SYLLABUS  

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Course Information for COM 100: Fundamentals of Speech Communication (Internet Sections)

 


Course Description:
"This course is an introduction to the communication process, interpersonal communication, group discussion, and public speaking.  Students are required to prepare and deliver speeches.”
(Course offered, Fall, Spring, Summer, Maymester in traditional, video, and Internet formats.)

 

Course Objectives:

I.  “Introduction to the communication process…”
          Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
          able to…
          A.  Describe the communication process in face-to-face and
                technology-based communication
          B.  List and define aspects of self-perception that influence
               communication
          C.  Describe elements that affect perception of others
          D.  Describe the nature of verbal and non-verbal communication
          E.  Describe the relationship between verbal and non-verbal
               communication  
          F.  Describe the impact of communications technology on the
               communication process.

   II.  “…Interpersonal communication…”
           Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
           able to…
           A.  Describe conversation characteristics
           B.  List and differentiate effective listening and response techniques
           C.  Describe different aspects of sharing feelings
           D.  Describe the stages of communication in relationships
           E.  Describe responsibilities of job interview participants

   III.  “…Group discussion…”
           Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
           able to…
           A.  Describe participation considerations in group communication
           B.  List and describe steps in group problem-solving
           C.  Differentiate member roles in group communication
           D.  Describe characteristics related to group leadership

   IV.  “…Public speaking…”
           Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
           able to…
           A.  Determine speech goals
           B.  Choose and restrict a topic
           C.  Construct and organize a public speech for different goals
           D.  Employ traditional and technology-based research skills
           E.  Demonstrate use of support for ideas in a public speech
           F.  Demonstrate verbal and non-verbal techniques of adapting to an
                audience

 

Prerequisites and Co-requisites:
DSPR 0800 Reading & DSPW 0800 Writing or
acceptable placement scores for basic writing and reading skills

Successful completion of these 2 courses or acceptable placement scores is a prerequisite for Fundamentals of Speech Communication, whether the course is presented through weekly classroom meetings, as a College-at-Home videotape course or as an online course.  Because courses taken using a Distance Learning format require only a few or no meetings, there is more reading and writing involved in the videotape and online formats.  Students enrolled in one of these formats must have acceptable skill levels in reading and writing.

 

Specific Course Requirements:
Students will need:

  • Computer access with an internet connection, to access and transmit assignments
  • Basic computer and web-search skills, to complete most assignments
  • Fundamental knowledge of word processing, using Microsoft Word, to communicate and complete assignments
  • While following directions, the ability to download and install any necessary software or course files
  • Basic e-mail, message board (discussion room) and chat skills, to communicate with the instructor and other students or willingness to follow the Help directions on the course site.
  • Willingness to learn to navigate a WebCT website, to access all course materials

An ability and willingness to follow directions and manage time wisely, to complete assignments on time

 

Course Topics:

  • Introduction to the Communication Process
    Communication Model, communication principles, self-perception, self-concept, self-esteem, perception of others, verbal, vocal, and visible aspects of communication, self-presentation, and environmental aspects affecting communication
  • Interpersonal Communication
    Conversation structure and rules, listening to understand, listening to remember, critical listening, self-disclosure, feedback, assertiveness, types of relationships, stages of relationships, conflict, and interview responsibilities
  • Group Communication:
    Effectiveness in work groups, group development stages, problem-solving, member roles, member responsibilities, leadership, leading meetings, and evaluating group effectiveness
  • Public Speaking
    Topics, goals, contexts, research, outlining, organization, support, transitions, introductions, conclusions, audience analysis and adaptation, delivery, anxiety, principles of informing, nature of persuasion, attitudes, reasoning, evidence, fallacies, motivation, and credibility

Textbook and Supplementary Materials

 


Required Textbook:

  • Verderber, Rudolph F. and Kathleen S. Verderber. Communicate! (10th Ed.). 
    Wadsworth Publishing Co: Boston (2002).
    ISBN number:  0-534-56116-0
  • Note:  Order of Chaper Study should be as follows:

          Chapter 1-6       Chapter 12-18                Chapter 7-11

 

Supplementary Materials:

  • Two (2), standard-size, blank VHS cassette tapes to record and review two (2) speaking assignments.  Standard size must be used.  Your instructor does not have the means to return adapters or tapes.
  • Two (2) or three (3) blank 3 1/2" floppy disks to store back-up copies of your assignments
  • Two (2) blank 3 1/2" floppy disks to submit your speech preparation outlines and speaking notes.

