COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 1
REVISED (9/2/13) COMM 103: Oral Communication Schedule!
Fall 2013
This syllabus is lengthy but contains important information about the custom
version of our textbook available only at the SDSU bookstore (includes the
McGraw-Hill access code) and registering your clicker, as well as due dates for
assignments. Please read thoroughly.
Large Lecture Instructor:
Small Section Instructor:
Michael Rapp
You will have a different small section instructor—
Important information related to your small section instructor can
be found on your course Blackboard sites.
Time/Day/Room:
The large lecture meeting times are as follows. You will attend
ONLY ONE of these large lectures ONCE A WEEK—check your
schedule for correct large lecture:
Mon ENS 280, 10:00-10:50
AL 201, 2:00-2:50
AL 201, 3:00-3:50
Wed ENS 280, 10:00-10:50
AL 201, 2:00-2:50
You will also attend a SMALL SECTION TWICE A WEEK (MW)
You must attend the large lecture on your schedule—your
clicker will not work in any other COMM 103 lecture.
Michael Rapp
Office:
Office Hours:
E-mail:
Communication # 233
M/W, 1:00-2:00
And by appointment
mrapp@mail.sdsu.edu
School of Communication Main Office: Communication # 237, (619) 594-8512
Required Materials:
Floyd, K. (2011). Communication matters. New York: McGraw-Hill
[custom version with McGraw-Hill Connect Access code—available
only at SDSU bookstore]
I<clicker classroom response pad (physical clicker, not web-based). You
must register your clicker through BlackBoard. If you do not, you
may not get points. See the registration due date on the schedule.
Register by that date to ensure you receive the maximum points.
Check out our facebook group (SDSU Communication 103) and look us up on twitter
(http://twitter.com/COMM103).
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 2
What’s this class all about?
COMM 103 Oral Communication combines an overview of communication concepts with
training in public presentations. The purpose of this combination is to equip you with the
knowledge and skills to competently communicate in a variety of communication settings,
including interpersonal, group, public, and mediated contexts, as well to be competent consumers
of mediated messages.
The class is split into two parts, equally important. In the large lecture you’ll get an overview of
communication theories and concepts. You’ll be tested on terms, theories, and concepts
addressed in the large lecture. You’ll also be required to integrate your understanding of these
concepts into your presentations and other class work completed in your small sections. You will
do all of your presentations and activities related to public speaking in your small section.
This course is one of three courses that you will take in the General Education area of
Communication and Critical Thinking. Upon completing this area of our General Education
program, you will be able to: 1) craft well-reasoned arguments for specific audiences; 2) analyze
a variety of texts commonly encountered in the academic setting; 3) situate discourse within
social, generic, cultural, and historic contexts; and 4) assess the relative strengths of arguments
and supporting evidence.
When does my class meet?
The schedule can be a bit confusing with separate large lecture and small sections times. Small
sections will meet twice a week (MW) and your large lecture will meet once a week on M or W.
Please write down your schedule to avoid any confusion.
What are the required class materials?
 Textbook: Floyd, K. (2011). Communication matters. New York: McGraw-Hill. This is the
custom version available from the SDSU Bookstore
 McGraw-Hill Connect access code: this code comes with the custom version, can be
purchased separately, but is required to complete all the quizzes and modules.
 I<clicker response pad: This should be purchased at the same time as your textbook, and
the bookstore on campus should tell you this when you buy your textbook. See the CPS
section in this syllabus for further instructions and information. You must register it
through BlackBoard.
 Access to a dependable computer that runs a word processing program and is connected to
a working printer. All course assignments must be typed, printed, and submitted
electronically. Computers for student use are available at the library, but you must supply
your own removable storage device (USB/Flash Drive).
 Reliable and stable Internet access and current browser software. You will need to
regularly access BlackBoard sites (http://blackboard.sdsu.edu) for the large lecture and
small sections to read assignment descriptions, download templates, review helpful
resources, and print required forms. Given that you’ll be doing online quizzes and study
modules, be sure your internet access is reliable. You may not get points for those
assignments if your connection goes down (the library’s internet access is usually
reliable).
 Working e-mail address. The address you supply to the university through the WebPortal
site is the address to which you will receive all e-mails from your instructor and fellow
students. If you choose to use a different e-mail address, be sure your e-mail is correct in
BlackBoard. You will often receive messages from your instructors sent through
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 3
BlackBoard, and if your e-mail address is incorrect, you may miss important announcements.
Please register for a free SDSU student e-mail account at the Student Computing Center in
Love Library.
What will I learn in this class?
By the end of this course, you should be able to do the following:
Research and Writing
 Conduct thorough research on a topic
 Synthesize relevant information about a topic or phenomenon into an argument
 Create cohesive, coherent, and complete outlines for public presentations
 Demonstrate effective APA source citation skills
 Employ effective language choices in the construction of public presentations
Public Speaking
 Identify and analyze the components of effective public presentations
 Identify, analyze, and present credible, well-reasoned arguments in a public setting
 Employ competent listening as audience members of presentations
 Utilize effective and appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication skills
Communicating Competently in Contexts
 Identify competent communication in a variety of communication contexts
 Articulate class theories and concepts as they pertain to competent communication
 Apply communication concepts to everyday scenarios to increase communication
competence
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME IN CLASS?
