Course Reference

SPCH 1311.060.58484

Spring 2023

02/13/23  – 05/14/23 (16 Week Session)

Meeting Location, Day & Time

Learning Context: Distance Learning Virtual Platform Synchronous

Days: Monday/Wednesday

SPCH 1311.060.58484 1:30 PM - 3:10 PM  

Location

• Distance Learning Virtual Platform Synchronous
• Location is online via Zoom. 
• Link and password for class/office hours times were provided on Blackboard.

• Email correspondence to your ACC Gmail account
• Located under the Black Board “Announcements” tab 
• Hotlink on the left hand sidebar on BlackBoard “Zoom Link for Class”

Instructor

Professor “LMC” Lisa Marie Coppoletta aka The Shark Lady

Location

• Distance Learning Virtual Platform Synchronous
• Location is online via Zoom. 
• Link and password for class/office hours times were provided on Blackboard.

• Email correspondence to your ACC Gmail account
• Located under the Black Board “Announcements” tab 
• Hotlink on the left hand sidebar on BlackBoard “Zoom Link for Class”

Instructor

Professor “LMC” Lisa Marie Coppoletta aka The Shark Lady

Instructor Contact Information

Email: "LMC" Lisa Marie Coppoletta

Office Location & Hours

• Distance Learning Virtual Platform Synchronous
• M/W 8:00 to 8:30 by appointment (1 hour per week)
• M/W 3:15 to 4:15 (2 hours per week)
• T/TH 11:15 to 11:45 (1 hour per week)
• T/TH 1:45 to 2:45 (2 hours per week)
• And by appointment
• Be sure to note times for “extended office hours” {late in evenings, mornings} per class discussions of best times for students.
• Location is online via Zoom.  Link and password for office hours are provided on Blackboard on the left hand sidebar. “Office Hours Times & Zoom Links”
  • via email correspondence to your ACC Gmail account 
  • Black Board “Announcements” tab 
  • Hotlink to both office hours times on the left hand sidebar on BlackBoard.

• Please do not send questions about personal matters in chat during class zoom sessions. Send those prior to class via email at least two hours before class.
• Please do not expect immediate reply to emails sent during class regarding personal issues.
• General questions are encouraged during class time. 
• If you have fallen behind on class or have specific questions about an individual assignment these questions are reserved for office hours only. 
• For any make up of written or performance assignments be sure to schedule an office hour appointment or attend office hours or extended office hours.
• The default is always office hours for questions about individual work for assignments.

Learning-Lab 

To access the free tutoring services, students may visit the Tutoring Schedule website to find tutor campus-affiliations, schedules, and hours.  They may then go to the tutoring link at Upswing, where they may request for RVS a session time and a tutor by name for both in-person and online tutoring; NRG sessions are on a drop-in, no-appointment-basis only.

Once a tutor answers a ticketing request, students will receive a confirmation message that indicates their appointment time and an Upswing link for accessing the live session, including a whiteboard, chat box, audio, video, and shared documents.

Technology Requirements for Distance Learning Synchronous Course

Computer - You will find it virtually impossible to complete the coursework without a computer. A cellular device as your exclusive word processor and form of communicating will be highly problematic to complete in class activities and assignment requirements for this course. 

Webcam and microphone - Prior to class be sure to run a technology check. Your camera and microphone must be operational during class to be counted  present. 

Reliable internet access - It is imperative to have reliable internet access in order to successfully complete this course. 

Students will have to log into the following each class session: 

• ACC EMail
• Blackboard 
• Google Docs 
• Google Drive 
• Zoom 

Distance Learning Zoom Expectations

• Your name as it appears the roll sheet should be visible in the zoom interface. Be sure to identify your first and last name.
• If you go by a nickname, please add “ quote marks.” My nickname is “LMC.” So, on Zoom I have “LMC” Lisa Marie Coppoletta. 
• In other words, place the name you would to be called by first in quotes, and then your legal name as you are enrolled in the course as it appears on my course roster. 
• All cameras are required to be on during the duration of each class period.
• Be sure to arrive on time or 10 minutes prior to class. 
• Please do not arrive late to the zoom session. For every two ten minute arrivals late to class start time equates with one absence. 
• RATIONALE: Often house cleaning items regarding deadlines and agenda for the day are covered during the first ten minutes of class. Students who arrive late will miss vital information to ensure their success in the course.

