Introduction to Oral Communication Syllabus

SPC 1608, summer 2017, June 26 - July 28

Course & Faculty Information

Lecturer: TBA
E-mail: TBA
Time: Monday through Friday (1.8contact hours each day)
Contact hour: 45 hours
Credit: 3
Office hours: By Appointment

Course Description
The purpose of this course is to improve the basic skills of speaking and listening.
Class exercises emphasize preparing and delivering public speeches, speaking with
clarity and variety and listening with literal and critical comprehension.

TextbookInformation

Pocket Guide To Public Speaking

Author: Ohair, Dan

ISBN: 9781319087654

Publisher： Mac Higher

Edition: 5TH

Materials Needed
Required:

• Introduction to Oral Communication Public Speaking Modules

 Note: You will be expected to have read the text on the assigned day. Quizzes will be
due before the class we review the text to test for reading and comprehension. This
class will be text and class note based. Exams will be based on a combination of all, so
please take good notes.

Cell Phones
ALL CELL PHONES AND PAGERS SHOULD BE SHUT OFF FOR THE ENTIRE CLASS PERIOD!

1. First instance: a verbal warning from the instructor

2. Second instance: student will be asked to leave the class for that day

3. Third or more instances: student will have to leave class and receive a meeting with a
judicial officer.

Measurable Course Objectives

Measurable Course Objectives are outcomes, students are expected to achieve by the
end of the course.

• Understand the basic oral communication model (speaker-listener message-

channel/feedback-situation).
• Plan and develop speech outlines, employing basic research skills.
• Plan and prepare informative and persuasive speeches for delivery.
• Use appropriate language in a speech while recognizing and respecting
cultural and ethnic diversity in dialects and speech patterns.
• Speak with clarity and variety.
• Use non-verbal communication effectively.
• Practice good listening skills.
• Deliver speeches using skills suitable to diverse audiences, occasions, and
purposes.

Collegewide Student Learning Outcomes

The Collegewide Student Learning Outcomes assessed and reinforced in this course
include the following:

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Information Literacy
Course Objectives Specific to this Class
Course Objectives:

Communication Process

The student will be able to:

1. Define communication.
2. Discuss the importance of communication skills.
3. Recognize and define the elements of the communication process.

Verbal

The student will be able to:

1. Identify and provide alternatives for excessively vague or jargon-filled

language and evaluate when it is appropriate to use them.
2. Detect biased and emotional language, and replace it with more neutral
terms.
3. Have an awareness of the misunderstandings that can arise from
equivocal statements, highly abstract language and excessive jargon.
4. Prepare and deliver clear instructions.

Nonverbal

The student will be able to:

1. Explain the importance of nonverbal messages.
2. Define the different categories of nonverbal communication.
3. Interpret nonverbal variables such as a voice, clothing, facial and body
expression, time, space, and physical environment.

Listening

The student will be able to:

1. Discuss the organizational and personal benefits of listening effectively.
2. List reasons for poor listening.
3. Describe how to become a more effective listener.
4. Practice effective listening skills.

Public Speaking:
The student will be able to:
1. Conduct an analysis of the audience and speaking occasion and describe
how relevant situational factors should influence the speaker’s
presentation planning.
2. Define the general purposes for speaking.
3. Formulate specific thesis statements for presentation.
4. Conduct research for developing a speech topic.
5. Develop the body of a presentation, choosing the most appropriate
organizational pattern, whether informative or persuasive in nature.
6. Identify the purpose, selection, and placement of transitions for
presentations.
7. Name the content and functions of introductions and conclusions.
8. Construct appropriate introductions and conclusions to match the body
of presentations.
9. Explain the functions of verbal and visual support in presentations.
10. Develop and present the best support to add interest, clarify, and prove a
given point.
11. Create and appropriately use audio-visual aid to enhance a presentation.
12. Develop and use a set of speaking notes that enhance delivery.
13. Deliver brief, impromptu remarks effectively.
14. Deliver extemporaneous presentations that follow the guidelines for
visual, verbal, and vocal behavior.
15. Respond effectively to questions arising from presentations.
16. Constructively appraise peer and self-presentations according to critique
guidelines.
17. Manage communications apprehension (communicator anxiety).

