Course Description:  An introduction to the principles of interpersonal, small group and public communication theory and practice.  The communication process, personal communication skills, non-verbal communication, small group communication and speech preparation & delivery are emphasized.  This is the honors section.

 

General Education Goal:  To provide the students with an opportunity to develop effective oral communication skills in order that they may function effectively in society as students, citizens and workers.

 

Course Objectives:  A:  To develop three primary areas of public speaking; 1> Speech Construction, 2> Speech Delivery and 3> Critical Thinking/Listening, B:  To develop knowledge in interpersonal communication theory and skills, C:  To develop knowledge and skills in small-group communication.  We will meet these objectives through a combination of lectures, discussions, exercises, videos, performances & other methods.

 

Texts: 

1.  Communicate! (10th Edition), by R. J. Verderber. 

Text site:  http://www.wadsworth.com/communication_d/

(click on “student resources” on the left, then click on the image of your text)

2.  Student Workbook for Communicate!, by Leonard Assante.  (Comes pre-packaged with the main text at no extra charge.)

3.  The Tipping Point:  How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, by Malcolm Gladwell.  (Available from the instructor at no charge.)

 

Attendance: 10% of your grade is class participation.  You will be allowed only 3 un-excused absences for this semester. Attendance is mandatory during speech presentation days.  After the third unexcused absence (or for any unexcused absence on speech presentation days), 10 points will be deducted from your grade for each additional un-excused absence.  Group work cannot be made up regardless of excuse due to the nature of the assignment.  Students with an excused absence during other in-class assignments will be given the opportunity to make up that assignment on the first class they attend after the absence.  Work missed during unexcused absences cannot be made up.  Excessive unexcused absences can result in course failure.  Excused absences do not reduce your grade.  Excused absences include doctor=s notes, documented personal reasons or documented college functions.  Arriving for class after roll has been taken counts as .5 of an absence.  Please be on time.

Assignments/Evaluation:

All course work will be based on a 1000 point total.

 

1.  Exams as follows:                                    (200 points) 

a. Midterm Exam                                           (100 points)

                                                            b. Final Exam                                    (100 points)

Exams will be objective/essay.  Exams test knowledge of assigned readings. 

 

2.  Homework:                                               (100 points)

To be assigned from the exercises in the student workbook.

 

3.  Small Group Activity and Report            (250 points) 

a. Outside of class group project & written report.   (150 points) (group grade)

b. Group presentation to the class.   (100 points) (group grade)

 

4.  2 prepared speeches as follows:            (350 points)

a.   Informative Speech                      (150 points)

b.   Persuasive Speech                     (200 points)   

Informative Speech Details:  The informative speech will be 6-8 minutes in length, include a typed preparation outline, speaking notes and references to at least four sources. Three sources MUST be written or electronic.  (The COM 100 web page offers access to a variety of sources.)  Sources will be referenced in standard format in the outline.  Topics are due the Monday 2 weeks before you speak.  Outlines drafts are due Monday the week before you speak.  I must have a copy of your outline during your speech.  You must dress appropriately for your speeches.  (See “Speech Day Guidelines” handout for more information.)

 

Persuasive Speech Details:  The speech will be 7-9 minutes long, on a subject of a legitimate policy issue, include a visual presentation aid, typed preparation outline and references to at least five sources.  Four sources MUST be written or electronic.  Sources will be referenced in standard format in the outline.  Topics are due the Monday 2 weeks before you speak.   Outlines drafts are due Monday the week before you speak.  I must have a copy of your outline during your speech.  You must dress appropriately for your speeches.  (See “Speech Day Guidelines” handout for more information.)

 

5.  Speech Critique                                       (100 points)

You will be required to observe, analyze and critique an oral presentation either in person or on video tape.  You will write a 2-3 page paper detailing and justifying your constructive critique.

 

Note:  All written work (outlines, reports, extra credit, etc.) must be typed or (preferably) word-processed.  The college offers student computer labs with modern equipment and printers.  Use them!  Hand-written work will be reduced by one full letter grade.  Non-legible written work may result in additional deductions. 

 

Note to computer/net users:  Any written work may be turned in to me electronically via E-Mail as an attachment in .doc, .wpd or .rtf format.  Assignments received in this manner must be in my mailbox before the start of the class they are due.  Electronic documents must be spell-checked and formatted in the same way as a paper document.  I encourage electronic submission of work.  As you know, Vol. State provides all students with e-mail and Internet access.  My e-mail address is listed on the top of page.   A variety of web pages for COM 100 and Communication Department students are available.  Take advantage of these pages! 

 

Grading of Assignments:

The exams will be graded in the usual.  The speeches will be graded on the basis of certain criteria being present or absent from the speech and outline.  As the semester moves along, you'll learn what these criteria are.  You will get a copy of the evaluation sheet I use to grade your speeches, so as to better know what I look for. 

