Course Rationale:  Greetings and welcome to Speech 1311!  Although this course is usually taken as a requirement for most students, it is my personal goal as an instructor that you leave this semester with information that is valuable to you in your personal and professional lives.  Overall, it is my wish that you find the course much more useful than just getting the “required grade”.  I believe you’ll find the course challenging, interesting and rewarding as well.  Please feel free to visit me during office hours, or contact me via e-mail with any questions, comments, ideas or concerns that you may have. 

Required Text:  Ronald B. Adler, George Rodman, Athena Dupre, and Barbara Overton: Understanding Human Communication (15th edition) ISBN 9780197615676

Instructional Methodology:

The class is designed around instructor lecture, working with partners and in small groups, as well as individual and group presentations.  Students are expected to contribute to all lectures and activities with questions, ideas and relevant business or personal experiences.

Participation:

You are strongly encouraged to listen, observe, and participate actively in each class meeting. Because our subject—human communication—occurs between and among people, each class session is treated like a communication laboratory where you will practice applying theory to your everyday communication patterns.  Participation will enhance your classroom experience. 

Attendance:

ACC’s General Policy Statement:

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

Instructor Policy:

This course emphasizes theoretical and practical aspects of communication, thus, it is important that you attend all class sessions.  Attendance will be taken daily.  Students who are absent more than 3 classes (excused or unexcused) may fail the course.  You are expected to arrive to class on time and remain for the entire period.  Arriving late (more than 15 minutes) or leaving more than 30 minutes early constitutes one absence.  There is an additional attendance policy for speeches.

Late Work/Missed Exams:

No homework will be accepted late without penalty, even if you were absent the day it was assigned.  Work is considered “late” if you do not have it ready when I call for it.  Completing it during class or right after class is late.  You are responsible for announcements made and homework assigned during a missed class!  No excuses.  Thus, homework is due on the assigned date. 

You are expected to contact me regarding a missed exam/presentation prior to the next class period otherwise no make-up work will be allowed.  Note:  Make-ups are not allowed for the group problem-solving meeting or the individual final speech unless you have an excused absence as defined below.

Excused absences require documentation verifying one of the following: a) required military service; b) you are hospitalized/doctor’s note; c) funeral attendance for a member of your family; or d) your first enrollment in the course occurred after it began.  Being absent for work related activities or planned vacations, etc. will count toward your allotted three absences and do not count as “excused” absences.  You must plan accordingly to be successful!

Descriptions of Major Assignments

Please note: you will receive a detailed Assignment Description Handout and specific rubric for each major assignment at least 1-2 weeks prior to each of the major assignments being due. These will be posted on Blackboard.        

Introductory Speech (75 points): You will give a 3-4 minute speech in which you introduce yourself to the class. You will structure your speech with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Your speech must contain a clear thesis statement telling us something unique about you. Your body must contain two main points related to your thesis, and explanations thereof. Your conclusion must briefly review your thesis. You will be graded on how you transition between these elements as well. The Delivery portion of the grade for this speech will be based on your Vocal and Physical delivery, as well as inclusive eye-contact. A detailed handout will be provided, along with a grading rubric, when the assignment is discussed in class.

The point breakdown for the Introductory Speech (75 points) is as follows: Introduction= 15 pts., Body= 30 pts., Conclusion= 10 pts., Delivery= 20 pts.

Active Listening Assessment (25 points): As stated in the master syllabus for this course, “Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.” Students will be grouped with two other classmates to complete an exercise where they are expected to engage in positive communication and effective interpersonal listening whilst their partner responds to a variety of questions (note cards with social prompts designed to engage both speaker and listener.) Students will be expected to play the role of “listener” for half of the designated assignment and “speaker” for the remainder of the assignment. The third student in each group with serve as the peer-evaluator. Students will be assessed on how well they: use paraphrasing, ask questions for clarification, use appropriate listening responses, demonstrated active listening, and refrain from interrupting. This graded oral activity fulfills the Interpersonal Communication Skills component required by the Communication Studies Department.

