Professor Contact Information

Instructor: Professor “LMC” Lisa Marie Coppoletta aka The Shark Lady

Instructor Contact Information: Email: lcoppole@austincc.edu

Office Hours

Actions You Can Take Instead of Sending an Email Most questions can best be addressed during virtual office hours. 

Regular Office Hours:

Distance Learning Virtual Platform Synchronous on Zoom

• Monday/Wednesday 08:30 PM to 09:30 PM [2 hours per week]
• Thursday 09:30 PM to 10:30 PM  [1 hour per week]
• Saturdays Noon to 1:00 PM [1 hour per week] 

Total: 4 Hours per week

By Appointment Only Office Hours: Distance Learning Virtual Platform Synchronous on Zoom

• M/W 6:00 PM to 7:00  PM  Please make an appointment with me by sending me an email at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled office hour time slot. 

Extended Office Hours: Distance Learning Virtual Platform Synchronous on Zoom

• {late in evenings, mornings} per class discussions of best times for students.

When to find links to log into Office Hours:

• Regular Office Hours
  • Link and password for office hours are provided on Blackboard on the left hand sidebar. “Office Hours Zoom Link”
  • Sent via mail correspondence to your ACC Gmail account 
  • Black Board “Announcements” tab 
• By appointment office hours, I will send you an individual Zoom link.
• Extended office hours will be sent as an announcement 

Rationale for Office Hours: Office hours are essential for students to receive one-on-one time with the instructor and collaborative work with their class colleagues. Attending office hours allows you to ask questions, clarify your understanding of the assignments and lectures, and gain valuable feedback. This feedback can help you improve your grades and better understand the material covered in class. Therefore, please maximize this resource and fully engage during office hours. Please attend office hours prepared with questions and actively participate in the discussions.

Office Hours Policy: Be sure to have cameras visible during office hours. Make corrections to your work as I work with your colleagues; this will allow me to dive deeper into your work vs. repeating the same corrections during office hours. Be considerate of your colleagues' time. So, for example if a colleague does not have the date for a source citation and you notice yours does not have a date, make that correction.

Course Reference:  Introduction to Speech Communication SPCH 1311.018.92365

Fall 2024: Session Dates:  August 26, 2024  –  December 15, 2024  [16 Week Session]

Meeting Location, Day & Time: Our class meets virtually on Meeting Days & Times: Saturdays 09:00 AM to 11:50AM, using Zoom. 

You can access our virtual meetings on Blackboard.

Learning Context: DLS Distance Learning Virtual Platform Synchronous

Days: Saturdays

Times: Saturdays 9:00 AM - 11:50 AM

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 “Class Zoom Link”

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)

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.”

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.

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

ACC College Policies & Information

This course complies with all college policies. You also must adhere to college policies and expectations, as stated in the ACC College Catalog and Student Handbook. Our Blackboard course has a section labeled ‘College Policies and Student Services.’

• 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

Course Policies

All course policies apply to every student enrolled in this course. If you’re enrolled in this course, these policies apply to you. I will not waive the policies of this course for ANY student enrolled in it. PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR AN EXCEPTION TO ANY COURSE POLICY. If you disagree with the policies in this course or do not wish to abide by them, you should withdraw from the course.

Communicating with the Instructor 

All emails of assignments to your instructor should include the following in the subject line: Course, Day/Time, and Topic. I will initiate emails ONLY to your ACC email account, which is linked to Blackboard. I will ONLY respond to emails initiated from your ACC email account or from Blackboard. 

Please do not send questions about personal matters in chat during class Zoom sessions. Instead, send them via email. Please do not expect an immediate reply to emails sent during class regarding personal issues. Specific questions about an individual assignment, these questions are reserved for office hours only. For any make-up of written or performance assignments, schedule an office hour appointment or attend office hours or extended office hours. 

Grading Policies

Preparing Assignments and Exams:

This course is an online virtual classroom which meets at the times articulated on your course schedule. Deadlines are noted on the course schedule and each assignment. 