Course Expectations: Students agreeing to the terms for this class as set out in this syllabus—
not dropping the class constitutes an agreement to the terms, including the grading policy—are
expected to do the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Be on time to class
Be respectful and let others talk without interruption, including me
Read the assigned chapters/materials and engage in class discussions
Treat others’ viewpoints and experiences with respect
Make connections between the material and your own lives and experiences
Complete assignments on time and follow instructions
Communicate with the instructor in advance about potential attendance conflicts
These expectations hold for both the large lecture and the small section. Laptops are fine for you
to use in the large lecture. The use of any other recording devices must be approved by me, this
includes photos, and audio and video recordings.
WHAT ASSIGNMENTS WILL I HAVE TO COMPLETE?
For complete details on assignments, see the assignment sheets and grading rubrics located on
BlackBoard. All topics must be approved by the instructor before the presentation is given.
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 4
Speech of Introduction and Outline
For this assignment, you will be introducing yourself to your classmates. You will be speaking to
the class about two (2) objects that best represent you and your personality, and how you
communicate.
Social Media Speech and Outline (Group Assignment)
Technology has had a profound effect on the way we communicate. In particular, social media—
defined as “electronic tools that allow people to connect and to interact actively” (Wood,
2009)—has greatly changed the way we relate to each other. In this class, we define social media
broadly. It can include ipods, video game consoles, facebook, myspace, online dating sites, and
other media people use to connect and interact. As you can imagine, this technology is useful and
harmful, effective in helping us participate in the world around us and detrimental to doing so as
well. This assignment asks you to explore those effects in more depth in the format of a group
informative speech, since communicating in groups is or will be a part of our public and private
lives forever. Incorporating concepts from the textbook and large lecture about mass media and
social media, you and your group will inform the audience about a mutually agreed upon topic
regarding social media. Outline with APA-style References page due on date listed on schedule.
Visual aids are required.
Civic Engagement Speech and Outline
The importance of becoming engaged in issues that affect us and the community in which we
live is increasing as our communities become more diverse, more fractured, and more impacted
by sustainability issues--environmental issues which also affect social and economic concerns. In
this presentation, you will compel your audience to take action on a topic related to the concept
of sustainability that is significant to their lives. The topic for this speech will likely address a
controversy of a political, social, economic, or cultural nature. This speech will include
researched sources that support your arguments. Outline with APA-style References page due on
date listed on schedule. Visual aids are required.
Special Occasion Speech and Outline
At some point in our lives, we may be asked to speak at an event or gathering. Some common
occasions are weddings and funerals, but it is easy to imagine similar events like award
ceremonies and dinner toasts. For this speech, you will choose the occasion and deliver a speech
appropriate to the situation.
IMPACCT Survey
IMPACCT, or the Interactive Media Package for the Assessment of Communication and Critical
Thinking, is a multi-stage online assessment of your communication skills, as you perceive them
and as people who know you perceive your skills. Successful completion of this involves you
linking to an online survey, registering yourself, providing some basic information, and then
responding to items regarding how skilled you are in applying reasoning and communication
abilities across a wide variety of situations. Later in the semester, you will take the self-report
portion of the assessment again. You will also be asked to provide the email addresses of two
people who know you well enough for them to fill out a briefer version of the survey about you
(about 15 minutes). You can find the survey at: http://impacctassess.org/
Online Quizzes and Study Modules
Our publisher provides a variety of online learning tools. In your textbook bundle, you should
receive a code to use for registering online. Go to: http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com/ and follow
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 5
the instructions. See the syllabus for the due dates of each quiz and study module. Be sure you
have a stable internet connection when completing these assignments; you may not be able
to make up points if your connection goes down.
Examinations
You will be required to take two exams. Each exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions.
The second exam is NOT cumulative. The first exam will be held on a Friday afternoon, and the
second exam will be held on a Saturday afternoon the week before finals.
WHAT IS PLAGIARISM? SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT IT?
Plagiarism is one of the highest forms of academic offense. It represents several ethics
violations. It is theft of intellectual property. In academe, a scholar’s words, ideas, and creative
products represent essential intellectual property, which are the primary measures of scholarly
identity, status and achievement. It is fraud. Students should be assessed on their own ideas and
abilities, not the ideas and abilities of others. It is unfair. It introduces bias and inequity in the
assessment process, producing grades for fellow students based on disadvantaged standards and
expectations. It is corruption. It undermines the credibility of higher education by
misrepresenting the meaning of university grades and degrees to the rest of the public. Whether
by ignorance, accident, or intent, theft is still theft, fraud is still fraud, inequity is still inequity,
and corruption is still corruption. Therefore, the offense, no matter how minor in quantity, is still
serious, and is treated as such.
