Public Speaking Syllabus for 2022-2023
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Course

SPCH-1315-005 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

“A Speaker’s Guidebook” 8th edition Dan O’Hair, Rob Stewart and Hannah Rubenstein

Supplies

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

Student Performance

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).

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:

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. 

Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook”

Grading Criteria

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 readings. I expect you to come to class prepared to engage in discussions and learning activities that relate to the reading assignments. 

Weekly Chapter Quizzes: 

Students will complete a quiz for each week’s chapters. The quizzes are available on-line through the Blackboard site that corresponds with this course. No make ups will be offered. 

Final Exam: 

Will include material covered during the course. Will be available on-line during 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.  

Grading Policy:

Grade distribution works as follows:

4 Major Speeches

Introduction- 10%

Informative- 20%

 Persuasive- 20%

Special Occasion Speech- 10%

Examinations:

Chapter quizzes- 20%

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

Attendance will be recorded. On most class days, a daily quiz will be given as part of your attendance and participation grade. Points will be deducted from your 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. 

Calendar

Additional Information

No additional information available