Course Assignments and Weight

The Communication Studies Department at Austin Community College requires that all students who take SPCH 1311: Introduction to Speech Communication successfully complete these minimum requirements:

1. Interpersonal Communication Skills:  Students will write and present interpersonal communication scripts using the technique of Perception Checking (p. 65) and the technique of Assertive Communication (p.224).

Students not demonstrating their Interpersonal Communication Skills during ZOOM meetings will receive no grade for written work. Students not submitting documentation by due dates will not be scheduled to demonstrate their work.

Use of clear grammar and punctuation is a requirement for all assignments.

Additional specific guidelines and instructions will be detailed in class as well as on Blackboard.

Perception Check Documentation/Script:                         Due Midnight Thursday, June 13, 2024!

•Language-appropriate script

       with one objective description of observable behavior                                                   25 points

       with two realistic interpretations of observable behavior                                                20 points

       with request for clarification regarding observable behavior                                          15 points

•Oral Demonstration of Scripted Perception Check:  Reading Script                                    15 points

                                                                                                Oral Demonstrations between June 17 & 27

Assertive Communication Documentation/Script:           Due Midnight Tuesday July 2, 2024!

• Language-appropriate scripted draft

        of objective description of observable behavior                                                             15 points

        of one realistic interpretation of observable behavior                                                    15 points

        of expression of feelings related to observable behavior                                              15 points

        of description of consequences resulting from observable behavior                           15 points

         of description of intentions responding to observable behavior                                   15 points

•Oral Demonstration of Scripted Assertive Communication: Reading Script                        15 points

                                                                                                Oral Demonstrations between July 2 & 11

1. Small Group Discussion Skills, Documentation:   Various Due Dates through Sunday August 4.

                                                                        Review “Course Calendar” in syllabus for details.

Students will participate in online group writing activities. When participating in group activities they are to display competent group communication skills, problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, creative brainstorming skills, team building skills.

       Problem-solving Group Work:  Brainstorming/Topic Generating (p.305)                          30 points

       Problem-solving skill: Group Work:  Nominal Group/Problem Census (p.306)             30 points

       Group skill: Assessing Consensus Language                                                                30 points

       Group skill: Confirming/Supportive Responses & Group Cohesiveness (pp.234-235) 30 points

1. Public Speaking Skills: Documentation Due:                     Purpose Statement Due Tuesday July 2.

Formal Outline Due Thursday July 11.

Bibliography Due Thursday July 11.

Students will research, organize, rehearse, and deliver an informative public speech using information discovered via the ACC Library’s database or journal subscriptions. Students are expected to present one Individual Informative Speech delivered extemporaneously about one of the speaker’s interests or areas of expertise.

Informative Speech Documentation:

                        Informative Speech Purpose Statement (pp. 325-326)                          20 Points

                        Informative Speech Formal Outline (pp. 352-359)                                80 Points

                        Informative Speech Bibliography with academic sources                      60 Points

                        Informative Speech Evaluated                                                                100 Points

1. Exams: Tests will be multiple-choice.  They will include content from the text and from supplementary media sources linked to on the course Blackboard Site.  There will be tests that cover individual chapters; tests that cover related information found in multiple chapters; and tests that cover material from lectures. There will be no comprehensive final exam.   Specific instructions will be detailed in documentation that accompanies each test as well as on Blackboard. 

  Exam deadlines are listed in course calendar below and on Blackboard.

    •    Chapter Tests:                                                                                                       421 Points

Tests will be multiple-choice.  They will include content from textbook and lectures.

Course Textbook & Supplies

Adler, R. B., Rodman, G., du Pre, A., & Overton, B. (2024). Understanding human communication (15th ed.). Oxford University Press. 

   ebook ISBN:  8220130475147   $54.99

Purchase URL accessible via ACC Course Schedule listing.

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)

General Education Outcomes

Civic and Cultural Awareness

Analyzing and critiquing competing perspectives in a democratic society; comparing, contrasting, and interpreting differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices.

Critical Thinking

Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, and applying information.

Personal Responsibility

Identifying and applying ethical principles and practices; demonstrating effective learning, creative thinking, and personal responsibility.

Interpersonal Skills

Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.

Written, Oral, and Visual Communication

Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

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.
2. Interpersonal Communication
   1. Identify, analyze, and apply effective interpersonal communication skills.
   2. Recognize personal conflict style and demonstrate effective conflict management.
3. Small Group Communication
   1. Engage in and evaluate the dynamics of small group communication.
4. Public Speaking

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