Attendance Policy
The College recognizes the correlation between attendance and both student retention
and achievement. Per College Policy 3.060 Students are expected to attend all class,
actively participate and complete all assigned course work for all courses for
which they are registered.

What this means in this class:

Attendance and tardy policy:

All students enrolled for this course are expected to attend class regularly, be on time,
and remain until dismissed. Roll will be taken at each class meeting. If a student is
tardy he/she must see the instructor after class to have the absence mark removed.
Two tardies will constitute an absence. If a student leaves class prior to dismissal of the
class, without instructor’s prior notification and approval, he/she WILL be counted
absent.

Students are subject to a grade of “F” when they have missed 10% of the class
meetings for the course. Students are responsible for all class work covered during
absences from class even in cases in which they are able to satisfy the instructor
that the absence was unavoidable. All absences will be counted in the absence
grade regardless of the situation.

Monday - Thursday Class

1. Your fourth absence will lower your course grade total by 10 percentage
points.
2. Each subsequent absence will lower your final course grade total by 5
percentage points.
3. More than four absences will be considered excessive and if in the
instructor's opinion, minimum course objectives cannot be met due to
absences, the student should withdraw from the course.
4. There is no distinction between "excuse” and “unexcused” absences for
this course. If you are not in class, you are not in class.
5. The attendance grade will be calculated by deducting a minimum of 10
points for each absence and 5 points for each tardy. 2 tardies = 1 absence.
6. Entering class more than 10 minutes late, regardless of whether the
student stays until the end of class, will be counted as an ABSENCE. No
exceptions! Leaving the class early will count as an absence.

Hybrid Class

1. Each Absence from a speech night will deduct 25 points from your
attendance grade.
2. Each tardy or leave early will deduct 10 points from the attendance
grade.

Make-Up Policy:

MAKE-UP EXAMS & LATE ASSIGNMENTS:

Quizzes: Must be taken within the time period allotted. Failure to complete any quizzes
or exams within the specified time period will result in a grade of 0. Since the quizzes
will be available for several days, they may not be made up for any reason. Likewise, all
other assignments for the course are available for extended periods of time, and
therefore will not be accepted late. Please be very aware of availability dates on the
Course Calendar/ Syllabus. Speeches cannot be made up for any reason unless the
excuse is acceptable from documented school exceptions. (Jury duty, deployment, etc.)
Please see Student information on the school website for these exceptions, and
prepare to bring proper legal documentation of the absence. Doctor’s appointments
(outside of hospitalization), car troubles, etc. do not count as valid excuses.

All Quizzes are to be submitted by the due date to receive credit.

All Exams are to be submitted by the due date to receive credit.

Assignments: All assignments are due and will become unavailable at due time. On the
final day listed. Waiting until the very end of the period of availability is not an excuse
for not completing quizzes or assignments. Do yourself a favor and submit early and
correctly.

Grade Scale and Evaluation Methods

Grading Standards: Course grade will be assessed according to the completion of the
following:

COURSE EVALUATION

COURSE WRITING REQUIREMENTS:

Students will be required to write three speech outlines for their presentations. The
outlines should be done in the proper OUTLINE format and include a bibliography
(works cited) page and visual aids list. There will also be some speech exercises and a
contract.

UNIT EXAMS:

There will be 3 exams for this course, one for each major unit of the text. With the
exception of the final, each exam will consist of objective questions based on the
material covered in the reading and lectures. You make take each exam only ONCE.

Speeches:

Students will give four speeches: an impromptu, an informative, a persuasive, and a

special occasion speech.

QUIZZES ON ASSIGNED READING:

It is expected that students will complete the assigned reading for the course. There
are designated chapter quizzes included for each module.

COURSE GRADING OUTLINE:

There are 2000 points total for the course. The breakdown will be announced in the
first class.

COURSE GRADING SCALE:

A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = Below 60%

FINAL GRADES:

Failure to do a single speech, for any reason, will result in the loss of one letter grade.

Failure to do two speeches, for any reason, will result in the student failing course, no
matter what their current standing grade may be.

Seminole State College of Florida no longer mails grade reports to students. After the
term is complete, you may access your grade online.

The instructor will not report final grades by e-mail, telephone, or in person.

