Fundamentals of Speech (SPC 1608)
Class Syllabus – Summer A 2011 (CRN 36193, Section W03)
Instructor: Deborah Poulalion, Valencia Community College, West Campus
Time and Location: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 - 9:20 p.m., Building 5, Room 114
Office: off campus
Email:
Online: Additional assignments and class information will be posted on Valencia’s Blackboard site
Office Hours: I do not have regularly scheduled office hours, but I am available for a half an hour before or after class, or you may contact me via email to schedule an appointment.
Catalog Description
This course explores oral communication principles common to speaking and listening. It emphasizes listening techniques as well as the preparation and delivery techniques for extemporaneous speaking. The course will also further develop mastery of Valencia’s four Student Core Competencies (Think, Value, Communicate, and Act).
Required Materials
· Textbook: Gregory, H. (2009). Public Speaking for College and Career, 9th Edition. McGraw Hill: New York, NY.
· Internet access
· Access to Valencia student email online
Student Learning Outcomes
- Identify a specific speaking goal and articulate a thesis appropriate to audience and context
- Fully develop the central thesis with appropriate and adequate main points; use organizational pattern appropriate to speech purpose and context
- Evaluate quality of information (source, currency, accuracy, authenticity, bias), provide appropriate research documentation and effectively incorporate verbal citations in the speech
- Use correct, clear, concrete, and context-appropriate language to express ideas clearly and fluently
- Incorporate nonverbal communication (eye contact, facial expressions, posture, and gestures) to enhance the verbal message and speaker credibility
- Use visual aids to clarify, emphasize, and support main points relevant to speech thesis
- Use appropriate persuasive strategies to appeal to audience reasoning; construct valid arguments; recognize and avoid the use of fallacies of reasoning
- Use appropriate persuasive strategies to appeal to audience emotions in an ethical manner
9. Appraise own and others’ reasoning and perspectives fairly and objectively; recognize implications and consequences of message on audience and society
Class Preparedness: You are expected to: come to class on time, complete assigned readings and homework prior to class, listen attentively to others, and participate in class discussions about the readings.
Attendance Policy: Excessive absences (3 or more) without written, official documentation of an emergency within 48 hours of the absence will result in withdrawal from the course. The withdrawal deadline for a “W” grade is June 3, 2011.
Tardy Policy: Every three tardies will count as an absence.
Missed Assignments Due to Absence or Tardiness: If you are absent or tardy for any reason, you are still responsible for the material covered and any announcements made. Please try first to obtain missed information from other students, but you may also request handouts from the instructor via email.
Classmate Contact Information: During the first class meeting, write down contact information for several classmates below so that you can contact them for missed information if needed.
1.______
2. ______
3. ______
Homework: “Homework” refers to all assignments other than speech presentations. Students will be required to complete homework assignments by the due date. For example, the due date for chapter review questions will be the date of the quiz that covers those chapters. After the due date, access to the chapter review questions for that quiz will be removed.
Speech Scheduling: Students will have the opportunity to sign up for a preferred speech date on a first-come-first-serve basis. Should a student fail to sign up for a specific date, the instructor will assign the student to speak on a date that conveniently fits the class schedule.
Speech Make-up Policy: Contact your instructor within 48 hours of the scheduled speech time to be considered for a make up, which carries a 20% late penalty. The student may make up the speech without the grade penalty when official, written documentation of the emergency (e.g., hospitalization documents) is presented.Failing to give the make-up speech on the assigned make-up day will result in a "0." Students are allowed to make up only one speech during the term.
NOTE: Forgetting to bring a visual aid, bringing the “wrong” computer file, unable to open a file, and so on will not excuse you from a late penalty.
Plagiarism: According to College Policy 6Hx28: (10-18), all forms of academic dishonesty and misconduct are prohibited at Valencia Community College. Academic dishonesty includes, but it is not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, and furnishing false information. All speeches must be the student’s original work. Please remember that it is unethical to abstract a speech from an outside source and pretend is your own work, therefore plagiarized speeches will result in a “0.”
