Faculty Syllabus

INTRODUCTION: 3%

Orientation Quiz: 3%

      Indefinite attempts by due date in Blackboard Ultra until 100% success rate achieved!: 3%

SPEECHES: 48%

Speeches to Inform: 21%

 Informative Speech: “A Self-Introduction: Past, Present & Future”: 5%

      Extemporaneous Individual Presentation (2-3 minutes), live in class: 5%

Informative Speech: “A Favorite Place/Event”: 16%

      Topic Proposal, submitted in Blackboard Ultra: 2%

      Full-Sentence Outline, submitted in Blackboard Ultra (REQUIRED for Presentation): 4%

      Extemporaneous Presentation (4-6 minutes), live in class: 6%

      Peer Evaluation, submitted in Blackboard Ultra: 4%

Speech to Persuade: 16%

Team Pro/Con Persuasive Speech + Presentation Aids: “A Modern American Controversy”: 16%

      Team Topic Proposal, submitted in Blackboard Ultra: 3%

      Team Pro/Con Full-Sentence Outline, submitted in Blackboard Ultra (REQUIRED for Presentation): 6%

      Team Extemporaneous Presentation (5-7 minutes), live in class + PowerPoint, submitted in Blackboard Ultra: 7%                                

      Note: You have already begun preparing for this speech by completing the micro-credential!

Speech to Entertain: 11%

Ceremonial Speech: “A Eulogy to a Future Self”: 11%

      Topic Proposal, with Quotations, Achievements & Foible: 2%

      Full-Sentence Manuscript, submitted in Blackboard Ultra (REQUIRED for Presentation): 3%

      Individual Manuscript Presentation (2-3 minutes), live in class: 6%

MICRO-CREDENTIAL PREPARATION: 16%

PARTICIPATION: 8%

Daily class participation, with discussion, exercises & practice: 8%

QUIZZES & EXAMS: 25%

Brief Daily Quizzes, in class, in Blackboard Ultra (3 lowest scores dropped): 11%

Midterm Exam, in Blackboard Ultra, with two attempts; Chapters 1-9 & 15: 7%

Final Exam, in Blackboard Ultra, with two attempts; Chapters 10-14 & 16-19: 7%

First-Day Digital Textbook:

Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking (2023 ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

ISBN13: 9781265212834

Available through “First Day Access & E-Book Chapters” in Blackboard Ultra

1. Demonstrate skills in researching, planning, organizing, rehearsing, and delivering a variety of speeches individually and/or in groups.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundation models of communication leading to effective and ethical communication based on audience and context. 
3. Illustrate and appropriately employ verbal and nonverbal various modes of delivery in oral communication (e.g. manuscript, extemporaneous, impromptu, memorized).
4. Recognize and use principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and technical proficiency in gathering information for the development of oral presentations and argument. 
5. Employ appropriate research and provide speeches with appropriate documentation.
6. Practice effective use of computer-based technology in communicating and acquiring information.
7. Recognize the roles that public speaking plays in civic awareness.
8. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication. 
9. Utilize listening skills for analysis and evaluation of a speaker’s message. 
10. Participate in teamwork situations to foster interpersonal and collaboration skills. 

Practice strategies for reducing stress while presenting to an audience.

Participation & Discussion:

• Keep up with readings for discussion, exercises, and exams
• Save individual and team questions for in-person and email office hours
• Do say what you mean and mean what you say
• Be ready for each class session

Reading and Discussion:

The success of this course depends upon your willingness to contribute to class discussion, to take assignments seriously and submit them on time, and to commit yourself to careful and thoughtful reading of assigned materials.  Since we will engage in discussions or exercises related to the assigned readings, the class requires that you come prepared and willing to share your thoughts, questions, and impressions.

You are expected to keep current in the reading of the online textbook, even if assigned material is not directly covered in class. 

Humility and Civility: Speak Up!:

The proper functioning of any society depends upon a certain level of respect for self and others.  In the microcosm of society in the classroom, this respect is largely a middle ground between expressing yourself and listening and responding to others, providing honest, critical, well-tempered comments and expecting as much from your instructor and classmates.

A quick and easy guideline for class participation is to say what you mean (be clear about your point of view) and mean what you say (back up your point of view with clear, well-formed arguments), which address issues without attacking individuals, and so advancing productive discussion.

So that may use our in-class time wisely, please do not ask questions that have been answered already (sometimes several times over) or that are beneath the dignity of a college classroom.  Let’s keep on track.

