OGLALA LAKOTA COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS & ADMINISTRATION
Spring 2014
Rebuilding the Lakota Nation through Education
Wounspe Ihuniyan Hci Lakota Oyate Kin Akta Ic’icakagapi Kte lo
Name of Course:
Credit Hours:
Time & Day:
Department:
Location:
Instructor Name:
Email Address:
Mobile Phone:
Office Phone:
Office Hours:
SpCm 103 Speech Communications
3
Thursday, 5:00-8:00pm
Humanities and Social Science
White Clay College Center
Paula Rooks
prooks@olc.edu
(605) 440-0711
(605) 455-6093
Wednesdays: One-half hour before class
time and one-half hour after class time.
Course Description (Waunspe Oyakapi):
A course designed to provide students with speaking
skills which will help them to express themselves more effectively. This course will help you voice your
opinions at home, in class, at tribal council meetings, at the office, and at weekend orientations. This
course helps students develop confidence and will improve their listening skills. Students learn to
analyze a situation, organize their thoughts, and learn how to make a positive impression on their
audience.
Prerequisites: None
Required Text and Materials:



Speak with Confidence 10th Edition by Albert Vasile (Covered by
Pell)
Note Cards (covered by Pell)
A three ring notebook.
Course Goal: The goal of this course is to teach students how to speak publicly.
Learning Objectives (Wounspe Taku Unspepi Kte Kin He Le E): Upon completion of this course
students will be able to:
1. Research and recognize appropriate material for each assigned speech.
2. Utilize course topic outlines suitable to each assigned speech
3. Analyze and assess the effectiveness of each speech in an appropriate manner utilizing
correct grammar/mechanics and words in the active voice.
4. Articulate the speech in a clear and understanding manner using voice variation, gestures, and
platform movement.
5. Incorporate the Lakota perspective whenever possible within a speech.
6. Students will demonstrate mastery of the various communication complexities by following
standardized rules, guidelines and credible evaluation instruments/presentation rubric
Assessment: Students will be assessed on the major speeches: Demonstration, Informative, Oral
Interpretation, Sales or Entertainment, and Persuasive. Students will be assessed on the eight speech
criteria: eye contact, correct pace, sentence structure, poise, posture, gestures, speaking loud and clear,
proper use of speaker's stand and notecards, and personal appearance.
Instructional Methodology: Instruction of this class is accomplished through a mixture of lecture,
discussion, and physical involvement by the student. Students will read chapters and handouts that
pertain to the objectives pertinent to the assignment. Students will then complete assignments with
assistance as needed from the instructor and classmates.
Course Rationale: This course will assist students in the area of public speaking. It is designed and
intended for the freshman level. This course will provide you with the necessary foundation to be
successful in college, in your career and in your community.
Homework: Each student should expect to spend two (nunpa) to three (yamni) hours out of class on
reading and homework assignments each week, for every hour of class time (each credit hour), in order to
perform satisfactorily. Therefore, if a course is three (yamni) credit hours you should spend
approximately six (sakpe) hours outside of the course room on required readings and homework.
However, every student differs in their individual skills, educational background, experience, capability
and personal goals; so the amount of time you must dedicate to out of class work can vary significantly
from this national average.
Reading Load: Reading will include approximately one (wanji) to two (nunpa) chapters per week, plus
handouts and homework as assigned.
Type & Amount of Writing Load: Students will prepare topic outlines for three of their graded
speeches. Final drafts of student speeches will be written on note cards for delivery. No inappropriate
materials or language will be allowed. Students will be given a short exam for the final test.
Lakota Perspective Provided Through: This course stresses Wolakolkiciapi of “learning Lakota ways
of life in the community”. This course is based on the values of mutual respect and generosity (woohola
na wochantognakapi), seeking to advance each individual’s knowledge through their continuing hard
work (fortitude- wowalitake) and willingness to learn new information and viewpoints, as well as to
demonstrate it, by speaking in front of the group (bravery-woohitike); all undertaken in an environment of
complete truthfulness, trust, integrity and humility. We will do this by embracing the teaching of our
ancestors as we learn new ways. (Waunspe wicakiyapi ki iglutanyan ihani unpi kun hena itan waunspe
tokeca uha ayin kte.)
Evaluation and Grading: Writing is required. Homework may consist of viewing famous speeches,
speech writing, and completion of other exercises.
Participation in In-Class exercises to strengthen Voice/Diction
15%
Major speeches (4)
40%
Persuasive Speech
15%
Mid-Term Exam
15%
Speech-a-Week Journal
15%
Total
100%
NOTE: Students must complete the Persuasive Speech and three out of four of the other speeches to
receive a final grade.
A = Superior Quality Work = Demonstrated concept mastery by scoring 90% or better.
B = Good Quality Work = Demonstrated concept mastery by scoring 80-89%.
C = Satisfactory Quality Work = Demonstrated concept mastery by scoring 70-79%.
D = Marginal Quality Work = Demonstrated weak concept mastery by scoring 60-69%
F = Demonstrated concept mastery below the acceptable mark of 59%, which is well
below what may be required in the business world.
W = Withdrawal = A student may withdraw from a course by filling out a Drop Card to be recorded by
the Registrar. The student must sign this form if you drop yourself. A Drop Card may/can be filled out
and signed by a counselor/instructor for lack of attendance.
POLICIES
Attendance and Tardiness:
http://www.olc.edu/local_links/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf see page 8
College Policy on Grading and Change of Grades:
http://www.olc.edu/local_links/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf see page 11
Incompletes:
http://www.olc.edu/local_links/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf see page 12
Student Rights and Responsibilities:
http://www.olc.edu/local_links/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf see page 36
Disability Policy:
http://www.olc.edu/local_links/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf see page 37
Standards of Conduct Policy:
http://www.olc.edu/local_links/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf see page 38
Electronic Information Resources Acceptable Use Guidelines:
http://www.olc.edu/local_links/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf see page 41-42
Academic Honesty:
http://www.olc.edu/local_links/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf see page 43
Course Requirements, Expectations of Students: Because OLC offers classes in three-hour blocks
once per week, (for everyone’s travel convenience), if you are absent from one OLC class session, it’s
like missing three classes at another college. (See student handbook).
 Unannounced quizzes and graded in-class exercises will be given; content can include any course
material assigned, up to and including the current session.
 Your homework assignments must be turned in on the dates due to get full credit.
 You are expected to participate in class discussion; this provides evidence of your interest in and
preparation for the class. It also helps gauge the effectiveness of the instruction and everyone’s
level of comprehension of the material presented. Most importantly, fellow class members
benefit from your opinions and insights; in addition, the questions you ask may be about the same
topic with which other students are having difficulty, so by helping yourself you also help them.
 If the Instructor is not present at the beginning of the class, and the College Center Staff has not
heard from the Instructor, you should wait at least 30 minutes past the normal start-time and then
if the Instructor has still not arrived, you may leave.

