Please note that text in purple is applicable only when I teach this course as a night or summer class on LLC campus or at Kluthe Center. These sections/policies do not necessarily apply to dual credit students taking this course at NHS. I left the sections in the syllabus for dual credit students to see the college level policies that they might encounter in the future. NHS rules for attendance and makeup work trump the purple sections of this syllabus.
Lake Land
College
SPE 111 Introduction to Speech
Communication
Martin D. Gibson—Fall 2013
Course Description:
Focuses on the fundamental principles and methods of
selection, analyzing, organizing, developing and communicating information, evidence,
and points of view to audiences.
Credit:
3 hours
Course Objectives:
General Objectives: Introduction to basic oral
communication principles and skills.
Includes study and practice in public speaking, discussion, preparation,
organization, and delivery techniques.
Specific Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will (should) have the following
competencies in public communication.
1. The
student will (should) be able to realize that nervousness is normal.
2. The
student will (should) be able to channel their nervousness rather than
eliminate it.
3. The
student will (should) be able to reflect on performance and criticisms given by
others to develop as a speaker and deliver future speeches with less anxiety.
4. The
student will (should) be able to divide the speech into key ideas using an
acceptable organizational pattern.
5. The
student will (should) be able to connect the parts of the speech and the main
points with proper transitional statements.
6. The
student will (should) be able to use the introduction and conclusion to create
a memorable impression for the audience.
7. The
student will (should) be able to utilize a variety of research methods such as
interviewing, journals, books, etc.
8. The
student will (should) be able to use APA documentation.
9. The
student will (should) be able to incorporate research in outlines and delivery.
10. The student
will (should) be able to use a variety of supporting materials to achieve
clarity, vividness and credibility.
11. The student
will (should) be able to analyze every piece of evidence to ensure credibility.
12. The student
will (should) be able to evaluate online research material.
13. The student
will (should) be able to cope effectively with stage fright.
14. The student
will (should) be able to construct an effective delivery using strong voice
qualities, bodily actions and clear language.
15. The student
will (should) be able to understand a variety of methods of delivery.
16. The student
will (should) be able to complement the message by using a presentational aid
to add clarity, retention and impact.
17. The student
will (should) be able to design graphics that have clear layouts, fonts, color
and art.
18. The student
will (should) be able to effectively use the visual aid during speech without
distraction.
19. The student
will (should) be able to motivate audience members to change their values,
beliefs, attitudes and/or behaviors in a persuasive speech.
20. The student
will (should) be able to move listeners sequentially through a series of
steps: attention, need, satisfaction,
visualization, and action.
21. The student
will (should) be able to research a subject of choice, synthesize data, and
pass it on to listeners.
22. The student
will (should) be able to expand listeners’ knowledge, assist their
understanding, and aid them in applying the information shared in an
informative speech of 5-7 minutes in length.
23. The student
will (should) be able to determine whether focus is to influence another
person’s values, beliefs, attitudes or behaviors, then choose a type of
persuasive speech: speech to convince,
inspire, or actuate.
24. The student
will (should) be able to understand the three modes of persuasion: ethos,
logos, and pathos
25. The student
will (should) be able to structure propositions and logical arguments and
detect flaws in reasoning.
26. The student
will (should) be able to deliver a persuasive speech of 5-8 minutes in length.
27. The student
will (should) be able to effectively deliver speeches of 2-4 minutes in length
on special occasions: speech of introduction, speech of presentation, speech of
welcome, acceptance speech, speech of tribute, or speech to entertain.
SPE 111 Outcomes:
Upon completion of SPE 111 (Intro to Speech) for the
A.A. or the A.S. Degree, students should demonstrate the ability to:
1. Deliver oral
presentations citing supporting materials.
2. Select and
research diverse topics to present to audiences, based on audience analysis.
3. Be active
listeners as they evaluate persuasive speeches.
The audience members’ original ideas are intensified, instilled, or
changed.
4. Analyze
demographics and psychographics as they prepare to present speeches to
culturally diverse audiences.
5. Take into
account how the message will affect audience members and society as a whole
when they deliver speeches.
6. Consider ethical
dilemmas when they approach topic selection, especially with persuasive issues.
7. Utilize critical
thinking skills when formulating persuasive and reflective-thinking
presentations.
8. Utilize
technology (i.e. PowerPoint) to create visual aids, conduct research, or to
connect group speeches.
Course Expectations:
As the student, you are expected to read the assigned
material BEFORE class, and be ready to DISCUSS the
material in class. You should come to
class prepared to take notes.
As a Lake Land College student, you are expected to adhere
to the code of conduct (including cheating and plagiarism) outlined in the
student handbook.
Changes To Syllabus:
The instructor has the prerogative to adjust the
day-to-day schedule in the event of class cancellations or other unforeseen
circumstances. If, for any reason,
classes are cancelled, take the same assignment for the next class meeting.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is required throughout the term and is included
in the grading procedure as part of the Participation grade. Each absence will result in a 10 point deduction on your
Participation grade in addition to missing points available in class that night. Arriving to class late and/or leaving early
will also result in point deductions from your Participation grade. No more than two absences are allowed. Three or more absences will result
in automatic failure of the class.
(There is no distinction between excused and unexcused.)
NO MAKE-UP SPEECHES OR MAKE-UP TESTS ARE ALLOWED. Furthermore, you must deliver at least two
of the three speeches. Failure to do so
will result in automatic failure of the course.
Should an emergency arise, please contact the instructor BEFORE
the next class period. It is the
responsibility of the student to obtain lecture notes and assignments for the
following class period.
Assignments will not be accepted late unless you have a
documented emergency causing you to miss class.
This may include, but is not necessarily limited to the following: car wreck, hospitalization, death in the
immediate family, etc. Late work may be
subject to a 25% point deduction.
*The definition of late is if the
assignment (homework, reading, outline, etc.) is not completed and/or not in
your possession upon arrival in class.
Do not have your assignment on an electronic format and expect that to
count. Electronic submissions will not
be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made with instructor. “My printer died,” is not a valid excuse.
Method of Evaluation:
All assignments will be graded on a point basis. Your grade will be determined by the
following:
Participation 100
pts.
6 Quizzes
@ 25 pts. each 150
pts.
3 Tests @
100 pts. each 300
pts.
3
Outlines @ 50 pts. each 150
pts.
3
Speeches @ 100 pts. each 300
pts.
Total 1000 pts.
Grading Procedures:
Final grades are based on the following distribution:
A 90%-100%
B 80%-89%
C 70%-79%
D 63%-69%
F 62% and
below
Certain items and substances may not be brought into the
classroom. (Hence, the student will not
be allowed to perform speeches on any of these items.) These items include, but may not be limited
to, firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons, gasoline, other combustibles,
illegal drugs, alcohol, and/or live animals.
Method of Presentation:
Classes will include lectures, discussion, student
presentations, speeches, videos, and small group activities.
Text:
Mastering Public Speaking by George L. Grice and John
F. Skinner. 8th edition
Additional handouts and readings may be required by
instructor
Instructor:
Martin D. Gibson, M.S.
Other Items of Importance:
Ridicule and/or impolite behavior during a class period
will result in automatic removal from the course.
All electronic devices, such as beepers, pagers,
laptops, and cell phones, are to be turned off upon entering the classroom. Students are not allowed to leave the class
to answer any of these devices and then allowed to re-enter the classroom.
Text messaging (or using similar
distracting phone apps) during class time is not allowed. Deliberate use of electronic
communications devices during class will result in dismissal from class for
that evening and point deduction from Participation grade. A second instance will result in automatic
removal from the course.
Lake Land College is committed to providing equal
educational opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.