingness to continue learning (aka: Growth Mindset)

*If you find you do not know how to do any of these skills, please reach out to me as quickly as possible so I can get you in contact with the correct tutoring center.

If you're on any Amarillo College campus, you may access the college's free WiFi.

WIFI PASSWORD: AmarilloCollege

Student Performance

Speech Performances and Expectations

Basic Course Structure

• This course requires students to deliver a speech in front of an audience, record it, and upload it to GoReact to earn a grade. This process takes planning and preparation - it is not a quick assignment submitted in a few minutes.

  • Fully online courses require all three major speeches to be recorded and submitted through GoReact.

Speech Deadlines, Performance, and Upload Expectations

Speech days are an essential part of this course, providing an opportunity to showcase your preparation and progress. To ensure fairness and respect for all, the following policies apply:

Major speech performances are due:

• Week Three 

• Week Five

• Week Seven

All are due by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday of the assigned week.

• Your video must be fully uploaded and submitted by the deadline.

• Starting an upload at 11:58 p.m. does not count.

• An incomplete upload at 11:59 p.m. earns a zero.

This process takes time and cannot be rushed on the day a speech is due.

Submission Requirements

• Outlines: Must be submitted to the designated assignment in Blackboard. Submissions via email or Blackboard Messages will not be accepted. Outlines are due on Monday by 11:59 p.m. CDT. Preparing this early allows you time to practice. If you practice with your outline, do not feel like you have to say each word on the outline. You SHOULD make it sound like a conversation that you've practiced. If you need to make changes from your practice, you do not need to resubmit your outline.
• Please see the course due date calendar for specific dates for each outline.

Late Speeches

• Late speeches will receive a grade of 0 (zero) for the assignment.

Audience

• For each major speech, you must arrange five adults (18+) to serve as your live audience.

  • A good plan is to coordinate with your classmates to serve as each other’s audiences.

• You will do this three times for online courses during the term.

• Audience members' details:

  • Physical audiences:

    • Must be visible at the beginning and end of the speech

    • Must remain for the entire performance

  • Virtual audiences:

    • Must show themselves (no off-camera moments) during the entire speech

• Audience members may not be edited in later. They must be present in real life.

Online Speech Performance Rules

• No editing. Speeches must be recorded in one continuous take. Editing results in a zero.

• No reading. This is public speaking, not public reading. Reading from a script results in a zero.

• Stay on camera. If you cannot be seen, your speech cannot be graded. This includes poor lighting and being off-camera. Off-camera results in a zero.

• Audience visibility is required. No audience or edited-in audience results in a zero.

• Any evidence of AI alteration, creation, editing, or reading will result in a zero.

A controlled and distraction-free filming environment

• You are responsible for lighting, background, sound quality, and camera framing.
• Your face and gestures must be clearly visible at all times.
• Poor lighting, framing, or sound directly affects your grade.
• Speeches may not be recorded in cars, bathrooms, while clocked in for work, or spaces where you cannot control noise or interruptions.
• The AC Underground offers excellent spaces where you can record and invite your audience.
• If you need help locating a suitable space, contact me early so we can plan.

Technology Requirements for GoReact

• Using the work you completed in Week One (upload speeds, back-up locations to upload, etc.), make a plan to get your audience together and record your speech