COURSE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

DISTANCE EDUCATION

Instructional Methodology for Distance Learning 

Virtual Platform Synchronous

To be a successful online student. Encourage students new to distance education to review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

• Online learning is different from traditional face-to-face learning because it requires rigid time management routines set forth by the student. 

• Your time management choices of attending scheduled zoom sessions, reading emails, reviewing the online learning content is essential to successfully completing this course. 

• Study skills requirements are to be actively involved in reviewing the material in a timely fashion and being proactive attending office hours when clarification for assignments is required. 

This course is an online virtual classroom that meets at times articulated on your course schedule. In order to be successful in this class, be sure to follow these instructions: 

• Attend class 
• Read the textbook chapters 
• Listen to the podcasts and watch the videos 
• Utilize the resources provided on BlackBoard and Google Drive

HOW ASSIGNMENTS ARE DISTRIBUTED

• Instructions for all required coursework are contained on the BlackBoard content management system, Google Drive, Youtube Videos, Podcasts.
• Assignments will be sent directly to your email and also found on Blackboard and Google Drive.
• Is vital you check your ACC email frequently at least three times per week. 
• Emails are also archived under the “Announcements” tab on BlackBoard. 

COMMUNICATING WITH THE INSTRUCTOR

● All emails of assignments to your instructor should include in the subject line: Course Day/Time and Topic. For example” T/TH 10:30 Running Late”

PREPARING FOR ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMS

(1) Videos and podcasts serve as ancillary lecture material to the course content 

(2) Videos and podcasts serve as ancillary lecture material to the course assessments

• Failure to review videos or podcasts equates missing lectures over course content and missing lectures over assignments, i.e.,the prompts/rubrics. 
• In the online learning environment, when students are overwhelmed and confused about the content of this course, it is a direct result of failing to review the instructional resources provided. 
• This class is a synchronous class. That means assignments prompts/rubrics will be posted when the instructor deems necessary. In other words, the pace of the course is student-driven and instructor-driven. Not a self-paced course. 
• Unlike self-paced, asynchronous courses, this course will follow the instructor's pace not to overwhelm students. 
• To that effect, the course schedule may be modified upon instructor discretion. If there is a modification to the schedule, it is in the instance in which a deadline is extended. I will never move a deadline up in the course schedule. Moreover, these changes are made by class consensus. Moreover, these changes will be sent out via e-mail correspondence and posted on Blackboard under the Announcements section. 

SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMS

● Create a file folder in Google Drive and be sure that you provide access to your instructor.

Failure to provide your Professor access to the file folder will result in you going to the bottom of the grading cue.

● If you need assistance to confirm that I have access to your file folder please meet with me during office hours or schedule an office hour appointment and we can go through a technology check. 

• Students will use Google Docs file folder (Google Drive) and upload all assignments required in this course. 
• To submit assignments directly to the instructor’s email lcoppole@austincc.edu
  • (a) link to the specific typed documents, visual aids, and videos
  • (b) link to Google Drive 
• On performance days, all work prior to a performance should be emailed one hour before presentations. Please do not say “I emailed that to you last week.” Please follow the protocol by logging in an hour before class or that morning and email the most recent version of the document. This eliminates any confusion about the draft that you are emailing if corrections have been made to your assignment. Moreover, it ensures that your work is at the top of the instructor’s inbox. 