**Special Message about Attendance in Class: It is college policy that 3 consecutive absences or 5
absences spread out through the semester will cause immediate student withdrawal from the course by the
Registrar’s office. This procedure is very strictly followed by the registrar’s office, because many student
grants and scholarships are administered according to attendance. In addition, it is required that students
attend at least 2 hours of each class session in order to be counted as present for that class.
Department/Instructor Specifics:
Rubric: The department utilizes a departmental rubric which will be used to assess speeches.
Attendance: Communication is essential. If you are having difficulties and are in danger of being
dropped, contact your instructor right away to discuss options BEFORE you are dropped.
This is a skills course--not a lecture course where you can borrow a friend’s notes afterward. Typically,
one or more skills will be explained briefly in class, and you will then spend most of the class time
practicing the skills, making them your own. You will be learning in the best possible way, through
doing. Since much of the value and meaning of the course is the work done in class, you must be here on
a steady basis. In a real sense, if you miss class, you are missing the course. Therefore, you should
determine now to attend class faithfully; otherwise, you will be wasting your time and money.
Assignments: Make-up assignments might not always be available in this class. Make up assignments
will be allowed only if the student has a documented reason for being absent, the work is of sufficient
quality, and is submitted within one week. Students who miss class three weeks in a row will be dropped
if they do not communicate directly with the instructor.
Late Work
Each student, present or absent, is responsible and accountable for his or her assignments, attendance, and
participation. Missing class does not excuse a student from having work done at the next class.
 Handouts and Practice Sheets are available in the Instructor’s Web Folder and must be turned in
by the next class the student attends.
 Major Assignments submitted late will be reduced by one letter grade.
 Assignments more than one week late will not be accepted.
NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to keep files of all papers and records of grades in case of a grade
dispute.
Incomplete and Grade Change
There must be a valid reason to request a grade change or an incomplete. An incomplete grade or grade
change is given only when the instructor feels special circumstances warrant it. Not getting work done on
time, missing class, being tardy or leaving early are NOT valid reasons for incompletes or grade changes.
Date
Oko Wanci
Week One
Jan. 23
Oko Nunpa
Week Two
Jan. 30
Oko Yamni
Week Three
Feb. 6
Oko Topa
Week Four
Feb. 13
Oko Zaptan
Week Five
Feb. 20
Oko Sakpe
Week Six
Feb. 27
TOPICAL CONTENT
Objectives
Assignments
Students will be able to:
 Discuss syllabus.
 Identify the contents in the
 Speech orientation
syllabus
 Do Interview/Introduction
 Identify basic speech
exercise
components.
 Explain assignment due
 Interview and introduce
next week.
peer
Students will be able to:
 3 minute Narrative
 Read a narrative aloud in
 Discuss Ice Cubes
class.
 Clear Language
 Complete tongue twisters
 Tongue twisters
 In-class activity.
Students will be able to:
 Non verbal
 Identify elements of noncommunication. Activity
verbal communication
Charades
 Pp. 41-44
Students will be able to:
 Go over Chapter 12.
 Identify parts of a
Discuss Topic choices and
demonstration speech
Visual Aides
 Present demonstration
 Discuss 3-5 minute
speech
demonstration speech
ideas.
 Watch video examples.
Students will be able to:
 Begin 3-5 minute
 Present demonstration
demonstration speech
speech
Students will be able to:
 Identify parts of an
informative speech