The 2008-2009 SDSU Graduate Bulletin policy1 states:
Plagiarism is formal work publicly misrepresented as original; …. Work shall be
deemed plagiarism: (1) when prior work of another has been demonstrated as the
accessible source; (2) when substantial or material parts of the source have been
literally or evasively appropriated (substance denoting quantity; matter denoting
qualitative format or style); and (3) when the work lacks sufficient or unequivocal
citation so as to indicate or imply that the work was neither a copy nor an
imitation. This definition comprises oral, written, and crafted pieces. In short, if
one purports to present an original piece but copies ideas word for word or by
paraphrase, those ideas should be duly noted. (Lindey, 1952, Plagiarism and
Originality)
The 2008-2009 Graduate Bulletin continues by stating:
San Diego State University is a publicly assisted institution legislatively
empowered to certify competence and accomplishment in general and discrete
categories of knowledge. The president and faculty of this university are therefore
obligated not only to society at large but to the citizenry of the State of California
to guarantee honest and substantive knowledge in those to whom they assign
grades and whom they recommend for degrees. Wittingly or willfully to ignore or
to allow students’ ascription of others’ work to themselves is to condone
dishonesty, to deny the purpose of formal education, and to fail the public trust.
1
San Diego State University Graduate Bulletin, 2008-2009, p. 35.
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 6
One of the primary objectives of higher education is to advance humanity by increasing and
refining knowledge. Such an objective is therefore threatened by students who commit
plagiarism, in which the evidence of the student’s knowledge is not genuine. Given the gravity of
the offense, students suspected or accused of disregarding, concealing, aiding, or committing
plagiarism must be assured of thorough, impartial and conclusive investigation of any such
accusation. Likewise, students guilty of such an offense must be liable for an appropriate
penalty, even severance from the University and in some cases revocation of an advanced
degree, should the demonstrated plagiarism clearly call into question a student’s academic ethics,
competence or accomplishments.
THE ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY OF THE SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
In any case in which an instructor identifies evidence for charging a student with violation of
academic conduct standards or plagiarism, the presumption will be with that instructor’s
determination. The instructor(s) will confer with the School Director to confirm the evidence.
Once confirmed, the student will be informed and presented with the evidence. Some conditions
and terms below clarify the School policy and procedure.
Proper source attribution: Proper attribution occurs by specifying the source of content or ideas.
This is done by (a) providing quotation marks around text, when directly quoted, and (b) clearly
designating the source of the text or information relied upon in an assignment.
Intellectual contents: Intellectual contents include all forms of ‘text’ produced by another person
or persons. It includes: writings, course syllabi, course lectures and recordings of lectures, visual
information such as models, videos, lyrics, software, etc.
Secondary citations: Secondary citation is not strictly a form of plagiarism, but in blatant forms, it
can present similar ethical challenges. A secondary citation is citing source A, which in turn cites
source B, but it is source B’s ideas or content that provide the basis for the claims the student
intends to make in the assignment. For example, assume that there is an article by Jones (2006) in
the student’s hands, in which there is a discussion or quotation of an article by Smith (1998).
Assume further that what Smith seems to be saying is very important to the student’s analysis. In
such a situation, the student should always try to locate the original Smith source. In general, if an
idea is important enough to discuss in an assignment, it is important enough to locate and cite the
original source for that idea. There are several reasons for these policies: (a) Authors sometimes
commit citation errors, which might be replicated without knowing it; (b) Authors sometimes make
interpretation errors, which might be ignorantly reinforced (c) Therefore, reliability of scholarly
activity is made more difficult to assure and enforce; (d) By relying on only a few sources of
review, the learning process is short-circuited, and the student’s own research competencies are
diminished, which are integral to any liberal education; (e) By masking the actual sources of ideas,
readers must second guess which sources come from which citations, making the readers’ own
research more difficult; (f) By masking the origin of the information, the actual source of ideas is
misrepresented. Some suggestions that assist with this principle:
 When the ideas Jones discusses are clearly attributed to, or unique to, Smith, then find the
Smith source and citation.
 When the ideas Jones is discussing are historically associated more with Smith than with
Jones, then find the Smith source and citation.
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 7


In contrast, Jones is sometimes merely using Smith to back up what Jones is saying and
believes, and is independently qualified to claim, whether or not Smith would have also
said it; in such a case, citing Jones is sufficient.
Never simply copy a series of citations at the end of a statement by Jones, and reproduce
the reference list without actually going to look up what those references report—the only
guarantee that claims are valid is for a student to read the original sources of those claims.
