Communication 1 – Public Speaking – Spring 2017
(59043) MW 8-9:15 SOC39     Final: 5/17 8-9:50

INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Graber-Peters			Office hours: in Comm Lab by appointment
Phone: 559-859-6455 (text preferred)			Last Day to Drop w/Refund: 
Email address: rcspeechone@yahoo.com			Last day to drop w/o a W: 
	jenny.graber-peters@reedleycollege.edu		Final drop date: 

O’Hair, D., Rubenstein, H. & Stewart, R.  (2012). A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking. 4th Edition.  

ISBN: 978-1-4576-0184-2 

Required Materials:
1)TEXT

2) 882-E Scantrons (5)

Recommended Materials: MLA/APA Style Guide

COURSE ADVISORY:
It is recommended that you are eligible to take English 1A (already completed English 125) at the time you take this course. This course involves research and organization skills which may be a challenge for you if you are not eligible for this English level.

COURSE DESCRIPTION, OUTCOMES, AND OBJECTIVES:
Fundamentals of public speaking utilizing theories and techniques of communication enhance public speaking skills. Particular emphasis will be on the organization and criticism of public discourse. This will be achieved through research, reasoning, presentations, and the evaluation of various types of speeches which include informative and persuasive speeches 

Student Learning Outcomes: 
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:  
 ~Construct and deliver dynamic and competent presentations that are adapted to the purpose and audience. 
 ~Utilize organizational patterns and research materials that incorporate sufficient, credible, relevant evidence. 
 ~Explain the principals of human communication by critically evaluating public speeches through constructive   
   critique and self-analysis.

Objectives: 
In the process of completing this course, students will:  
~Gain communicative competence and confidence as a result of the preparation, presentation, and analysis of  
   oral messages. 
~Gain an understanding of the communicative process. 
~Develop skill in informative, persuasive and ceremonial speaking. 
~Recognize the need for clear and concise organization of ideas. 
~Use supporting materials effectively. 
~Analyze and adapt messages to address audience attitudes, needs and demographics. 
~Recognize the role of culture in the production and management of spoken interaction. 
~Develop skill in extemporaneous speaking (present a minimum of 3 graded speeches in front of an audience). 
~Enhance vocal skills (projection, diction, inflection and volume). 
~Improve listening skills. 
~Critique and analyze their own and other speeches. 
~Utilize practical assignments and exercises that will reinforce the theoretical concepts studied in class. 
~Present a variety of speeches and be expected to present for approximately 25 minutes each during the course of the semester. 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance: is required. Attendance is crucial in a communication course. Not only does attendance count toward your participation grade, but it shows respect for the speaker and regular attendance has been shown to increase overall course grades. Roll will be taken at the start of each class. Excused absences are allowed for verified school events or documented illness only. Verification must be submitted within one class period of the absence. Absences for any other reason may be discussed prior to class. Absences for doctor’s appointments, work schedules, vacations, car trouble, etc. will not be excused. Please plan in advance for these events. It is your responsibility to notify me by phone or email if you will be absent and to make arrangements to get notes and/or turn in the days assignments. A grade of “0” will be assigned if you miss a speech or exam without an acceptable excuse. 

Each unexcused absences will result in a reduction of 5 participation points. More than five days of unexcused absences may result in you being dropped from the course. DO NOT BE LATE. Excessive tardiness will result in a reduction of 5 participation points for every two tardies. 

Doors will be locked on speech days. If you are late on a speech day, please wait outside until the speaker has finished. Failure to do so will result in a reduction of points from your speech that day. If you lose all participation points, you will also forfeit your right to complete extra credit.

Participation: In addition to attending class, you are expected to actively participate in all classroom activities and group discussions. Class participation is essential in a course of this nature where we work in groups, pairs, etc. You are expected to listen to both the instructor and your fellow classmates. You will also be asked to give peer evaluations on speech days; both oral and written. Therefore, plan on arriving to class on time and remaining until class is dismissed. If you arrive late or leave early, you will have participation points deducted for the day. If you arrive late or leave early on a day an assignment is due, you will receive a 0 for that assignment. 

Disruptive and rude behavior will not be tolerated. Please turn off all phones for the class period. Anyone seen texting in class will be asked to leave for the day. This also applies to homework, laptops, and any other devices or materials you may have with you. When you are in the classroom, you are here to learn. When someone is speaking, your desk must be cleared of all other materials.

Computer Access: Since you will be spending considerable time researching and collecting sound evidence, you must have access to a computer (either in the RC library or at home). You should also have a basic knowledge of Word and Power Point.

Canvas: This semester we will be migrating from Blackboard to Canvas. You will be able to find the course syllabus, course documents, student examples of assignments, a place to ask questions and more.
It would be wise to become familiar with Canvas early on in this class. It is your responsibility to check Canvas for instructor absences, announcements, schedule changes, grades, etc. 
To log in, go to http://www.reedleycollege.edu and click on the "instructions for using Canvas link"  
or go to  https://scccd.instructure.com and log in using the same credentials you use for Blackboard:
          Username: Your 7-digit student ID number.
          Password: If you have not previously changed your password, it is:
              First name initial (upper case) + last name initial (lowercase) + date of birth (mmddyy)
              Example: John Smith born on July 9th of 1988     Password =Js070988
          If you do not know your password and need assistance: (559) 499-6070
Communication Lab: Check out our Comm Lab in Soc 37 (next door) for help with all of your assignments.  Lab hours will be posted on the door. Be sure to take all your course materials with you and sign in when you arrive. You may also want to check out the Tutorial Center in the library and/or the Writing Center in Hum 59.  

