National Communication Association
Basic Course Division Sessions
Friday, November 21
8:00am – 10:45am
Unconventionally Introducing Ethos and Pathos to the Basic Course
Session Type: Short Course
Scheduled Time: Friday, November 21 - 8:00am – 10:45am
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Madeleine A
Session Participants:
Session Organizer: Richard P. Doetkott (Chapman University)
Chair: Richard P. Doetkott (Chapman University)
Respondent: Michael T. Motley (University of California, Davis)
Respondent: Liz O'Brien (Phoenix College)
Abstract: Statement of purpose: The purpose of this short course is to provide proven methods that
encourage the Aristotelian proofs of ethos (character) and pathos (emotion), traditionally rare in
student speech making. Participants will prepare and present two sample exercises exactly as in the
instructors’ classroom, with two current students as guides, audience and critics. Many recorded
student exemplars from texts and classroom will be compared. Video of the entire short course will be
available at no charge.
9:30am – 10:45am
Unconventional Speeches to Achieve Basic Course Outcomes in the Public
Speaking and Hybrid Communication
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Scheduled Time: Friday, November 21 – 9:30am – 10:45am
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Parlor Room 733
Session Participants:
Chair: David L. Bodary (Sinclair Community College)
Presenter: Stephanie Ahlfeldt (Concordia College)
Presenter: Alice L. Crume (Kent State University)
Presenter: Heather A. Nesemeier (North Dakota State University)
Presenter: Deborah K. Samuels (Eastern Michigan University)
Presenter: Michael A. Tew (Eastern Michigan University)
Presenter: Jill Tyler (University of South Dakota)
Respondent: Cindy L. Griffin (Colorado State University)
Abstract: This session will introduce a range of invitational speech assignments used in a variety of
institutions and situations. Panelists will share instructional objectives, specific assignments and
learning outcomes in brief presentations. Cindy Griffin will respond to the panelists’ application of
invitational speaking based on her research and understanding of invitational rhetoric. In keeping with
the invitational style, session attendees will also be invited to share their insights and observations.
12:30pm – 1:45pm
Looking at Ourselves: Top Papers in the Basic Course Division
Session Type: Paper Session
Scheduled Time: Friday, November 21 - 12:30pm - 1:45pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Elizabeth A
Session Participants:
Session Organizer: Amy R. Slagell (Iowa State University) aslagell@iastate.edu
Basic Course Instructors' Perceptions of Web-based Ancillary Materials
-Beth M. Waggenspack (Virginia Tech), Samuel P. Wallace (University of Dayton)
PowerPoint—from Fabulous to Boring: The Misuse of PowerPoint in Higher Education Classrooms
-Chris Gurrie (University of Tampa), Brandy Fair (Grayson County College)
Striving for Instructional Communication Competence: Maximizing Students’ Learning Potential
Through Awareness and Assessment of Instructional Communication Behaviors
-Cara Marie Williams (Eastern Michigan University)
Respondent: Sandra L. Pensoneau-Conway (Wayne State University) sandyp@wayne.edu
Chair: Liz O'Brien (Phoenix College) liz.obrien@pcmail.maricopa.edu
2:00pm – 3:15pm
Looking at Our Students: Top Papers in the Basic Course
Session Type: Paper Session
Scheduled Time: Friday, November 21 - 2:00pm - 3:15pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Elizabeth A
Session Participants:
Session Organizer: Amy R. Slagell (Iowa State University) aslagell@iastate.edu
Competent Public Speaking: Assessing Skill Development in the Basic Course
-Judy C. Pearson (North Dakota State University), Jeffrey T. Child (Kent State University), Liliana
Herakova (North Dakota State University), Julie L. Semlak (North Dakota State University),
Jessica F. Angelos (Illinois State University)
Testing a Common Public Speaking Claim: An Examination of Students’ Ego-Involvement with Speech
Topics in the Basic Communication Course
- Joseph Mazer (Ohio University), Brian Scott Titsworth (Ohio University)
The Impact of Gender, Success and Planning of Humor on Public Speaking Apprehension
-Sarah E. Ubel (Washburn University), Tracy R. Routsong (Washburn University), Cindy Turk
(Washburn), Joy Koesten (University of Kansas), Hwa Chi Liang (Washburn University)
Chair: Beth M. Waggenspack (Virginia Tech) bwaggens@yahoo.com
Respondent: Kristen P. Treinen (Minnesota State University, Mankato)
kristen.treinen@mnsu.edu
Abstract: What are the characteristics of our students that lead to success in the basic course? Does
student passion for a topic lead to success? How does gender have an impact on student use of humor?