Self-plagiarism: Students often practice some form of ‘double-dipping,’ in which they write on a
given topic across more than one course assignment. In general, there is nothing wrong with
double-dipping topics or sources, but there is a problem with double-dipping exact and redundant
text. It is common for scholars to write on the same topic across many publication outlets; this is
part of developing expertise and the reputation of being a scholar on a topic. Scholars, however,
are not permitted to repeat exact text across papers or publications except when noted and
attributed, as this wastes precious intellectual space with repetition and does a disservice to the
particular source of original presentation by ‘diluting’ the value of the original presentation. Any
time that a writer simply ‘cuts-and-pastes’ exact text from former papers into a new paper without
proper attribution, it is a form of self-plagiarism. Consequently, a given paper should never be
turned in to multiple classes. Entire paragraphs, or even sentences, should not be repeated wordfor-word across course assignments. Each new writing assignment is precisely that, a new writing
assignment, requiring new composition on the student’s part.
Specific exemplary infractions and consequences:
 Course failure: Reproducing a whole paper, paragraph, or large portions of unattributed
materials without proper attribution, whether represented by: (a) multiple sentences,
images, or portions of images; or (b) by percentage of assignment length, will result in
assignment of an “F” in the course in which the infraction occurred, and a report to the
Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR2).
 Assignment failure: Reproducing a sentence or sentence fragment with no quotation
marks, but with source citation, or subsets of visual images without source attribution, will
minimally result in an “F” on the assignment, and may result in greater penalty, including a
report to the CSRR, depending factors noted below.
 Exacerbating conditions--Amount: Evidence of infraction, even if fragmentary, is
increased with a greater: (a) number of infractions; (b) distribution of infractions across an
assignment; or (c) proportion of the assignment consisting of infractions.
 Exacerbating conditions--Intent: Evidence of foreknowledge and intent to deceive
magnifies the seriousness of the offense and the grounds for official response. Plagiarism,
whether ‘by accident’ or ‘by ignorance,’ still qualifies as plagiarism—it is all students’
responsibility to make sure their assignments are not committing the offense.
 Exceptions: Any exceptions to these policies will be considered on a case-by-case basis,
and only under exceptional circumstances.
Turnitin.com: In most classes, major writing assignments will be turned in to Turnitin.com via
BlackBoard. Faculty may use additional methods to detect plagiarism.
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 8
HOW DO YOU HANDLE CHEATING? I’VE HEARD STORIES ABOUT SEVERAL
STUDENTS GETTING Fs, ACADEMIC PROBATION, AND EXPULSION FROM
CHEATING ON AN EXAM. IS THAT TRUE?
Yes, it is true. In the past, we’ve caught many students cheating. Trust me, we have ways of
finding out. If you cheat on an exam, you will likely be caught and punished to the full extent of
the course, school, and university policies contained in this document.
I provide study guides for each chapter of the textbook, as well as sample exam questions from
past exams on the study guides and via clicker questions. I do not, and never have, given out old
exams to students from which they can study. So, if a friend tells you or gives you what he or
she says is an old exam copy, it was obtained illegally and constitutes academic dishonesty for
anyone in possession of it. If you forward it and all accompanying information to me
immediately, you will not be punished. If you don’t, you may receive not only an F in the class,
but your name will be reported to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities, where you
will face academic probation, expulsion, or other sanctions.
Ultimately, you are responsible for both your exam copy (they are numbered and turned in at the
end of the exam) and your PARScore sheet. If, for any reason at all, your instructor does note
receive both of these at the end of the exam period (you forgot to turn it in, you gave it to a
classmate to turn in, etc.) you will receive a zero for the exam and may possibly recommend to
Judicial Affairs for additional action.
HOW WILL I BE GRADED ON ASSIGNMENTS?
You will better understand your grades on speeches and outlines if you remember that an “A” is
not average; average performance on class assignments is rewarded with a “C.” In other words, a
“C” means that you have simply met the minimum requirements for a particular assignment.
The grade descriptions COMM 103 instructors abide by are as follows:
C = Satisfactory performance. This grade signifies work in which the student has met the minimum
requirements and expectations. Specifically, a “C” presentation:
 Conforms to the type of speech assigned, fulfills all requirements of the speech (e.g., visual aids) and
is ready for presentation on the assigned date.
 Includes a clear thesis and an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion where appropriate
 Illustrates a basic understanding of organization, language choice, nonverbal displays, and visual aid
use (where appropriate).
 Contains disfluencies, verbal stumbles, and other verbal and nonverbal characteristics that may be
distracting to an audience.
B = Praiseworthy performance. This grade signifies work in which the student has demonstrated an
understanding of skills and material that exceeds the minimum requirements. Specifically, a “B” speech is
one that satisfies the requirements of a “C” presentation and:
 Supports main points with more than the minimum amount of evidence required and is accurate,
relevant to the topic, and sufficient to aid in the audience’s understanding of that topic.
 Is delivered in a way that does not distract attention from the speaker’s message.
 Illustrates proficiency in organization, language choice, nonverbal displays, and visual aid use.
A = Outstanding achievement. This grade signifies outstanding work that demonstrates an in-depth
understanding of skills and material far surpasses the minimum expectations of a student in the class.