 

Hardware Requirements:
 

  • Pentium 133 processor or better
  • 32 Megabytes of RAM or better (64 Megabytes is recommended)
  • 28.8 modem (56K is faster) and a dependable internet service provider (ISP)
  • CD-ROM drive
  • Color monitor

    The above specifications are minimal, and you will get by with them, but more sophisticated systems are better.
  • Access to avideotape player, television set, for viewing videotape lessons that accompany your textbook
  • Access to a video camcorder, since two speeches will be recorded, reviewed by you, and sent to your instructor
    Note: a camcorder is available (for on-campus use) in the Humanities office at Gallatin and the campus office in Livingston.  Schools, libraries, churches and businesses often have video camcorders you may have access to.  In addition, some rental centers and video stores rent camcorders.

 

Software Requirements:

  • Windows 95 operating system or later version
     
  • Personal e-mail account that will allow you to communicate and to send and receive attachments, in case the WebCT account is temporarily unavailable on a due date.
  • Microsoft Word 97 or later version word-processing software that allows files to be saved in html (as web pages).
    Written assignments will be submitted electronically.
  • Internet Explorer 4.0 (or higher) to surf the www (recommended), or a later version.  For downloads, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ or
  • Netscape Navigator 4.75 (or higher).  For downloads, visit http://netscape.com/
  • Windows Media Player (comes with Windows) to view and listen to audio/video sites and/or course materials
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) to read some documents
    http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer (free) to view documents and certain components of the course
    http://www.microsoft.com/office/000/viewers.htm
  • QuickTime (free) to view WWW and CD-Rom disks
    http://www.apple.com/quicktime/

Instructor Information

 

  
Instructor Name:
   Leonard Assante, Associate Professor of Communication and Department Chair
   My “Faculty Bio” is available on the Department of Communication website:
   http://www2.volstate.edu/academic/comm/bioassante.htm

Instructor Contact Information:

 

Use the Course E-Mail feature
  
   For emergencies only:
   len.assante@volstate.edu
      (office)
      
   Office Address:
   Gallatin:  Ramer 218

Office Phone:
Gallatin:        (615) 452-8600
                  (extension 3727)
       (888) 335-8722 Toll Free
                          

   

    Fax:
    Gallatin:     (615) 230-3228

  

Secretary Phone:
Gallatin:   (615) 230-3201
(888) 335-8722 Toll Free


                    

 

Virtual and Physical Office Hours:
View my class schedule and regular office hours at this address on the Department of Communication web page at:
http://www2.volstate.edu/lassante/schedule.htm

Physical office hours are available by appointment.  E-mail will be used to create online office hours.  Use the e-mail feature within the course website.  The course Chat feature will be used during virtual office hours.

I will check my mail account daily, Monday through Friday, to respond to any requests. 
Virtual office hours may be arranged, using the course "chat" feature.

 

Instructor Response Time:
The instructor will make every attempt to respond to course e-mail within 24 hours during the Monday-Friday workweek, though it may not be possible in all cases.  Students will be notified when the instructor is not available to meet the stated response time.  Check your class e-mail, class Discussions
feature and the class calendar for announcements.

Assessment and Grading

 


Grading Procedure:

Course grades are measurements of student achievement of course objectives.  Students will accumulate points, based on their performance on written assignments, examinations, and oral presentations.  The activities in this course are designed to assist the student to master basic skills, in order to communicate effectively in interpersonal, small group, and public speaking contexts.

Assignments need to adhere strictly to the directions given for each assignment.  All work submitted by the student will be evaluated for a score reflecting the grading scale listed below.  High quality work on written assignments, oral presentations, and the examinations will receive the top scores on the grading scale.

Assignments must be submitted on or before the due date listed.  Assignments that are incomplete, incorrect, or late will receive grades that reflect the level of commitment and competence exhibited.

Late assignments will receive a ten (10) percent point reduction for each calendar day late (except Sunday).

 

Grading Scale:
There are 1000 possible points to be earned in this course.  Accumulated points will be assessed, according to the following grading scale:

         A:   896-1000 points
         B:   796-895   points
         C:   696-795   points
         D:   596-695  points
         F:   595 points or below
         I:    Incomplete will be assigned at the discretion of the Instructor.

A student must have demonstrated the willingness to meet course requirements by participating scheduled meetings and by submitting course assignments on time.  An Incomplete will only be assigned if, in the opinion of the Instructor, course work has been completed to a point allowing the student to reasonably expect to satisfactorily complete remaining course work within a reasonable time period.