This new research will help us understand basic course students in new ways.
3:30pm – 4:45pm
Learning Communities: An unCONVENTIONal Approach to the Basic Course
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Scheduled Time: Friday, November 21 - 3:30pm - 4:45pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Parlor Room 605
Session Participants:
Presenter: Dawn L. Carusi (Marietta College) carusid@marietta.edu
Presenter: Mabry M. O'Donnell (Marietta College) mabry.odonnell@marietta.edu
Presenter: Liane M. Gray-Starner (Marietta College) graystal@marietta.edu
Presenter: Jeffrey P. Walker (Marietta College) walkerj@marietta.edu
Presenter: Suzanne H. Walker (Marietta College) walkers@marietta.edu
Abstract: Learning Communities are often used in university settings to provide small school
experiences for students. Marietta College, a small liberal arts college has take the unCONVENTIONal
approach of using learning communities to increase student engagement, persistence, and achievement
in required general education courses. This roundtable provides an opportunity to learn how the basic
course can be enhanced for both students and faculty when taught as a learning community in either a
residential or nonresidential setting. Participants are encouraged to stay for the session following this:
"Building Learning Communities with the Basic Course," for more in-depth discussion of learning
community structures at various institutions.
3:30pm – 4:45pm
UnCONVENTIONal Approaches to Teaching the Basic Course
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Scheduled Time: Friday, November 21 – 3:30pm – 4:45pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Parlor Room 805
Session Participants:
Teaching the Basic Course as a Triple-Team: Simple 'How To'
-Kathy A. Brady (University of Wisconsin, Whitewater), Jeanine M. Fassl (University of
Wisconsin, Whitewater), Susan M. Wildermuth (University of Wisconsin, Whitewater)
Teaching the Basic Course with the Synergy Project.
-Marlina Davidson (University of Nebraska, Omaha)
Teaching the Basic Course as a Duo-Team.
-Steven Epstein (Suffolk County Community College), Alyssa Kauffman (Suffolk Community
College)
Teaching the Basic Course as a Hybrid.
-Tammy S. French (University of Wisconsin, Whitewater)
Teaching the Basic Course to an 'Unconventional' Urban Audience: Challenges and Rewards
-Hollis F. Glaser (Borough of Manhattan Community College, CUNY)
Teaching the Basic Course Using Bloom's Taxonomy as a Framework for the Entire Curriculum
-Michael L. King (University of Southern Mississippi)
Chair: Jeanine M. Fassl (University of Wisconsin, Whitewater)
Abstract: “Unique among disciplines, communication helps students make sense of their
everyday
lives and make sense of the world” (Pearson, 2006, p. xiii). The Basic Course is the window to our
discipline. If instructors provide an innovative approach to the general education course work that
engages students, they may be more willing to look as our discipline as the path to achieve their
successes. This panel examines what veteran and new instructors are using to meet the challenges of
engaging today’s students to help them become tomorrow’s global citizens.
Saturday, November 22
8:00am – 9:15am
Committing to the Future: Critical Communication Pedagogy In the Basic Course
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Scheduled Time: Saturday, November 22 - 8:00am - 9:15am
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Annie B
Session Participants:
Chair: Karen E. Lovaas (San Francisco State University) klovaas@comcast.net
Presenter: Jennifer M. Kammeyer (San Francisco State University) jennifer@jenniferkammeyer.com
Presenter: Nathan Steele (San Francisco State University) nsteele@sfsu.edu
Presenter: James Boyd (San Francisco State University) jwboyd@sfsu.edu
Presenter: Vincent Chandler (San Francisco State University) vincent.chandler@gmail.com
Respondent: Deanna L. Fassett (San Jose State University) deanna.fassett@sjsu.edu
Respondent: John T. Warren (Southern Illinois University, Carbondale) jtwarren@siu.edu
Abstract: Panel presenters are Graduate Teaching Associates currently teaching Fundamentals of Oral
Communication at San Francisco State University; prior to beginning to they all participated in a
seminar on teaching that emphasized critical communication pedagogy. Their presentations offer
diverse perspectives on what critical approaches to communication pedagogy look like; how they can
be enacted in the basic communication course; some of the challenges and rewards of critical
communication pedagogy; and, how students are responding.
