SPCH-1311 Introduction to Speech Communication

Jason Vidrine

Credit Spring 2023

Section(s)

SPCH-1311-701 (60723)
LEC TuTh 10:30am - 11:50am CYP CYP1 1105

Course Requirements

	Points	Multiplied By	Percentage Weight	Total Points
Exams		X	30
Interpersonal Project		X	10
Small Group Project		x	20
Public Speaking Project		X	20
Reflection Papers		X	10
Quizzes		X	5
Participation		x	5
			Total

Quizzes

Students will complete quizzes before covering the class material. The reading materials and quizzes will be posted in blackboard.

Participation:

Participation can improve understanding and the classroom climate. Students are expected to prepare for class and Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions and activities. The frequency and quality of contribution will affect the student’s grade.

Orally Graded Projects.

Interpersonal Communication: In dyads, students will take turns assuming a leadership role that requires them to develop persuasive messages after considering the other person’s top five leadership strengths and the scenario. Communication skills, such as perception checking and paraphrasing, are incorporated into the project. Students will learn the complexity associated with leading others and the challenges associated with maintaining consistency.

Small Group Communication: Students will exhibit leadership skills by leading focus group discussions about a specific issue. After conducting the focus group discussions, students will lead a problem-solving small group meeting designed to develop solutions for the previously identified issue. Grading is based on individual and group performance. If the project is a service-learning project, the proposed solutions, to include the solutions’ strengths and weaknesses, will be given to the department/organization.

Public Speaking: Each student will use the information from the small group project and collect additional academic research to craft a presentation that argues for the implementation of one of the proposed solutions that includes benchmarks for success. This speech prepares students for a leadership position through the development and delivery of new initiatives or process improvement plans in the workplace.

Examinations.

Three exams will be administered in class with each exam containing multiple choice, true/false, short answers, or essays. Students will need to arrive promptly with a scantron and pencil. See the course schedule for the chapters/topics covered for each exam.

Reflection Papers.

Reflection allows students to explore their own learning process and the content, which, in turn, can improve self-growth and increase understanding of the material. Therefore, students can expect to complete various reflection papers throughout the semester. In some cases, students will use Adobe products to summarize their learning.

Readings

CliftonStrengths Finder for students: All 34

https://store.gallup.com/c/en-us/for-education/assessments

Reading excerpts:

Chhokar, J. S., Brodbeck, F. C., & House, R. J. (2007). Culture and leadership across the world. Psychology Press. https://austincc.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f0$002fSD_ILS:324119/one

Darics, E. (2020). E-Leadership or “How to Be Boss in Instant Messaging?” The Role of Nonverbal Communication. International Journal of Business Communication, 57(1), 3–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/2329488416685068

George, B. (2003). Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value: Vol. 1st ed. Jossey-Bass. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=bth&AN=140207710&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=austin

Jim Collins. (n.d.) Jim Collins. https://www.jimcollins.com/

Kraemer, H. (2011). Values to action: The four principles of value-based leadership. Jossey-Bass. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=bth&AN=140207710&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=austin

University of Minnesota. (2013). Communication in the real world: An introduction to communication studies. OER. Retrieved January, 13, 2023, https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/front-matter/publisher-information/

NOTE: Additional readings may be provided.

Course Subjects

Week	Date	Chapter Title	Chapter	Homework
Tuesday	1/17	Course Introduction
Thursday	1/19	Introduction to Communication Studies	Chapter 1	Quiz Gallup CliftonStrengths Finder
Tuesday	1/24	Introduction to Communication Studies Leadership	Chapter 1 Chapter 14	Your Leadership Legacy Assessment Read Authentic Leadership by George Bill Quiz
Thursday	1/26	Communication and Perception	Chapter 2	Quiz Personal Styles Inventory
Tuesday	1/31	Communication and Perception	Chapter 2
Thursday	2/2	Culture and Communication	Chapter 8	Quiz Read parts of Culture and Leadership Across the World by Chhokar, Brodbeck, & House. Read parts of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Tuesday	2/7	Culture and Communication Verbal Messages	Chapter 3	Quiz Read Bolman & Deal
Thursday	2/9	Nonverbal Messages	Chapter 4	Quiz Read Darics
Tuesday	2/14	EXAM ONE: Chapters 1-4,8, 14, and readings
Thursday	2/16	Listening	Chapter 5	Quiz
Tuesday	2/21	Interpersonal Project Explanation		Read Motivation Articles by Webb and by Dignen
Thursday	2/23	Small Group Project Explanation
Tuesday	2/28	Interpersonal Communication Processes	Chapter 6	Quiz
Thursday	3/2	Communication in Relationships	Chapter 7	Quiz
Tuesday	3/7	Communication in Relationships	Chapter 7
Thursday	3/9	Interpersonal Projects Work on Small Group Project
	3/13-3/17	SPRING BREAK!!!
Tuesday	3/21	Small Group Communication	Chapter 13	Quiz Read sections of Harry Kraemer’s Values to Actions
Thursday	3/23	Small Group Communication Roles and Problem-Solving Group	Chapter 13 Chapter 14	Quiz Read articles from Jim Collins’ website
Tuesday	3/28	Roles and Problem-Solving Group	Chapter 14
Thursday	3/30	SMALL GROUP PROJECTS
Tuesday	4/4	Exam Two: Chapters 5-7, 13, 14, and readings
Thursday	4/6	Explanation of the persuasive Speech
Tuesday	4/11	Discussion of Focus Group Project Results Informative and Persuasive Speaking	Chapter 11	Bring summation of results
Thursday	4/13	Informative and Persuasive Speaking	Chapter 11	Quiz
Tuesday	4/18	Developing, Organizing, and Delivering Your Persuasive Presentation (Specific Purpose, Thesis, and Audience Analysis)	Chapter 9 and Chapter 12	Quiz
Thursday	4/20	Developing, Organizing, and Delivering Your Presentation (Main Points and Supporting Information)
Tuesday	4/25	Developing, Organizing, and Delivering Your Presentation (Supporting Info, Transitions, and oral citations)
Thursday	4/27	Developing, Organizing, and Delivering Your Presentation (Intro and Conclusion)
Tuesday	5/2	Delivering a Speech	Chapters 10	Quiz
Thursday	5/4	Outline and Practice Session
Tuesday	5/9	Exam 3: Chapters 9-12 and readings
Thursday	5/11	Presentations

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes

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.
Interpersonal Communication
1. Identify, analyze, and apply effective interpersonal communication skills.
2. Recognize personal conflict style and demonstrate effective conflict management.
Small Group Communication
1. Engage in and evaluate the dynamics of small group communication.
Public Speaking
1. Develop, research, organize and deliver an effective formal pubic speech

Office Hours

M W 12:15 PM - 1:15 AM HLC Room 1424

NOTE Additional Hours by Appointment Only: HLC: Mondays/Wednesdays: 3:00-4:00pm

T Th 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM CYP Room 1104

NOTE Additional Hours by Appointment Only: CYP: Tuesdays: 12:00-1:00pm

T 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Online

NOTE Additional meeting times can be arranged on Thursdays from 8:00-9:00am.