• It is essential for students to check ACC email frequently, at least three times per week. Assignments will be sent directly to your email and found on Blackboard with links to Google Documents,YouTube videos, and Podcasts.
• Announcements sent to your ACC email are also archived under the “Announcements” tab on Blackboard. 
• Assignments can also be found on the left hand sidebar on BlackBoard.
• I have structured our assignments to give step-by-step instructions and include examples of past exemplar student submissions to reference as models of “A” work. 
• For all assignments you will provide a “brain dump” of your initial brainstorming of the course assignment. 

Group Work & Solo Performances: 

• Presentations and teamwork must be completed during our virtual class meeting performance days. 
• Please do not complete group work outside of class where the instructor cannot observe/grade your work as a team. 
• Carbon Copy, i.e. cc all team members on important emails, is a crucial communication practice. It fosters transparency, accountability, and clarity within the team. When sending emails regarding team projects, it's expected that all relevant team members are cc'd to keep everyone in the loop. This also allows for easy reference and ensures that no one is left out of important discussions or decisions. When submitting teamwork to the instructor, be sure to cc all team members.

Instructor Policy On Exams & Testing Center Information: 

• All exams are “take home.” In other words, there are no timed multiple-choice exams. Your voice and analysis of course content are valuable. Specific details will be provided in class and sent out via BlackBoard. 
• Students can submit exams via video, podcast, or essay or present the exam to the instructor during office hours. 
• All exams are assigned prior to a two-week deadline. There is a one-week “soft deadline.” You may present the exam to the instructor during office hours {not via email correspondence} to pre-grade the exam. Budget your time accordingly to make use of this policy. After “hard deadlines,” late work is not accepted. Extra credit is awarded for meeting "soft deadlines."
• As a side note, it is not relevant to this class. Access the ACC Instructional Testing webpage for additional information on using the Testing Center.

Submitting Written Work Prior to Performances:

• Written documentation such as Full Sentence Speech Outlines, Group Written Work will be submitted via your ACC Gmail account 1 hour before performances. Please do not submit any work via Blackboard. We model this class over the business and professional environment in which email is the primary means of disseminating work.
• Documents should be in PDF format and not have a link to a Google document. 

Please do not say, “I emailed you my speech outline 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.  

Rationale: This eliminates any confusion about the PDF rendition of the assignment you are emailing if corrections have been made. Moreover, it ensures that your work is at the top of the instructor’s inbox. I want to be sure that I am grading the most recent draft of student work. 

Improving Grades via Instructor-Student Conferences:

• If a student has any questions regarding the expectations of an assignment, please seek clarification during office hours. 
• To do so, you can either schedule a one-on-one meeting with me or attend the open office hours.
• The best way to avoid concerns regarding a grade on an assignment is to provide all work for pre-grading during office hours.
• Pre-grading and regrading will not occur via email correspondence. 
• Students are encouraged to update any assignment provided you meet for office hours to present corrections 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. Also, be sure to review instructor feedback. 
• Grades are only open for discussion for five days after being handed back to the class.
• Students must attend office hours to present corrections, and the grade on Blackboard will be updated immediately. Updated work will not be re-assessed via email. 
• Please track grades throughout the semester.

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. 
• Deadlines dates for rough draft of written requirements and presentations are covered on the syllabus and assignment sheet 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.  All exams and assignments provide a "pre-grading" with a minimum week before the "hard deadline." Be sure to attend office hours for "pre-grading" of assignments during the "soft deadline" time-period. 
• Students may correct any work submitted to be re-graded on the condition that you attend office hours to present the work. All final work is due by the last day of class, as outlined on the course schedule. Assignments will outline "soft deadline" and "hard deadline" for students to schedule accordingly.