Specifically, an “A” speech is one that satisfies all the requirements of a “B” speech and:
 Constitutes a genuine contribution to the knowledge and thinking of the audience.
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 9


Is delivered in a fluent, polished manner that strengthens the impact of the speaker’s message.
Illustrates a mastery of organization, language choice, nonverbal displays, and visual aid use.
D = Minimally passing. This grade signifies work in which the student does not meet the minimum
expectations for a given assignment.
F = Failing. This grade signifies work in which little or no effort seems to have been expended by the
student.
RETURNING EXAMS AND OTHER ASSIGNMENTS
Please note that exams in this class will not be returned. However, you are welcome to make an
appointment to see and review your exam. All exams, and other papers not picked up by the
student will be destroyed at the end of the following semester.
WHAT’S THE GRADING SCALE FOR THIS CLASS?
This course uses a total point grading system, in which your final letter grade is based on your
total points earned in the class over the course of the semester. The grading scale for this class is
as follows:
1000- 930
929-900
899-870
869-830
829-800
799-770
=
=
=
=
=
=
A
AB+
B
BC+
769-730
729-700
699-670
669-630
629-600
< 599
=
=
=
=
=
=
C
CD+
D
DF
DO YOU CURVE GRADES OR BUMP UP TO THE NEXT GRADE?
Final grades are just that: final. Please do not ask your instructor to “bump” you up, regardless of
how close you are to the next grades. Grades are not curved for any assignments. You may look
at your final grade and see that you’re 1% away from the next highest grade. In this grading
scale, however, 1% equals 10 points, which could be the entire value of one quiz or activity. So,
you will not get bumped up even if you’re 1% or 2% away from the next highest grade.
DO YOU OFFER EXTRA CREDIT?
Students may obtain extra credit from participation in departmental research if research
opportunities are made available. Extra credit cannot be guaranteed as it is dependent on the
NEED of research participants in departmental research. If extra credit opportunities are made
available, students can receive 2 points for each half-hour of research participation (maximum 12
points). To find out about studies in which you are eligible to participate:
https://sites.google.com/site/commsdsuresearch/
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 10
HOW MANY POINTS IS EACH ASSIGNMENT WORTH?
Assignment
Group, and Individual Presentations
Speech of Introduction
Social Media Speech—Group Presentation
Civic Engagement Speech—(individual speech)
Special Occasion Speech
Written Assignments
Speech of Introduction Outline
Social Media Speech Outline— Group
Civic Engagement Speech Outline
Special Occasion Speech—Outline
Participation
Large Lecture Participation (“clicker” points)
Small Section Participation (see below)
In-Class Activities
Online Study Modules (through McGraw-Hill
LearnSmart)
Class Discussion
IMPACCT Assessment Completion
Exams and Quizzes
Online Quizzes (through McGraw-Hill
Connect)
Exam #1 (50 multiple choice questions x 2
points each)
Exam #2 (50 multiple choice questions x 2
points each)
Total Points
COMM 103 syllabus
Point Values
300 points (30% of grade)
50 points
100 points (40 group points, 50
individual points, 10 points
given by other group members)
100 points
50 points
220 points (22% of grade)
50 points
50 points
100 points
20 points
240 points (24% of grade)
100 points
 10 points per lecture—you can
miss up to three lectures and
still get the full points (the
rest are not extra credit)
140 points total—See
breakdown below
 4 points x 12 activities = 48
points
 65 points total
 Study Module 1 (Exam #1) = 6
Chps x 5 pts each (no online
module for Media Appendix)
 Study Module 2 (Exam #2) = 7
Chps x 5 pts each
 15 points
 12 points total
240 points (24% of grade)
 8 points x 5 quizzes = 40
points
100 points
My Score
100 points
1000 points
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 11
WHAT IS THE ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR THE LECTURE AND DISCUSSION
SECTION?
Large Lectures
It is essential that you attend lecture and discussion sessions for this course every week. In large
lecture, you will learn about communication theory, communication contexts, and competent
communication in a variety of contexts. You’ll be asked to apply in your presentations certain
concepts addressed in the large lectures. Additionally, midterm and final exams will be primarily
comprised of lecture material. Some of the topics covered in lecture are not in the textbook nor
addressed in your discussion section, so you must attend lecture to know the material. If you do
not attend large lecture, you will also miss participation points garnered through the use of the
clickers. NOTE: We will offer more than 100 possible points to ensure that students who
experience technical glitches with their clickers get ample opportunities to get the full
participation points.
Small Sections
Since you’ll be presenting your speeches in the small section, attendance is mandatory. In
discussion section meetings, you will receive important instructions about assignments and work
closely with your instructor and classmates to increase your communication skills.
Attendance on speech days is mandatory. Failure to attend a scheduled speech day on which you
are scheduled to present means you will receive a zero on that speech—absolutely no make-ups
are allowed unless you contact your instructor before the class and provide documentation for an
excused absence (this means a University activity—sports, etc.—or medical paperwork).