12:30pm – 1:45pm
Engaging in unCONVENTIONal Behavior: Dealing with Language Diversity in the Basic
Course
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Scheduled Time: Saturday, November 22 – 12:30pm – 1:45pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Madeleine D
Session Participants:
Chair: Heidi Hamilton (Emporia State University) hamiltoh@emporia.edu
Presenter: Edward C. Brewer (Appalachian State University) brewerec@appstate.edu
Presenter: Michael S. Fairley (Austin College) mfairley@austincollege.edu
Presenter: Ellen W. Gorsevski (Bowling Green State University) elleng@bgsu.edu
Presenter: Heidi Hamilton (Emporia State University) hamiltoh@emporia.edu
Presenter: Larry J. King (Stephen F. Austin State University) lking@sfasu.edu
Presenter: Sheryl Lidzy (Emporia State University) slidzy@emporia.edu
Presenter: Jessica A. Nodulman (Bowling Green State University) jnodulm@bgsu.edu
Abstract: With immigration and recruitment from abroad, more non-native speakers are enrolling in
the basic course, thus presenting multiple challenges as well as offering opportunities for educational
growth. Participants in this discussion include basic course directors, non-native speakers, and other
basic course instructors. This roundtable will discuss concerns associated with integrating non-native
speakers into courses such as public speaking and interpersonal communication, and offer suggestions
for enriching these classroom experiences for non-native and native speakers alike.
12:30pm – 1:45pm
Investigating Classroom Strategies: Papers in the Basic Course Division
Session Type: Paper Session
Scheduled Time: Saturday, November 22 – 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Elizabeth A
Session Participants:
Session Organizer: Amy R. Slagell (Iowa State University) aslagell@iastate.edu
An Unconventional Approach to the Basic Course: A Pilot Study Examining Student
Hot Topics and the Effects on Persuasive Presentations
- Brandy Fair (Grayson County College)
Challenging Assumptions About Speaking Anxiety and Social Support: A Study Comparing Two
Learning Conditions
- Katherine Kinnick (Kennesaw State University), *Emily Holler (Kennesaw State University)
The Effects of Using Peer Workshops on Speech Quality, Public Speaking Anxiety, and Classroom
Climate
- Melissa Ann Broeckelman-Post (Ohio University), Brian Scott Titsworth (Ohio University), LeAnn
M. Brazeal (Kansas State University)
Unconventional Lessons in Logic
- Stephanie E. Rolain-Jacobs (Sustaining Member), Susan J. Kirkham (Sustaining Member), Nancy
Jane Norris (University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh)
Respondent: Mark J. Butland (Austin Community College) butland@austincc.edu
Chair: Stephanie Ahlfeldt (Concordia College) ahlfeldt@cord.edu
2:00pm – 3:15pm
New Media, Presentation Technologies, and the Basic Course
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Scheduled Time: Saturday, November 22 – 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Elizabeth A
Session Participants:
New Media, Instruction, and the Art of Public Speaking
-Timothy M. O'Donnell (University of Mary Washington)
The Use of Technological Assistance in Public Speaking and Apprehension
-James R. Lyle (Clarion University)
Art of the Mash-Up: Incorporating Edited Video into Student Presentations
-P. Anand Rao (University of Mary Washington)
Chair: William Keith (University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee) wmkeith@uwm.edu
Respondent: William Keith (University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee) wmkeith@uwm.edu
Abstract: In this panel, presenters will discuss a variety of new media and presentation technologies
and how they fit into the modern basic course.