Assignments and Participation

 


Assignments and Projects:

Examinations:
Learning Quizzes: chapters 1-18                                                            135 points
Exam 1: textbook chapters 1-6                                                               50 points
Exam 2: textbook chapters 12-18                                                            50 points
Exam 3: textbook chapters 7-11                                                              50 points

Self Introduction, Replies and Communication Activities (submitted as written work):
Self-Introduction posted on the Discussion board                                        20 points
Posted Replies to 3 Classmates Introductions                                             20 points                                               
Exercise 1: textbook/workbook chapters 1-6                                              150 points    
Exercises 2:  Relationships & Group Discussion-Problem Solving                                       175 points
                                                     
Speeches:
Informative Speech & Submitted Outline/Speaking Notes                             175 points
Persuasive Speech & Submitted Outline/Speaking Notes                             175 points
 

                                                                                         TOTAL     1000 points 

LATE PENALTY:
A 10% late penalty applies to each assignment, including exams, for each calendar date (excluding Sunday) the assignment is past due.

Example:
1 calendar date  late:  deduct 1 letter grade
2 calendar dates late: deduct 2 letter grades
3 calendar dates late: deduct 3 letter grades

***Sentence Outlines:A typed, completed draft of your sentence outline, including the bibliography, is due with each video taped speech you submit. (See the Course Calendar for due dates.)   This outline should include the speech objective, a thesis statement, your introduction and overview, main and sub-main points to the body of the speech, and your conclusion.   This should be in outline form and you should use this outline or a modified form to deliver the speech extemporaneously.  (You should not read a script to deliver your speech.  The outline should prompt you)   The outline should also include a bibliography of your sources of information for your speech.

***Speech Notes:  Your speech notes are very brief notes you use while delivering your speech.  Speech notes are not the same as the outline.   You should also submit these with your video taped speech.

 

Punctuality:
This course is divided into three (3) course content areas, encompassing eighteen (18) chapters, with assignments arranged for completion in a timely manner.  Every effort must be made to meet deadlines.  The assignments have regular due dates listed to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed.

The dates listed in the calendar are the LAST dates on which assignments may be submitted for full credit.  As noted in “Grading Procedure” above, a ten (10) percent late penalty applies for each calendar date an assignment is late (except Sunday).

 

Attendance and Make-ups:
You must take all exams during the windows given, and turn in all exercises by the due dates -- or you risk failing the class.  If you cannot complete assignments as required, you must contact the instructor in advance. In the case of an unforeseen emergency, you must contact the instructor and provide verifying documentation within 48 hours after the missed exam, or due date; no excuses will be considered after this point. Make-ups or extensions will be given at the instructor’s discretion and only in the event of legitimate and verifiable situations, such as serious illness, family emergencies, or official court, military, or school activities. 

 

Guidelines for Learning Quizzes and Examinations:
1. Keep up with your reading and video lessons, use the textbook CD-ROM as directed, study the material carefully, take each chapter Learning Quiz, and contact the instructor whenever you have questions about the material, you should do well on the exams. There is an online "Learning Quiz" for each chapter. 

You are expected to take each chapter learning quiz, at least, once BEFORE taking an EXAM.  See the course "Calendar" for deadlines dates for chapter "Learning Quizzes."  A late penalty will be deducted from your score for each day the assigned learning quiz is  late or exam is late.

2. The exams are NOT cumulative; they cover just the material (textbook chapters) listed above under "Course Assignments and Projects."

3. Test questions will be multiple choice and true/false. 

4. You may take each exam in the window, or list of days, given in the Course Calendar on the course website.  No exam will be administered after the last date in the window. (For policies on make-up exams, see "Attendance/Make-Ups" above, in this syllabus.)

 

Course Schedule:

See the Course Calendar for details and the due dates for course assignments, including the chapter "Learning Quizzes," Examinations, written and speaking assignments, and online assignments requiring use of the discussions and chat features.

Course Ground Rules

   

Participation is required.  Use the assigned WebCT course e-mail address, as opposed to a personal e-mail address.

Time Management:  Students are responsible for what they achieve in this course.  A distance learning course is not for everyone.  Students must be “self-starters” and good time managers.  To start, be prepared to spend at least 10 hours per week in this course, until you find your pace.  There is more writing in a distance learning course, but the tradeoff is you have more freedom to decide when you devote your time to coursework and there are only 4  face-to-face class meetings.  Keep on schedule because, procrastination is the worst enemy of any student, especially a distance learning student.