Please arrive to lecture and discussion on time. If you are late, you may miss participation points.
Absolutely no make-ups of in-class activities are allowed.
IS LATE WORK ACCEPTED?
There are no make-ups for speeches or written work unless the student provides documented
proof of an emergency or illness, participation in a university-sponsored activity, or prior
understanding with the small section instructor. A doctor’s note must include a phone number.
Don’t be surprised if your instructor calls this number to verify your absence.
Speeches
Failure to give your presentation on the day assigned to you without proper documentation, a
university-sanctioned absence, or prior understanding with the small section instructor will result
in a zero on the assignment. Trading speech days with a classmate requires instructor approval in
advance. If a speech has not been made-up after two (2) weeks, you may receive a zero on that
assignment.
Written Work
It is your responsibility to complete and submit all written work, typed and according to
assignment guidelines at the beginning of the specified class period. Written work not turned in
on the day it is due will result in a zero on the assignment unless you have proper documentation,
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 12
a university-sanctioned absence, or prior understanding with the small section instructor. If
written work has not been made-up after one (1) week, you may receive a zero on that
assignment.
IMPORTANT QUESTION:
MY PARENTS WANT TO BUY MY PLANE TICKET TO GO HOME. CAN I TAKE
THE FINAL EXAM AHEAD OF TIME? CAN I MAKE-UP THE EXAM I’M GOING TO
MISS?
As per university policy, the final exam must be administered on the official final exam date for
the discussion section. This date is determined by the university and based on the meeting time
of the discussion section; see the online SDSU final exam schedule for details. Make-up exams
are permitted only for reasons recognized by the university, such as participation in a universitysponsored activity, a documented illness, or serious emergency. Previously purchased airline
tickets or family vacations/gatherings do NOT meet these standards.
HOW WILL I KNOW HOW I’M DOING IN CLASS? CAN I PERIODICALLY CHECK
MY GRADE?
All assignment scores will be posted on your small section BlackBoard site. You can keep track
of your large lecture participation on the large lecture BlackBoard site. You will also receive
your graded assignments handed back to you in a timely manner. But it is your responsibility to
keep track of grades and to be sure that your scores have been posted correctly. Students should
retain all graded assignments until the final, official course grade has been posted. If you have
questions or concerns about your grading, feel free to contact your instructor during office hours.
WHAT’S THIS CLICKER FOR? DO I NEED IT? HOW WILL WE BE USING IT IN
CLASS?
We’re using i>clickers for in-class participation in the large lectures. My hope is that this will
help you: a) study for the exams; b) understand the material better; and c) feel more engaged.
You must register your i>clicker remote by using the BlackBoard link in the large lecture
BlackBoard site.
If you forget your clicker, you will not receive any points.
See http://clicker.sdsu.edu/ for instructions on getting started. Additional instructions will be
posted on BlackBoard.
I'm in a class which uses clickers. What should I do?
1. Buy a clicker in the bookstore, if you haven't already. A clicker should show up on the
class materials list if an instructor requires you to use a clicker.
2. Go to your large lecture BlackBoard site, click on the link that says “Register your
i<clicker.”
3. Follow the appropriate set of directions below to register your clicker.
4. NOTE: Batteries are supposed to last at least a year, but do make sure to change them
when the battery meter indicates that they are low.
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
COMM 103, Fall 2013, Syllabus, 13
How do you award clicker points?
Unless otherwise noted, the clicker points for the lectures are as follows: 13 meetings x 10 = 130
points. Remember that the total points for i>clicker participation are 100 points. What does this
mean? This means that you get two freebies, two times you can miss lecture or forget your
clicker. Please also remember:
1. If you forget your clicker, you will not receive any points.
2. If your clicker batteries run out, you will not receive any points (you can always see
your battery level in your clicker window).
3. If your clicker breaks, you must purchase a new one and re-register your clicker
before you receive points (if there’s a technical difficulty, please see me—we don’t
want to penalize you for a technical glitch that isn’t your fault).
Steps to Collect Your SDSU Bookstore and i>clicker Rebates
San Diego State University is adopting a new classroom response system (aka
clickers). In Spring, 2011, a task force of students, faculty, and staff evaluated several
popular clicker systems. Based on numerous criteria, i>clicker was selected.
You are receiving this message because your professor is using the new clickers in Fall
2011. To help offset the cost of the new clicker, we have worked with the Bookstore and
the i>clicker company to get the following rebates.
SDSU Bookstore Rebate
A student purchase of $250 or more of course materials in one visit which includes the
new i>clicker automatically receives an instant $10 credit at the register. Save your
receipt!
i>clicker Rebate
i>clicker has agreed to give an additional $10 rebate to students who return their old
eInstruction clicker. This is a two-step process which includes returning your old eInstruction clicker to the
Bookstore and mailing your rebate paperwork to the i>clicker company. Your rebate form must be
postmarked within 30 days from purchase of the new clicker. The steps are:
1. Bring your eInstruction clicker with you to the Bookstore. Immediately after purchasing your new
i>clicker, or for up to 30 days thereafter, go to the REFUND COUNTER to return your old clicker.