2:00pm – 3:15pm
An Unfortunate Trend in Job Advertisements: Assessing the Qualifications for and
Responsibilities of Basic Course Directors
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Scheduled Time: Saturday, November 22 – 2:00pm – 3:15 pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Edward D
Session Participants:
Respondent: Barbara Hugenberg (Kent State University) bhugenbe@kent.edu
Respondent: Joseph Mazer (Ohio University) josephmazer@yahoo.com
Respondent: Kevin R. Meyer (Ohio University) griffeyisastar@hotmail.com
Respondent: Timothy P. Mottet (University of Texas, Pan American) mottettp@utpa.edu
Respondent: Angela M. Nunziata (University of Nebraska, Lincoln) am_nunziata@yahoo.com
Respondent: Cheri J. Simonds (Illinois State University) cjsimon@ilstu.edu
Respondent: Blair Thompson (Western Kentucky University) blair9thompson@hotmail.com
Chair: Brian Scott Titsworth (Ohio University)
Abstract: This roundtable discussion will feature doctoral students who will soon enter the job market
for basic course director positions, basic course directors who recently were on the job market, and
established basic course directors. Panelists will discuss the recent trends in job postings and
requirements for basic course director positions, the likelihood of this trend continuing, and the pros
and cons of such a trend.
5:00pm – 6:15pm
Non-tenure Track Faculty and Their Role in the Basic Course: The Times They
Are a Changin’ (unCONVENTIONally of course)
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Schedule Time: Saturday, November 22 – 5:00pm – 6:15pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Elizabeth A
Session Participants:
Chair: Kate Thedwall (Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis) kthedwal@iupui.edu
Presenter: Rebecca Carlton-Mielke (Indiana University Southeast) rcarlton@ius.edu
Presenter: Barbara Hugenberg (Kent State University) bhugenbe@kent.edu
Presenter: Maureen C. Minielli (Kingsborough Community College) mminielli@kingsborough.edu
Presenter: Kate Thedwall (Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis) kthedwal@iupui.edu
Presenter: Sarah M. Wolter (Gustavus Adolphus College) swolter2@gustavus.edu
Abstract: Besides a short history of the non-tenure track faculty, this panel will examine promotion
and tenure issues, salary equity and release time, a comparison of life as a non-tenure track to one as a
tenure-track faculty, a look at the basic course students’ perspective of tenure-track versus non-tenure
track faculty in terms of accessibility, unionization and lastly a look at the increased use of non-tenure
track faculty as basic course directors.
6:30pm – 7:45pm
Building Learning Communities with the Basic Course
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Scheduled Time: Saturday, November 22 – 6:30pm – 7:45 pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Manchester G
Session Participants:
Presenter: Deborah H. McCabe (California State University, Chico) dmccabe@csuchico.edu
Presenter: Vivi McEuen (California State University, Chico) vmceuen@csuchico.edu
Presenter: Stacey Bartlett (Butte College) bartlettst@butte.edu
Presenter: Shelly Presnell (Shasta College) spresnell@shastacollege.edu
Abstract: This panel addresses the challenges and benefits of developing linked curricula using basic
communication courses. Presenters represent both four-year and two-year college perspectives. Most
presenters will describe first-hand experience in linked curriculum programs, and one will report
extensive research into the impact of linked curricula on student experience/performance and on
faculty experience. One presenter will function as a "devil's advocate" and source of thinking "outside
the box".
Sunday, November 23
12:30pm – 1:45pm
Challenging Ourselves: Controversial Perspectives in the Basic Course
Session Type: Paper Session
Scheduled Time: Sunday, November 23 – 12:30pm – 1:45pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Elizabeth A
Session Participants:
Session Organizer: Amy R. Slagell (Iowa State University) aslagell@iastate.edu
In Defense of Dale Carnegie
-Kristine Bruss (University of Kansas)
Teaching 'Identity' and Cooptation: A Perspective for the Public Speaking Class
-John J. Rief (University of Pittsburgh)
Three to Get Ready, or: Thinking Critically About Public Speaking
-John Joseph Jasso (University of Pittsburgh)
Respondent: Barbara Hugenberg (Kent State University) bhugenbe@kent.edu
Respondent: Jean Goodwin (Iowa State University) goodwin@iastate.edu
Chair: Brigit K. Talkington (Bowling Green State University) family@thetalkingtons.com
Abstract: This panel aims to be unconventional as they provide unusual arguments about the shape,
goals and strategies for the basic course. Presentations will be timed so that we can have lively
discussion and debate following the presentations.
