Faculty Syllabus

SPCH-1311 Introduction to Speech Communication

Jason Vidrine


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

SPCH-1311-701 (30675)
LEC TuTh 1:30pm - 2:50pm RRC RRC1 1211.00

Course Requirements

Course Assignments and Weight

Quizzes and Assignments

Students will complete quizzes in Blackboard before covering the class material. Throughout the course, students will have to complete various assignments that focus on the learning objectives from a chapter(s). Due dates are provided in the syllabus.

 

Attendance and Participation:

Students are expected to attend class regularly. Attendance will be taken in class and updated in blackboard. Students who are tardy or frequently tardy may be docked points for attendance.

 

Participation can improve understanding and the classroom climate. Students are expected to prepare for class and participate in classroom discussions and activities. Each student will be responsible for presenting information related to a course concept, such as leadership. The frequency and quality of contribution may affect the student’s attendance grade.

 

Orally Graded Projects. 

 

Interpersonal Communication: In dyads, students will deliver a performance appraisal of another student’s work throughout the semester. Communication skills, such as perception checking and paraphrasing, are incorporated into the project with a focus on the student’s strengths. Students will learn the challenges of leading others when communicating shortcomings and developing improvement plans. 

 

Small Group Communication: Students will exhibit leadership skills by leading focus group discussions about a specific issue related to the person’s group topic. Students will secure 3-5 people to interview, schedule a time to meet (in person or virtually), develop questions, and codify results. The results will serve as evidence for the group’s public speaking project. 

 

Public Speaking: The class will be divided into groups, and each group will determine a topic to discuss, such as the development of critical thinking skills at ACC. The group will use the focus group results and additional academic research to craft a presentation that assesses the topic and provides recommendations for improvement. This speech prepares students for leadership by developing and delivering new initiatives or process improvement plans in the workplace.



 

Examinations. 

Three in-class exams will comprise 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 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.

 

 

Points 

Multiplied By

Percentage Weight

Total Points

Attendance

  

x

5

  

Exams

  

X

30

  

Interpersonal Project

  

X

10

  

Small Group Project

  

x

20

  

Public Speaking Project

  

X

20

  

Reflection Papers

  

X

10

  

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 17, 2025, https://opened.tesu.edu/umncommunication/

 

NOTE: Additional readings may be provided.

Course Subjects

 

Day of Week

Date

Chapter Title

Chapter 

Homework due before class

Tuesday

1/20

Course Introduction

 

 

Thursday

1/23

Introduction to Communication Studies

  Chapter 1

Quiz

Gallup CliftonStrengths Finder Results

Tuesday

1/27

Introduction to Communication Studies 

 

 

 

Leadership

Chapter 1

 

Chapter 14

Trend Hunter Assessment

 

Quiz

 

Read Authentic Leadership by George Bill

Thursday

1/29

Leadership

 

Submit leadership paper

Submit Adobe graphic on strengths & leadership.

 

Tuesday

2/3

Communication and Perception

Chapter 2

Quiz

 

Thursday

2/5

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 

 

Submit Competencies Self-Reflection

Tuesday

2/10

Culture and Communication

Chapter 8

Present leadership articles

Thursday

2/12

Verbal Messages

Chapter 3

Quiz

 

Read Bolman & Deal

 

Submit culture assignment

Tuesday

2/17

Nonverbal Messages

Chapter 4

Quiz

 

Read Darics

Thursday

2/19

EXAM ONE: Chapters 1-4,8, 14, and readings

 

 

Tuesday

2/24

Listening

Chapter 5

Quiz

Thursday

2/26

Small Group Project Explanation

 

 

Tuesday

3/3

Small Group Communication

Chapter 13

Quiz 

Read sections of Harry Kraemer’s Values to Actions

Thursday

3/5

Small Group Communication

Roles and Problem-Solving Group

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Quiz

Read articles from Jim Collins’ website

Tuesday

3/10

Roles and Problem-Solving Group

Chapter 14

Submit Small Group Reflection Graphic

Thursday

3/12

Interpersonal Communication Processes

Chapter 6

Quiz

Read Motivation Articles by Webb and Dignen

 

3/17 & 3/19

SPRING BREAK!!!

 

 

Tuesday

3/24

Communication in Relationships

Chapter 7

Quiz

Thursday

3/26

Communication in Relationships

Chapter 7

 

Tuesday

3/31

Performance Appraisal

 

Lecture Notes

 

Submit Interpersonal Reflection Graphic

Thursday

4/2

Interpersonal Project Explanation

 

 

Tuesday

4/7

Exam Two: Chapters 5-7, 13, 14, and readings

 

 

Thursday

4/9

Explanation of the Business Presentation Project

 

Submit peer assessment for interpersonal project

Tuesday

4/14

Discussion of Focus Group Project Results

 

Informative and Persuasive Speaking

Chapter 11

 

 

 

Bring summation of results

 

Submit Small Group Reflection 

Thursday

4/16

Informative and Persuasive Speaking

Chapter 11

Quiz

Tuesday

4/21

Developing, Organizing, and Delivering Your Persuasive Presentation (Specific Purpose, Thesis, and Audience Analysis)

Chapter 9 and Chapter 12

Quiz

Thursday

4/23

Developing, Organizing, and Delivering Your Presentation (Main Points and Supporting Information)

 

Submit peer assessment for interpersonal project

Tuesday

4/28

Developing, Organizing, and Delivering Your Presentation (Supporting Info, Transitions, and oral citations)

 

 

Thursday

4/30

Developing, Organizing, and Delivering Your Presentation (Intro and Conclusion)

 

 

Tuesday

5/5

Delivering a Speech

Chapters 10

Quiz

 

Submit peer assessment for interpersonal project

Thursday

5/7

Outline and Practice Session

Work on Interpersonal Project

 

 

Tuesday

5/12

Exam 3: Chapters 9-12 and readings

 

 

Thursday

5/14

Presentations

 

Group Project Reflection Graphic due by noon on Friday

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

  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

Topical Focus

This Honors course focuses on leadership in communication. Students will explore aspects of leadership and how their aptitudes and skills coincide with being a leader. An emphasis is placed on reflection papers/graphics to connect the communication and leadership concepts with their unique personality qualities. Additionally, a connection between the interpersonal, small group, and public speaking projects are tied together. 

Office Hours

T Th 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM RRC. Bldg. 1000, Room 1206

NOTE Students can request to meet after 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

T 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Virtual

NOTE The meeting link is posted in Blackboard. Please email me if you want to schedule a meeting at a different time.

Th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Virtual

NOTE The meeting link is posted in Blackboard. Please email me if you would like to schedule a different time to meet.

Office Hours

T Th 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM RRC. Bldg. 1000, Room 1206

NOTE Students can request to meet after 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

T 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Virtual

NOTE The meeting link is posted in Blackboard. Please email me if you want to schedule a meeting at a different time.

Th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Virtual

NOTE The meeting link is posted in Blackboard. Please email me if you would like to schedule a different time to meet.

Published: 02/06/2026 10:53:51