• How to Avoid GoReact Upload Problems

  • Use these strategies early so you don’t get stuck watching your video spin at 11:58 p.m.:
    1. Upload at least an hour before the deadline (two hours is even better). This gives GoReact time to process your video in case there is a traffic spike.
    2. Never start an upload right before 11:59 p.m. Starting your upload at 11:58 p.m. is the fastest way to miss the deadline. If the upload is incomplete at 11:59 p.m., it is a zero.
    3. Upload from a strong, stable internet connection.
    • Avoid:
      • public Wi-Fi
      • mobile hotspots
      • crowded networks
    • Aim for a stable home connection or a campus lab.
    • Close other apps or devices that may be using your internet. Streaming, gaming, or having multiple people online will slow your upload.
    • Test your upload setup outside of GoReact. Since GoReact only gives you one upload attempt per speech performance, test your upload speed using:
      • Google Drive
      • YouTube (unlisted)
      • Your phone or device’s native uploaded
    • Use the GoReact practice assignment in Week One as your official tech check. This is the safest way to test GoReact itself before your first graded speech. This practice upload will confirm:
      • Your browser works
      • Your device handles recording
      • Your internet supports GoReact uploads
      • Your settings are correct
    • Identify your backup upload location now. Before Week Three, know exactly where you will go if your home connection fails:
      • The AC Underground
      • Campus computer labs
      • A friend or family member’s home
      • A workplace (if allowed and quiet)
    • Always leave time for a re-record. Technology hiccups are normal. Planning keeps them from becoming emergencies. Prepare your audience for this and let them know what kind of time commitment you need from them.

Kindness and Willingness to Learn

This course is designed to guide you toward becoming a confident and effective communicator. I am here to support you, provide resources, and offer feedback to help you succeed. However, mutual respect and a collaborative approach are key to making this journey successful for everyone.

Guidelines for Success

1. Approach the Course with an Open Mind

   • The assignments and resources provided are carefully designed to help you achieve success. Please approach the material as an opportunity to grow, even if the process is challenging or outside your comfort zone.

2. Respectful Communication

   • Treat your peers and me with respect, even when disagreements arise. Disrespectful or condescending behavior will not be tolerated.

3. When I Have to Say No

   • There may be times when I am unable to solve a problem or meet a specific request—especially in areas like technology support, where I may not have the tools or expertise required. Please know that any limitations are made with the best interest of you, your classmates, and the course as a whole in mind.

4. Available Resources

   • If you encounter technical issues or need additional support, please visit the AC Underground in the WARE Student Commons for assistance: AC Underground Information. This resource is equipped to help with many challenges related to technology and other academic needs.

Weekly Work Requirements

Our course has due dates throughout the week. Please do not plan on submitting all assignments on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. The course due dates are listed below as well as within the course.

Course Navigation

This course is built to be navigated through the "Content" area section, not through the "Grade book." Students who never look at the weekly content folders will miss key details and information - especially in the first half of the course.

When you need help learning or navigating, please reach out to the following people at AC:

• Me

• Amarillo College Tutoring Centers

• Online Tutoring

• The Underground

So, how can you engage with me and your classmates?

Get ready to dive into a journey through the world of communication! This course is an adventure where you and your relationships are the stars.

• Call me Courtney! "Professor" sounds too stuffy for this crew. Remember that day you signed up for this class, picturing yourself conquering it with a flourish? That's the spirit! My mission is to guide you to victory, so buckle up and prepare to unleash your inner communicator!

Communication Channels: Let's Stay Connected!

Open communication is critical. Remember, all communication with each other should focus on being clear, and kind.

To ensure timely responses, I prefer these channels (in this order):

Preferred:

• Blackboard Ultra Messaging: This pathway is directly linked to your coursework, making it easy for me to understand your needs.

Alternatives:

• Watermark: I check this occasionally, but it's not as reliable.
• Email: If you must, use this method. Include your full name, course name + section number, and a clear subject line. Remember, without the section number, I may not be able to engage with your message quickly.

Tone Matters: Communicating with Kindness and Respect

In this communication course, your tone is powerful – it can charm and delight or cause unintended mischief. As we practice our skills, remember kindness and respect are the secret ingredients to successful interactions with me and your fellow classmates.

While I understand that life's challenges can sometimes feel like battling a dragon, I want to ensure that our learning space remains a safe haven, free from hateful or inappropriate communication. If you're unsure about your tone in written messages, consider using Grammarly, a trusty companion (with a free access option) that helps you maintain an appropriate tone in various situations.

When speaking in person, remember that your tone matters. 

