COMM1110: Spoken Communication
Course Syllabus –Spring2016

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, .

Instructor Information:

Mark May, Ph.D.
phone: (678) 466-4729
fax: (678) 466-4769
e-mail:
internet:

Office Location:

Music Education Building, Room 204

Office Hours:

Monday11:00am - 12:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am-12:00pm
Wednesday: 11:00pm-12:00pm
Other times by appointment

Class Meetings Times:

Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:45 – 2:00 pm

Classroom: G-121 (Arts and Sciences Building)

Textbook Information:

Public Speaking and Civic Engagement (3rd), Hogan, Andrews, Andrews, and Williams (Pearson)

Course Description:

Number and Title:COMM 1110 (20445)Spoken Communication
Credit Hours:3.0 semester credit hours (3-0-3)

Catalog Description:

A study of the fundamentals of effective speaking, with emphasis on preparation and delivery of spoken presentations to inform and persuade. Instruction in and assessment of speaking skills are based on the elements described by the Clayton State University Communication Outcome, focusing on the interrelationships among speaker, listener, situation, purpose, knowledge, organization, vocal and physical delivery, and language. Attention to group and interpersonal interaction is also included. Basic instruction is provided in preparing audio-visuals, including electronic media, to accompany end-of-semester presentations.

Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites:None.
Please note: This course is not open to students with credit for COMM 1001 and COMM 1002 without permission of Department Chair.

Service Learning

This class is part of Clayton State’s PACE (Partnering Academics and Community Engagement) program. The goal of PACE is to foster student-community interaction and to assist students in learning the material by applying knowledge learned in the classroom to the outside world. Service learning involves three kinds of engaged activities: relevant and meaningful service to the community, enhanced academic learning, and purposeful civic learning (see definition by Edward Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning at the University of Michigan).

In this course, we will be accomplishing the three goals of service learning by focusing on the 2016 presidential campaign. We will learn about the presidential candidates and the issues facing our country and applying that knowledge in a way that serves the needs of the university and the larger community. Specifically, we will work in groups writing a regular column on the rhetoric of the presidential campaign for the online Clayton State University Student Newspaper (the Bent Tree), and we will attend or present our overall findingsat the CSU Civic Engagement conference held at the National Archives-Atlanta.

The Presidential Campaign

A democratic government requires an informed and engaged citizens to function properly. Candidate speeches, debates, press releases, web site and electronic communications are some of the ways in which citizens learn about the goals of those running for election. Through various forms of communication, citizens learn about how candidates plan to address the issues facing the country. Rhetoric is the study the means of persuasion—the strategies and ethics—used by speakers to influence the audience. The presidential campaign provides an ideal opportunity to both understand speaking techniques, the speaker-audience interaction, and the effects of various rhetorical strategies on the audience. This course will provide students with the opportunity to improve their own speaking ability by providing them with examples drawn from ever-changing real world examples in the political realm. It will also help them to become better informed citizens and help others in the community how the class informs about the elections to do the same. Buy sharing their knowledge of the rhetoric of speeches, students may help others to make wiser or at least more informed choices about who should represent them in the government.

Self-Reflection

Learning that involves service to the community needs to be reflective to foster intellectual development. Thus this service project requires two reflection exercises, once at the midterm and once at the end of the semester. These two reflection activities will be essays scored according to a rubric provided to students. The PACE program requires these reflective essaysin order for the university to measure its progress towards accomplishing it Quality Enhancement Plan necessary for reaccreditation.

Computer Requirement:
Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to note: Students will be giving presentations using a projector. The projector uses a VGA connection. Some laptop computers do not have this kind of connection and will need an adaptor to work.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

Able to use Windows operating system
Able to use PowerPointTMand Microsoft Word
Able to send and receive e-mail using OutlookTM or Outlook ExpressTM
Able to use D2L, also called GeorgiaView (an introduction will be provided in class)
Able to attach and retrieve files in GeorgiaView
Able to conduct research via library databases
Able to videotape and upload file to GeorgiaView
In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers, Telephones, Electronic Devices:
Student notebook computers will be used in the classroom in this course for some presentations, research projects, and peer evaluations.Electronic devices used for other purposes may distract others or interfere with the educational process. Students using electronic devices purposes not related to the class may be asked to leave for disrupting the class.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Communication and Media Studies student learning outcomes can be viewed at the following link: course provides evidence to support the first CMS learning outcome:Students will be able to communicate effectively using multiple channels of communication.

Course Learning Outcomes:

After completing this course successfully, students should be able to:

  1. Analyze the rhetoric of campaign speeches and other political discourse.
  2. Use proper research techniques to find reliable information about political candidates and controversial issues.
  3. Write and edit interesting articles on the presidential campaign using the appropriate style
  4. Create effective PowerPoints
  5. Understand how to apply rhetoric theories to contemporary society
  6. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the performance skills associated with the five basic components of effective individual oral presentations: content, organization, physical expression, vocal delivery, and language.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of group dynamics—task roles, social roles, cohesiveness, norms, group problem-solving skills, negotiation skills--that contribute to effective team work.
  8. Demonstrate knowledge of the process for composing and structuring information appropriate for a particular purpose, listener and occasion.
  9. Select and develop messages with particular listeners in mind.
  10. Deliver speeches effectively.
  11. Demonstrate a familiarity with strategies for effectively using a computer-operated visual aid.
  12. Write successful student media appropriate for inclusion in the Bent Tree.
  13. Participate in the presentation of a symposium on campaign rhetoric.

