COMMUNICATION AS CRITICAL INQUIRY (COM 110)
Instructor: Daisy Hoang
Office: Fell Hall 53
Email: ahoang@ilstu.edu
Classroom: Fell Hall 125
Office Hours: MWF 1pm-2pm or by appt.
Office Phone: (309) 438-5995
Section: 31
Class Time: MWF 12pm-12:50pm
TEXTS:
Simonds, C. J., Hunt, S. K., & Simonds, B. K. (2013). Communication as Critical Inquiry (5th ed. for
Illinois State University). Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing.
(Access Codes to eTexts available at campus bookstores—See below).
Simonds, C. J., Hunt, S. K., & Hooker, J.F. (2014). Communication as critical inquiry:
Supplementary materials packet. Champaign, IL: Stipes Publishing.
(Available at the School of Communication Resource Center in Fell 276—See below).
COURSE MATERIALS:
E-Textbook Purchasing Procedures. You are required to have an eText Access code for Com 110,
which will allow you to access the textbook as well as other materials necessary for the completion of the
course. You will register this code with Pearson as well as with your instructor so please do not discard
this access code or your receipt of purchase. Access codes may only be registered once per student and
will go offline once the semester is completed.
Spiral Workbook Purchasing Procedures. Students will purchase the spiral workbook (Com 110
Communication as Critical Inquiry) through the School of Communication online store using a credit,
debit, or monetary gift card. The website can be found at the following address:
http://tinyurl.com/o8jjxke
The workbook will cost $31 plus tax and will be available for the students to pick up in the
Communication Resource Center located in the Lower level of Fell Hall, Room 34, 1-2 business days
after the online purchase. Students will need to show their ISU ID card and Resource Center workers will
verify they have purchased the book and give it to them at that time.
Communication Resource Center Hours of Operation
Week 1
Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Week 2
Tuesday – Thursday 9 a.m.-7p.m.
Friday Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
ALSO REQUIRED:
 Some mechanism that can record at least 8 minutes of video that can be uploaded to a computer
(smartphone, tablet with video capabilities, laptop with web cam, or a friend/classmate with said
technology).
 A working ISU email account
 A stapler
 Notecards (4 x 6 or smaller)
 A folder or three-ring binder (no more than 1”) to be used for the course portfolio.
COMMUNICATION AS CRITICAL INQUIRY (COM 110) COURSE GOALS:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Students will become more competent communicators (using knowledge, skill, motivation, and
judgment).
Students will become more critical consumers and producers of ideas and information (using
analytical reasoning skills in the reception, collection, and presentation of ideas).
Students will conduct background research necessary to develop well-informed presentations.
Students will evaluate the communication skills of others (identifying effective and ineffective
aspects of oral presentations).
Students will become more competent in communicating in small group discussions (articulating
and defending their own ideas as well as listening to and considering the ideas of others).
Students will become more effective communicators in a democracy (demonstrating ethical
communication, considering multiple perspectives on controversial issues, and managing
conflict).
ASSIGNMENTS:
FORMAT:
- All assignments are to be typed using 12pt. Times New Roman font and 1 inch margins.
- All assignments are to be double-spaced
- All assignments are to be STAPLED.
- All written assignments must have the binder frills ripped off.
- All references are to be cited using American Psychological Association (APA) Style 6th
edition.
*The ONLY exceptions to this rule are the Preparing to Participate (P2P).I do reserve the right to
request that you type your P2Ps.
*If you do not meet one or more of these format requirements your assignment will earn an automatic
zero.
EXAMS:
There will be a midterm exam and a final exam. Exams will assess your understanding of communication
concepts, as well as your application and integration abilities.
PORTFOLIO:
The portfolio is a collection of your work in this course over the semester. It will represent your insights,
observation, experiences, and reflections that illustrate course content. Although a detailed handout will
be provided, the end product will consist of your Communication Improvement Profile (CIP) and Critical
Thinking Self Assessment and Ethical Communication Self Assessment Pre-test, copies of your draft and
final outlines, self critiques, and a final communication analysis paper and Critical Thinking Self
Assessment and Ethical Communication Self Assessment Post-test..
