Heartland Community College
Division: Humanities and Fine Arts
COURSE PREFIX & NUMBER: COMM 101
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Speech
DATE PREPARED: July 2014
DATE REVISED: August 2014
PCS/CIP/ID NO: 1.1-231001
IAI NO. (if available): C2 900
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: August 18, 2014
CREDIT HOURS: 3.0
CONTACT HOURS: 3.0
LECTURE HOURS: 3.0
LABORATORY HOURS: 0.0
Instructor: Lisa Martin, M.S.
E-Mail: lisa.martin@heartland.edu
Room: ICB 1704
Class Meeting Time: Monday and Wednesday 9:30-10:45 am
Semester: Fall 2014
Office Hours: By appointment only (RM ICB 2025)
Catalog Description:
This is an introductory course in public speaking, with the dual goals of helping students
understand basic communication principles and improving their oral communication skills. The
course emphasizes preparing, selecting, organizing, and delivering oral messages, as well as
analyzing and evaluating the speaking-listening process.
Required Text: Public Speaking: Prepare, Present, and Participate. Dr. Cheri Simonds
Required Materials: Note Cards (3x5; White; lined or unlined), Notebook, Access to computer
and printer (HCC labs offer free printing), and a pocket folder.
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
COMM 101 fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Humanities/Fine Arts required for the
A.A. or A.S. degree. It satisfies the Humanities component of this requirement. COMM 101
should transfer to other Illinois colleges and universities as the equivalent of the General
Education Core Curriculum course C2 900, described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative.
However, students should consult an academic advisor for transfer information regarding
particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page for information as well at
http://www.itransfer.org/IAI/Other/Student.taf
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
I. Introduction: The Essentials of Communication
II. Public Speaking
III. The Informative Speech
IV. The Persuasive Speech
V. Speeches for Other Occasion
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes)
After completing this course,
students should be able to:
General Education
Learning Outcome
Effectively organize thoughts and
ideas into coherent, well-focused
verbal messages appropriate for the
audience, occasion, and purpose.
Conduct evaluative scholarly
research and incorporate
appropriate materials into focused,
well-informed presentations.
Demonstrate appropriate behavior
as active listeners and participants.
CO1
Demonstrate an awareness of and
sensitivity to non-verbal
communication in both speaking
and listening situations.
Evaluate and employ appropriate
visual aids to enhance the impact
of oral presentations.
Demonstrate awareness, respect,
and appreciation for the diversity
of others as they endeavor to refine
their communication skills.
Employ strategies to reduce
communication apprehension in
order to effectively participate in a
variety of public communication
situations.
Become more effective
communicators in democratic
situations, demonstrating the
ability to consider and evaluate
multiple perspectives on social
issues and the ability to manage
conflict.
CO3
Assessment: May include but
are not limited to:
Speeches, class discussion, Q&A,
outlines, workshops, tests, and
quizzes
CT3
Library exercises, speeches,
bibliographies, citations,
quizzes, tests, in-class exercises
CO3
DI5
Presentations, Q&A, self
reflection essays, class
discussion, tests and quizzes
Presentations, self-reflective
essays, class discussion, speech
critiques, peer evaluations, tests
and quizzes
Presentations, workshops,
speeches, tests and quizzes
CO3
CO5; DI5
CO4
PS4;CO2
Self-reflection essays, speech
critiques, class discussion, Q&A,
tests and quizzes
Self-reflective essays, class
discussions, self-reports
Class participation, workshops,
small group assignments, Q&A,
tests and quizzes
Final Grading Scale (Percentages) :
100-90: A
89-80: B
79-70: C
69-60: D
59-0: F
Assignments:
Exams: There will be a mid-term exam and a final exam given at the end of the semester. The
exams must be taken on the date assigned. If an exam is missed, the student must negotiate with
the instructor on a makeup date, but you must have a very, very good reason to have missed the
exam date. If you don’t send me a message explaining the absence before the next meeting time,
there is no longer a make-up option. If you think you might have to miss an exam date, let me
know beforehand that it is a possibility. Again, I am much easier to work with if I am
communicated with.
Speeches: There will be five speeches delivered throughout the course. College level work will
be expected on all assignments. Grammar, spelling, and style will influence your grade. Sloppy
work will not be tolerated. All assignments must stapled and neat. Hand written assignments for
outlines and references will not be accepted. Outlines and references for speeches must conform
to APA Style manual. (The HCC computer lab offers free printing)
No speech will be performed without having turned in a completed full sentence
preparation outline and appropriate references!!!