Instructional Methodology for Distance Learning Virtual Platform Synchronous

Pace of the Course/Virtual Learning:

• Instruction occurs online during weekly live, interactive virtual meetings. 
• This class is synchronous. The pace of the course is student-driven and instructor-driven. 
• Instead of self-paced, asynchronous courses, this course will follow the pace the instructor finds suitable to keep students manageable. 
• Our schedule may be modified upon the instructor's 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. 
• Furthermore, these changes will be sent out via e-mail correspondence and posted on Blackboard under the “Announcements” section. 

 Steps to Success: 

• Attend class 
  • As a reminder, for the safety of yourself and others, please refrain from logging into Zoom or participating in class discussions while driving. Your full attention and focus are required while operating a vehicle. Thank you for prioritizing safety.
  • Students are expected to attend all scheduled Zoom classes and actively participate in class discussions and activities. It is important to schedule work and other commitments around class times in order to fully engage with the course material and contribute to the learning environment. Please avoid scheduling work or other obligations during class time to ensure that you can fully participate and benefit from the educational experience. Your active engagement is essential to your success in this course.
• Attend office hours and extended office hours
• Watch the videos
• Listen to the podcasts 
• Read the textbook chapters 
• Utilize the assignment resources provided on Blackboard and Google Drive

Multimedia Resources - Videos/Podcasts:

• Reinforce textbook readings
• Contain lecture material to the course content. 
• Contain lecture material for the course assessments.
• Provide launching points from textbook readings, lectures on course content, and course assessments, providing a launching point for class discussion.
• Not reviewing the videos or podcasts is akin to missing a lecture. 
• In my experience with online learning, students who feel overwhelmed and confused about the course content often admit to not reviewing the videos.

Your Voice Is Essential

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

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. 
• To state, "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 to flip to the bottom of a Works Cited page. 
• Be sure to attribute your sources for any data, stories, or 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 and the use of Artificial Intelligence.” 
• Please refrain from paraphrasing research in this course. Direct quotations enhance speaker credibility. 
• Please 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. 

Attendance & Communication Studies Class Participation Policy

Virtual Etiquette And Distractions: Synchronous Distance Education/Online Learning 

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

To be a successful online student be sure 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. 

Instructional Methodology: Distance Learning Zoom Expectations (Attendance)

To be counted as present

• Faces should be visible on the camera. Please, no forehead shots
• Name as it appears on 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 like 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. And, microphones should be working.
• For your safety please do not log into zoom while in a moving vehicle. 
• Please arrive on time for the Zoom session. An absence equates to two ten-minute late arrivals. 

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.

Virtual Class Conduct 

Student Engagement

• Please do not be distracted by cell phones, watching television, or playing on social media. 
• Students are prohibited from “GroupMe” chats during class since it 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 do not smoke or vape.
• This class is conducted 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.  
• Pets are encouraged if they do not disrupt the virtual learning environment. 
• You are responsible for minimizing distractions by silencing your phones, shutting your doors if possible, and not playing music in the background. 
• Frequently, headphones minimize distractions. In group meetings, be in a distraction-free environment so the audio does not impact your ability to communicate with your colleagues.
• 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.

Please do not drive while in class. Your safety is my primary concern. 

Please do not schedule work while the class is scheduled.

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 (Additional Info Regarding Instructor Policy): 

Please do not attempt this course if you are entering for the first time on the second 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 roll 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.) 
• 1-2 absences= No impact on your final course average. 
• 3 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.) 
• 4 absences=A penalty of six (6) percentage points assessed to your final course average. 
• 5 absences= A penalty of twelve (9) percentage points assessed to your final course average. 
• 6 absences= A penalty of twelve (12) percentage points assessed to your final course average. 
• 7 absences= A penalty of twenty-four (24) percentage points assessed to your final course average. 
• 8 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 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 
• Attend 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.

Withdraw Policy

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 

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. 

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

Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Privacy Policy And FERPA

As a college professor, I must adhere to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These strict privacy laws affect you in the following ways:

Personal information: Other students enrolled in this course can see your ACC email address and can email you at that address.

Returning grades: Only secured websites, such as Blackboard, are approved by FERPA for accessing grade information. I provide all grades and feedback on Blackboard.