ILLINOIS ARTICULATION INITIATIVE:
The Illinois Articulation Initiative is designed to allow students to transfer course credit between
institutions. The IAI requires that all Com 110 students present at least three speaking opportunities that
include research and are five minutes, or longer, in duration.
SPEECHES:
Each student will present three speeches:
a. Informative speech (5-7 minutes, no more than 7:30; at least 4 sources)
b. Group presentation (18-20 minutes, no more than 20:30; at least 10 sources)
c. Persuasive speech (5-7 minutes, no more than 7:30; at least 3 new sources in addition to
sources used in the group speech)
All three speeches must be completed to pass the course.
Each presentation will be evaluated on content and delivery. Specific details will be clearly outlined in
class. Typed outlines and references are required for each (a sample will be provided).
SPEECH TOPICS:
You are allowed to choose your own topics for each speech, but I do reserve the right to reject the topic
that you choose.
ADDITIONAL SPEECH RULES:
1. -100 points if you miss your own speech day or are not prepared on your speech day. For
example, if you are missing any of your speech materials, you will not be able to present and
will lose 100 points. If you fail to give your speech on the assigned day you MUST complete that
speech in the speech lab for an audience of 3-5 people within two weeks of your original speech
day. If you fail to complete your speech in that time frame you will receive a 0 for your speech.
2. -10 points off your own speech score for each day you miss a peer’s speech.
3. -10 points if you are on your cell phone or being disruptive during a peer’s speech.
4. -5 points if you are tardy on any speech day.
5. -5 points for every 15 seconds you are over your speech time.
6. -5 points for having full sentences on your note cards.
OUTLINES:
Outlines will be required for each speech. To practice proper outline habits, a draft outline will be due for
the informative speech. After the informative speech is finished, you can turn in a draft outline to me to
look over, but final draft outlines will be the only outline required for the group and persuasive speeches.
SPEECH LAB:
It is encouraged that you visit the speech lab at least once during the semester to practice your speech. It
is also recommended that you plan a visit to the speech lab at least one week before your speech so you
have enough time to synthesize the feedback received from the attendant and incorporate it into your
speech. Ultimately, the speech lab can be a useful tool in improving the quality of your speech and public
speaking skills. To schedule time in the speech lab, call 309-438-5339. The speech lab is located in the
basement of Fell Hall, room 032. Make an appointment at your earliest convenience since the speech lab
fills up fast. You must schedule an appointment at least 24 hours before the date you are scheduled
to deliver your speech in class, or you will not be able to use the speech lab. If you need to change
or cancel your appointment, you will need to call the Speech Lab at 438-4566 or stop by in person
(Fell 032) 24 hours in advance.
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES:
All assignments will be due on the date assigned. No late work will be accepted unless I have previously
approved an alternative due date. NO ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED VIA EMAIL. If you
work ahead of time, you will not be rushing to get your work done so think ahead!
PARTICIPATION:
To receive full participation points, students are expected to complete all 18 Preparing to Participate
chapter assignments (P2Ps). I will be collecting P2Ps for 10 chapters throughout the semester. You will
not know the collection times before I collect them, so that is why I would recommend preparing for all
chapters. Each P2P is worth five points. These are the only assignments that can be hand-written.
However, I will not grade them if I cannot read them so if you know your handwriting could use some
work, I would suggest typing them.
ACTIVITY POINTS:
Activity points are a huge part of Com 110. These points include participation in activities, class
discussions, using ethical communication, etc. Final activity points will be released before the final at the
end of the semester since they are TBD and vary by day.
EVALUATION:
Any Old Bag Speech
Informative Speech
Group Speech
Persuasive Speech
Portfolio
CIP
Speech Self-Evaluations
Library Assignment
Synthesis Paper
Portfolio Appearance
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Participation
Activity Points
TOTAL
10 pts
100 pts
100 pts
100 pts
100 pts
30
10
10
40
10
100 pts
100 pts
50 pts
TBD
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
Below 60% F
TBD
COURSE POLICIES:
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is the key to success. Regular attendance will be expected and I will take attendance every
day. Your absence will result in loss of points, depending on what the class does that day. You are
always responsible for all material distributed in your absence.