Student Code of Classroom Conduct: Students will abide by Valencia’s Code of Classroom Conduct. (http://www.valenciacc.edu/policies/PDF/10-18.pdf). Disruptive or distracting activities such as "side discussions which are irrelevant to the subject matter of the class, that distract from the learning process, or impede or hinder the ability of other students to obtain the full benefit of the educational presentation” may result in a grade reduction or, in extreme cases, a grade of "F" in the course (1006.60, FS).
Disruptive Behavior During a Student Speech Presentation. A student who is disruptive during another student’s speech will receive a 15-point deduction from his or her own speech (per occurrence). Disruptions include, but are not limited to, entering or leaving the classroom, cell phones, beepers, or any other electronic devices, or "side discussions” as described above under the heading “Student Code of Classroom Conduct.”
Forbidden Topics: Speech 1608 is not Saturday Night Live. Speeches that are about sexual acts, using illegal drugs, etc., are not acceptable. If you are not sure whether your topic is acceptable, it is your responsibility to ask the instructor. If you choose to speak on a questionable topic without prior approval from the instructor, the instructor will ask you to stop speaking, and you will be required to give a make-up speech following the syllabus guidelines. These instructions apply to all speeches.
Grading Components
Maximum possible points
Assignments 175 Points (approximately)
Quizzes (from assigned readings & class discussions) 75 Points
Narrative speech w/outline 50 Points
Informative speech w/documentation file 100 Points
Persuasive speech w/documentation file 125 Points
525 Points (approximately)
Extra credit 20 Points (approximately)
450 – 500 = A 400 – 449 = B 346 – 399 = C 276 – 345 = D 275 or less = F
Grades on Blackboard: Student grades will be posted on Blackboard and available for student review at any time.
Grade Appeals: Students may request a conference with the instructor to discuss/appeal a speech, quiz, or assignment grade. Grade appeal arguments must be presented in writing at least 24 hours in advance of the requested conference. Failing to provide the written appeal constitutes a cancellation of the grade appeal conference. Speech appeals must be requested within two weeks of receiving the disputed grade.
Extra-Credit Opportunity: Extra credit opportunity will be given throughout the term in various forms. Most extra credit will occur in class on speech days. Students may earn approximately 20 points of extra credit per course.
Students with Disabilities Policy: "Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities (West Campus SSB 102, ext. 1523)."
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to adjust the course syllabus and/or course schedule upon notification of the class. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of any adjustments announced by the instructor.
Class Schedule, Summer A 2011 (M/W 6-8:45 p.m.)
Reading is listed on the date it is due. Readings are from Public Speaking for College & Career, Gregory Hamilton, 9th edition, unless otherwise noted. “Finish” means to read the text and complete review questions accessed through Blackboard. Additional assignments will be given in class.
Date / Class Meetings / Homework Due on Date Listed
Mon.
May 9 /
Syllabus review
Ch. 1: Introduction to Public Speaking
8 Tips for Reducing Speech Anxiety
Explain web site
Self-introductions
Wed.
May 11 / Practice Speeches – “What a Job!” / Finish Chapter 1: Introduction to Public Speaking
Finish Chapter 2: Controlling Nervousness
Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (online)
Mon.
May 16 / Class Activity – Topic Choice Exercise
Class Activity - Preparing the speech outline
Transitions
Sign up for Speech 1 / Finish Chapter 5: Selecting Topic, Purpose, and Central Idea
Finish Chapter 10: The Body of the Speech (Pages 199-203)
Finish Chapter 11: Intros and Conclusions (Pages 217-230)
Wed.
May 18 / Quiz # 1 (Anxiety, Organization, Delivery)
Class Activity – Nonverbal communication
Connotation vs. Denotation
Review how to outline / Finish Chapter 13: Wording the Speech
Finish Chapter 14: Delivering the Speech
Mon.
May 23 / Speech I – “You’re the Expert” Speech
Assign Speech II / Turn in Speech I outlines for full credit
Practice your speech!!! (Page 293)
Finish Chapter 4: Reaching the Audience
Finish Chapter 3: Listening
Wed.
May 25 / Guidelines for Informative Speaking
Class Activity – “In the News”
Researching the Informative Speech
State topic for Speech II in class
Library instruction on research / Speech I self-evaluation written in class.