Evaluation:

-Self-Reflection essays 2 @ 10 (ea)20

-Reciting a politician’s speech10

-Speech of Introduction (political candidate)20

-Informative Speech One: Short Informative speech on campaign issue20

-Bent Tree article #1 (group project)20

-Informative Speech #2: Candidate’s background and image20

-Bent Tree article #2 (group project)20

-Informative speech on a candidate’s rhetoric20

-Bent Tree article #3 (group project)20

-Persuasive speech on the effectiveness of a candidate’s rhetoric20

-Bent Tree article #420

-Presentation at National Archives (panel)20

-Quizzes (4 at 15 points each)60

-Special Occasion Speech (in place of a final exam)20

-Additional in and out of class assignments 0-20

-Attendance/participation60

Grading:

Grades are based upon the percentage of total points using the standard college scale:

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89%

C = 70-79%

D = 60-69%

F = < 60

Mid-term Progress Report:

The mid-term grade in this course will be issued by Feb 29. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W." Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar or online, by mid-term, which occurs on Mar 9. This is the last day to withdraw without academic accountability.

Course Schedule:
The tentative course schedule for COMM 1110, Spoken Communication, is provided in the table below. Text chapter references are to Hogan, et. al. Public Speaking and Civic Engagement.

Week / Date / Topic / Text Chapter / Speeches/Exams
1 / Jan 11/13 / Democratic Citizenship / 1
2 / No class Jan 18 MLK
Jan 20 / Responsible and Productive Research
Speaking with Confidence / 6
3
3 / Jan 25/27 / Speaking on Special Occasions / p. 397-398 / Recitation Speech
4 / Feb 1/3 / Speaking to Inform / 13 / Quiz 1, 6, 3, 13
Speech of Introduction
5 / Feb 8/10 / Delivering Your Speech Effectively / 11 / Informative Speech #1
6 / Feb 15/17 / Speaking and Deliberating in Groups / 17 / Bent Tree #1
7 / Feb 22/24 / Diverse Audiences
Rhetorical TheoryDeveloping Significant Topics / 4
5
8 / Feb 29 March 2 / Persuasive Speaking / 14 / Informative Speech #2
9 / March 14/16 / Arguing Persuasively / 15 / Bent Tree #2
Reflection Essay 1
10 / March 21/23 / Rhetorical Theory / provided / Informative Speech #3
11 / March 28/30 / Supporting Your Ideas / 7 / Bent Tree #3
12 / April 4/6 / Organizing Your Ideas
Using Language Effectively / 8
10
13 / April 11/13 / Supporting Your Ideas Visually
Listening and Speaking / 12
2
14 / April 18/20 / Persuasive Speech #1
15 / April 25/27 / Speaking on Special Occasions / 16 / Bent Tree Article #4
16 / May 2
May 9 at 12:30 / Special Occasion Speech

Date of Symposium at National Archives TBA

Course Policies:

General Policy
Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

University Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy
Attendance is expected in all class periods. Attendance is required for quizzes and presentations.In the event that there is an unavoidable reason for an absence, students must contact the instructor prior to the absence via e-mail. Students may be required to document reasons for absences. Students with excessive unexcused absences (missing more than 10 classes) will suffer a point reduction penalty equal to a loss of 10% of the total number of points. This is in addition to the loss of points that may occur for attendance and participation. Students who miss 15 classes or more will be administratively withdrawn from the course. Please note, students who arrive more than 15 minutes late may be marked absent.

Descriptions of Assignments and late work

Without a valid excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for missed work.

Speeches/Presentations: Speakers must present their speeches on the date assigned. Those who, due to serious illness or other extreme circumstances, are unable to present at the scheduled time must contact the instructor via e-mail before the speech is due. This contact does not guarantee that the excuse will be accepted, but does guarantee that the excuse will be considered. Being unprepared or not knowing the assigned speaking day are not examples of validexcuses for not giving a speech as scheduled.

In-class assignments and speech critiques: These activities and assignments occur during class time, so by their very nature, they can not be made up.To provide feedback for other speeches, students must have access to the Internet during class time to provide feedback via an electronic survey.

Quizzes: Student must contact the instructor via e-mail before the test is administered when given in class when serious illness or other extreme circumstances prevent the student from taking the quiz. Students should take electronic quizzes earlyto mitigate problems associated with Internet connectivity.

Outlines: Outlines must be submitted via GeorgiaView by the assigned date. Late postings will be accepted with valid excuse for a short period of time, but points may be deducted.

PowerPoints: PowerPoint should be submitted to GeorgiaView(D2L) by the assigned dates. Late postings will be accepted for a short period of time, but points will be deducted when there is no valid excuse.

Academic Dishonesty
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved and may result in more serious consequences. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described at


Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class. A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal. If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.
A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at:

Other Policies Modify

  • Learning how to give speeches requires a supportive audience. All students are expected to attend speeches (even when they are not speaking) and behave in a manner that expresses support for those trying to improve their speaking skills.Those who violate this policy may lose points, be asked to leave the classroom, or be administratively withdrawn for disrupting the classroom.
  • Students must dress minimally at the level of “business casual” on the days of their speeches. Points will be deducted when students wear inappropriate clothing on their speaking day:baseball caps, t-shirts, shorts, sandals, etc.
  • Cell phones must be turned off prior to the beginning of class.
  • Students must be on time for class. If on a rare occasion, you arrive late, be sure to wait until a speaker has finished before entering. (When the door to the room is closed, wait until there is a transitionto another speaker before coming in.)
  • All assignments must be typewritten and submitted by due dateto GeorgiaView. (Do not submit assignments via e-mail)
  • Extra credit is possible in this course if a specific project is proposed early in the semester and is acceptableto the instructor (ten points is typically the maximum allowed).
  • Students may only use laptops and electronic devices in class for instructional purposes (taking notes, giving a presentation, etc.)
  • Do not use the GeorgiaView e-mail system in this class. Instead use the CSU e-mail account. Important notices will be sent via the CSU account, so check your e-mail regularly.

Last update:10/28/2015