SYLLABUS FOR COM 101 – Public Speaking
Text: The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen Lucas (McGraw-Hill)
I. General Objectives of the Course
The overall objectives of Public Speaking (Com 101) are for students, to understand and apply the principles necessary for good oral communication. Public Speaking is designed to build a foundation for students to continue the study and practice of oral communication in all endeavors.
Specifically, this course will stress:
1. The understanding of key principles of oral communication.
2. The application and adaptation of the fundamentals of oral communication to typical speech situations. This requires speaking before an audience in informal and formal situations in which goals are both to inform and persuade.
3. The development of the ability to listen deliberately and critically.
4. The understanding of the ethical responsibilities of oral communication.
II. The Student’s Responsibilities in this course are:
1. To attend regularly and to develop critical and active listening skills when not speaking.
2. To prepare assignments, and speak when scheduled.
3. To participate in class discussions, to offer constructive criticism of your classmates as speakers; to complete all written assignments.
4. To confer with your instructor about your progress and problems, if any, in this course.
5. To prepare supplementary assignments and reports as required.
6. COM 101 students may be expected to participate for up to three (3) hours in research projects approved by the department and the university.
7. All written assignments are to be computer-generated unless specifically exempted by the instructor.
III. Specific Behavioral Objectives Involved in This Course
In order to accomplish the general objectives stated above, the student is expected to develop competence in selecting a subject, audience and occasion analysis, formation of the specific purpose, selection, analysis, organization, and development of research materials, delivery skills, critical and evaluative listening skills, develop an individual style of speaking that is clear, vivid, accurate, and grammatically correct, and develop an awareness of ethical standards incumbent upon the speaker.
IV. Standard Areas of Assignments:
All sections of COM 101 will cover the areas as listed below:
1. The completion of the PRCA at the beginning and end of the semester.
2. Speaking: A minimum of four (4) public address speeches: a minimum of one informative, a minimum of two persuasive.
3. A written mid-semester examination.
4. A written final examination at the time and place scheduled by the university.
5. All speeches will be audio and/or video taped.
V. Flexible Areas of Assignments:
Each instructor, having completed the above specific required assignments may elect to assign additional work from either the standard areas outlined above or a new area of oral communication from among the following:
Debate Group Discussion
Oral Readings Papers or Reports
Inter-Class Exchange of Interpersonal Communication
Speaking Assignments Impromptu Public Address
Informal Communication Attend Lectures Outside of Class
VI. Class Attendance:
1. As this is a course in which both oral and listening knowledge and abilities are being developed, attendance at class is mandatory. Violation of this policy will seriously affect the student’s academic standing in the course.
2. The student must speak on the day he/she is scheduled to speak OR make prior arrangements with the instructor OR receive the letter grade of F unless the absence is officially excused. Whenever possible, notify your instructor of any absences in advance. Phoned messages for your instructor may be left at the instructor’s voice or email.
VII. Students Rights & Responsibilities
A. Grievances
Students with a grievance against another student in this class or students with a conflict with the instructor are referred to the grievance procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. It says, in part, "in academic matters such as a grade complaint, the student should first speak with his or her professor. The normal hierarchy then leads to the department chairperson, dean of the college, and provost." In Communication Studies the Basic Course Director may be consulted as well.
B. Cheating & Plagiarism
Students are reminded that cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Even one incident of cheating or plagiarism is grounds for failing the course or more serious action by the university. Please study carefully the University policies on cheating and plagiarism that are detailed in the Student Handbook.
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