VIRTUAL CLASS CONDUCT 

• Students must show their faces on camera name as it appears on the roll sheet to be counted present in the course for class attendance. 
• Students must be looking into the camera and not engaged in distractions on cell phones, watching television, playing on social media. 
• No forehead shots. You will be asked verbally and in the chat in front of the class to show the appropriate camera angle. 
• If you are only showing a portion of your face on camera, you will be asked to show an appropriate video shot. Suppose a student refuses to follow these instructions. In that case, the student will be ejected from the zoom session and counted absent from the class session.
• Students are prohibited from utilizing “GroupMe” chats during class. This is not an approved ACC platform for electronic communication. Moreover, not all students and the instructor have access to this communication. I have also found that students become distracted, missing key lecture elements and student engagement when using GroupMe. Finally, this is akin to passing notes in class. 
• Please refrain from distracting behavior during your virtual class session. Please do not use your cell phone, smoke or vape cigarettes.
• This class is run like a face-to-face classroom. To that effect, if your work schedule conflicts with this course, then drop the class. 
• Snacks are allowable. I look forward to hearing your recipes.
• I do not find it rude to eat on camera because some people focus more effectively on food during heavy work sessions. I also look forward to hearing about your favorite coffee blend, tea preferences, and smoothies. I love good food and drinks. 
• Pets are encouraged if they do not become a cumbersome distraction to the virtual learning environment. 
• You are responsible for making sure distractions are minimized by silencing your phones, shutting your doors if possible, and not playing music in the background. 
• Suppose your behavior is a distraction to the class or instructor. In that case, the instructor reserves the right to eject you from the virtual class session for the day resulting in an absence from class. 
• Students should arrive on time for each digital learning environment session. Students should stay for the entire duration of the session. If you will be absent or arrive late or leave early, please alert the instructor via email prior to this occurrence.

ATTENDANCE/CLASS PARTICIPATION POLICY

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies are unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. 

The Communication Studies Department at Austin Community College maintains that your attendance is crucial to your success in this course. 

You must be present in order to master the skills you need to achieve the course objectives. 

The individual instructor shall inform the students of specific attendance requirements at the first class meeting. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from the course by the official withdrawal date if personal circumstances prevent attendance. 

The ACC course policies may be reviewed at: http://www.austincc.edu/syllabus/policies.php 

Attendance/Class Participation (Instructor Policy): 

Please do not attempt this course if you are entering for the first time on the third session, you will be dropped from the course. An absence is defined as not being present for one class period. 

Regular attendance is required. Attendance is taken at the beginning of class. If the student arrives late; it is her/his responsibility to inform the instructor after class so that the role sheet is corrected. 

Each student is permitted (2) two personal business days to take leave from class due to a family emergency, personal illness, etc. This policy does not assume a hard and fast distinction between an “excused” and “unexcused” absence. It is advised that you use discretion when determining when to take a personal business day because unforeseen circumstances may arise unexpectedly. 

Students may not take personal business days when a graded presentation assignment, examination, speech, group activity, interpersonal activity, mock interview, etc. is scheduled. 

Penalties will be waived for an absence or absences that are of the following nature: (a) required military service, (b) you are hospitalized, (c) you are observing a religious holiday, d) you are attending a funeral service for a member of your immediate family, or (e) you have been selected for jury duty. Written documentation is required. 

The instructor reserves the right to lower any grade for excessive absences, with excessive being defined as more than three. 

•  0 absences= A bonus of three (3) percentage points added to your final course average. (Example: Your final course average turns out to be 87%, but since you’ve had perfect attendance, your bonus takes the average up to 90% and you receive an A for the course.) 
• 1-3 absences= No impact on your final course average. 
• 4 absences=A penalty of three (3) percentage points assessed to your final course average. (Example: Your final course average is 82%, but since you missed three classes during the course of the semester the penalty takes your final average down to 79% and you receive a C for the course.) 
• 5 absences=A penalty of six (6) percentage points assessed to your final course average. 
• 6 absences= A penalty of twelve (9) percentage points assessed to your final course average. 
• 7 absences= A penalty of twelve (12) percentage points assessed to your final course average. 
• 8 absences= A penalty of twenty-four (24) percentage points assessed to your final course average. 
• 9 absences= Not being able to complete the course with a passing grade. 

It is the student’s responsibility to make an appointment with the instructor to inquire about missed material when he or she is absent from class. 

Students must arrive at class on time and remain for the duration of the scheduled period. Two (2) tardy arrivals/leaving early will be equivalent to 1 (one) ABSENCE. Tardy is defined as arriving more than ten (10) minutes late, or leaving early before a scheduled class period has been officially dismissed. Each instance of tardy is recorded as 1/2 of an absence. 

Consider that for years there was no cell or email when students earned their degrees. Students visited with the instructor during office hours and obtained notes from a class colleague. It is unprofessional to email an instructor “what did we miss.” 

Be sure to 

• Review the course syllabus for reading material and upcoming assessments. 
• Read recent e-mail correspondence sent out to class each week. 
• Communicate with a class colleague /study team. 
• Send an email regarding absence to inquire about missed course material in light of your understanding of where we are in the course. 
• Speak with the instructor during office hours. 