2:00pm – 3:15pm
Applying Theory to the Basic Course: Thoughts on Unconventional Approaches to Basic
Course Curriculum Development
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Schedule Time: Sunday, November 23 – 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Elizabeth A
Session Participants:
Presenter: Rachel Tofteland (New Mexico State University) rmtofteland@gmail.com
Presenter: Karla Flowers (New Mexico State University) kaflower@nmsu.edu
Presenter: Catharine Ann Noll (New Mexico State University) cnoll@nmsu.edu
Presenter: Jamie Hester (New Mexico State University) jmhester@nmsu.edu
Presenter: Eric L. Morgan (New Mexico State University) emorgan@nmsu.edu
Presenter: Merjjena Hemp (New Mexico State University)
Abstract: This panel highlights some unconventional approaches used by graduate teaching assistants
involved in the instruction of the basic course at New Mexico State University. Participants will address
a typical content area common to basic course instruction through the use of theories of
communication not necessarily related to the principle under consideration. The panel will conclude
with a discussion about the intersection of communication theory and basic course content and the
implications for basic course assessment.
2:00pm – 3:15pm
Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda: Things I Wish I Had Known About Directing the Basic Course
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Scheduled Time: Sunday, November 23 – 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Edward B
Session Participants:
Chair: Jessica A. Nodulman (Bowling Green State University) jnodulm@bgsu.edu
Presenter: William Jeffrey Farrar (University of Connecticut) jeff.farrar@uconn.edu
Presenter: Fred Fitch (Kean University) ffitch@kean.edu
Presenter: Trudy L. Hanson (West Texas A&M University) thanson@mail.wtamu.edu
Presenter: Nicki L. Michalski (Lamar University) nicki.michalski@lamar.edu
Presenter: Christina Moss (North Carolina State University) clmoss@nc.rr.com
Presenter: William L. Mullen (Liberty University) wmullen@liberty.edu
Presenter: Mabry M. O'Donnell (Marietta College) mabry.odonnell@marietta.edu
Abstract: The basic course director is ultimately responsible for the success of the basic course
however, success can be derailed if the director is unprepared for the challenges of the position. This
panel enlists novice to seasoned directors from various size institutions to discuss critical issues related
to the basic course. Panelists and the audience will discuss things they wish they would have known in
order to better the quality and success of the basic course.
3:30pm – 4:45pm
Academic Freedom, an UnConventional Approach: Making the Standardized Basic Course
Sucessful
Session Type: Panel Discussion
Scheduled Time: Sunday, November 23 – 3:30pm – 4:45pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Molly B
Participants:
Chair: Robert G. Leonard (Sinclair Community College)
Presenter: David L. Bodary (Sinclair Community College)
Presenter: Robert G. Leonard (Sinclair Community College)
Presenter: Lori Zakel (Sinclair Community College)
Abstract: With over sixty sections of Interpersonal and Public Speaking offered each term, and with
issues of assessment, accountability, and transferability becoming ever more critical, the
Communication faculty at Sinclair Community College has standardized the curriculum for the two
highest enrollment courses they offer. This panel will explore the rationale for, the implementation of,
and issues related to, standardized courses. Questions of academic freedom, lecture preparation, exam
construction, course assignments, and grading rubrics will be addressed.
3:30pm – 4:45pm
Basic Course Division Business Meeting
Session Type: Business Meeting
Scheduled Time: Sunday, November 23 – 3:30pm – 4:45pm
Building/Room: Manchester Grand Hyatt / Elizabeth A
Session Participants:
Session Organizer: Amy R. Slagell (Iowa State University) aslagell@iastate.edu
Presenter: Beth M. Waggenspack (Virginia Tech) bwaggens@yahoo.com
Presenter: Brian Scott Titsworth (Ohio University) titswort@ohio.edu
Presenter: Kevin R. Meyer (Ohio University) griffeyisastar@hotmail.com
Presenter: Kristine Bruss (University of Kansas) kbruss@ku.edu
Presenter: Adam C. Jones (Missouri Western State University) ajones24@missouriwestern.edu
Presenter: Caroline S. Parsons (Clemson University) cparson@clemson.edu
Presenter: Nadene Vevea (North Dakota State University) nadene.vevea@ndsu.edu
Presenter: Stephen K. Hunt (Illinois State University) skhunt2@ilstu.edu
Presenter: Amy R. Slagell (Iowa State University) aslagell@iastate.edu