Because there is a lot of content and speeches to get through in this course, you are expected to
give your speech on the day it is assigned. If you have a conflict, please see me as soon as
possible to discuss the matter. Failure to show up on your speech day with no valid reason
(determined by the instructor) will result in a grade reduction. If a speech is delivered the class
after it was due, it will be assessed a 15 point penalty off the grade. After that, it will be 50 points
off. Again, if you have a valid reason for missing your speech, please speak to me as soon as
possible.
ALL SPEECHES MUST BE COMPLETED TO PASS THE CLASS!
Chapter Questions/Participation: You are expected to be in class every class period, and to
participate in class discussions and activities. This includes participating and activities and
contributing to and listening during discussion. To receive points for class, you must come and
have the chapter questions completed. If you do not complete them or do not come to class, you
do not receive points for that day. Unless you have spoken with me prior to the class as to why
you will not be there. On days there are no chapter questions, in-class participation activities may
be assigned. If you are not here, you cannot get credit for those activities.
Homework: Unless specifically stated, the homework for each class period will be the
Preparing to Participate questions throughout the assigned chapter. It is possible I will also
require additional homework related to in class activities or speech development. All work must
be completed prior to class. I will not accept handwritten work for any assignment, unless it is a
worksheet I have distributed for you to fill out and bring back to class. There are no exceptions
to this rule; the HCC computer lab offers free printing.
Grade Breakdown:
Introduction Speech:
Current Event Speech:
Informative Speech:
Persuasive Speech
:
Special Occasion Speech:
Speech Peer Evaluations:
Midterm Exam
:
Final Exam:
Participation/Chapter Questions:
25 Points
25 Points
100 Points
125 Points
100 Points
20 Points
100 Points
100 Points
122 Points
Course Total: 717 points
***(It is possible that points could be added or subtracted from this depending on how the
semester develops)
Course Policies:
Attendance: Attendance is required in this class. Speech class is both a developmental and a
performance course which requires a prepared, responsive audience to be effective. Hence, you
must participate in this course in three areas: 1) as a speaker; 2) as an audience member; 3) as a
student in class activities. You will be held responsible for your attendance, and your grade will
be affected negatively for absences.
Tardiness will also not be accepted. If you feel you may be late to a class, please inform me.
Once I am done with attendance, you are considered late. I will allow two tardies a semester,
after that I will take 5 points off of your attendance/chapter questions grade.
Professionalism: Should you need to miss a class or an appointment, I would appreciate the
same courtesy and sense of responsibility you would extend to an employer. Professionalism
includes respecting others’ opinions, not interrupting in class, being respectful to those who are
speaking, turning off all electronic devices, and working together in a spirit of cooperation. On
speech days, never walk in while someone else is giving his or her speech.
Assignment Due Dates: All work is expected on the date it is due. Late assignments will not be
accepted. I will work with you if you have a legitimate reason for your absence (determined by
me) AND arrangements have been made with me prior to the class meeting. I want to help you in
any way possible but will not accept less than your full effort. I am understanding if you keep me
informed. If you encounter problems, please inform me right away.
Speech Etiquette: Your attendance on speech days is required and is not optional. Failure to be
an attentive audience member on speech days will result in a 5 point deduction from your speech
– this includes sitting up and having all electronic devices turned off and put away. Audience
members will be attentive and consider. Please do not enter or leave the room while a speech is
in progress. It is inconsiderate to arrive late during a presentation and as such tardiness will result
in a 10 point reduction from your speech grade.
E-Mailing: You are responsible for checking your e-mail and Blackboard on a regular basis as
important announcements will be sent. If you e-mail me, please give me 12 hours to respond
during the week and 36 hours to respond on weekends. As a student of higher education, it is
expected that all communication be of professional quality, including addressing the instructor
by name, identifying a subject in the subject line, and signing your name to the e-mail.
Midterm Withdrawal Policy: Students are expected to attend all classes and meaningfully
participate each day. Any student who does not make reasonable attempts to successfully
complete all course activities (exams, homework, quizzes, etc.), may be withdrawn from the
course at midterm.
However, if any of the following situations apply, the student will be automatically withdrawn
by the end of week 8:
 was absent for any 2 consecutive weeks without appropriate notice
 has more than 5 unexcused absences
 Did not complete at least 60% of assignments
Cheating/Plagiarism: Evidence of plagiarism or cheating on papers, speeches, or exams will
result in an F on the assignment. If a second act of cheating or plagiarism occurs, you will
receive an F in the course. Further, instances of plagiarism will be reported to Heartland
Community College. If you ever are not sure if what you are doing is plagiarism, contact me
before turning the assignment in so I can help you.
Tutoring and Writing Services: If you feel that you need additional aid in developing your
reading/writing skills within this or other classes, be sure to utilize the Tutoring Center or
Writing Lab here on campus. To set up an appointment for the Tutoring Center you can call them
at 309-268-8231. To set up an appointment for the Writing Lab you can call 309-268-8231.