Humility and Civility: Power Up Productive Devices & Turn Off Distracting Ones!:

Computers, Chromebooks, and tablets are allowed in class for productive use related to this class. However, you are responsible for any information discussed in class—even information you may have missed by using an electronic device.

To avoid distractions, please note that cell phones, ear buds, air pods, and headphones are not permitted in class (so, make sure to turn off notifications and place them completely out of sight, not just under your desk), and if you opt to use them, you will lose participation points.

Attendance:

Attendance is crucial.  To participate in discussion fully and to do the assignments properly and professionally, you need to come to class every day and stay for the whole class period.  Class time should take first priority: According to ACC policy, missing class because of other classes, jobs, or non-college-sponsored activities is not acceptable.  Warming your seat does not, of course, guarantee that you will warm your mind to new ways of thinking, but discussion in class is impossible unless you attend.

Life happens.  If you feel that issues—whether your own or someone else’s—such as illness, job schedules, or relationship problems, among other life events, keep you from keeping up with attendance and assignments, you might consider dropping this or some other class or withdrawing from the college altogether.

If you are uncertain about what to do about issues that extend beyond the purview of this class, please see your academic advisor, or I can refer you to the appropriate academic coach or counseling center on campus.

Daily Quizzes:

In place of points for attendance, you will use your laptop computer, Chromebook, or tablet to take a brief, 10-question quiz in class, on most days, in Blackboard Ultra, to check for knowledge and understanding of chapter concepts, discussion, and assignment instructions.  Please note that these quizzes must be taken in our classroom, within the time limits, for credit.

In case you miss some class days, don’t worry!  The lowest three quiz scores will be automatically dropped and so will not count toward the final grade.

For Questions:

• If you have a general question not related to your missing class, etc.:
  • Ask at the end of class, time permitting
• If you have a question related specifically to you, such as a question about missing class:
  • First, check Syllabus with Schedule updated and posted in Blackboard Ultra or Blackboard Ultra Announcements, also sent as email;
  • Second, contact a classmate (and they might contact you, too, should they miss class);
  • Third, if answer ≤ 3 minutes, send appropriate email, with polite procedure noted (impolite queries will not be answered).  Back-and-forth email conversations are unacceptable; instead, come to office hours.  Please note that emails are answered ONLY during Office Hours (that’s four hours each week!);
  • Fourth, if answer > 3 minutes, come to office hours (see hours and link on the first page)

When to Come to Office Hours:

If the answer to your question will probably take up to three minutes to answer, email me and I will try to answer your concern during Office Hours; if it is likely to take more than three minutes to answer, come see me during office hours for a brief meeting in Zoom, where I can more fully answer any questions, go over a quiz or exam, etc.

Please don’t use email for extended question-and-answer discussions or to ask, when you miss a class, “What did we do?”; after a response, if you still have a question, please come to Office Hours. The college environment does not include individual review sessions in response to the question, “What did we do?” or “Did we do anything important?”  Instead, be a self-starter by checking the syllabus and schedule, Blackboard Ultra Announcements, and emails, and then check with classmates.

Please note that I will hold four Zoom office hours (plus one more by appointment) each week (see first page of this syllabus for hours and link).

Email:

When to Email:

If you do not get a response to an email message, please make sure that the information you seek is not already included in the syllabus, schedule, or assignments; or in Blackboard Ultra announcements/email.

How to Email:

If you do opt to send an email message, please take this opportunity to practice more effective communication.  That is, to ensure a response from your professor, who is likely not to notice vaguely placed or stated messages (e.g., subject line when you click reply to a mass email announcement:  “Re: Midterm Exam” and vague, less-than-polite message:  “Send me that assignment we were talking about.”), please follow these guidelines:

1.   Create a new gmail message to kclark@austincc.edu instead of responding to a mass message sent to the class;

2.   Label your message with a clear, succinct subject line (e.g., “SPCH 1315, TTh 9:05-10:25 am, Question about Source”);

3.   Start with a clear, polite salutation (e.g., “Dear Dr. Clark,”);

4.   Follow with a clear, succinct statement of purpose, followed by a question (e.g., “I am writing to ask whether the source noted below is an appropriate and credible source for the upcoming Informative Speech Assignment.  Could you please take a look?  Thank you for your time.”), followed by clear information; and

5.   Close with your name noted clearly and politely (e.g., “Sincerely, Sarah Smith”).

Here’s an example:

Please note that I am unlikely to respond to your email if you do not follow this simple, polite procedure in creating a new email (not a response to one already sent out).