COURSE POLICIES:

Cheating and Plagiarism: Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class. Any act of cheating or plagiarism, whether large or small, will be treated the same. Students who are caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive an “F” on the assignment in question, will be reported to the proper authorities, and will be required to drop the class. 
Changes to the Syllabus: The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus throughout the course of the semester. Any changes made to the course syllabus will be done in the best interest of the students. Changes may be announced verbally or online. It is your responsibility to make sure you are informed about any changes that occur. 
Students with Disabilities: If you have a verified need for an academic accommodation or materials in alternate media (Braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact me as soon as possible. 

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:

Introduction Speech-Me In A Bag: You will introduce yourself to the class in a fun way. There are NO Make-Ups. Further details will be given in class.	

Readings: You will be responsible for all of the readings assigned from the text. Weekly reading assignments are posted on the class calendar and should be read before class.

Quizzes: There are no exams! You will take true/false, multiple choice, short answer quizzes. You will need 6 scantron 882 forms for the quizzes. Each quiz will cover information from the readings and lectures and will focus on two or three previous lessons. Quizzes will be given at the beginning of class. YOU MUST BE IN CLASS ON TIME IN ORDER TO TAKE THE QUIZ.  No make-ups will be granted for any reason.
	
Speeches: As with anything, “Practice may help you make perfect!” Therefore you will have several opportunities to master your skills at public speaking (both graded and non-graded). We will start small and build in length, quality, etc. as the semester progresses. There will be 4 minor and 4 major speeches. The minor speeches will include a toast, accepting an award, a eulogy, and a persuasive impromptu. Minor speeches will be 1 minute in length. Minor speeches may be graded by your peers. The major speeches will consist of a “Celebration of Culture,” Storytelling, an informative “How To,” and a persuasive speech. Major speeches will be 2-8 minutes long. A grade of “0” will be assigned if you miss a scheduled speech day. If you miss a major speech and believe your absence warrants being excused, you must email me with the details within one class period of the absence. I will make a determination and respond by email. *If you miss or fail any Major speech, you cannot pass the class. Make-ups for excused speeches will be on the Make-Up day and are contingent upon available time.

Abstracts/Outlines: You are required to turn in an abstract and outline for each major speech. Briefly, an abstract is a summary of your research materials. Further details will be given in class. Do not come to class with your disk/flash drive saying you were unable to print the file. Plan ahead and be responsible for your work. All work turned in face to face, must be typed.

Reflection papers: After each Major Speech you will spend some time reflecting on both the content and delivery of your performance. Then you will type a 1-2 page self-evaluation discussing what you did well, what you could improve upon, and how you can make improvements. Further details will be given in class.
	
FINAL IMPROMPTU:  Your final exam will be an impromptu speech. It will be cumulative in the sense that you will utilize all of the skills you have learned during the semester. Further details will be given in class.

Extra Credit: There are several extra credit assignments listed in groups (by due date) on the syllabus. You may complete one from each group. This is your opportunity to make up any missed work. Further details will be discussed in class. Remember, extra credit means “extra effort, extra work, and extra care.” Late assignments will not be accepted for any reason. Additionally, if you have more than a week of unexcused absences, you will not be eligible for extra credit.

Final note from the Instructor
As your instructor, I am always happy to meet with you.  Please feel free to meet with me if you are confused about any of the information covered in class or in the textbook. If you have questions regarding an upcoming assignment or presentation, I recommend you contact me before the last minute.  I am here to help you in any way I can and my goal is for you to have a rewarding experience in Communication 1.  Nonetheless, remember it is your responsibility as the student to:
1.	Ask questions when confused and seek help
2.	Come see me before it is too late
3.	Be responsible for your grades
4.	Read and understand this syllabus

GRADE TRACKING SHEET

I have provided you with this sheet so you can keep track of your grades as the semester progresses. By recording your grades on this sheet, you will always know what grade you are currently achieving. To figure out your grade, add up the total points possible at any given time and then multiply that number by 90%, 80%, 70%, and so on. Then add up your actual points and see where you fall on the grading scale. For example, if by mid semester there are 50 points possible, 90% (A) would be 45-50; 80% (B) would be 40-44;etc. If you had 42 points, you would be in the “B” range.

Assignments/points		Your Grade			Assignments/points		Your Grade

Me In A Bag	 (20)		__________			Ab/Outline 1 (25) 		__________

Minor speech 1 (5)		__________			Major speech 1 (40)		__________

Minor speech 2 (5)		__________			Reflection 1 (20)		__________

Minor speech 3 (5)		__________			Ab/Outline 2 (25) 		__________

Minor speech 4 (5)		__________			Major speech 2 (50)		__________

Quiz 1 (50)			__________			Reflection 2 (20)		__________

Quiz 2 (50)			__________			Ab/Outline 3 (25) 		__________

Quiz 3 (50)			__________			Major speech 3 (100)		__________

Quiz 4 (50)			__________			Reflection 3 (20)		__________

Quiz 5 (50)			__________			Ab/Outline 4 (25) 		__________

Quiz 6 (50)			__________			Major speech 4 (150)		__________

Part/Peer Eval	 (50)		__________			Reflection 4 (20)		__________

Final Impromptu (90)		__________			EC1 (20)			__________		

EC2 (20)			__________ 

EC3 (20)			__________

Total possible (1000)		__________			A = 900+
								B = 800-899
								C = 700-799
								D = 600-699
								F = 599-