You will need your new i>clicker receipt and the old eInstruction clicker SERIAL NUMBER. (The
serial number is displayed when you first turn on your clicker.) Upon completion, the cashier will
provide an instruction card with details on how to get the i>clicker corporate rebate
2. A copy of your i>clicker receipt is required as part of the rebate paperwork. You can download the
i>clicker Rebate Form at http://tinyurl.com/sdsu-iclicker
For further information about the Rebate:


Bookstore Contact: 619.594.7525
SDSU Clicker Website: http://clicker.sdsu.edu
COMM 103 syllabus
©2012 SDSU School of Communication This syllabus cannot be copied or altered without the expressed written consent of the instructor.
REVISED (9/2/13) COMM 103 Fall 2013 Schedule!
This schedule and the assignments may be adjusted as the progress of the large lecture and small sections dictate. The dates and activities in
the small sections may vary depending on the instructor and the progress of the class.
LO = Learning Objectives (may change depending on progress of the class)
Week
Chapters
1 (8/26-8/30)
Introduction, 1
2 (9/2-9/6)
3 (9/9-9/13)
9/9 Last Day to
Drop Classes
12
13
Monday Small Section Meeting
Introductions to the class and each
other; Icebreakers
Wednesday Small Section
Meeting
Introduce Speech of Introduction
Activity #1: Public Speaking
LO1 = Articulate important
assignments, policies, and due dates
for the class
LO2 = Begin speaking in front of
classmates
LO1 = Articulate goals of Speech of
Introduction
LO2 = Identify main components of
a formal outline
LO3 = Distinguish formal outline
from speaking notes
No class Monday, 9/2—Labor Day
APA citation style; Preparation for
Speech of Introduction
Activity #2: Outlining, APA style
LO1 = Identify necessary elements
of APA style
LO2 = Demonstrate APA citation
style
Activity #3;
Speech of Introduction Outlines
Due
LO1 = Identify important
components of social media speech
Deadline for registering clickers
to still earn the maximum points
Speech of Introduction
Deadline for registering for
McGraw-Hill Connect
Lecture Topic
Introduction to Communication
LO1 = Identify needs
communication satisfies
LO2 = Identify components of
communication
LO3 = Distinguish models of
communication
LO4 = Identify characteristics of
communication
LO5 = Articulate role of
mindfulness and sustainability in
communication
Organizing a Speech
Outlining; APA style
LO1 = Identify components of
effective thesis statements
LO2= Demonstrate proper format of
introduction, body, and conclusion
LO3 = Demonstrate organization
and outlining skills
Presenting a Speech Confidently
LO1 = Identify ways to manage
stage fright
LO2 = Demonstrate effective visual
and vocal delivery skills
Quiz #1 online on Chps. 1, 12 due
on Friday 9/13 by 5 pm
DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL PLANS (or let others make travel plans for you) DURING FINALS WEEK.
REVISED (9/2/13) COMM 103 Fall 2013 Schedule!
This schedule and the assignments may be adjusted as the progress of the large lecture and small sections dictate. The dates and activities in
the small sections may vary depending on the instructor and the progress of the class.
LO = Learning Objectives (may change depending on progress of the class)
4 (9/16-9/20)
11
Speech of Introduction
Speech of Introduction
Choosing & Researching a Topic
LO1 = Identify components of
audience analysis
LO2 = Identify ways audience
influences topic selection
Quiz #2 online on Chp. 13 due on
Friday 9/20 by 5 pm
5 (9/23-9/27)
14
Introduce Social Media Speech;
Activity #4; Assign group members;
Topic brainstorming
Preparation for Social Media
Speech; Activity #5
Informative Speaking
LO1 = Identify types of informative
speaking
LO2 = Identify ways to garner
audience attention
LO1 = Identify important
components of social media speech
LO2 = Brainstorm topics
LO3 = Identify types of support
IMPACCT Time 1 Survey
completed and Peer E-mails sent by
Monday, 9/23, 5 pm
6 (9/30-10/4)
Appendix on
Media Literacy
Preparation for Social Media
Speech; Activity #6
Preparation for Social Media
Speech; Activity #7;
LO1 = Demonstrate effective public
speaking skills
All Social Media Speech Outlines
Due
Media Literacy
LO1 = Identify components of
Selective Exposure, Uses and
Gratifications, Cultivation, and
Agenda Setting Theories
LO1 = Demonstrate effective public
speaking skills
Quiz #3 online on Chps. 11, 14 due
on Friday 10/4 by 5 pm
DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL PLANS (or let others make travel plans for you) DURING FINALS WEEK.
REVISED (9/2/13) COMM 103 Fall 2013 Schedule!