 

Letter Grade Meaning:  An "A" (900+) speech or assignment shows outstanding effort and performance and meets fully all graded criteria.  A "B" (800-899) speech/ assignment meets all minimum criteria and shows some effort or performance beyond average.  A "C" (700-799) reflects meeting minimum requirements, a "D" shows deficiency and an "F" indicates failure to perform the assignment or speech.

 

Misc. Grades:

I= Incomplete.  Assigned at discretion of instructor. 

N= Audit.  Not assigned by Instructor.

W= Withdrawal.  Not assigned by Instructor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Penalties:  (IE. no excuses!)

1.  Speech-related: 

Missed speeches:  Do not miss your assigned day and time.  If you do not present your speech on or before the due date and time you will lose 15 points for each calendar day it is presented late.  Legitimate, verifiable excuses only!  Be there!

Long/Short Speeches: 10 points will be deducted off your final speech grade per 15 seconds over or under the assigned time limit.  We have strict time limits due to the number of speeches per day, and to prepare you for the "real world" where there are often such limits.  All speeches are timed.

Late/Missing Outlines:  The outline is worth 33% of the speech grade.  If you don’t have an outline and/or speaking notes, you will not be allowed to speak.

Prohibited Visual Aids/Topics:  There will be no nudity, illegal drugs, weapons of any sort, explosives, alcohol or anything else deemed improper to bring onto campus or into my classroom.  Do it and fail the speech.  A list of forbidden speech topics will be provided.  Persuasive speeches must be on legitimate policy topics.  All speech topics must be approved by me at the time they are due.  I strongly encourage controversial, topical and unique speech topics, just keep them within the bounds of the rules noted above. 

 

2.  Missed exams:  Please arrange for makeups if needed before the exam.  The final cannot be made up.  Failure to take the final will result in an AF@ or AI@ course grade.

 

3.  Late papers/assignments: One grade deducted per calendar day late.  Assignments are due to me by the start of class.  My mailbox is in the Humanities Division Office (Ramer 201).  I have a paper drop on my office door (Ramer 218).

 

4.  Other:  Talking, reading, daydreaming or being rude or obnoxious during another person's speech or presentation. This can result in a grade deduction of 10 points or more.  Please turn all pagers and cell phones off or to silent/vibrate mode.  Cell phone courtesy is a pet peeve of mine!

 

Academic Honesty:  Don't plagiarize!  Plagiarism is defined as taking another person's ideas, thoughts, words, music, quotes or answers without citing or crediting them.  This is prohibited in my class and is against the rules of the College.  Academic dishonesty will result in a grade of "F" on the relevant assignment and perhaps the course.  I use plagiarism detection software on all papers.

 

Americans With Disabilities Act/EOAA Statements:

It is the student's responsibility to self identify with the Office of Disability Services in order to receive accommodations.  Disability Services is located in C206B.  Only those students with official documentation from the Office of Disability Services will receive services.

 

Volunteer State Community College is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action educational institution.  No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the College because of race, color national origin, age or handicap. 

 

Financial Aid Students Attendance Policy:

If you are receiving Title IV financial assistance (Pell Grant, Student Loan or SEOG Grant), you must regularly attend class (a minimum of the first full week) or be subject to repay PART or ALL of the Federal Financial Aid you received for the semester.

 

Note:  The schedule on the following page is subject to change.
ROUGH WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR FALL, 2003 HONORS SECTION

 

Week Of:        In Class Events:                                                                     Reading:

 

UNIT I: Introduction to the Communication Process

08/25                                                                                                                                                  Intro to course, Intro to Comm Process                                                            1

09/01                                                                                                                                      No class Mon. Perception                                                                             2*

 

Unit II: Interpersonal Communication

09/08                                                                                                                                      Verbal Communication                                                                                      3*

09/15                          Nonverbal Communication                                                                          4*

09/22             Conversations, Listening, Self-disclosure & feedback (Hwk. due)       5-7*    

09/29              Relationships (Exam #1 Friday)                                                                8*

 

                        Unit III:  Group Communication

10/06              Groups and Leadership                                                                               10-11*

10/13                                                                                                                                                  (No class Mon.)  Group presentations                       

 

Unit IV: Public Communication

10/20                                                                                                                                                  Anxiety, Topic selection, Goals, Papers due Fri                                12

10/27                                                                                                                                                  Topic 1 Due, Research, Organization, Outlines                                  13-14

11/03              Audiences, Introductions and Conclusions, Informative Speaking          15-17

Outline time/draft due Mon.        

