[CMST-102-57731] Syllabus

COMMUNICATION STUDIES 102: PUBLIC SPEAKING

(CMST-102-57731)

SANTA ANA COLLGE

FALL 2018

 

 

Instructor: Mari I. Harris

Course Hours: MW 1:40pm     Room: A-206

 Messages: harris_mari@sac.edu

 

Class handouts will not be distributed through emails.

 

  Course Objective:  This is a performance and skills-oriented approach to the essentials of public speaking.

The major topics to be explored are:

1. The speaker’s attitude and purpose
2. Analysis of the audience
3. Analysis of the occasion
4. Topic selection and research
5. Organization of materials and preparation of the speech
6. Delivery of the speech

 

Course Rationale: No matter what your vocation or business in life may be, there will be times when each of you will be called upon to stand and deliver information or perhaps a viewpoint.  At these times, it is important that you are understood by those who are listening and that you represent your position clearly and accurately.

This is not a course about how to write a speech.  This is a course about communicating in a public context.  Consequently, you will be asked to present to your peers a number of speeches.  The point of view of your text and of your teacher is that students need confidence to succeed in public speaking.  This confidence is a direct result of your understanding the information presented in the text and lectures as well as practicing the skills in application assignments.  If you are one of many students who are a little uncomfortable (or worse) about having to speak in front of audience, this course should lessen those fears!!!

 

Course Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will plan, prepare, and deliver speeches for various forms of public oratory.
2. Students will identify and use key organizational patterns for selected methods of delivery.
3. Students will write formal outlines, an audience analysis, and bibliography appropriate for various forms of public oratory.
4. Students will construct logical arguments to support a claim or proposition.

 

Text: Lucas, Stephen E., The Art of Public Speaking 11^th Ed. (2012)
          McGraw-Hill Publishing 

           

Attendance Policy: Students are required to attend class, and attendance will be taken in every class meeting.  Two unexcused absence will be permitted so long as it is not on the student’s assigned speech dates or examination dates.  After the second absence, you may be dropped from the class.  However, do not quit coming to class simply assuming that you will be dropped.  Should you choose to drop, it is your responsibility to complete the procedure with the Admissions and Records Office before the deadline.  Failing to complete the procedure may result in receiving an F.  In addition,   it is the students’ responsibility to obtain the missed information due to absences.  The instructor will not loan her lecture notes.  PowerPoint slides, if used, will not be available outside of class.

 

Speeches: There will be four graded speeches required.  Detailed information on each speech will be discussed fully in class.

 

Criteria for Speech Evaluation:  Although each speech will be evaluated based upon different criteria, it will be helpful for you to be familiar with the following general set of criteria:

1. Organization  
2. Content 
3. Delivery  
4. Evidence and supporting materials 
5. Depth 
6. Degree of preparation
7. Overall effectiveness
8. Creativity
9. Audience analysis and adaptation
10. Transition within the speech

 

Supportive Atmosphere: In order for your speaking experiences to be enjoyable and worthwhile, it is expected that you will be supportive of one another and will accord each other proper courtesy.  Talking during speeches will not be permitted unless the speaker asks your participation.  Also, remember that “tuning out” while listening to a speech will greatly discourage the speaker; Be attentive.

 

Examinations:  Two examinations (midterm and final) will be given.  The examinations will be any combination of objective questions.  Both examinations will cover readings and concepts from the text and discussions in class.  A study guide will be provided before each examination.  Make-up examination will not be given unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor or in the event of a verifiable emergency or illness.  Regardless of the reason, make-up examinations, if given at all, will be considerably harder. 

 

Plagiarism:  The College’s policy on plagiarism will be strictly enforced.  Plagiarism is literary thievery.  It is taking the words or ideas of another and representing them as your own.  Plagiarism will result in an “F” in this course.

 

Students with disabilities: A student with a disability, who would like to request an academic accommodation, is responsible for identifying her/himself to the instructor and to the Disabled Student Program and Services (DSPS).  To make arrangements for academic  accommodations, contact the DSPS office (VL-204) or call (714) 564-6295. (Fax: 714-285-9619)

 

Important policy: No electronic devices are allowed during class sessions including cell phones, laptops, and tablets.  They must be turned off and put away, out of your reach. 

 

Grade Distribution:

Midterm         50                                      216-240 A
Final               50                                      192-215 B
Speech#1      10                                       168-191 C
Speech#2      30                                       144-167 D
Speech#3      40                                          0 -143 F
Speech#4      60
______________

Total             240

 

 

 

             SPEECH RULES

 

Tardiness:  As responsible speakers and listeners, students are required to be in class on time.  However, if a student should arrive late, under no circumstances will the student be permitted to enter the classroom while another student is giving a speech.  All students must strictly adhere to this rule.  There will be no exceptions.

 

Speech dates and make-ups: Each graded speech will be assigned in advance so that a student knows the date of his/her speech.  You must contact me in person if an emergency prevents you from giving a speech on an assigned date.  A grade of  “0” will be assigned to you if you miss your scheduled day without a physician’s verified medical excuse.  Make-up speeches, if given at all, will be given at the instructor’s convenience.

 

Outlines:  Written outlines are required for each speech.  The form of the outlines will be discussed fully in class.  All outlines must be typed and handed in to the instructor prior to the speeches.  You will not be permitted to speak without satisfying this requirement.

 

Criteria:  Please note that each speech has different evaluation criteria.  It is important that you pay close attention to your criteria sheet before preparing for each speech.

 

Time requirement: It is not easy to deliver a speech within a certain period of time.  However, it is a part of your job to carefully time your speech while rehearsing.  The instructor may have to cut you off and ask you to return to your seat should you go over the time limit.  The time requirement for each speech will be announced in advance.

 

YOU MUST HAVE YOUR CELL PHONE TURNED OFF  DURING CLASS SESSIONS !!!