Discussion of grades: FERPA guidelines restrict my discussion of your grades; I can only discuss your specific grades with you and with other ACC employees who need to know about your grades. We can discuss your grades in a private office hour session via Zoom because I can identify you and have a direct discussion. I will not discuss grade specifics over the phone OR via email.

Accommodations Policy for Students Registered with Student Accessibility Services

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of each semester they are enrolled, otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations (NAA)” from SAS. Until the instructor receives the NAA from the student accommodations should not be provided. Once the NAA is received, accommodations must be provided. Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to deliver the NAA on the first day of class.Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

I am happy to help you succeed in this course by making any needed accommodations; however, I MUST have your documentation in hand before I can provide accommodations. If you have or need accommodations, please meet with the Students Accessibility Services (SAS) Office on any campus to determine what accommodations might be appropriate for you. 

Instructor Statement On Student Rights And Responsibilities

• Disrespectful, insulting, demeaning or threatening language will be tolerated in class.
• Students will be dropped from the class for use of such language or actions. 

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.

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. 

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.

Required Textbook

• Textbook Title: Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies
• Edition: N/A Author: N/A
• Year: Copyright Year: 2016
• Publisher: University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing
• ISBN#:  13: 9781946135070

Textbook Chapters:

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication Studies
• Chapter 2: Communication and Perception
• Chapter 3: Verbal Communication
• Chapter 4: Nonverbal Communication
• Chapter 5: Listening
• Chapter 6: Interpersonal Communication Processes
• Chapter 7: Communication in Relationships
• Chapter 8: Culture and Communication
• Chapter 9: Preparing a Speech
• Chapter 10: Delivering a Speech
• Chapter 11: Informative and Persuasive Speaking
• Chapter 12: Public Speaking in Various Contexts
• Chapter 13: Small Group Communication
• Chapter 14: Leadership, Roles, and Problem Solving in Groups
• Chapter 15: Media, Technology, and Communication
• Chapter 16: New Media and Communication

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:

• 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. 
• 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" 

For additional extra credit videos check out the playlists for SPCH 1311 at my ACC YouTube: 

Interpersonal Communication (1311)  and Policy Speeches (1311 & 1315) and Self Concept and Perception and

Non Verbal Communication (1311)

Technology Requirements for Distance Learning {Required Supplies}

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

Webcam and microphone - You will find it virtually impossible to complete the coursework without a computer. A cellular device [sometimes iPads] as your exclusive word processor and form of communication will be highly problematic in completing in-class activities and assignment requirements for this course. 

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

Assignments & Grading

Course Breakdown Of Grading Policy Schema

Assignment Points Tracking Table 

Percentage Of Assignment Weight Towards Overall Grade, Assignment Descriptions

“Scavenger Hunt”

Please email lcoppole@austincc.edu a note indicating that you have fully reviewed the course syllabus. 

1. When sending the email be sure to 
   1. Identify the five elements of citing a source in a speech. 
   2. Include your understanding of how many absences are allowed in the class.
   3. Identify the instructor policy regarding cameras in a virtual learning environment. 
   4. What is the class policy on tardiness?
2. Please attend office hours or schedule a meeting if any clarification is needed on the course policies. 

****Contractual Agreement****

This syllabus is the intellectual property of Professor “LMC” Lisa Marie Coppoletta. This document is not intended to represent the entire content of the course. This syllabus is a legally binding contract between you and your professor. By remaining enrolled in this course, you have implicitly agreed to the terms, policies, and procedures outlined in this syllabus, and you will be held accountable to its policies and provisions. You should contact your professor immediately if you need clarification about any part of this syllabus. If you disagree with any policy or provision in this syllabus, you should drop this class immediately.

Fall 2024: SPCH 1311.018.92365

Session Dates:  August 26, 2024  –  December 15, 2024  [16 Week Session]

Meeting Days & Times: Saturdays 9:00 AM - 11:50 AM 

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.