Class Cancellation:

In the event the college or campus “closes” due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, the ACC server has shut down, or there is severe weather or continuing pandemic circumstances) or your professor has a last-minute emergency, you should check for Blackboard Ultra announcements and follow directions about completing any assignments or other activities.

For your convenience, a check symbol (√) is noted by each attendance day on the schedule; feel free to place your own check mark there each day as a way to keep up with your own attendance.  You may also check the “Absences” column in Blackboard Ultra, which will occasionally be updated with your total, as noted by “update” in the “Roll” section of the schedule.

Withdrawal Policy:

Please note that the last day to withdraw from the class is Monday, April 27.

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.

AI Policy:

Departmental Policy:

The Communication Studies department requires students to use their own authentic voices and to hone their critical thinking and research skills via our courses and assignments. Our instructors expect that all work is the product of students’ own critical thought and engagement. While specific policies regarding instructional and/or generative AI technology are created by individual professors for their course(s), if AI is used, there must be clear documentation in submitted assignments in an appropriate manner (e.g., source citation).

We also acknowledge that AI technology has inherent bias and inaccuracies. Each student is responsible for carefully analyzing the validity and accuracy of work presented. Students should note that sources and information generated by AI should be carefully evaluated and fact-checked, as AI are prone to hallucinations or generating false information.  This resource has more information on how to cite the use of ChatGPT in MLA format, and this resource, in APA format. Any student using AI is responsible for any potential negative consequences on their course or assignment grades that could result from having incorporated any inaccurate, biased, or plagiarized content from AI generated technology.

Course Policy: SPCH 1315 + Microcredential:

This course incorporates elements from the "Problem Solving with AI" microcredential, inviting learners to critically explore how AI tools can aid communication design and ethical decision-making. To ensure that your work reflects both academic integrity and purposeful AI engagement, please follow the guidelines below.

Allowed Uses of Generative AI (GAI):

• Permitted: You may use GAI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Bard) for brainstorming ideas, conducting background research, or generating prompts to refine your speech scripts.
• Required Attribution: Any content generated with AI must be clearly acknowledged. Include a brief note at the end of your submission stating:
  • The AI tool used
  • The date of use
  • The prompt you provided
  • A short reflection (1–2 sentences) on how the AI output informed your work

Example:

“I used ChatGPT on Sept 10, 2025 to brainstorm attention-grabbing opening lines. Prompt: ‘Generate 3 creative hooks for a speech on digital citizenship.’ I revised and personalized these suggestions to fit my speaking style.”

What AI Should Not Be Used For:

• Not permitted: Do not use AI to generate speeches, write full talking points, or craft entire outlines. Your speech content must reflect your own voice and critical thinking.

Rationale:

These guidelines help you leverage AI as a supportive too – enhancing your creativity and efficiency – while maintaining authorship, integrity, and alignment with ACC's academic values.

Academic Integrity & Consequences:

Unauthorized or undocumented AI use will be treated as a violation of the college’s academic integrity policy and may result in disciplinary action. Always consult your instructor if you're unsure about acceptable AI use.

Late/Missing/Makeup Work for SPCH 1315:

• Submission on due date: +10 pts.
• Submission 1 day late: +0 pts.
• Submission 2 days late: -10 pts.
• Submission 3+ days late: not accepted/zero for assignment

Late/Missing/Makeup Work for Micro-credential (DFAI 9015):

• Need to score at least 80% on each quiz (3 attempts) to move to next section
• Need completion of mini-assignment to move to next section
• Need to score at least 80% on all quizzes, mini-assignments, and capstone project to earn micro-credential badge
• Total Grade counts as 16% of SPCH 1315 grade

Note that your progress in the Micro-credential (DFAI 9015) is sequential, which means you must 1. Score at least 80% on each of the quizzes within three attempts, and 2. Submit each mini-assignment (with the grade pending, which means you do not have to wait for a grade) to move to the next section of each competency.

You should keep up with the schedule in the syllabus, with one competency each week for four weeks and then two weeks to complete the capstone project.  The only hard deadline is the end of the micro-credential, at the end of six weeks, at which time you must have all quizzes and mini-assignments completed to 80% to earn your micro-credential badge!

Note that the Total Grade with the micro-credential site, which will be entered as 16% of your SPCH 1315 grade, does require completion of all quizzes to 80% to move to each new section, but mini-assignments may score lower.  Keep in mind, though, that a higher Total Grade means a higher SPCH 1315 grade!

Incomplete Policy Statement:

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 Ultra, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.