Business and Professional Speaking Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Course Information

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Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

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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-1321-003 Business and Professional Speaking

Prerequisites

Course Description

Study and application of communication within the business and professional context. Special emphasis will be given to communication competencies in presentations, dyads, teams and technologically mediated formats.

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

O'Hair, D., Stewart, R., Rubenstein, H.  A Speaker's Guidebook: Text and Reference. 7th Edition.  Bedford/St. Martin's.  2015.  ISBN: 9781319059415

 

Supplies

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

• The use of cell phones in class is strictly prohibited.  This includes phone calls, phones ringing, and text messaging in class.  Please feel free to take calls and texts in the hallway.
• Speeches are delivered on assigned days.  If you know well in advance, other arrangements might be possible. 
• Tests will be made up only in emergencies.  Prior approval must be obtained from the instructor.
• Late outlines do not get graded.  The purpose of the outline is to aid you during the speech.
• No substances or equipment in violation of Amarillo College’s Student Code of Life will permitted in speech communication courses.
• 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.
• 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

 

Major Speeches –30 %

Mini Speeches – 20 %

Exams – 15 %

Outlines/Critiques – 15%

Participation – 20 %

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. 

The course will require you to actively attend class. Actively attending class means being vocal in the class and being active in the class activities. Passive learning (ie., sitting quietly at your desk taking notes, texting your friend) will not work in this course. If for some reason, you are unable to complete this requirement and the coursework associated, please contact me immediately. 

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