Introduction to Speech Communication
Prof. Salas
Kismet.prof@gmail.com
Course Syllabus: Introduction to Speech Communication
Course information
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Intro to Speech Communication, 3 credits
Course description
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Speech Communication is an introductory course to human communication
theories, concepts and public speaking. This course will define and examine human
communication- nonverbal and verbal communication- and provide students with the
opportunity to engage in public speaking.
Faculty contact information
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Alexandra Salas, instructor, kismet.prof@gmail.com
skype: alexandra-salas
Learning objectives
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Week 1 learning outcomes
1. Students will understand and discuss human communication fundamentals
2. Students will identify and examine different types of speeches – commemorative,
informative and persuasive
3. Students will research, outline, and deliver a speech of introduction.
4. Students will evaluate and annotate research used for speech presentation.
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Week 2 learning outcomes
1. Students will think critically about the differences and impact of nonverbal and verbal
communication
2. Students will articulate and analyze human communication theories such as
interpersonal communication- relational development, social exchange theory,
impression management, social penetration theory, facework
Course resources, texts, web links
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Engleberg, I. N. & Wynn, D. R. (2011). Think Communication. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
DO Lectures http://www.dolectures.com/
Forum Network http://forum-network.org/
TED Lectures http://www.ted.com/talks
Course Reading Assignments
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Engleberg, I. N. & Wynn, D. R. (2011). Think Communication. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Wk 1
Introduction to Speech Communication
Prof. Salas
Kismet.prof@gmail.com
Read Chapter 1 Human Communication , pp 2-17.
Read Chapter 12 “General speaking goals,” pp. 241-242.
Read Chapter 13 Outlining your presentation p. 273- 275
Read Chapter 15 Speaking to inform, pp. 304- 307
Read Chapter 16 Speaking to persuade, pp. 324-326
Wk 2
Read Chapter 5 Verbal Communication, pp. 86-92
Read Chapter 6 Non Verbal Communication, pp. 110, 115-117
“Learn about theory” p. 15
“Social penetration theory” p. 152
“Interpersonal communication- relational development” pp. 135-136, 151
Assignment information
Week 1 discussion questions
1. What is human communication? (LO1)
2. How do human communication theories such as interpersonal communicationrelational development, social exchange theory, impression management, social
penetration theory, facework affect our lives, perspectives and experiences? (LO2)
3. What are the differences between commemorative, informative and persuasive
speeches?
Week 1 Speech Assignment
Introduction to Speech Communication
Prof. Salas
Kismet.prof@gmail.com
Week 2 discussion questions
1. What are the differences and impact of nonverbal and verbal communication? (Wk 2
LO1)
2. Why is research important in speech preparation? How can you determine if
information is credible? What is the role of an outline in speech preparation and
delivery? (Wk2 LO 2 & 3)
Week 2 Group Assignment
Grading scale
A
100-90
B
89-80
C
79-70
D
69-60
F
59-0
Student roles and expectations
Introduction to Speech Communication
Prof. Salas
Kismet.prof@gmail.com
 Students are expected to fully participate, read and complete course assignments in a
timely manner to meet discussion and assignment due dates.
Instructor role and commitments
 The instructor will be actively engaged in the course 4 out of 7 days of the week. The
instructor will respond to student inquiries within 48 hours, and provide feedback to
student deliverables within 5 days of the assignment due date.
Academic Honesty Policy: copyright and plagiarism policy
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Access to information has become easier with the advent of the internet, search engines
and growing databases containing as much content that has been digitized. With this
extensive access comes user responsibility and respect toward intellectual property. It is
imperative that all work submitted be your own original work. Summarized, paraphrased
or quoted information should have a corresponding in-text citation and appear on a
reference list in American Psychological Association (APA) style.
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Plagiarism takes place when information is not attributed properly; it happends by
accident, incrementally or completely. This lack of academic integrity can be detrimental
to a students grade. If faculty determines that a student has plagiarized, the student may
have the opportunity to redo the assignment for a lesser grade. A second infraction will
earn a zero and possible dismissal from the class.
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Through __Creative Commons licensing__ content in this course can be copied, edited
and distributed as long as the original work is credited.
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Information on APA
o
o
APA updates and
tutorials__http://flash1r.apa.org/apastyle/whatsnew/index.htm__
Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). Reference List Basics. Retrieved
from__http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/05/__
Resources/References
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Information on APA
APA updates and tutorials__http://flash1r.apa.org/apastyle/whatsnew/index.htm__
Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). Reference List Basics. Retrieved
from__http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/05/__
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Videos
DO Lectures
Introduction to Speech Communication
Prof. Salas
Kismet.prof@gmail.com
http://www.dolectures.com/
Forum Network
http://forum-network.org/
TED Lectures
http://www.ted.com/talks