Class Participation:  Students are expected to communicate with other students.  Actively seek suggestions, get reviews of your work, and share ideas.  To encourage participation, this course is designed to encourage regular and active communication between students.  Use e-mail, the course Discussion board, and chat room regularly.  See the Assignments page.  All students are expected to contact their instructor or to post a message on the Discussion Board, at least, once weekly.

Grammar and Spelling:  Avoid poor grammar and spelling errors in your electronic communication, whether, e-mail, Discussion board, or chat room.  Use your systems grammar and spell-checking options, then review for errors, before sending or posting messages.

Course Netiquette:  Be respectful and tolerant of others.  Visit the “Netiquette” website listed below, under “Web Resources.”  I have zero tolerance for failing to use netiquette and simple politeness.

E-Mail:  Each student has a WebCT course e-mail account.  Use this account for all correspondence.

Communication with your Instructor:  I cannot know what help you need unless you ask.  Be specific.  Use your course mail account.  E-mails sent to the instructor under another name or using an e-mail account outside the course will not always be read or answered in a timely fashion. 

Plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.  To present another’s work as one’s own (ideas or words) is considered academic dishonesty.  The minimum penalty is a zero for the assignment.  You may seek advice and opinions from peers concerning assignments, but the final product must be your own.  You may also use your text, tapes, or notes for the Learning Quizzes, but the completion of a Learning Quiz should be your own individual effort.

Guidelines for Communications

 


Email:
Remember, without facial expression, some comments may be taken the wrong way.
Be careful in wording your emails.
Use of emoticons might be helpful in some messages.
Use standard fonts.
Do not send large attachments without permission.
Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
Always include your full name, no alias.
Respect the privacy of other class members.
Avoid poor grammar and spelling errors in your electronic communication.

 

Discussion Groups:
Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker, then a discussant.
Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather than starting a new topic.
Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
Avoid poor grammar and spelling errors in your electronic communication.

 

Chat:
Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
Be constructive in your comments and suggestions.
Avoid poor grammar and spelling errors in your electronic communication.

 

Web Resources:
Textbook Publisher Website
   http://communication.wadsworth.com/

The Department of Communication Website includes news and activities, course information, information about the major, careers, faculty information, activities and organizations, and the research center.
   http://www.volstate.edu/academic/humanities/comm/comm.htm

The Department of Communication “Research Center” web page includes links for magazines, journals, radio and television stations and networks and a government section that includes links for local and county government, state government, federal resources, and international resources.
   http://www.volstate.edu/academic/humanities/comm/research.htm

   Study Guides and Strategies
   http://www.iss.stthomas.edu/studyguides/

   Study Skills Guide
   http://www.csbsju.edu/academicadvising/helplist.html

   Netiquette, Or How to Mind Your Manners When Using E-Mail
   http://www.augsburg.edu/library/aib/mailmanners.html

   Networking, Computer and Web Page Tutorials
   http://www.cit.ac.nz/smac/csware.htm

   Citation Styles Online
   http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.html

   Web Tutorials
   http://www.htmlgoodies.com/

Library

   

The Volunteer State Community College Library Website includes links and services for: an online catalog, basic library information, ATHENA, Help, electronic resources, distance education library services, interlibrary loan, instructional services, citation help, reserves, searching the web, and periodicals.
   http://www2.volstate.edu/library/


The Tennessee Virtual Library has links to library materials such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support are available.
   http://vl.tn.regentsdegrees.org/

Students With Disabilities 

   

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, it is the students' responsibility to contact their institution’s counseling office concerning any special accommodations required for completion of course requirements. The results of this visit should be communicated to your instructor.

Syllabus Changes

   

The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus if necessary, due to time constraints or other unique events.  Any necessary changes to the course syllabus will be sent to the student by e-mail and posted on the Discussion board.

Technical Support

 

  
Telephone Support:
   Volunteer State Community College’s College@Home Hot Line
   (615) 230-3409 or 741-3215 (extension 3409)
   Help Desk:
   (615) 454-8600 (extension 3302) or  (888) 335-8722 (extension 3302) Toll Free

I can help with e-mail, discussion, chat, course navigation, web-searches and word processing.  Your instructor can only answer basic questions.  More than the most basic questions should be directed to the Help Desk.