Spch 202 - Speech Communication Theory
[General course information and overview only - please go to course website for current syllabus, calendar, assignments, and course policies]
Required Text: Trenholm, Sarah. (2005). Thinking Through Communication, 4th Ed. New York: Allyn & Bacon.
Course Objectives:
This course is designed to introduce you to basic concepts, areas of inquiry and current theories in the discipline of speech communication. As a result of taking this course, you should become conversant with:
§ The theory and research supporting current scholarly perceptions of the history of communication, Language and Meaning, Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, Small Group/Organizational Communication, Communication and Conflict, and Public Communication
§ How communication surrounds and shapes us and affects our lives
§ The ability to identify and analyze communication patterns and their effects upon society and the individual
§ Your own communication traits, strengths, and weaknesses.
Course Assignments:
Exams: (5 @ 10% each = 50%):
During the course of the quarter, you will be given five
exams. Each exam is worth 10% of your course grade, for a total of 50% of
your course grade and will consist of 50 true-false and multiple choice
questions. While you may use your notes during the exams, the time allotment
for the exam will require that you know the material well when you begin the
exam.
Participation: (25%):
Participation in chapter discussions is required for
completion of the course and is worth 25% of your course grade. Students
must answer one question and respond to another student's answer for each
chapter being discussed. Postings must address all aspects of the
discussion question and consist of a well-developed paragraph. One
sentence responses will not receive credit. Emphasis should be placed on
discussing the concepts and theories discussed in the text and personal
experience should only be used as examples to support course-related material.
Exercises: (5 @ 2% each = 10%)
Students will complete 5 exercises designed for them to assess their daily communication. These assignments will explore a variety of topics and are weighted at 2% each in value for a total of 10% of your course grade.
Final Paper: (15%)
You will be asked to write an 8-10 page research paper that includes a review of the relevant literature and an original study on a topic of your choice. You will be given a list of topics to choose from. If you have an idea for a topic not listed, you should have it approved by me before you begin writing. After you complete your review of the literature, you will generate a hypothesis and test the hypothesis using one of the research methods covered in the text.
Grading Parameters:
Percent % scores ~ 4.0 Scale Comparison
|
94/4.0 |
93/3.9 |
92/3.8 |
91/3.7 |
90/3.7 |
89/3.6 |
|
88/3.5 |
87/3.4 |
86/3.3 |
85/3.2 |
84/3.1 |
83/3.0 |
|
82/2.9 |
81/2.8 |
80/2.7 |
79/2.6 |
78/2.5 |
77/2.4 |
|
76/2.3 |
75/2.2 |
74/2.1 |
73/2.0 |
72/1.9 |
71/1.8 |
|
70/1.7 |
69/1.6 |
68/1.5 |
67/1.4 |
66/1.3 |
65/1.3 |
|
64/1.2 |
63/1.2 |
62/1.1 |
61/1.0 |
60/1.0 |
<60/0 |