It is best for students to advise the instructor prior to an absence, this proactive stance will allow you to be prepared when returning to class. 

Since this course is synchronous all activities require mandatory participation and daily attendance. 

REGARDING Situations where classes are canceled because of weather, pandemic, or other emergencies: The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

LATE WORK/MISSED EXAMS

A conscientious attempt to contact your instructor means that you do everything that you possibly can to alert me to your situation. It is imperative to demonstrate that you are working judiciously to email your instructor as to advise of your emergency. The time that passes between a missed event and communication from a student about that missed event is the main criteria utilized to measure “a conscientious attempt to contact your instructor.” I will work with you to reschedule the late work/missed exam in terms of the extenuating circumstances. Speech deadlines dates for rough draft of written requirements and presentation are covered in the syllabus and ample time is provided to prepare the assignment. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete the assignment. Assignments make ups are allowable on the condition that the student meets with the instructor during office hours and emailed prior to the emergency if possible. 

ACC’S GENERAL WITHDRAWAL POLICY

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. You do, however, reserve the right to drop a student should you feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records. 

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.” Access the ACC Withdrawals webpage for more information. 

INSTRUCTOR GENERAL WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Withdrawal by student: It is your responsibility to complete a withdrawal form and submit it to the campus admissions office on or before the deadline if you intend to withdraw from the class. Prior to withdrawing from class please notify your instructor by email communication. If your name appears on the final grade roster and you have not officially withdrawn from the course you will be issued a letter grade based upon your overall course performance. A grade of “W” (Withdraw) will not (and cannot with on-line grading) be retroactively initiated on the final grade roster. 

Instructor Policy Regarding Withdrawal: Your instructor reserves the right to withdraw you from this class if you accumulate excessive absences (see attendance policy) and/or miss assignments, engage in academic dishonesty, create a hostile or disruptive environment in the classroom, impede with the ability for other students to do their best work on the group assignment, or in his judgment, the instructor believes it unlikely that you will complete the course with a passing grade. Your instructor will notify you by email communication if she initiates this action. Students who miss the first two days of class are dropped from the course.

INCOMPLETE POLICY STATEMENT 

An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester. It is highly unlikely that your instructor will award an incomplete. All students who have attendance issues are strongly urged to drop the course or withdrawn by the instructor from the course before an incomplete becomes a consideration. 

TESTING CENTER INFORMATION 

All testing is currently video response or written essay or in teams. Tests in this course are uploaded to your google documents drive. All exams are assigned prior to a two week deadline and you may show your exam to the instructor in office hours to pre grade the exam. Budget your time accordingly to make use of this policy.

As a side note, not relevant to this class, Access the ACC Instructional Testing webpage for additional information on using the Testing Center. 

COURSE EVALUATIONS 

All course evaluations will be completed online. Students may access the course evaluation when released by the college in the “Tools” section of their Bb course. Please provide feedback on positive experiences in the classroom and any constructive feedback that would improve the experience for future students. 

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

EQUITY STATEMENT

Your voice is essential in this class. Your personal story, selection of sources, and ability to organize your speeches are critical lifelong skills. Communication of a message will be important in your future professional endeavors and the larger cultural context. Each student and group will meet with me prior to each assignment on a one-to-one basis to ensure that you are successful. I encourage each student to focus on their passions. Select a topic that makes you angry, makes you sad, inspires you. Be the voice in the classroom to change perspectives or reinforce perspectives. Change someone’s life with your advocacy. Your voice matters. Speak your heart and use your research and language devices to inform and persuade your audience with your mind.

COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION STATEMENT

● The successful completion of this course requires oral demonstrations of communication skills including classroom presentations. 

● Class discussions and activities are designed to help make you feel more comfortable and confident with oral skills demonstrations; but if you are feeling extremely anxious or fearful of speaking with or in front of others, please visit with your instructor early in the semester. 

● If you feel you might benefit from speaking with a clinical professional, you are encouraged to visit ACC’s office of Mental Health Counseling.

ACC COLLEGE POLICIES & INFORMATION

You can find ACC College policies at the following website: https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies or in our Blackboard course in the section labeled ‘College Policies and Student Services.’