Oko Sakowin
Week Seven
March 6
Oko Saglogan
Week Eight
March 13
Textbook Reading
For next week
Chapters 1 & 2
Pages 1 -51
Prepare Speech
Chapter 3
Pages 52 -78
Non-verbal
Communication
Chapter 12
Pages 289 -314
The Demo
Chapter 9
Pages 205-225
Deliver Speech
Chapter 10
Pages 227-250
Informative
Finish demonstration
speeches.
Discuss Chapter 10 on the
5-8 minute informative
speech.
Watch informative speech
video examples.
Chapter 8
Pages 178-203
Outline
Review Chapters
1,2,3,8,9,10,12
Students will be able to:
 Present an informative
speech

Begin 5-8 minute
informative speech.
Mid-term
Students will be able to:
 Identify parts of an oral
interpretation speech.

Finish up informative
speeches.
Discuss handouts for oral
interpretation speeches.
Watch oral interpretation
video.
Chapter 5
Pages 99-118
Clear, Concise
and Correct


Oko Napcinyunka
Week Nine
March 27
Oko
Wikcemna
Week Ten
April 3
Oko Ake Wanci
Week Eleven
April 10
Oko Ake Nunpa
Week Twelve
April 17
Students will be able to:
 Present oral interpretation
speech.
Students will be able to:
 Identify parts of a sales
speech
 Identify parts of an
entertainment speech






Students will be able to:
 Present either sales of
entertainment speech

Students will be able to:
 Identify parts of a
persuasive speech


Week Thirteen
April 24
Oko Ake Topa
Week Fourteen
May 1
Oko Ake Zaptan
Week Fifteen
May 8
Students will be able to:
 Outline a persuasive
speech
 Write a persuasive speech
Students will be able to:
 Present a persuasive
speech
Students will be able to:
 Present a persuasive
speech
Chapter 4
Text pp. 80 -96
Listening
Finish oral interpretation
speeches.
Discuss sales or
entertainment speeches.
Watch video examples.
If time, do acceptance
speech for extra credit
Begin sales or
entertainment speeches.
Chapter 6
Pages 119-120
Know the Listeners
Chapter 11
Pages 251 -288
Be Persuasive
Finish sales speeches.
Discuss 5-8 minute
persuasive speeches due in
two weeks.
Watch persuasive speech
video.
Do in-class activity.
Work on 5-8 minute
persuasive speeches in
class.
Chapter 7
Pages 151-175
Doing Research

Begin 5-8 minute
persuasive speech (Post
Test).
Final Test

Finish up persuasive
speeches.
Final Reflections

Oko Ake Yamni
Begin 5-8 minute
individual/duo oral
interpretation speeches.


