Public Speaking Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-DC010 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

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 "Lesson Two" 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)
• Access to 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/internet connection 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

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 turn all work in to their instructor in person, with the exception of the textbook readings.
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 during Socratic Circles, and be respectful audience members while listening to speeches. There will be grade penalties for poor audience behavior. 

Grading Criteria

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

• Presentations: 300 pts (30%)

  • Speech of Introduction – 100 pts

  • Informative Speech – 100 pts

  • Persuasive Speech – 100 pts

• Speech Outlines: 150 pts (15%)

  • Speech of Introduction outline – 50 pts

  • Informative Speech outline/works cited – 50 pts

  • Persuasive Speech outline/works cited – 50 pts

• Speech Visual Aids: 100 pts (10%)

  • Informative Speech visual aid – 50 pts

  • Persuasive Speech visual aid – 50 pts

• SmartBook Connect Assignments: 200 pts (20%)

  • Chapters 1–20 (10 pts each)

• Written Assignments: 250 pts (25%)

  • Reflection Papers (2) – 100 pts (50 pts each)

  • Socratic Circles (10) – 100 pts (10 pts each)

  • Library Assignment – 50 pts

Total Possible: 1000 pts

Topics for Socratic Circles:

PRCA Results & Brainstorming Topics

Public Speaking & Communication Apprehension

Public Speaking & the Communication Process and Principles

Ethos in Public Speaking

Pathos and Logos in Public Speaking

Gender in Public Speaking

Intercultural Communication & Public Speaking

Persuasion in Public Speaking

Group Communication & Public Speaking

Nonverbal Communication & Public Speaking

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 a full week, and sometimes more, to complete assignments. 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 weekly at a minimum to complete online work in the textbook.

Calendar

Additional Information

No additional information available