THESE INCLUDE

• HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
• STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
• STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• SENATE BILL 212 AND TITLE IX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 
• STUDENT COMPLAINTS
• STATEMENT ON PRIVACY
• RECORDING POLICY
• SAFETY STATEMENT
• CAMPUS CARRY
• DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED 
• USE OF ACC EMAIL
• USE OF THE TESTING CENTER (OUR CLASS WILL NEVER USE THE TESTING CENTER)
• STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

INSTRUCTOR’S SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY POLICY STATEMENT

In addition to college policy, proper citations must be used for any assignment in this course. 

All source citation information should be “in line” before the quotation. This means that “well it's at the bottom of the page in the works cited” is incorrect for public speaking purposes. In public speaking the audience does not have a document in front of them to flip to the bottom of a Works Cited page. 

Be sure to attribute your sources for any data, stories, explanatory information referenced in assignments. 

Anything “not from your brain” should be attributed to the author of the material. 

I am highly skilled as a public policy researcher and former national debate competition and coach at detecting plagiarism. 

Do not plagiarize material in this class. The source citation policy that is mandatory is the following, and here is the procedure: 

(1) The author’s name, (2) The author’s qualifications (3) publication (4) nature of the publication (5) date of the publication

Copying and pasting information without attribution of where you obtained that information is plagiarism. 

Please see the prompt for more information. Penalties will be applied ranging from a zero on the assignment to being expelled from class. 

INSTRUCTOR STATEMENT ON STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• No disrespectful, insulting, demeaning or threatening language will be tolerated in class or online. 
• Students will be dropped from the class for use of such language or actions. 

INSTRUCTOR RECORDING POLICY

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Zoom sessions are not recorded in this class. Recording of lectures and other class activities are not allowable in this course.  The reason why zoom sessions are not recorded is to protect YOUR privacy. Some students will provide highly personal details as they relate to our course content and I want to protect these authentic conversations from the public domain.

INSTRUCTOR POLICY ON EXAMS

All exams are conducted as a “take home” exam or “in class oral exam.” Specific details will be provided in class and sent out via BlackBoard. You will be provided options to submit your individual take home exam via a video, a podcast, an essay or interperonsally with your instructor during office hours.

PLEASE, email me a note indicating that you have fully reviewed the course syllabus. Please attend office hours or schedule a meeting if any clarification is needed on the course policies. lcoppole@austincc.edu

When sending the email be sure to identify the five elements of citing a source in a speech. 

****Contractual Agreement****

Student acceptance of the conditions and policies outlined in this 

document is implied by their continued enrollment in this course.

COURSE TEXTBOOK

• Textbook Title: Communication: Principles for Lifetime 

• Edition: 8TH

• Author: Beebe

• Year: 2022

• Publisher: Pearson

• ISBN#:  9780136967927

Lecture Slides 

• Communication Model http://prezi.com/9nci4vegfw60/communication-model/
• Self Concept http://prezi.com/h3ia0tjn-oqq/self-concept/ 
• Listening http://prezi.com/faadrstzvexk/listening/
• Verbal Messages http://prezi.com/txql_ohgi_gh/verbal-messages/
• Nonverbal Messages http://prezi.com/xani992fjjc2/nonverbal-messages/
• Intercultural Communication http://prezi.com/bhqome9asytu/intercultural-communication/
• Group Roles http://prezi.com/uhihqyfka39b/group-roles/

Extra Credit – Max Ten Points Per Assessment, Rollover Accounts May Be Created 

• 1. Outline your book chapters. This means that you take notes in a way that resonates with your learning style. You may use the computer or preferably hand write the notes. 1 point for each chapter. 
• 2. Video critiques. Watch the video and give a robust one page response for max of 2 points 

Video Extra Credit 

• Keep Her in the Game 
• 2 People Described The Same Person To A Forensic Artist And This Is What Happened 
• A Photographer Persuades Strangers To Do Something Really Odd, And They Totally Love It 
• Pamela Meyer: How to spot a liar 
• The Art of Deciphering Facial Expressions 
• Dogs Decoded: Nova (2010) 
• CBS News, February 11, 2009 The "Millennials" Are Coming 
• Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are 
• Scene "Gossip Sermon" from a movie "Doubt" 

Grading Policy Assignments & Conferences 

• If a student has any questions regarding the expectations of an assignment, please seek clarification during office hours. 
• The best way that you can avoid concerns regarding a grade given on an assignment is to provide all work for pre-grading during office hours. You will be given an opportunity to update any assignment provided you meet for office hours for needed correction to your assignment as aligned with the rubric provided on blackboard, also sent to your email. 
• Before any office hours conferences, please review the assignment and grading criteria. 
• Don’t wait too long however. Grades are only open for discussion for a period 5 days after they have been handed back to the class.
• Please track grades  throughout the semester.