This schedule and the assignments may be adjusted as the progress of the large lecture and small sections dictate. The dates and activities in
the small sections may vary depending on the instructor and the progress of the class.
LO = Learning Objectives (may change depending on progress of the class)
7 (10/7-10/11)
8 (10/14-10/18)
4
5
Social Media Speech
Social Media Speech
Social Media Speech
Exam #1 Review
Group Member Evaluations
Due
9 (10/21-10/25)
15
6
LO1 = Identify the components of
language
LO2 = Distinguish cultural and
persuasive contexts of language
LO3 = Identify effective uses of
language
Communicating Nonverbally
Study Module 1 online due by
Friday 10/18, 3:00 pm (module
includes McGraw-Hill Connect
LearnSmart assignments for all
Exam #1 chps except the Media
Appendix)
Preparation Civic Engagement
Speech; Activity #8
Exam #1 on Chapters 1, 4, 11, 12,
13, 14, and Media Appendix on
Friday 10/18, 3:00 pm, Rooms TBA
Persuasive Speaking;
Communicating Sustainability
LO1 = Set work deadlines with
group members
LO2 = Demonstrate effective group
communication skills
LO3 = Brainstorm topics
LO1 = Identify logical fallacies
LO2 = Distinguish types of
rhetorical proofs
LO 3 = Identify organizational
patterns of persuasive speeches
Activity #9: Preparation for Civic
Engagement Speech
Activity #10: Preparation for Civic
Engagement Speech
Listening Effectively
LO1 = Identify the components,
stages, types, barriers of listening
LO1 = Demonstrate effective group
communication skills
LO1 = Demonstrate effective group
communication skills
Introduce Civic Engagement Speech
LO1 = Identify important
components of group work and the
civic engagement assignment
LO2 = Brainstorm topics
10 (10/28-11/1)
How We Use Language
DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL PLANS (or let others make travel plans for you) DURING FINALS WEEK.
REVISED (9/2/13) COMM 103 Fall 2013 Schedule!
This schedule and the assignments may be adjusted as the progress of the large lecture and small sections dictate. The dates and activities in
the small sections may vary depending on the instructor and the progress of the class.
LO = Learning Objectives (may change depending on progress of the class)
11 (11/4-11/8)
2
12 (11/11-11/15)
13 (11/18-11/22)
7
Preparation for Civic Engagement
Speech; Activity #11;
Civic Engagement Speech
Outlines Due
Civic Engagement Speech
No Class Monday, 11/11—Veteran’s
Day
Civic Engagement Speech
Civic Engagement Speech
Civic Engagement Speech
Communication and Culture
Quiz #4 online on Chps. 15, 6 due
on Friday 11/8 by 5 pm
LO1 = Distinguish characteristics of
cultures and co-cultures
LO2 = Identify ways culture affects
communication
No Large Lecture This Week
No Large Lecture This Week
Communicating in Social and
Personal Relationships
LO1 = Identify theories of forming
and maintaining relationships
LO2 = Identify components of selfdisclosure
LO3 = Identify characteristics of
close friendships
14 (11/25-11/29)
8
Civic Engagement Speech
No Lecture or Small Section
Wednesday, 11/27—Early
Thanksgiving Holiday
Communication in Intimate
Relationships
LO1 = Distinguish dialectical
tensions and how to manage them
LO2 = Identify Knapp’s stages of
relationship
LO3 = Identify characteristics of
family communication
Quiz #5 online on Chp. 7 due on
Friday 11/29 by 5 pm
DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL PLANS (or let others make travel plans for you) DURING FINALS WEEK.
REVISED (9/2/13) COMM 103 Fall 2013 Schedule!
This schedule and the assignments may be adjusted as the progress of the large lecture and small sections dictate. The dates and activities in
the small sections may vary depending on the instructor and the progress of the class.
LO = Learning Objectives (may change depending on progress of the class)
Perceiving the Self and Others
15 (12/2-12/6)
3
Activity #12; Introduce Special
Preparation for Special Occasion
Occasion Speech; Preparation
Speech
Study Module 2 online due by
for Special Occasion Speech
Special Occasion Speech
Saturday
12/7, 3:00 pm (module
Outline Due
includes
McGraw-Hill
Connect
LO1 = Demonstrate effective
LO1 = Demonstrate effective
LearnSmart
assignments
for all
vocal and visual delivery
vocal and visual delivery
Exam #2 chps)
elements
elements
Exam #2 on Chps 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8,
& 15 Saturday, 12/7, 3:30,
Rooms TBA
16 (12/9-12/11)
Special Occasion Speech
LO1 = Demonstrate knowledge
of course concepts and theories
Special Occasion Speech
NO LARGE LECTURE THIS
WEEK!
LO2 = Identify the steps of
perception
LO3 = Identify influences on
perception
LO4 = Articulate image
management theory
DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL PLANS (or let others make travel plans for you) DURING FINALS WEEK.