Nonverbal Violations (50 points): Using the information gained in class, you will conduct a small social experiment in which you nonverbally violate the societal norms of a given situation of your choice. You will then write and submit a synopsis of your experiment, describing the norm you chose to violate, how you chose to violate it, and the reaction of the individuals involved to said violation. This synopsis must be 1-2 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font. You will present an extemporaneous summary of your experience in class. Your grade on this assignment will focus on your ability to recognize and enact various categories of nonverbal communication. A detailed handout will be provided when the assignment is discussed in class.

Small Group Communication Project (100 points): The purpose of this assignment is to practice and gain competence in the area of problem solving within a small group setting. Students will be divided into groups of 3 or 4 students and given a series of scenarios concerning a fictional Zombie Apocalypse.

Your Peer Grade will be calculated based on assessment of your overall contributions to the group as determined by your group members. Your Group Grade will be calculated based on a combination of my observations of your communication skills as a small group (conflict management and resolution, cohesiveness, brainstorming, adherence to the problem solving process, navigation of the stages of group development, etc.) and your ability to complete the given scenarios in the allotted time. Each member of the group will receive the same number of points as their Group Grade. Your Individual Grade will be based on your individual contribution to the group as a whole, calculated from my observations of your adherence to group norms and rules, actions in your role within the group, participation in group discussions, and clear statement of both problem and solution as experienced by you within your group.

Informative Outline and Presentation (150 points): You will compose and present a 7-8 minute presentation on a topic of your choice (pending instructor approval). As part of this process, you will complete a Topic Selection Worksheet and write an outline. You will attend the research lesson given in the school library, designed to assist you in identifying scholarly sources. You will create a visual aid as part of your presentation. You will include verbal citations when you present and attach a typed works cited list as part of your outline grade. A detailed handout will be provided when the assignment is discussed in class. You will also complete anonymous peer evaluations on some of the speeches given by your classmates. This graded oral presentation fulfills the Public Speaking Skills component required by the Communication Studies Department.

The point breakdown for the Informative Presentation and Outline (150 points) is as follows: Content= 40 pts. , Delivery= 40 pts., Visual Aid= 20 pts., and Outline= 50 pts.

• Ronald B. Adler, George Rodman, Athena Dupre, and Barbara Overton: Understanding Human Communication (15th edition) ISBN 9780197615676

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. Skills: E

Instructor Objectives/Goals:

• To introduce students to fundamental theories of human communication.
• To show students how these theories apply to their own experiences.
• To improve students’ communication skills in a variety of contexts.

Course Units:

This course is designed to give you a broad overview of some of the topics that fall under the area of speech communication.  During the semester, we will cover the following topic areas:

• Foundations of Human Communication
• Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
• Small Group Communication
• Public Speaking

Course/Student Objectives:

• Apply the techniques of communication competency in a variety of settings.
• Develop skills in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs.
• Integrate self-monitoring strategies to increase personal communication competence.
• Analyze the role of perception in communication and employ various perception checking-methods to enhance competency.
• Recognize the power of verbal and nonverbal messages and adapt messages effectively.
• Evaluate listening habits and practice effective listening skills.
• Identify, analyze, and apply effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Recognize personal conflict style and demonstrate effective conflict management.
• Engage in and evaluate the dynamics of small group communication.
• Develop, research, organize, and deliver an effective, formal public speech.
• Identify the dimensions of cultural diversity and their influence on communication.

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, you can expect to acquire these abilities only if you 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 theses abilities.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Apply the techniques of communication competency in a variety of settings.
• Develop skills in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs.
• Integrate self-monitoring strategies to increase personal communication competence.
• Analyze the role of perception in communication and employ various perception checking methods to enhance competency.
• Recognize the power of verbal and nonverbal messages and adapt messages effectively.
• Evaluate listening habits and practice effective listening skills.
• Identify, analyze, and apply effective interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain relationships.
• Recognize personal conflict style and demonstrate effective conflict management.
• Engage in and evaluate the dynamics of small group communication including problem solving, group roles, leadership styles and cohesiveness.
• Develop, research, organize, and deliver an effective, formal public speech that includes audience analysis.
• Identify the dimensions of cultural diversity and their influence on communication.
• Examine the influence of using communication technologies on human interaction.