While I do not anticipate needing these steps, I want to outline what would happen if a student uses an inappropriate tone in their writing or verbal communication with a classmate or faculty member. If this happens, we'll embark on a three-step process to help the student find their way back to the path of respectful communication:

• First Occurrence: Coaching Session
  • I'll invite the student to a meeting to discuss the inappropriate behavior and provide guidance on proper communication etiquette. 
  • I'll clearly explain the expectations for respectful communication and the consequences of not adhering to these standards.
  • The student will have the opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions during this coaching session. If a student doesn't attend, the matter will escalate to the final step.
• Second Occurrence: Formal Warning
  • If the student continues to engage in inappropriate communication after the coaching session, I'll issue a formal written warning.
  • The warning will outline the specific instances of inappropriate communication and reiterate the expectations for respectful interaction.
  • The student will be informed that further violations will result in escalation to the third step.
• Third Occurrence: Referral to the Campus Behavior Team
  • If the student persists in using inappropriate communication or fails to attend a required coaching session, the matter will be referred to the Campus Behavior Team.
  • The Campus Behavior Team will review the case and determine appropriate disciplinary action, which may include mandatory counseling, probation, suspension, or expulsion, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.
  • The student will be notified in writing of the Campus Behavior Team's decision and any associated consequences.

Remember, we're all on this journey together, and by treating each other with kindness and respect, we can create a strong learning experience!

Remember: Clear communication is our goal! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, need clarification, or feel lost. I'm here to guide you.

Use of AI Tools in This Course

You may use AI to:

• Brainstorm ideas
• Check clarity or grammar
• Ask questions about course concepts

You may not use AI to do the thinking, writing, analysis, or speech content for you.

Misuse of AI

If I determine that AI has been used to complete the majority of the work on any assignment:

• The assignment will receive a zero.
• I will document the concern in your student record as suspected AI misuse.
• You will be required to complete tutoring specific to that assignment.
• After tutoring is verified, you may submit a replacement version of that assignment.

This is a one-time opportunity for the entire course.
If AI misuse happens again, the zero will stand and no re-submission will be allowed.

How do I determine if AI has done a majority of the work:
 

Special Rule for Speech Outlines

Your outlines must reflect your original thinking and communication skills.

If an outline is reasonably determined to have been generated primarily by AI:

• The outline will receive a zero.
• The zero is final.
• There is no opportunity to rewrite.

This consequence applies even if your one-time tutoring re-submission has not yet been used.

PDF or Word documents

In this course I do not accept any links to assignments. The reason for this is I've had several experiences where I am unable to open the file or the student submitted a link because they were still working on the assignment.

Students must upload finished files in one of the following formats: .docx, or .pdf. For the essay only: JPEG or JPG (only for worksheets completed by volunteers and self)

If a student submits a link to an  assignment they will earn a zero (no re-submission attempts allowed). If you are unsure of how to download your Google Doc as a .pdf or .docx file, please reach out to me, the AC Tutoring Centers, or see if you can learn more by doing a Google search.

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

Welcome to the Journey: Charting a Course for Success

Welcome aboard! Over the next eight weeks, we’ll embark on a fast-paced and engaging journey to master the art of communication. This hybrid course combines online flexibility with the structure of in-person sessions, offering a balanced approach to learning.

Purpose

This course is designed to help you develop the confidence and skills needed to communicate effectively in academic, professional, and personal settings. Through readings, activities, and hands-on practice, you’ll learn to navigate the challenges of public speaking and apply communication principles in meaningful ways.

How to Navigate the Course

To succeed, you’ll engage in these key activities each week:

• Engaging with readings and resources: These materials provide the foundation for understanding communication concepts and strategies.

• Applying concepts through practice: Weekly activities and exercises allow you to build skills and prepare for major assignments.

• Completing assignments and projects: Speeches and related tasks will help you refine and showcase your communication abilities.

• Participating in discussions and activities: Sharing insights and learning from others will deepen your understanding and foster a collaborative learning environment.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is mandatory for your success in this course. Since this is a hybrid course condensed into just eight weeks, each class session represents significant content that cannot be easily replicated.

