SPEECH
SPEECH 1311 Fundamentals of Speech
INSTRUCTOR: (Ms.) Bridgette Rougeau Phone: 832-654-3554
E-mail: bridgette.hawkins@hccs.edu
Office: Classroom
Office Hour: Immediately after class
SPCH 1311 A survey course in the basic principles of oral communication. This course includes the study of the
use of the body and voice, the speaker- listener relationship and preparation and delivery of speeches. Not only will
techniques of presentation, organizational methods and gathering support material be introduced, elements of
perception, self-concepts and interpersonal communication will be addressed. Credit: 3 semester hours (3 hour
lecture). Open to all students.
PURPOSE:
Speech 1311 is designed as a survey course of interpersonal and public speaking concepts. The
text will address such topics as human communication, perception and self-concept in human communication,
listening skill development, theory, business and professional communication and small group communication. The
public speaking element focuses on topic selection, audience analysis and organizing information for speech
delivery. A wide variety of assignments will be required in the course including presentations.
OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives of Speech 1311 is the development of understanding of the human
communication experience as it crosses personal, group, and public arenas. To achieve these ends, the student should
be able to understand the theory of communication, the relationship between verbal and nonverbal communication
and the mastery of the process of public speaking
1. develop an understanding of the benefits of public speaking
2. understand basic principles of communication, including verbal, non-verbal, and listening skills
3. recognize the role of communication in everyday lives.
4. understand how ethical behaviors, culture and technology can affect communication
5. develop an understanding essential component of the communication process
6. be able to distinguish among intrapersonal, interpersonal, and public communication.
7. be able to describe the concept of perception and how perception differs from one person to another.
8. be able to describe how self-concepts is developed and its relationship to communication
9. recognize the influences of perceptions, thought, culture, and views of reality are influenced by language
As minor steps in achieving these ends, students should:
1. read all out-of-class assignments
2. participate in class discussion and complete all required assignments
3. purchase and use the designated textbooks for SPEECH 1311
4. score a minimum of "C" or its equivalent on all exercises, tests, assignments, midterm, and final examinations
5. attend class regularly and punctually, missing NO MORE THAN SIX (6) HOURS of instruction - more than
this will be penalized
Secondary objectives of SPEECH 1311 are designed to:
1. provide practical course content and experience
2. help the student to decrease anxiety in public speaking situations
3. aid in improving and developing a positive self-image
4. provide an opportunity to perform positive communication practices.
COURSE MATERIALS AND TEXTS
 Seiler and Beall. Communication Making Connections, New York. Pearson, 2011, 8th
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Text is a vital tool in this class.
A current unabridged dictionary
A supply of 8 1/2 x 11 loose-leaf notebook papers and a three ring binder.
A blue or black ink ballpoint pen (black preferred)
Four #2 lead pencils (or a good mechanical pencil)
A supply of 3 x 5 index card
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ATTENDANCE: SPCH 1311 is both theory and practice, requiring the acquisition of skills to be used in speeches of
information. Class discussion will be important in this course. Therefore, it requires that a student be present for
each class session, for the entire class session. Students who are absent for more than 6 hours of instruction, as
stated in the catalogue, may be dropped. Absences are defined as non-attendance during the regularly scheduled
class periods for whatever reason, illness notwithstanding. It must be noted that the student must file all required
paperwork in order to drop this class. The instructor will NOT administratively drop the student for nonattendance.
Failure of the student to officially drop this class will result in a grade of "F" for the course. Do not leave class early
without permission. The State of Texas has begun to impose penalties on students who drop courses excessively.
For example, if you repeat the same course more than twice, you have to pay extra tuition. In 2007, the Texas
Legislature passed a law limiting students to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their academic
career in obtaining a baccalaureate degree. There may be future penalties imposed.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class. HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which
your instructor will ‘alert’ you and HCC Student Services of the chance you might fail a class because of excessive
absences and /or poor academic performance. You MUST visit with a faculty advisor; a counselor or on-line student
services prior to withdrawing (dropping) from a class and this must be done prior to the published drop date in order
to receive a ‘W’ on your transcript. After that deadline, you will receive the grade you are making in the class which
will more than likely be an ‘F’. HCC interventions might be offered to assist you – tutoring, child-care, financial aid,
job placement, etc.
ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments are due on the date that is called for by the Instructor. These include selected
reading materials, practicing skills, preparing group discussions, written and oral preparation of speeches, etc.
Speeches and tests missed by the student may be turned in or made-up the following class day during the instructor's
office hour, before class, or by arrangement and will receive a ten point reduction in speech/test grade. Students are
responsible for next assignments as though they had been present. Assignments are accepted after the date assigned,
and will have a ten-point reduction and missed group assignments cannot be made up accept by arrangement with the
instructor. Students that miss a team presentation are not allowed to make up that presentation unless concrete
evidence is offered for funeral, medical, official work or legal excuses.
SYLLABUS: Each student received a copy of the class syllabus, which outlines the class assignments and activities
for the semester. The syllabus becomes the official assignment instrument for the class and the student is responsible
for meeting the requirements for each class activity as those requirements are detailed in the syllabus unless
ALTERED BY THE INSTRUCTOR.
GRADE VALUES
Numerical grades:
90-100 = A
80--89 = B
70--79 = C
60--69 = D
0--59 = F
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY: The student's attention is called to the Student Disciplinary Rules of section of the
HCCS Student Handbook. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited by college
system policy and the rules of this class. Plagiarism involves using the ideas or words of another person (either in
whole or in part) without crediting the source. Cheating involves fraud and deception for the purpose of violating
legitimate testing rules. In this class, scholastic dishonesty will result in a grade of “F” for the course, and will
subject the student to possible further discipline including academic probation and expulsion.
LIBRARY ASSIGNMENTS: Speech 1311 requires that the student research materials necessary for preparing and
delivering some speeches taught in the course; therefore, the student may be required to perform library research and
specific assignments relating to library work. The student should be prepared to spend several hours out of class on
these assignments or reading assignments.
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REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS: Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning,
psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability
Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. If you have any questions, please contact the
disability counselor at your college or Donna Price at 713-718-5165 or the Disability Counselor at your college.
Visit the ADA Web site at http://www.hccs.edu/students/disability /index.htm
HCCS POLICY: Ringing cellular phones or sounding beepers constitute a major disruption of instruction. Students
must remember to turn off phones and beepers while they are in class. Use of cell phones will not be allowed during
classroom instruction time.
SPEECHES, EXAMS, AND CLASS ACTIVITIES
The class will require class projects and at least one social skills assignment. Students are expected to work with a
team, display appropriate group interaction and conversation during these assignments. Team building is fostered in
these assignments.
SPEECHES TO INFORMATIVE All speeches require visual aids and must be at least 4 minutes and no more
than 8 minutes in length . A speech introducing yourself and two group presentations will be required.
TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS
A combination of multi-choice and true and false tests, Applied Quiz, Short answer, demonstrations will be used to
evaluate understanding of the course content.
CLASS ACTIVITIES AND JOURNAL REQUIRED
Class discussions and in class activities are designed to develop your nonverbal and verbal ability as well as give you
an opportunity to discuss your understanding of the theory presented in this class. Journals are designed to evaluate
your understanding of the text content and your ability to apply this information to your life experiences.
Grading:
Presentations
Class participation & assignments
Exams
Journal
30%
20%
20%
30%
EGLS3-Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary
to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short
online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the
survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement
of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System
online near the end of the term.
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QUESTIONNAIRE - PUBLIC SPEAKING
Todays
Name:___________________________________________Date:_________________
Last 4 # of SS or student ID._____________________ Name you prefer: ___________________
Phone: Home: ________________________ Work: ___________________________
E-mail address: _______________________________
List the classes you are taking this semester at HCC:
____________________________________
_________________________________
____________________________________
_________________________________
What is your major? _______________________________________________________
List other responsibilities: (i.e. work, children, etc.)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
List hobbies or other special interests:
____________________________________
_________________________________
What do you hope to learn in this class?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What are your goals for the future?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Note: Students are responsible for seeing to it that this information is updated as required.
I have received a copy of the syllabus for this course.
Signature: _______________________________________________________________
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