11/10              Speech #1 (Informative)

11/17              Topics Due Monday, Review Speech #1, Persuasive Speaking        18

11/24                                                                                                                                                  Outline Draft #2 Due, persuasion, criticism, No class Fri                        7

12/01                                                                                                                                                  Speech #2 (Persuasive/Policy/Visual Aid)  Speech Critiques Due

 

* = topics relevant to The Tipping Point                                                                                         

 

 

Final Exams: December 8-14, 2003

 

Dates to Remember:

Homework Due:  Friday 9/26/03

Exam 1:  Friday 10/3/03

Group Presentations:  Friday 10/17/03

Topics for speech one due:  Monday 10/27/03

Paper due:  Friday 10/24/03

Outline draft for speech one due: Monday 11/3/03

Speech #1:  Week of 11/10/03

Topic for speech two due:  Monday 11/17/03

Outline draft for speech two due:  Monday 11/24/03

Speech #2:  Week of 12/01

Critiques due:  Friday, 12/5/03

Exam 2:  Monday, December 8, 10:30am

General Criteria for All Written Work

(Research and Writing Guidelines)

Prof. Leonard Assante

Volunteer State Community College

 

[Note: See specific criteria on individual assignment sheets as well.]

 

1.  Typed, double-spaced 12 point or larger font.

2.  8.5" by 11" white, medium or heavy weight typing or photocopier/laser printer paper.

(Do not use color or onion-skinned paper.)

3.  Dark ribbon if typed, near or letter quality printing.  (Recommend laser printers.)

4.  Bound by paper clip or staple in upper left corner.

5.  A cover page, which must include:

-interesting title (centered on top third of page)

-your name, course name, my name, date (all centered on bottom third of page)

6.  One inch margins all around.

7.  All pages (except cover page) are numbered.

8.  Perfect grammar, style and spelling.

9.  An INTRODUCTION that includes:

-interesting sentences that draw the reader into the paper

-thesis or purpose statement

-preview, explaining what will be discussed and in what order

10.  A well-developed BODY that includes:

-support and evidence for all claims (sources cited in appropriate format)

-well-developed transitions between ideas

-clear, interesting and original ideas and insights

11.  A CONCLUSION that includes:

-complete summary of all major points covered in paper

-insightful commentary concerning the thesis, purpose, study or nature of the assignment

12.  Clear, dynamic, formal writing that includes:

-active (not passive) voice

-absence of clichés or colloquialisms

-absence of contractions

-vivid and concise language

13.  Bibliographic citations that conform to MLA or APA style manual on a separate page headed  ABibliography@.  (See additional information below.)

14.  Quotations, when used are integrated into the student=s own sentences and refer to appropriate page numbers [e.g., According to Jones (1998), Astudents are more mature today than they were in the fifties@ (p.16).]

15.  All terms and concepts are defined and explained.

16.  Examples are vivid, concise, interesting, and illuminate the idea or concept being discussed.

17.  Analysis indicates a clear grasp on the issues addressed and provides insightful commentary.  (A mere review without your analysis is not sufficient.)

18.  Students avoid generalizing subjective experiences to others

19.  Have fun!  Humor (in moderation) can be effective.

Use of the Internet for Research

(all this applies to traditional sources as well)

 

In general, there are five basic criteria when evaluating the utility of any source.  These also apply to Internet sources (web pages).  As speakers, you are expected to provide accurate, expert, un-biased, current and complete information to your listeners.  Internet resources should be no different.  Use the following guidelines:

 

1.  Accuracy:

Does the page have a bibliography or list of sources?

Is the page free of errors in spelling, grammar and/or typing?

What is the purpose of the document? 

 

2.  Authority:

Who is the author/organization sponsoring the page?

Are the author=s qualifications provided?

Does the organization provide a phone number and mailing address?

Is the organization listed in the Encyclopedia of Organizations?  (VSCC library has a copy.)  If so, what=s the purpose and scope of the organization?

What does the URL indicate?  (.gov, .edu, .com)

Is any of the information protected by copyright?  Who holds the copyright?

 

3.  Objectivity:

Is the information provided fact or opinion?

Are opinions backed up with supporting evidence?

Is the site advertising-free?  If there are ads., are they separate from the content?

Why was the page written and for whom?

 

4.  Currency:

Is a date provided on the page?  Does it show the last revision date?

Is the information kept up to date if it needs to be?

Are the links up to date?  (No dead links.)

 

5.  Coverage:

Is there any indication of the scope of the content?

Is the page Aunder construction@?

If there is a print version, is the entire work on the web or just a portion?

 

The more you can answer these questions with a Ayes@, the more reliable the source.  Remember, use common sense and strive to inform your audience.

                                                                Speech Evaluation Report

COM 100:  FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION

                                                     VOLUNTEER STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

                                                                               Prof. Len Assante

                                                                                            

SPEAKER __________________________    GROUP _________     CRITIC __________________________

 

PURPOSE STATEMENT _____________________________________   DATE _______________________

 

TYPE OF SPEECH:     Informative  /   Persuasive   /  Entertaining   /  Other

 

Each category is critiqued on a 5-Point Scale: 0=F, 4=A  [Content = 34%; Delivery = 33%; Outline = 33%]

 

CONTENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIME:_______________

 

 

 

DELIVERY

 

 

GENERAL COMMENTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPEECH GRADE:  ___               __