• Policy: Students may miss no more than three in-person class sessions during the term. Missing more than three sessions will result in an automatic failing grade (F). (Each missed class is worth 13.6 points.)

• Expectations: Arrive on time, stay and engage with the course content for the entire session. Attendance and participation will be taken each class.

• Exceptions: Absences due to emergencies must be communicated as soon as possible (within four hours of class time) via Blackboard Messages.

• Late/Tardy: I have seen a lot of students who are coming to class late repeatedly. While I understand parking is a challenge, etc., it's important to be here on time.

  • If, I have already taken attendance when you walk in, it is your responsibility to alert me to your presence. Students who come in when a majority of the course content has been covered for the day, will not earn credit for attending.

Your participation in each class session is critical to mastering the material and completing course requirements. If you encounter challenges that affect your ability to attend, reach out to me immediately to discuss your options.

How Much Time Will This Take?

This is a 3-credit course condensed into 8 weeks. For each credit hour, expect to spend 6–9 hours outside of class on coursework. That’s about 9–12 hours per week for readings, assignments, and preparation. While the pace is brisk, staying consistent and organized will help you stay on course.

Remember, learning isn’t a solo journey. If you find yourself struggling with the material or assignments, reach out early! Amarillo College offers numerous resources to support your success, including:

• Instructor office hours: Schedule time to discuss questions or concerns.

• Tutoring centers: In-person and online options are available to help with coursework.

• The Underground: A resource center offering academic and personal support.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

• Plan ahead: Use a calendar or planner to manage deadlines and allocate time for coursework.

• Ask for help: Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Reach out to me or use the college’s resources early and often.

• Take care of yourself: Balance work with breaks and self-care to maintain energy and focus.

Together, we’ll chart a course toward mastering public speaking and building valuable communication skills. I’m excited to work alongside you as you navigate this journey. Let’s make this a productive, meaningful, and enjoyable experience!

Grading Criteria

Speaking Assignments

Speech Performance #1: This is Me

• Purpose: Build confidence and introduce yourself to the audience.
• Task: Create and deliver a 2-minute introductory speech. Use one visual aid and practice effective delivery techniques.
• Criteria for Success: Speech will be graded on content relevance, creativity, and delivery as per the rubric.

Speech Performance #2: Informative Speech

• Purpose: Develop skills in audience analysis and provide valuable information on a topic.
• Task: Research the impacts of AI on higher education, create an outline, and deliver a 5-minute informative speech using PowerPoint.
• Criteria for Success: Assessment includes accuracy of information (through verbally cited sources), clarity of outline, and effectiveness of delivery.

Speech Performance #3: Persuasive Speech

• Purpose: Practice persuasion skills by advocating for a career choice's importance.
• Task: Create a 5–7-minute persuasive speech using at least three credible sources to support your argument.
• Criteria for Success: Graded on persuasiveness, use of evidence (through verbally cited sources), and delivery quality.

Final Exam Due Date:

The final exam for this course will be due on the last Thursday of the term by noon. This unconventional due date is necessary to allow me sufficient time to grade the exams and submit final course grades by the college's imposed deadline of Friday at noon. No late exams will be accepted after the Thursday noon deadline, and no extensions can be granted for the final exam.  

Please mark this important date on your calendars now:
Final Exam Due - Last Thursday, May 14, 2026, by 12:00 PM noon

Adhering to this deadline is critical, as I must have all final exams graded and submitted by the Friday noon cutoff. Missing this grading deadline could result in delays or issues with final grade reporting for the entire class. I appreciate your understanding of this strict but necessary due date policy. No exceptions or extensions can be made for late submission of the final exam due to the hard college deadline I must meet for final grade reporting.

I encourage you to put this date in your phone with a reminder or employ memory techniques like memory palaces, acronyms, or associations to commit this unusual Thursday exam deadline to memory from the start of the term. Do not let this unconventional due date catch you off guard. Plan accordingly, and let me know if you have any questions!

There is no late work accepted.