Finish Chapter 15: Speaking to Inform
Finish Chapter 6: Finding Information (Pages 100-107)
Finish Chapter 7: Evaluating Information & Avoiding Plagiarism
May 30 / Memorial Day – No class
Wed.
June 1 / Quiz # 2 (Audience Analysis, Listening, Research, Informative Speaking) / Finish Chapter 9 (Including Appendix): Presentation Aids/Visual Aids Guidelines lecture
Mon.
June 6 / Speech II - Informative Speech
Assign Speech III / Turn in Speech II Documentation File for credit Practice your speech!!! (Page 293)
Wed.
June 8 / Introduction to Persuasive Speaking
Declare topic for Speech III and sign up / Speech II self-evaluation written in class.
Finish Chapter 16: Speaking to Persuade
Mon.
June 13 / Persuasive Arguments / Finish Chapter 17
Finish Chapter 8 (Pages 152-158): Supporting Your Ideas
Wed.
June 15 / Speech III - Persuasive Speech / Turn in Speech III Documentation File for credit
Practice your speech!!! (Page 293)
Mon.
June 20
(final exam meeting) / Make-Up Speeches (if needed)
Quiz # 3 (Persuasive Strategies) / Speech III self-evaluation written in class.
Course wrap-up and make-up speeches (see syllabus for speech make-up policy)
The instructor may revise the class schedule as needed.
SPEECH PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Speech I – “You’re the Expert” Speech w/Speech Outline (50 points)
Your first graded speaking assignment is to help you become familiar with the basic principles of extemporaneous speaking. (Extemporaneous means that you speak using notes rather than reading from a script.)
Speech Topic: Everyone is an expert at something! In this speech, describe, explain, or demonstrate something that you are good at. Examples include: how to cook a favorite food, how to swing a golf club, how to get a good score on the SAT, how to play an instrument, how to get a car loan, how to beat a video game, etc.
Speech Length: 3 to 5 minutes
Turning in the Speech Outline (worth 10/50 points)
Submit your complete-sentence speech outline on the date indicated on the class schedule in order to receive credit. Your complete-sentence speech outline must include a general purpose; specific purpose; central idea; attention material; body 1, 2, 3, etc.; transitions; conclusion; bibliography; and description of visual aids. All outline components must be clearly identified. See Public Speaking for College and Career, 9th edition, chapter 12, pages 244-246 for an example titled “The Four-Day Work Week—Pros and Cons.” This example only has two points, but you may have 2 to 4 points in your speech.
Grading Guidelines for Speech I:
· There is a 3-point penalty per 30 seconds over/under the time limit.
· Speeches that are not presented on their originally scheduled day will result receive a 20% point penalty (unless the absence was excused as an emergency).
· Late speech outlines will be accepted within one week from due date and will receive a 50% late penalty.
· Visual aids may be used for this speech, but they are not required. However, visual aids in the form of video clips are NOT allowed for this speech.
Speech II – Informative Speech w/Documentation File (100 points)
This informative speech is aimed at increasing audience knowledge and understanding about an topic or event currently affecting our society or college students in particular in a significant manner (e.g.; may select a topic from the fields of technology, health, arts, sciences, religion, sports, local issues, campus issues, etc.). Briefly present background information that will help your audience more fully understand the topic. In the main body of the speech, discuss the most reliable, relevant information about this topic. You must include at least one item from news reports in the last twelve months. Your main points must be effectively supported, emphasized and clarified with visual aids and should be relevant to the speech thesis. Aids should be used ethically to convey information objectively. This speech must be presented extemporaneously.
Speech Length: 4 to 6 minutes
Speech Documentation File (worth 20/100 points)
Submit your Speech Documentation File on the date indicated on the class schedule in order to receive full credit. This material should be placed in a file folder and include the following:
· Minimum of three credible research sources. One of the three sources must be from news reports from the past twelve months.
· Bibliography (Works Cited Page) in APA or MLA format. (See Public Speaking for College and Career, page 114, Table 6.1, How to Cite Sources)
· Hard copies samples from each research source used
· A fully developed speech outline: Attention getter, thesis statement, preview, main points with supporting details, transitions, summary, and closing remarks are clearly identified and proper speech outline format is used (See Public Speaking for College and Career, Chapter 12: Outlining the Speech).