Public Speaking, Speech 1315
Prof. James M. Keller
james.keller@hcc.edu
jamkeller1972@yahoo.com
281-793-3855
Course Description:
Designed to develop proficiency in public speaking situations; Emphasis upon content,
organization and delivery of speeches with specific intentions. Open to all students.
Required for majors in communication.
Purpose:
Speech 1315 is designed to enable students to examine the principles of speechmaking
and to examine the importance of public speaking as communication, so that they will be
able to research, organize and deliver material effectively.
Objectives:
Experience the significance of public speaking as a communication process;
Define the basic responsibilities of a public speaker,
Display the qualities of active listening,
Prepare speeches following step-by-step procedure;
Evaluate and define content of communication;
Research and properly document information; and
Decrease anxiety in communication situations.
Responsibilities of Students:
Complete all out-of-class assignments;
Participate in class discussion;
Attend class regularly;
Attend to Journal assignments and turn in a most timely manner; and,
Deliver 3-4 speeches throughout the semester.
Grading Criteria:
Your grade will be determined by
the following
Activity
Percent of Final Average
Class Participation
assignments
Impromptu Speech
5%
Team Presentation
20%
Informative Speech
Details
Attendance/Engaged in class
20%
and discussion/lecture
Prepared the day of class
Topics to be announced
Inform your audience on selected topic
20%
Persuasive Speech
topic
Final Exam
outcomes
TOTAL:
100%
Persuade your audience on selected
20%
Overall assessment of learning
15%
Please note: ALL assignments are to be completed. It is up to the discretion of the
professor to pass or fail if an assignment is
not turned in
Policies:
Speeches are due on the day assigned. If an unexcused absence is taken – grade reverts to
a 0 to be averaged in with the final grade. Papers are due on the day stated.
HCCS POLICY REGARDING SCHOLSTIC DISHONESTY: Cheating on a test;
Plagiarism: using another person’s words, information or ideas in the student’s work
without appropriate acknowledgment; collusion (unauthorized collaboration) – and all of
which are grounds for expulsion from institution.
This is a performance based class. Therefore, your attendance & participation in this class
is paramount in importance. You will be graded, as stated, for your contribution to the
class. Class structured is formed around the presentations you will be assigned as well as
participation in the subject at hand.
Life happens and your professor is keenly aware of this fact. Life is hard and he’s aware
of this too. If you must be absent from class, have the courtesy to call and let the
professor know. It is important to note that absences will be determined excused or
unexcused based on individual circumstance and/or proper documentation to support
absence as excused.
16 Wk. Semester:
3 absences allowed;
4th absence – grade drops entire grads
5th absence – student must drop or fail
3 tardies = 1 absence
12 or 5 Wk.
2 absences allowed;
3rd absence – grade dropped entire point;
4th absence – student must drop or fail.
2 tardies = 1 absence
Mini-Mester
1 absence allowed;
2nd absence, grade drops 1 point
3rd absence, student must drop or fail
2 tardies = 1 absence
Extra Credit assignments will be offered throughout the semester – Maximum of 3.
All papers are to be presented in MLA style.
Grammar is counted and is assimilated into the grade.
Tutors are available on-line and in the Library-Writing Center. Don’t be a dolt and get a
lower grade due to lack of attention to detail in speeches or in written work.
You are as good as your word.
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 new students to no
more than 6 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 of a possibility of failing due
to excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. You should visit with the
Instructor, an HCCS counselor, or HCCS online Student Services to learn about what, if
any HCC interventions might be offered to assist you – tutoring, child care, financial aid,
job placement, etc., to stay in class and improve your academic performance.
You MUST visit with a faculty advisor, a counselor or on-line student services at:
http://studentservicesonline.hccs.edu/ prior to withdrawing the class, and this must be
done prior to Last Day for Administrative/Student Withdrawals 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.”
Instructors no longer have the discretion to allow a “W” on the final grade sheet.
Tutors are available in the Libraries at Spring Branch and Katy Campuses. If your
Instructor makes a note to you to visit a Writing Center, sign up for tutoring.
TENTATIVE LECTURE OUTLINE FOR SPCH 1315
WEEK NUMBER
1
June 4&6
LECTURE TOPIC AND
ACTIVITY
Mon. Introduction to the
Course/Exploring the Basic
Model of Communication &
Culture
Wed. Improvised Sales
Structure examined
Developing & Organizing
the Presentation
Intro to Informative
speeches/Topics to consider
2
June 11&13
Mon. Improvised sales
presentations
Intro to Debate Structure for
Team presentation
Wed. Intro to Team project
(based on debate structure &
format) Topics to be chosen
by teams: Meeting in groups
& teams (lecture) Connecting
w/ your audience:
Overcoming Speech Anxieties
3
June 18&20
Mon. Supporting Material for
formal speeches
Intro to Persuasive Speeches
& topics to consider
Wed. Meeting time
designated for teams (testing
your visuals & Final Team
Practice
4
Monday & Wednesday: Team
presentations due
5
Mon- Rough draft Persuasive
outline due/Prep & recap for
Informative speeches
June 25&27
July 2&4
Wed. 4th of July Holiday
6
July 9&11
Monday & Wednesday:
Informative speeches due
7
Monday & Wednesday:
Persuasive speeches due
8
Mon: Final Exam Review
July 16&18
July 23&25
Wed: Final Exam