Syllabus
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Oral Communication 1203

Professor:  Dr. Marceline Thompson-Hayes   Website: http://www.clt.astate.edu/mhayes

Office: Communications Bldg. 364               Email: mhayes@astate.edu

Office phone:  870-972-2816                      Office hours: M 4:30-5:30, T/Th. 11:00-12:30


Course goals and objectives:  Oral Communication focuses on the theory and practice of communication interpersonal, small group, and public speaking contexts, emphasizing proficiency in message organization, delivery, and critical thinking. Specifically, by the end of the semester, students will learn how to:

·         Listen actively and think critically

·         Communicate more effectively in interpersonal situations

·         Research, organize, and outline speeches

·         Effectively deliver speeches

·         Communicate more effectively in small group situations

·         Effectively use technology and visual aids during presentations

·         Adapt messages to diverse audiences.

·         Use specific communication terminology to evaluate messages

·         Understand and control communication apprehension

Text:  Pearson, J. C., Nelson, P. E., Titsworth, S.,  Harter, L., Baglan, T.,  Clark, L. (2008). Human Communication (3rd ed.). Boston, MA:  McGraw-Hill. 

Grading scale:  90-100%=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; Below 60%=F

Assignments: KEEP TRACK OF YOUR GRADES.

Exam 1 (100 pts.)

Exam 2 (100 pts.)

Self-Introductory Speech (2-3 min.) (25 pts.)

Informative Speech (5-7 min.) (50 pts.)

Point-of-View Speech (7-9 min.) (75 pts.)

Participation (class activities, etc.) (100 pts.)

Total pts: 450

Exams:  Will be mainly multiple-choice, true-false, and matching format with the possible inclusion of short answer or short essays. Exam questions will be taken mainly for the text and some lecture. Keep up with your reading. Make ups occur ONLY with an acceptable, legitimate, documented excuse. Acceptable “excuses” include visits to the emergency room, doctor’s visits where the doctor has written a note excusing you from work/school, or participation in a university sponsored event. Court appearances and undocumented illness do not count are not acceptable excuses. Points will be deducted regardless of your reason for missing your exam. Failure to take the final exam will result in an “F” for the course.

Speeches: All speeches will be presented “extemporaneously,” that is, carefully prepared and practiced but conversational in tone. In other words, no reading! Read speeches are “C” speeches at best. You must present your speech on the day you signed up for. Make ups occur ONLY at with a legitimate, documented excuse and will occur at your instructor’s discretion. Points will be deducted regardless of your reason for missing your speech. Be ON TIME for your speech as well and do not walk in during any one else’s speech. Points may be deducted from your grade for disrupting someone else’s speech.

Classroom conduct:  Continued classroom disruption (e.g., arriving late, cell phone violations, engaging in private conversations during lecture or activities, using foul language, etc.) or failure to participate fully in the activities (e.g., being unprepared, refusing to work with your group, etc.) can and will lower your total grade. DO NOT WALK IN DURING STUDENT SPEECHES but wait for applause and then enter. Do not talk, read the paper, answer the phone, do homework, or anything else during student speeches--except listen. If you cell phone rings during a student’s speech, you will be deducted five points for each interruption. Monitor your own behavior. You will not receive advance notice of points being deducted for misbehavior. Grade penalties will be given on a case by case basis as warranted.

Attendance: You will find it difficult to do well in this course if you do not attend all classes. If you miss class, you are responsible for acquiring the course content and keeping abreast of any assignments given, changes made to the schedule, etc. The only absences that will be counted as “excused” are when you are participating in a university sponsored event and are able to present legitimate documentation as evidence. Illnesses, court appearances, etc. are not excused. Class activities can NOT be made up regarding of your reason for missing in any case.

 In a class that meets once a week, you may miss two times without penalty. In a class that meets twice a week, you may miss four times without penalty. In a class that meets three times a week, you may miss six times without penalty. The penalty is an “F” for the course if you exceed the allowed number of absences.

The classroom door will be locked after roll is taken.

Disabilities: Students with disabilities that affect their ability to fully participate in the course should contact Disability Services (972-3964) in order to make the necessary accommodations to facilitate your experience in this course. The instructor should be informed of necessary accommodations within the first two weeks of the semester.

Cell Phone Policy:  Due to the nature of this course, cell phones must be turned off during class. Do not answer your phone or leave to talk on the phone or make phone calls unless there is a dire emergency (e.g., someone is dying.) If your phone rings while a student is speaking, be prepared to receive a five point deduction per violation on your speech.

Food/Drink: There NO food or drink allowed in the classroom.

Academic violations (cheating, plagarism, etc.): Any violation of the Academic Misconduct policy will result in an “F” for the assignment and an “F” in the course and will potentially be reported to Judicial Affairs for further action.

Tentative Schedule:  This schedule is subject to change at any time. Keep abreast of the changes.

 

Week 1                                                            Intro. to the course

(Jan. 13, 15)                                                    Ch. 1, “Intro. to Human Communication”

Week 2                                                            Self-Introductory Speeches           

(Jan. 20, 22)                                                   

 Week 3                                                           Ch. 2, “Listening and Critical Thinking”

(Jan. 27, 29)                                            

 Week 4                                                           Ch. 5, “Topic Selection & Audience Analysis”

(Feb. 3, 5)                                                        Ch. 7, “Organizing your Presentation”                          

Week 5                                                            Informative Speeches

(Feb. 10, 12)                                               

Week 6                                                            Informative Speeches        

(Feb. 17, 19)

Week 7                                                            Exam 1 (Feb. 24th)

(Feb. 24, 26)                                                   Ch. 6, “Being Credible and Using Evidence”

Week 8                                                            Ch. 8, “Delivery & Visual Resources”

(Mar. 3-5)

Week 9                                                            Ch. 3, “Interpersonal Communication”

 (Mar. 10, 12)   

Week 10                                                          Ch. 4, “Dynamics of Small Group Communication”

(Mar. 17-19)                                           

Spring Break March 23-28

Week 11                                                          Activities TBA

(Mar. 31-Apr. 2)                                                                             

Week 12                                                          Activities TBA

(Apr. 7-9)   

Week 13                                                           Persuasive Speeches

(April 14-16)                                          

Week 14                                                           Persuasive Speeches

(April 21-23)                                           

Week15                                                           Study Day, April 28th                                   

(Apr. 28)                                           

 Week 16                                                         See exam schedule for final exam day/time

(Finals are 4/29-5/5)    


This website is maintained by Marceline Thompson Hayes, mhayes@astate.edu

This page last updated August 21, 2007

Arkansas State University