COURSE
Semester:
Location:
Credit:
Time:
COM 417, Advanced Public Speaking
Spring 2012
JEN 225
3 semester hours
TR 9:25:10:40
PROFESSOR
Office:
Office Hours:
E-mail:
Phone:
Dr. Web Drake
Jennings 313
M-F 11:00-12:00
wdrake@uu.edu
(O) 731-661-5961; (C) 731-613-5896 (before 10:00)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An oral communication skills course that teaches advanced public speaking skills including impromptu and
manuscript speeches, speaking while using technology, speech writing, and special occasion speeches. Rhetorical
criticism, critical thinking, and verbal fluidity are also covered.
RATIONALE
Public speaking is a fundamental skill, necessary in every profession and walk of life. This course adds to the
overall learning experience of the student by giving them the skills necessary to publicly present their ideas in
professional, personal, religious, and civic contexts. It is a skills-based course that supplements any and all courses
of study.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course the student will:
*
be able to write and present original speeches in a variety of contexts
*
understand the difference between writing for speech and other purposes
*
develop the skills and concepts necessary for impromptu speaking
*
learn the different technologies used in public speaking
*
understand the skills involved in critiquing a public address
STATEMENT OF FAITH AND LEARNING
Aristotle claimed that Ethos, or ethics, was one of the three major components of rhetoric. Still today, the
credibility of the speaker is the most significant factor affecting persuasion. From Paul to Billy Graham, great
Christians throughout the centuries have used the skill of rhetoric in service to their Savior. And from Abraham
Lincoln to William Cullen Bryant, great orators throughout the centuries have been so deemed due to their
Christianity. It is my position that no orator can be great, under any circumstance, without drawing upon the
reserves of goodwill that come from the fruits of the spirit such as honesty, goodwill, and humility. No class or
instruction in public speaking can be separated from the fundamental principles of Christianity, nor from He who
inspires them.
PREREQUISITES
None
DISCLAIMER
Although I expect to conduct the course according to the following, I reserve the right to make modifications if
circumstances dictate.
REQUIRED MATERIAL
Video or Computer camera
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES/TECHNIQUES:
Lecture
Class Discussion
Paper
Class Activities
Speeches
Self Evaluations
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Union University students are expected to be honest. Please refer to the Student Handbook for guidelines.
Plagiarism/Misrepresentation Policy
The Department of Communication Arts has established the following penalties for confirmed cases of
plagiarism and/or misrepresentation:
First Offense:
Automatic score of 0 (zero) on the paper, project or presentation.
Second Offense: Automatic failure of the course.
Third Offense: Automatically turned over to the Dean of Arts and Sciences and the Provost with a
recommendation of dismissal from the university.
All confirmed cases of plagiarism and/or misrepresentation will be shared with the department chair, the
student’s faculty advisor and all Communication Arts professors (per departmental policy), and reported
to the Dean of Arts & Sciences and the Provost (as required by Union University).
ADA COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is encouraged to
speak with the course instructor during the first two weeks of class regarding their needs. All discussions will
remain confidential. Students with disabilities must contact Dr. Paul Deschenes, Director of Counseling to register
for any accommodations. No accommodations can be given without first registering with Dr. Paul Deschenes.
Stated differently, activation cannot be retroactive and would affect only accommodations from the point of
activation (registration of the disability with Dr. Paul Deschenes) and forward. Because faculty receive official
letters of accommodation from the Registrar shortly after the last day to add a class, the student is encouraged to
contact the course instructor in person prior to that time (approximately two weeks after the start of class). Finally,
students who choose to activate accommodations (e.g. extended time on tests) must notify the course instructor
two weeks before the exam so appropriate accommodations can be made.