Review all
Chapters
Collect Artifact
Disclaimer: Information contained in this syllabus was, to the best knowledge of the instructor,
considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. However,
this syllabus should not be considered a contract between Oglala Lakota College and any student. The
instructor reserves the right to make changes in course content or instructional techniques without notice
or obligation. Students will be informed of any such changes. Additional student rights and
responsibilities are outlined in the Student Handbook.
http://www.olc.edu/local_links/registrar/docs/student_handbook.pdf
Speaker's Name: _________________Title: _______________________
Speech Evaluation Form
Eye Contact
7654321
Pace; use of pause
Wording; sentence structure; transitions
Poise (ability to maintain control)
Posture; gestures; platform movement
Speaks loud and clear
Proper use of Speakers Stand and Notes
Personal Appearance
Total Points: _____________
Speaker's Rating: _____________
Score:
50 - 56 Superior
(A)
43 - 49 Excellent (B)
36 - 42 Good (C)
29 - 35 Fair
(D)
Below 28 Poor (F)
Presentation Rubric
Name: _______________________________________________________
Topic: _______________________________________________________
Circle the points that indicate your evaluation of this entry, with 10 being the best.
Thesis
Is there a clear thesis? Is it valid? Is it reasonable? Is it persuasive?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Organization
Is there an Introduction? Does it have an attention getter? Is there a clear and suitable structure? Are
there clear transitions between main points? Does the body address the thesis effectively? Is there a
restatement of the thesis and main points in the conclusion? Does the conclusion have a call for action?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Supporting Materials
Is there sufficient supporting material? Is there critical thought? Does the speaker clearly address the
problem? Are there enough sources to support the points covered? Do the sources blend into the body
smoothly? Are the sources recent and relevant?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Style and Language
Is there clarity? Directness? Simplicity? Articulation? Is the pause used effectively? Punctuation? Poise?
Platform movement? Gestures? Eye contact?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Delivery
Is it direct? Extemporaneous? Conversational? Volume and use of the pause? Are note cards handled
well? Is the delivery technique effective? Are emotions utilized well? Does the speaker project his/her
voice? Is the delivery method persuasive? Is the time too short or too long? Creative? Unique?
Singularity?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Total points: ______________________
grade scale:
45-50 = A
35-44 = B
25-34 = C
5-24= D
Time: (5-8 Minutes) ______________________
THREE MINUTE NARRATIVE (for next week) :
You do not need note cards; just write assignment on your notebook paper. Very informal; sit at your
desk and share.
COME UP WITH THREE MINUTES FROM THE FOLLOWING (Choose from one category or from
several categories):
1. PERSONAL EXPERIENCES ~ funny, interesting, and/or embarrassing.
2. TRADITIONAL STORIES, LEGENDS, POEMS.
3. TRADITIONAL IKTOMI STORIES
4. YOUR OWN STORIES, ESSAYS, POETRY.
INTERVIEW SPEECH
1) HOW TO BEGIN YOUR INTRODUCTION:
 HELLO, MY NAME IS ____________.
 TODAY (TONIGHT) I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE
__________________.
 (BODY OF PRESENTATION)
 END YOUR SPEECH WITH "THANK YOU."
2) VARY THE PERSON’ S NAME WITH A PRONOUN.
EXAMPLE:
 JAMES IS ______.
 HE ALSO LIKES _____.
 HIS FAVORITE SPORT IS ___________.
3) INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (for tonight):
 NAME
 AGE (BIRTHDATE)
 WHERE BORN
 WHERE LIVED IN THE PAST
 WHERE LIVING NOW
 FAMILY (ANY INTERESTING FACTS):
o PARENTS, BROTHERS, SISTERS, COUSINS
o SPOUSE, SONS, DAUGHTERS, GRANDPARENTS
 FAVORITE MOVIES, TV SHOWS, SINGER, ACTOR, MUSICAL GROUP.
 FAVORITE SPORTS, ACTIVITIES, HOBBIES, INTERESTS.
 FAVORITE FOODS AND BEVERAGE.
 WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
 FUTURE PLANS.
 FAVORITE SUBJECTS IN SCHOOL.
 TRAVELS (HAVE YOU VISITED ANY OTHER STATES, COUNTRIES,
ETC.)
 SOME OF THE THINGS YOU DON'T ENJOY.
 THE ONE THING THAT GIVES YOU THE MOST PLEASURE IS ______.
 THE BIGGEST PROBLEM(S) FACING SOCIETY TODAY IS (ARE) ______.
 WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY.
 TWO THINGS THAT MAKE YOU UNIQUE OR WHAT ARE TWO TALENTS
THAT MAKE YOU UNIQUE.
4) REWRITE (for next week) YOUR NOTES INTO SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS. LOOK OVER
YOUR FINISHED COPY AND FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH IT TO ESTABLISH
SOME SORT OF EYE CONTACT WITH THE AUDIENCE.