Syllabus – Speech 100

Basic Principles of Oral Communication

 

Instructor:         Fianna Dickson

Course:             SPCH 100 – 1935

Class:               T/R 12:40 – 2:50 pm (W266, North Campus)

Text:                 Adler and Rodman, Understanding Human Communication (8th Ed.)

Office hours:     T/R   9:30 – 10:30 am and by appointment (R230, Main Campus)

E-Mail:             fdickson@bcc.ctc.edu

Office Phone:   

 

Course Objectives

The primary objective of this course is to gain knowledge of the complexity of communication through an active learning process.  We will examine fundamental elements of communication through the lens of both theory and practical example.  Specifically, the class will focus on developing skills in three main areas: interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public speaking.

 

Course Goals

  1. Improve your ability to communicate on an interpersonal level using quality communication skills derived from an understanding of communication theory.
  2. Improve your ability to analyze a variety of factors that affect the group process.
  3. Improve your ability to research, write, deliver, and analyze public speeches.

 

Assignments

Table Topics                               50 points (2 @ 25 points each)                  940-1000 = A   760-799 = C+

Informative Speech/Outline        125 points                                                  900- 939 = A-  730-759 = C

Persuasive Speech/Outline         125 points                                                  860- 899 = B+  700-729 = C-

Small Group Presentation           125 points                                                  830- 859 = B    660-699 = D+

Final Evaluation Paper               100 points                                                  800- 829 = B-   600-659 = D

Exams                                      200 points (2 @ 100 points each)                                        0-599 = F

Activities                                  125 points

Attendance/Participation            150 points

Tentative Total:                      1000 points

 

Table Topics:  These are brief impromptu speeches – both torture and joy.

 

Speeches: The Informative and Persuasive speeches will be 4-6 minutes in length.  (Points will be deducted for speeches that are over or under the specified time [10 seconds = 1 pt. deducted]).   Both speeches will require a typed outline, to be submitted at the time of presentation; further details on the outline format will be provided for you.  A visual aid will be a presentation requirement for one of your speeches.  You will speak using 3X5 note cards (spiral-bound are great to purchase) with key words and phrases written.  Speech grades will be based on content as well as presentation style. 

 

Small Group Presentation:  You and four other group members will create a 15 minute presentation, much like a lively debate in a creative style, on a topic of your choosing.

 

Final Evaluation Paper:  This will be a 3-5 page comprehensive analysis of your ability to apply class concepts and theories to your communication in public, interpersonal, and small group situations.

 

Exams:  Each exam will cover approximately four weeks of material.  We’ll have two in-class reviews.   

Requirements

 

Attendance/Participation: Be here on time and ready to interact.  In a course about communication, it is essential for us to engage in classroom communication.  Therefore, only one absence is allowed, excused or unexcused.  Additional absences will result in a loss of attendance points.  You will be marked absent if you miss part of the class session.  Participation will be evaluated on the basis of your application of communication theory and concepts in classroom discussion and activities.

 

 

Etiquette: I strive to create a classroom environment that feels comfortable, allowing students to participate with confidence that their efforts will be well received.  Listening actively to speeches, not entering the classroom in the middle of a speech, and respecting other’s opinions will aid in this quest.  Behavior that conflicts with the classroom environment will result in a loss of participation points.

 

 

Academic Honesty: Students caught in academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Student Programs.  Please consult the Arts and Humanities Division statement of Student Procedures and Expectations at www.bcc..ctc.edu/artshum/policy.html.

 

 

Deadlines: An assignment is considered late if it is not received by the end of class on the day it is due.  Late assignments will be accepted with a penalty of 10% for each day (not just class day) after the due date.  If an assignment is received after class on the day it is due, it will receive a 5% reduction.  Due to time constraints, it may not be possible to make-up a speech if you are absent on your presentation day, resulting in a zero for the assignment.  If you will be absent on the day of an exam, please make arrangements to take the exam prior to the scheduled day.  All major course work must be completed to receive credit for the class.

 

 

Neatness: You will be expected to do a professional job on your assignments.  They should be typed (double spaced, size 12 font) and stapled in one corner.

 

 

On-Line Handouts:  Many of the handouts will need to be accessed online.  In order to get your copy go to: http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/artshum/studentinfo.asp.  Click on the links in this order: #2 Course Materials; Winter Quarter; Speech Department; SPCH 100 with Dickson.

 

 

Documented Disability: If you have a documented disability, please inform me if you need any type of accommodation to help you succeed in this class.

 

 

*** Please feel free to visit with me about any aspect of this course.  My goal is to be as open and available to you as possible, to assist your success in this class. ***

 

Tentative Schedule

 

 

Week 1             Jan 6                Orientation, Introductions          

                        Jan 8                Human Communication, Perception        Chapters 1 & 2

 

 

Week 2             Jan 13               Speech Topics, Support, Videos              Chapters 10 & 11

                        Jan 15               Table Topics, Presenting, Informatives    Chapters 12 & 13

 

 

Week 3             Jan 20               Informative Speeches                           

                        Jan 22               Informative Speeches

 

 

Week 4             Jan 27               Small Groups, Assign projects                Chapter 8

                        Jan 29               Small Groups                                         Chapter 9

 

 

Week 5             Feb 3                Exam, Language and Listening               Chapters 3 & 4

                        Feb 5                Nonverbal Communication                     Chapter 5

 

 

Week 6             Feb 10              Film

                        Feb 12              Table Topics, Persuasive Speaking         Chapter 14

 

 

Week 7             Feb 17              Persuasive Speeches

                        Feb 19              Persuasive Speeches

 

 

Week 8             Feb 24              Interpersonal Communication                 Chapter 6

                        Feb 26              Interpersonal Communication                 Chapter 7

 

 

Week 9             March 2            Exam, Relationship Analysis

                        March 4            Group Meetings

 

 

Week 10           March 9            Small Group Presentations

                        March 11          Small Group Presentations, Wrap-Up Discussion

 

 

Week 11           March 15          Final Papers due by 4:00 pm to Main Campus Room R230