*****Your final grade will be based on the work you submit and class
attendance. The level of effort you have expended, the urgency of your need to
pass this course, the personal circumstances that burden you this term, and all
other such considerations are not relevant.*****

Evaluation Methods
Grades are based on several aspects; Completion of projects, presentation of work,
class participation, a written report, the ability to follow directions and execute
concepts, craftsmanship and professionalism (including punctuality and attendance) all
will determine your final grade. Each absence and tardy will affect your final grade.
Tardies and leaving class early could count as an absence. More than 3 absences
could result in an "F" for the course. Any work missed by the student is the
student’s responsibility to make up by the due date. Work turned in late will
affect your final grade.

Student Responsibilities (Be sure to read this!):

1. To read the information assigned in the text, notes, handouts, syllabus, and
addendum; you will be tested on this material, in addition to class
lecture/discussion materials on scheduled exams.

2. To take thorough notes and study all lecture material, informational handouts,
and assigned readings.

3. To submit, unless otherwise noted, all assignments through Email and in the
proper format, which for written submission is rich text format or docx format
ONLY.

4. To actively participate in class discussions and group activities, including

having read assignments for the day to talk about in class. Doing work from
other classes or writing one ’ s speech during another's presentation will
count as an absence for the day. Do not listen to I-Pods or other musical
devices during class and use computers and /Pads ONLY for note taking and
only if approved by the instructor to do so. Cell phones should be turned
OFF in class. Anyone not following these procedures will be asked once to
turn off the device and if they do not do so, will then be asked to leave. No
cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco or electronic cigarettes are
allowed in class.

5. To show maturity and professionalism in the preparation of assignments and

class behavior. Disruptions of the class (including cell phones and beepers
ringing, talking OR TEXT/NG on a cell phone in class, talking while the instructor or
other students are talking, talking at inappropriate times, playing games or doing
anything else other than SPC 1608 work on the computer: including during note
taking and exams, using profane language, disrupting someone's speech by
packing up or not paying attention; sleeping in class, any physical contact, any
racial, social or personal verbal or physical attacks, disrespect towards the
teacher and/or fellow students, wearing offensive attire, attending class in an
inebriated or drug affected state, bringing a weapon to class and conducting
oneself in a way that is not mature, professional and in accordance with College
standards) will result in :

1. A verbal warning telling the student that he/she has to stop the behavior,

2. The student being asked to leave, having that day counted as an absence, and
having 2 percentage points taken off of his/ her final grade. Students who prove
that their behavior will improve may be permitted back into the class. Further
disruptions will result in the person being dropped from the course WITH AN F.

6. To show courtesy to fellow classmates/speakers and the instructor.

7. To initiate consultations with the instructor whenever assistance is needed

regarding class assignments.

8. To act with academic integrity:

9. Taking Exams:

。 Absolutely no cell phones or other electronic devices are to be on and/or

used during the exams. Any exceptions must be cleared with the instructor
prior to the exam. Use of said devices without prior approval from the
instructor will result in automatic failing grade for the exam.

。All extraneous materials must be cleared from the tables during the exam

。 Once a student has begun an exam, leaving and reentering the room is not
allowed. If a student wishes to leave the room during an exam, the exam
must be submitted before the student leaves and this will be considered the
student's completed exam.

10. Unless specifically stated in class, ALL PAPERS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL.

11. If you have any questions about the syllabus, please feel free to ask for
clarification. Students will be expected to abide by the rules and stipulations
put forth in the syllabus. The instructor reserves the right to change and revise
the syllabus at any time during the semester for any reason.

Course Outline:
Please note that this outline is meant to give an overview of the major concepts this
course. Changes may occur in this calendar as needed to aid in the student’s
development.

Week 1
 Introduction, Syllabus, Contract, Class Activity
 Chapter 3
 Chapter 25, Quiz for Chapter 3
Special Occasion Speech Outline Information and Exercises, Impromptu Practice
 Chapters 1-2, 4; Chapter Quiz for Chapter 25
 Syllabus Quiz ;
Chapters 1-2, 4 quizzes, Impromptu Speeches

Week 2
 Impromptu Speeches
 Impromptu Speeches, Chapter 6, Chapter 6 Quiz
 Chapter 5, Quiz , Special Occasion Outline
 jeopardy Review, Special Occasion Exercises , SO speech information
 Unit One Exam: Chapters 1-6, 25.