COURSE POLICIES
Evaluation
Assignments
Classroom Speech Evaluations
10%
Speech Reports
10%
Speech Labs
10%
Speeches
Impromptu Speeches
10%
Special Occasion Speech
10%
Powerpoint Speech
10%
Speech to Entertain
10%
External Inspirational Speech
10%
Interview
10%
Manuscript Speech
10%
Grading Scale
A, exceptional work
95-100
B, above average work
85-94
C, average work
75-84
D, below average work
65-74
F, unacceptable work
Below 65
Written Assignments
You will have one major written project and outlines for most speeches due in this class. I will grade your
written projects on style as well as content.
*
All written assignments should be typed and double-spaced in "Standard U.S. English."
*
Each paper should have your name, class, and the assignment name in the upper left-hand
corner of the first page.
Make-Up Policy
Students with unexcused absences cannot make up speeches. Students with excused absences will make
up their speech at my earliest convenience. Papers, class activities, and assignments will be penalized ten
points for EVERY CLASS DAY that they are late. Nothing will be accepted over one week past its due date.
Code of Conduct
Behavior
You are expected to conduct yourself in a thoroughly business-like manner. Turn off all cell
phones. Do not bring food or drink into the classroom. You should treat your fellow learners and
the process with the dignity they deserve.
Dress
UU strives to maintain a Christian environment, and the classroom is a place of business. You
should dress accordingly. Hats and low-cut tops and/or pants are not permitted. Professional
attire is expected during all presentations.
Attendance
This is a participation class, and your attendance is vital to your education. Each unexcused
absence counts five points off your Class Participation grade. Being late twice constitutes one
absence. Being later than ten minutes constitutes an absence.
PARTIAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
Marjarie Brody. Speaking Your Way to the Top.
Dale Carnegie. How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking.
Em Griffin. The Mind Changer: The Art of Christian Persuasion.
Karly Kohrs Campbell and Susan Schultz Huxman. The Rhetorical Act: Thinking, Speaking, and Writing Critically.
Calvin Miller. The Empowered Communicator: 7 Keys to Unlocking an Audience.
Preaching: The Art of Expository Preaching.
Rudolph F. Verderber and Kathlessn S. Verderber. The Challenge of Effective Speaking.
Bill Wilson. A Ready Defense: The Best of Josh McDowell.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
*
Classroom communication
*
In case of emergency, you will be notified through your campus e-mail. Please check this
regularly.
*
I may also need to contact you via telephone, so please make sure yours is accurate.
*
Extra credit opportunities for the semester include, but are not limited to:
*
Participation on the UU Debate Team. Credit depends on tournament success.
*
Attendance of or participation in the semester’s theatrical productions or any of the lectureship
series across the campus
*
Memorization of a chapter of scripture. The chapter has to be at least 10 verses long, and you
can’t miss more than 5 words. You can perform the first one for me before or after class, but all
others must be done in front of the class. Each chapter is worth 1 point on your final grade. You
can do up to 7 chapters. The deadline is last regular class day.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Day
Date
1
Feb 2
2
7
3
9
4
14
5
16
6
21
7
23
8
28
9
Mar 1
10
6
11
8
12
13
13
15
14
27
15
29
16
Apr 3
17
5
18
10
19
12
20
17
21
19
22
24
23
26
24
May 1
25
3
26
8
27
10
28
15
Class Activities, Activities Due, etc.
Introductions, Syllabus
Lecture
Impromptu Speeches
Lecture
Special Occasion Speech Labs
Special Occasion Speeches
Lecture
Impromptu Speeches
Powerpoint Speech Labs
Powerpoint Speeches
Lecture
Impromptu Speeches
Speech to Entertain Labs
Speeches to Entertain
Lecture
Impromptu Speeches
Inspirational Speech Labs
Inspirational Speech Labs
Interviews
Interviews
Lecture
Impromptu Speeches
External Inspirational Speech Day
External Inspirational Speech Day
Impromptu Speeches, Speech Reports Due
Manuscript Speech Labs
Manuscript Speech Labs
Manuscript Speeches