Support Services for Students with Learning Disabilities: A learning disability is a permanent
disorder that affects the manner in which individuals with normal or above average intelligence
take in, retain and express information. It is recognized as a deficit in one or more areas of
cognitive processing. If you have or suspect you have a Learning Disability, contact the
Disability Support Service, also called Build, at 309-268-8259. You can also stop into SCB
1407-1408. If you do not register with Support Services, then I cannot take any LD’s into
account when assessing your work.
Testing Services: The Testing Services area is in SCB2001A. If you end up needing to make up
an exam, take one early or need accommodations, this is where you will do so. You will need to
work out the time with me, then you will need to make sure you have a photo ID when you go in
to take the test.
Tentative Schedule
Week
Date
Day
Material Covered
1
8/18
M
Syllabus/Syllabus Contra
Assign Bag Speech
1
8/20
W
Bag Speeches
Ch. 1: Intro to Communication
Bag Speeches/
Spiral/Ch. 1
2
8/25
M
Ch. 2: Communication Confidence
Ch. 3: Ethical Communication
Ch. 2 P2P & Ch. 3 P2P
2
8/27
W
Ch. 4: Listening: Assign Informative Speech
Ch. 4 P2P
3
9/1
M
No School: Labor Day
3
9/3
W
4
9/8
M
4
9/10
W
Ch 5: Choosing Topics and Ch. 7: Integrating
support material; Assign Current Event
Ch. 8: Organizing Ideas &
Ch. 9: Outlining/ (Work on outlines in class)
Ch. 10 Beginning and Ending
Ch. 12: Designing Presentation Aids; Current
Events
5
9/15
M
5
9/17
W
Ch. 6: Analyzing Your Audience, Ch. 11:
Language, & Ch. 13 Delivery
Major Assignments
Due (bolded items
worth points)
Ch. 5 P2P and Ch. 7 P2P
Ch. 8 P2P
Ch. 9 P2P; Ch. 10 P2P
Current Event/ Ch. 12
P2P
Outlines Due
Ch. 6 P2P
Ch. 11 P2P, Ch. 13 P2P/
Return Outlines
Question and Answers
Speech Reminders and Remaining Material
6
9/22
M
Speech
6
9/24
W
Informative Speeches
Informative Speeches
7
9/29
M
Informative Speeches
7
8
8
10/1
10/6
10/8
W
M
W
9
10/13
M
Review for Midterm Exam
Midterm Exam
Ch. 14: Understanding Persuasive Principles,
Assign Persuasive Speech
Group Communication
Class Work
9
10/15
W
Ch. 15: Building Arguments
Ch. 15 P2P
Speech
Speech
Exam
Ch. 14 P2P
10
10/20
M
Ch. 16: Listening and Critical Thinking
Ch. 16 P2P Outlines Due
10
10/22
W
In – Class Work Day
Return Outlines
11
10/27
M
Persuasive Speeches
Speech
11
10/29
W
Persuasive Speeches
Speech
12
12
11/3
11/5
M
W
Speech
13
11/10
M
Persuasive Speeches
Transition from Persuasive to Special
Occasion /Assign Special Occasion Speech
Speaking on Special Occasions
13
11/12
W
Speeches of Introduction and Speeches of
Acceptance
Class Work
14
11/17
M
Speeches of Presentation and Roasts and
Toasts
Class Work
14
11/19
W
Eulogies and Tributes, After Dinner
Speeches, and Speeches of Inspiration
15
M
SOS/Work Day
Return Outlines
15
11/24
11/26
W
Thanksgiving Break
Break
16
12/1
M
SOS
Speech
16
12/3
W
SOS/
Review for Final
Speech
Review for the Final
17
12/812/10
M,
W
Final Exam
Class Work
Bring rough outline
Grade Breakdown: While I will likely post major on Blackboard, if you want to keep track of
your grade during the semester, and I suggest you do, here is the breakdown.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Class Work
Class Work
Class Work
Class Work
_____/7
_____/5
_____/5
_____/5
_____/6
_____/7
_____7
_____/8
_____/6
_____/9
_____/3
_____/7
_____/7
_____/5
_____/7
_____/8
_____/5
_____/5
_____/5
_____/5
Introduction Speech
_____/25
Current Event Speech
_____/25
Informative Speech
_____/100
Persuasive Speech
_____/125
Special Occasion Speech
_____/100
Peer Evaluation 1
_____/5
Peer Evaluation 2
_____/5
Peer Evaluation 3
_____/5
Peer Evaluation 4
_____/5
Midterm
_____/100
Final
_____/100
Misc. Assignment
_____/_____
Misc. Assignment
_____/_____
Misc. Assignment
_____/_____