Excused absences include University-sanctioned events only. If you are involved in these types of
activities I will need a schedule of days you will miss within the first week of the semester. I will also
need a signed note from your coach or sponsor verifying you are on the team.
I know there will be times when emergencies happen. In case of an emergency, please email me or call
my office number as soon as possible. I am willing to work with you but I can only do so if you
communicate to me what is preventing you from coming to class. So, please don’t be afraid to
communicate with me.
TARDINESS:
Tardiness will not be tolerated. You will lose five points on your own speech if you are late on any
speech day. If you feel that you have a legitimate reason for being tardy, come talk to me the first week
of class. If you are tardy on an exam day, you will not be able to take the exam so please be on time.
PET PEEVES:
DO NOT THROW AWAY ANY OF YOUR ASSIGNEMENTS FOR THIS CLASS. YOU WILL
NEED THEM AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER!
Non-stapled assignments: For any multi-page assignment you are to complete out-of-class, it must be
stapled or else I will give you a 0 for the assignment grade. I recommend purchasing a mini-stapler and
carrying it in your bag with you at all times.
Fringes on papers: Assignments that have the fringes on them will result in a 0 for the assignment. It is
unprofessional to turn in an assignment with the fringes still attached to the paper.
Texting in class: I understand that your social life is important, but you can survive without your cell
phone for 50 minutes.
UNIVERSITY BEREAVEMENT POLICY
Students who experience the death of an immediate family member or relative as defined in the
University Student Bereavement Policy will be excused from class for funeral leave, subsequent
bereavement, and/or travel considerations. Students are responsible for providing appropriate
documentation to the Dean of Students office and for contacting the instructor as soon as possible to
make arrangements for completing missed work. More information is available in the Student
Bereavement Policy at http://www.policy.illinoisstate.edu/2-1-27.shtml
COMMUNICATING WITH ME:
Email is the best way to get in contact with me if you have questions or concerns. Please allow at least a
24-hour response time. Also, you can call my office phone, which I’ll be most accessible to during the
day.
ELECTRONICS POLICY:
Please refrain from using your cell phones in my class. Text messaging is distracting to other students
and therefore, I reserve the right to read your text messages out loud to the entire class. However, if there
is some type of emergency for which you may need to take a phone call during class, talk to me
beforehand and we will work something out. I understand you may want to take notes on your computer,
iPads, etc. That is great, however, if you are surfing the Internet, I reserve the right to move you to the
front row and ask you to put away your technology.
PROFESSIONAL COURTESY:
Professional courtesy includes respecting others' opinions, not interrupting in class, being respectful to
those who are speaking, and working together in a spirit of cooperation. I expect you to demonstrate
these behaviors at all times in this class.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM:
Students are expected to be honest in all academic work, consistent with the academic integrity policy as
outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. All work is to be appropriately cited when it is borrowed,
directly or indirectly, from another source. Unauthorized and unacknowledged collaboration on speech
topics and/or the presentation of someone else’s work warrants plagiarism.
Students found to inadvertently commit acts of dishonesty will receive appropriate penalties specific to
the assignment in question. Students found to commit intentional acts of dishonesty will receive a failing
grade in the course and will be referred for appropriate disciplinary action through Community Rights
and Responsibilities.
APA GRADES:
During the 5th week of school, the university will send out Academic Progress Alert Grades. For
purposes of this course, APA grades will be based on an anticipated grade rather than a calculated grade
determined by class participation and presence/absence of work turned in to date. Grades will be given
based on the following:
C—adequate progress in the course F—inadequate progress in the course
SPECIAL NEEDS:
Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability should contact
Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice), 438-8620 (TDD).
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: Life at college can get very complicated. Students sometimes feel
overwhelmed, lost, experience anxiety or depression, struggle with relationship difficulties or diminished
self-esteem. However, many of these issues can be effectively addressed with a little help. Student
Counseling Services (SCS) helps students cope with difficult emotions and life stressors. Student
Counseling Services is staffed by experienced, professional psychologists and counselors, who are
attuned to the needs of college students. The services are FREE and completely confidential. Find out
more at Counseling.IllinoisState.edu or by calling (309) 438-3655.
