Fundamentals of Speech (SPC 1608) Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. Tommy Shavers
Contact: tshavers1@mail.valenciacollege.edu
Required Materials:
Text book: O'Hair, D., Rubenstein, H., & Stewart, R. (2013). A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking
(4th Ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s, NY
Course Objectives/Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
 Explain the techniques and demonstrate skills contributing to effective communication;
 Analyze the modes of speech and techniques such as those used to persuade, inform or
lead discussions;
 Identify and research topics, organize presentations and select visual aids to deliver
persuasive and informative speeches;
 Assess personal communication styles and critique various interpersonal interactions;
and
 Analyze the characteristics of an audience and adapt communication techniques.
Attendance and Class Preparedness
Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to learn, which means you must (1)
attend class on time, (2) complete assigned readings and homework prior to each class
meeting, (3) listen attentively to others’ ideas, and (4) provide insightful responses or ask
relevant questions from readings and class discussions as appropriate.
Attendance is important in this course. Absences and tardies can greatly affect your final
grade. Please review the following carefully and make plans to successfully attend class:
Absences
1 or 2 absences* (excused or unexcused)
3 absences* (excused or unexcused)
4 or more absences*
No penalty incurred
2-point reduction from final grade
10-point reduction from final grade
* If you arrive 10 minutes after class has started (or leave 10 minutes before it ends), it will be
counted as an absence.
Tardies, Leaving in the middle of class (and returning), or Leaving Early (5 to 10 minutes)
Arriving to class late is rude and disrespectful. You chose your schedule so please make sure
you can fulfill your commitment to this course. Otherwise you should look at other class options.
It is your responsibility to plan for your ride, traffic delays, parking issues and other
complications.
1 or 2 tardies or leaving early**
3 or more tardies or leaving early**
5 tardies**
No penalty incurred
1-point reduction per occurrence
3- point reduction per occurrence
** This includes leaving in the middle of class for more than five minutes
If you are absent, tardy or leave early, you are responsible for the material covered & any
announcements made. Students may NOT make-up missed class activity, quiz, or assignment
due to absences or tardies, unless official, written documentation of emergency is provided.
You will not need your laptop or cell phone. Please silence them, keep them in your bag out
of sight and do not use them during class. You would do the same in a professional
environment. If you are expecting an emergency call, please let me know before class starts.
Grading Policy:
Presentations will be graded by professor during or after presentations. Presentations will be
graded based upon speech evaluation form. Peer Evaluations will not be a part of presenter’s
grade but will serve as participation grade for peer evaluators. Reflective Assessment
Assignment must be clearly written and demonstrate student’s learning and experience
throughout the course.
The Following is the assignment breakdown for the course:
 Speeches (7) – 700pts (60pts per speech) + (40pts per speech Outlines)
 Prep Exam(1) – 200pts
 Feedback (1) – 100pts
 Total Points 1000
Speech Points Breakdown: Note Impromptu Speech 50pts each & no outlines
 Self Introduction Speeches
 Informative Speeches
 Demonstrative Speeches
 Persuasive Speeches
 Team Speeches
 Impromptu Speeches (2)
 Reflective Speech
Grade Breakdown
 900 – 100 = A
 800 – 899 = B
 700 – 799 = C
 600 – 699 = D
 Below 600 = F
Make-Up Policy:
Make-up presentations will be available for students with a valid reason (Assigned Week Only).
In fairness to all students, all make-up assignments will be deducted 20pts. It is the student’s
responsibility to communicate with the professor assignments needed to be made up to insure
make-up opportunity. With a class focused on speech communication, attendance is critical for
successful completion of this course.
Homework
Students are responsible for the preparation and completion of presentations & outlines outside
of class. While time will be given to students to work on presentations in class, it is the
responsibility of the student to work on presentation outside of class in order to be prepared to
present at the required time. Grades will be given for presentation outlines per speech (see
assignment breakdown above).
Quizzes/ Exam
There is one exam. There is no make-ups for the exam unless there is written documentation of
an emergency (20% penalty applies).
Speech Communication Department Academic Honesty Policy
All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia. Academic dishonesty includes, but
is not limited to, plagiarism (purposeful and accidental), cheating, furnishing false information,
forgery, alteration or miscue of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, and misuse of
identification with intent to defraud or deceive.
All speeches and assignments must be your original work. Any sources used in any assignment
must be properly cited (this includes both direct quotes as well as information that you
synthesize and report in your own words). Consequences according to Valencia Policies and
Procedures
(http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/default.cfm?policyID=193&volumeID_1=8&nav
st=0) include:
1. Failure of the assignment
2. Failure of the course
3. Being reported to the Dean of Communication which may result in expulsion from the college
Withdrawal Policy
Students should familiarize themselves with Valencia College’s withdrawal policy (see college
catalog). It is the responsibility of the student to know withdrawal deadlines and make
withdrawal decisions accordingly. Instructor will NOT withdraw student from course.
Students with Disabilities Policy
"Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from
the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor,
preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities
determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities (West Campus
SSB 102, ext. 1523)."
Valencia College is interested in making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful
college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help with issues
dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time
management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. BayCare
Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to all Valencia students
and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. Free face-to-face counseling is also
available.
SPC 1608 Spring Course Breakdown (Mon & Weds)
Week 1: (Jan 6th & 8th)
1. Course Overview, Why a speech Class ?, Listening, Communication Triangle, Link (Ice
breaker)
2. Self Introductions (2-3mins), Audience
Week 2: (Jan 13th & 15th)
3. Speech types, Topic Selection, Outlining (Break down of Intro, Body, Close)
4. Introduction Practices & Feedback 1-2mins
Week 3: (Jan 20th & 22nd)
5. Body/Transitions Practices & Feedback 2-3mins
6. Conclusions Practices & Feedback 1-2mins
Week 4 (Jan 27th & 29th)
7. Foundational Exam
8. Informative Speech Lecture & Preparation
Week 5 (Feb 3rd & 5th)
9. Informative Speech (3-4mins) & Feedback pt 1
10. Informative Speech (3-4mins) & Feedback pt 2
Week 6 (Feb 10th & 12th)
11. Demonstrative Speech Lecture
12. Demonstrative Speech Practice & Preparation
Week 7 (Feb 17th & 19th)
13. Demonstrative Speech (3-4mins) & Feedback pt 1
14. Demonstrative Speech (3-4mins) & Feedback pt 2
Week 8 (Feb 24th & 26th)
15. Impromptu Speech 1 (2-3mins)
16. Impromptu Speech 1 (2-3mins)
Week 9 (Mar 3rd & 5th)
17. Spring Break
18. Spring Break
Week 10 (Mar 10th & 12th)
19. Make up Speeches/ Team Presentation work
20. Make up Speeches/ Team Presentation work/ Persuasive Speech Prep
Week 11 (Mar 17th & 19th)
21. Persuasive Speech (3-4min) & Feedback 1
22. Persuasive Speech (3-4min) & Feedback 2
Week 12 (Mar 24th & 26th)
23. Impromptu Speech 2 (2-3mins)
24. Impromptu Speech 2 (2-3mins)
Week 13 (Mar 31st & Apr 2nd)
25. Team Presentation Work
26. Reflective Assessment Lecture & Prep
Week 14 (Apr 7th & 9th)
27. Team Presentations (9-12mins) & Feedback 1
28. Team Presentations (9-12mins) & Feedback 2
Week 15 (Apr 14th & 16th)
29. Reflective Assessment & Feedback 1
30. Reflective Assessment & Feedback 2
Week 16 Final Exam Week