Please see the "Additional Information" section for more guidance, and perhaps, a bit of help.

Attendance

I know this is an online course, so absences shouldn't be a thing, but there are times when you may be affected by life. 

• Short-Term: If you're only out for a day or two (examples: sick kids/family/self, job chaos, etc), fret not! A quick Blackboard message is all it takes. Give me a quick timeline for getting re-engaged and ask for extensions on the work.
• Extended Gales: Please make an appointment to visit together. 

Remember, communication is key! The sooner you let me know about the challenges you're facing, the more tools I have to help you succeed.

Calendar

Additional Information

Navigating the Information Oasis: Citing Sources and AI Tools

As we journey through this vast intellectual landscape, we inevitably encounter a wealth of information. It's crucial to remember that this knowledge isn't ours alone – we stand on the shoulders of giants, borrowing wisdom from those who came before us. That's where citing sources comes in, like a trusty compass guiding us through the information jungle.

In this course, we'll be utilizing the APA style for citations, ensuring clarity and academic integrity.

Late Work

This course has a no late work policy. All assignment must be submitted by the due date. 

Week One 

This is the only week with carte blanche or a "blank page." This means if you don't get a Week One assignment done by the due date, I will extend the due date for you. Here's the fine print:

• All missed Week One assignments must be requested for reopening by the Tuesday of Week Two.
• After this deadline, no further extensions will be offered.

Oops Tokens

Each student has one "oops" token to use on an assignment during the term. Here are the details on when and how to use this:

What's Eligible?

Any assignment in Week Two through Six that is not in the essay category is eligible. 

Fine Print

• To use your Oops token your request must include:
• The exact assignment name
• The date you plan to submit it

Example of an acceptable request: Hi Courtney, I would like to complete some Week One work I missed. Could you please reopen Proctoring Enabled: Quiz over Chapter 1? I can submit it by Wednesday, {Month} {Date}, {Year}. Thank you for the opportunity.

What I will not do:

(Please see above about referring students back to the syllabus.)

• I will not search for assignments on your behalf. 
• I will not guess which assignment you mean.
• I will not reopen Week One work after Tuesday of Week Two.
• I will not respond to vague requests.

Examples of what not to say...

• “Can you open that assignment for me?”
• “I missed something in Week One.”
• Asking about Week One assignments in Week Five.
• "Can you figure out which assignment will help my grade the most?"

... unless you're finishing the thoughts with more details. For example, 

Can you figure out which assignment will help my grade the most? I think, after looking at the due date calendar, that the Video & Quiz from last week (these are in the 40% Assignment category) probably has a lot of other assignments in it, but the bi-weekly exam (35%) doesn't. I'm thinking I should use my Oops token on the exam. Do you agree?

Extensions

Once you have successfully completed this course...

You need to update your resume!  Use the following guidelines to update your skills.

If you earned an "A":

1. Excellent knowledge of basic communication terms, principles and superior application through analysis of contexts.
2. Excels in preparing and presenting informative and persuasive speeches.
3. Exhibits excellent ability to apply communication principles and theory to achieve best results for clients.
4. Superior research ability to find, identify and effectively use supporting materials in verbal and written communication.  
5. Demonstrates leadership in group environments, showing courtesy and respect for clients and co-workers.

If you earned a "B":

1. The ability of and ability to apply basic communication terms, principles through analysis of contexts.
2. Ability to prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches.
3. Ability to apply communication principles and theory to achieve best results for clients.
4. Ability research ability to find, identify and effectively use supporting materials in verbal and written communication.  
5. Participates leadership in group environments, showing courtesy and respect for clients and co-workers.

If you earned a "C":

1. Knowledge of basic communication terms, principles, and application through analysis of contexts.
2. Knowledge of how to prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches.
3. Knowledge of applying communication principles and theory to achieve best results for clients.
4. Knowledge of research ability to find, identify and effectively use supporting materials in verbal and written communication.  
5. Experience with working in group environments, with a focus on showing courtesy and respect for clients and co-workers.