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION RESEARCH POOL WEBPAGE:
This website is dedicated to research projects approved by the School of Communication which students
enrolled in communication courses may participate during the semester. Com 110 students are
encouraged to participate in research projects found on this website for possible extra credit points
assigned at the discretion of their instructor to facilitate the production of new knowledge about
communication and to learn about the value of research. The website can be found at
https://sites.google.com/site/isucomresearch/
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
**Note: At any point throughout the duration of this course I reserve the right to change the syllabus
details. Of course, I will inform you of these changes.
Week
Date
Day
1
8/17
M
Syllabus Review; Interview as Biography; Assign Any Old Bag
8/19
W
Any Old Bag
8/21
F
1
Assign CIP, CTSA, and ECSA; Provide an Overview of
Portfolio Assignment; Introduction into Communication
8/24
M
2
Communication Apprehension
8/26
W
3
Ethical Communication
8/28
F
4
Perception and Self Concept
8/31
M
5
Choosing Topics, Assign Informative Speech
9/2
W
6
Analyzing Your Audience
9/4
F
10
Beginning and Ending Presentations
9/7
M
9/9
W
7, 12
Library Day/ Library Day Assignment
9/11
F
8, 9
Organization; Outlining
9/14
M
11
Language-The Social Construction of Reality
9/16
W
2
3
4
5
CHAP.
Material Covered
Assignment Due
Syllabus Contract
CIP, CTSA, ECSA
Due
Sign up for
presentation time
NO SCHOOL – LABOR DAY
Review Outline/Speeches
Informative Topic
Due
Outline Due
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
9/18
F
**MIDTERM REVIEW**
9/21
M
**MIDTERM**
9/23
W
9/25
F
Informative Speeches
Presentations
9/28
M
Informative Speeches
Presentations
9/30
W
Informative Speeches
Presentations
10/2
F
Informative Speeches
Presentations
10/5
M
Assign Group Speech/Group Name Day
10/7
W
14 &
PP
Communicating in Groups; Group & Managing Conflict
10/9
F
14 &
PP
Culture
10/12
M
10/14
W
10/16
F
Group Speech Work Day
10/19
M
Group Speeches
Presentations
10/21
W
Group Speeches
Presentations
10/23
F
Review/Assign Portfolios; Assign Synthesis Paper;
Assign 2nd CTSA; Assign Portfolio
10/26
M
16
Building Arguments / Assign Persuasive Speech
10/28
W
16
Building Arguments
10/30
F
16
Building Arguments
11/2
M
17
Discuss Fact, Value, and Policy
13
Delivering the Presentation
Bring Spiral
Group Meetings
15
Listening & Critical Thinking
Bring Spiral
Persuasive Topic
Due
13
14
15
16
11/4
W
17
Discuss Fact, Value, and Policy
11/6
F
Review Persuasion- Refuting Counterarguments/ Audience
Analysis
11/9
M
Persuasive Work Day
11/11
W
Persuasive Presentations
Presentations
11/13
F
Persuasive Presentations
Presentations
11/16
M
Persuasive Presentations
Presentations
11/18
W
Persuasive Presentations
Presentations
11/20
F
Work Day (NCA)
11/23
M
Fall Break
11/25
W
Fall Break
11/27
F
Fall Break
11/30
M
12/2
W
Course Evaluation / Action Day
12/4
F
Review for final
18
Time Communicating in the 21st Century
Portfolio Due
Syllabus Contract
I have read the syllabus for Daisy Hoang’s COM 110 and agree to the terms for required coursework and
acceptable classroom behavior.
Signature:
_____________________________________________________________
Name (please print): ___________________________
What is your Major?
Date:_______________________
_______________________________________________________
Public Speaking experience? (If none, just write none) _____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
What do you do in your free time? ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
What are you most looking forward to in college/this year? _________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
What did you do over Summer Break?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Favorites:
Movie: _________________________________________
Song: __________________________________________
TV show: _______________________________________
Book: __________________________________________