Week 3
 Special Occasion Speeches 1, *****MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR SPEECH DAY****
 Special Occasion Speeches 2, *****MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR SPEECH DAY****
 Special Occasion Speeches 3, *****MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR SPEECH DAY****
Chapter 22; Informative Outline Information
 Chapters 7-10, 13
 Chapters 11-1 2, 14

Week 3
 Chapter 19, Jeopardy Review, Informative Outline. Informative Speech Information
 Unit Two Exam: Chapters 7-14
 Informative Speeches 1, *****MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR SPEECH DAY****
 Informative Speeches 2, *****MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR SPEECH DAY****
 Informative Speeches 3, *****MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR SPEECH DAY****
Persuasion Outline Information

Week 4
 Informative Self Critique
Chapters 23-24,
 Chapter 15, Quiz , Persuasion Outline
 Chapters 16-18 Quiz
 Persuasion Workshop
 Persuasion Speeches 1, *****MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR SPEECH DAY****

Week 5
 Persuasion Speeches 1, *****MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR SPEECH DAY****
 Persuasion Speeches 2, *****MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR SPEECH DAY****
 Persuasion Speeches 3, *****MUST BE PRESENT ON YOUR SPEECH DAY****
 Final Exam Review
 Final Exam: Chapters 15-18, 23-24, Persuasion Workshop

Academic Integrity
As members of the Seminole State College of Florida community, students are
expected to be honest in all of their academic coursework and activities.

Academic dishonesty, such as cheating of any kind on examinations, course

assignments or projects, plagiarism, misrepresentation and the unauthorized
possession of examinations or other course-related materials, is prohibited.

Plagiarism is unacceptable to the college community. Academic work that is

submitted by students is assumed to be the result of their own thought, research or
self-expression. When students borrow ideas, wording or organization from another
source, they are expected to acknowledge that fact in an appropriate manner.
Plagiarism is the deliberate use and appropriation of another's work without
identifying the source and trying to pass-off such work as the student's own. Any
student who fails to give full credit for ideas or materials taken from another has
plagiarized.
Students who share their work for the purpose of cheating on class assignments or
tests are subject to the same penalties as the student who commits the act of
cheating.

When cheating or plagiarism has occurred, instructors may take academic action
that ranges from denial of credit for the assignment or a grade of "F" on a specific
assignment, examination or project, to the assignment of a grade of "F" for the
course. Students may also be subject to further sanctions imposed by the judicial
officer, such as disciplinary probation, suspension or dismissal from the College.

What this means in this class:

This course strictly adheres to all policies concerning academic integrity as set forth
in the current Seminole State College of Florida Catalogue. Any student who violates
these policies is subject to receiving a failing grade for the course. This includes, but
is not limited to, plagiarism, collusion (taking tests or quizzes with other classmates
instead of only on their own), cheating, furnishing false information, forgery,
alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, and
misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive. Plagiarism includes using
any other person’s speech or outline as their own, copy and pasting a bibliography
from a work the student did not create or find the research for by him/herself, or
reusing a work that was previously submitted to another class and received a grade,
using outlines from other students or papermills/ websites. Any student determined
by the professor to have been guilty of engaging in an act of academic dishonesty
shall be subject to a range of academic penalties as determined by the professor.
These penalties may include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following:
Loss of credit for an assignment, examination, or project; reduction in the course
grade, at the very least an “F” for the assignment a grade of “F” in the course.

Special Notes on Writing Assignments and Plagiarism:

All plagiarized work, whether intentional or unintentional, will receive a ”0”. You are
responsible for making sure that your work is not plagiarized. Oversight on your part
will not be accepted as an excuse for plagiarism. At the first instance of plagiarism, a
student will receive a “0” for the assignment. At the second instance of plagiarism a
student will receive an "F” in the course and will be subject to disciplinary action by
the College. Please refer to the plagiarism tutorial available on the Seminole State
College of Florida English Department website
http://www.seminolestate.edu/english/plagiarism/ for more information on how to avoid
plagiarism in your work.

Speech Outlines and Activities will be submitted to Turnitin.com to be checked for

plagiarism.