Descriptions of Major Assignments

Please note: you will receive a detailed Assignment Description Handout and specific rubric for each major assignment at least 1-2 weeks prior to each of the major assignments being due. These will be posted on Blackboard.        

Introductory Speech (75 points): You will give a 3-4 minute speech in which you introduce yourself to the class. You will structure your speech with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Your speech must contain a clear thesis statement telling us something unique about you. Your body must contain two main points related to your thesis, and explanations thereof. Your conclusion must briefly review your thesis. You will be graded on how you transition between these elements as well. The Delivery portion of the grade for this speech will be based on your Vocal and Physical delivery, as well as inclusive eye-contact. A detailed handout will be provided, along with a grading rubric, when the assignment is discussed in class.

The point breakdown for the Introductory Speech (75 points) is as follows: Introduction= 15 pts., Body= 30 pts., Conclusion= 10 pts., Delivery= 20 pts.

Active Listening Assessment (25 points): As stated in the master syllabus for this course, “Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.” Students will be grouped with two other classmates to complete an exercise where they are expected to engage in positive communication and effective interpersonal listening whilst their partner responds to a variety of questions (note cards with social prompts designed to engage both speaker and listener.) Students will be expected to play the role of “listener” for half of the designated assignment and “speaker” for the remainder of the assignment. The third student in each group with serve as the peer-evaluator. Students will be assessed on how well they: use paraphrasing, ask questions for clarification, use appropriate listening responses, demonstrated active listening, and refrain from interrupting. This graded oral activity fulfills the Interpersonal Communication Skills component required by the Communication Studies Department.

Nonverbal Violations (50 points): Using the information gained in class, you will conduct a small social experiment in which you nonverbally violate the societal norms of a given situation of your choice. You will then write and submit a synopsis of your experiment, describing the norm you chose to violate, how you chose to violate it, and the reaction of the individuals involved to said violation. This synopsis must be 1-2 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font. You will present an extemporaneous summary of your experience in class. Your grade on this assignment will focus on your ability to recognize and enact various categories of nonverbal communication. A detailed handout will be provided when the assignment is discussed in class.

Small Group Communication Project (100 points): The purpose of this assignment is to practice and gain competence in the area of problem solving within a small group setting. Students will be divided into groups of 3 or 4 students and given a series of scenarios concerning a fictional Zombie Apocalypse.

Your Peer Grade will be calculated based on assessment of your overall contributions to the group as determined by your group members. Your Group Grade will be calculated based on a combination of my observations of your communication skills as a small group (conflict management and resolution, cohesiveness, brainstorming, adherence to the problem solving process, navigation of the stages of group development, etc.) and your ability to complete the given scenarios in the allotted time. Each member of the group will receive the same number of points as their Group Grade. Your Individual Grade will be based on your individual contribution to the group as a whole, calculated from my observations of your adherence to group norms and rules, actions in your role within the group, participation in group discussions, and clear statement of both problem and solution as experienced by you within your group.

Informative Outline and Presentation (150 points): You will compose and present a 7-8 minute presentation on a topic of your choice (pending instructor approval). As part of this process, you will complete a Topic Selection Worksheet and write an outline. You will attend the research lesson given in the school library, designed to assist you in identifying scholarly sources. You will create a visual aid as part of your presentation. You will include verbal citations when you present and attach a typed works cited list as part of your outline grade. A detailed handout will be provided when the assignment is discussed in class. You will also complete anonymous peer evaluations on some of the speeches given by your classmates. This graded oral presentation fulfills the Public Speaking Skills component required by the Communication Studies Department.

The point breakdown for the Informative Presentation and Outline (150 points) is as follows: Content= 40 pts. , Delivery= 40 pts., Visual Aid= 20 pts., and Outline= 50 pts.