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced at the beginning of class and/or posted as a Blackboard Announcement. Any changes will only benefit your scheduling. 

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

COURSE GRADING SCALE 

This class will have a variety of assignments and will be graded along the following scale:

90 – 100%       = A

80 – 89%         = B

70 – 79%         = C

60 – 69%         = D

50 – 59%         = F

Note any extra credit is above the max 100 point scale.

COURSE BREAKDOWN OF GRADING POLICY SCHEMA

ASSIGNMENT POINTS TRACKING TABLE

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS & WEIGHT

Course Rationale

Developing communication skills can give students a competitive edge in their professional and academic career. Not only are communication skills highly valued in the workplace, communication courses taken at ACC transfer to all colleges and universities in Texas. Communication skills are essential to personal and professional success. Yet, for many people, communication skills are often some of the hardest skills to develop. Introduction to Speech Communication provides an overview of communication as a discipline. By taking this course, students will develop skills to confidently and competently communicate with individuals, groups, or audiences.

Course Description

Introduction to Speech Communication explores the theories and practice of speech communication behavior to promote communication competence in interpersonal, small group, and public speaking situations. (Credit Hours: 3; Classroom Contact Hours per Week: 3)

Instructional Methodology

This course is an online virtual classroom which meets at the times articulated on your course schedule. In order to be successful in this class be sure to follow these instructions: 

• Attend class 
• Listen to the podcasts 
• Watch the videos 
• Read the textbook chapters 
• Utilize the resources provided on blackboard 

Videos serve: 

(1) as lecture material to the course content 

(2) lecture material to the course assessments. 

• Failure to review the videos or podcasts will result in essentially missing a lecture. I have found in the online learning environment when students are overwhelmed and confused as to the content of this course it is a direct result of failing to review the videos. 
• This class is a synchronous class. That means assignments prompts/rubrics will be posted when the instructor deems necessary. In other words, the pace of the course is student-driven and instructor-driven. Not a self-paced course. 

•  Unlike asynchronous courses, which are self paced, this course will follow the pace that the instructor finds suitable as not to overwhelm students. 
•  To that effect the course schedule may be modified upon instructor discretion.  If there is a modification to the schedule, it is in the instance in which a deadline is extended.  I will never move a deadline up in the course schedule. Moreover, these changes are made by class consensus. And, these changes will be sent out via e-mail correspondence and posted on Blackboard under the Announcements section. 

General Education Outcomes

Communication Skills

Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

Critical Thinking Skills

Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.

Personal Responsibility

Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions and consequences.

Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness)

Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.

Teamwork

Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Foundations of Human Communication

1. Apply the techniques of communication competency in a variety of settings.
2. Develop skills in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs.
3. Integrate self-monitoring strategies to increase personal communication competence.
4. Analyze the role of perception in communication and employ various perception checking methods to enhance competency. 
5. Recognize the power of verbal and nonverbal messages and adapt messages effectively. 
6. Evaluate listening habits and practice effective listening skills. 
7. Identify the dimensions of cultural diversity and their influence on communication. 
8. Examine the influence of using communication technologies on human interaction.

1. Interpersonal Communication

   1. Identify, analyze, and apply effective interpersonal communication skills.
   2. Recognize personal conflict style and demonstrate effective conflict management.

2. Small Group Communication

   1. Engage in and evaluate the dynamics of small group communication.

3. Public Speaking

   1. Develop, research, organize, and deliver an effective formal public speech.

Course Skill Levels

In accordance with H.B. 2183, students who enroll for ACC Speech courses are expected to demonstrate competent English speaking and listening skills:

“Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion and audience.”

“Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.”

As a student, they can expect to acquire these abilities only if they honor all course policies, attend class, participate in class exercises and complete assignments in good faith and on time. Students may vary on their achieved competency levels regarding these abilities.

A Few Resources