COMMUNICATION 101 – Introduction to Speech
Heartland Community College Fall 2013
Syllabus, Section 23, 2804
COMM 101
9:30 – 10:45
TR ICB 1103
Section 22, 2802
COMM 101
12:30 – 1:45
TR ICB 2810
Instructor:
Office:
Email:
Lee Anne Hale
Office Hours: TR 11:00 – 12:00
Phone: (309) 370-6262
LeeAnne.Hale@heartland.edu
*** Communicating with your instructor: By far, email is the best way to reach me. The
phone number listed above is my cell phone. I NEVER give this number to students. However,
given the summer schedule, it will be the best number at which to reach me. If you should need
anything, please email me first. If it is an emergency, please call. When leaving a message, be very
detailed and be sure to leave your phone number. ***** I ask that you respect that this is my
personal number. Texting is fine. 
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS: If you have any questions/concerns throughout this semester,
contact me. The key to success in this course or any other is to communicate with your instructors.
Welcome to COMM 101~ It is with great excitement that I welcome you to COMM 101,
Introduction to Speech. I look forward to getting to know you and sharing with you the information
that I believe has the power to greatly improve your lives. This class is a team effort. I vow to show
up and give you everything I have got. I ask the same of you. The more you put into this class, the
more you will get out of it. I will match the level of commitment and investment you put into your
education. I cannot stress enough to you that if you need assistance or have concerns, you need to
ADVOCATE for yourself and COMMUNICATE with me. I am here to help you. We will
work hard. We will have fun. Fall 2013 – we got this.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION (Include specific prerequisites):
This is an introductory course in public speaking, with the dual goals of helping students understand
basic communication principles and improving their oral communication skills. The course
emphasizes preparing, selecting, organizing, and delivering oral messages, as well as analyzing and
evaluating the speaking-listening process.
TEXTBOOK:
Stephen E. Lucas. The Art of Public Speaking, 11th Ed. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill, 2011.
ALSO REQUIRED: A stapler
A working Heartland email account, which you check frequently
Access to a computer on which you check BlackBoard frequently
3 ½ x 5 white note cards (optional for speech delivery)
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
COMM 101 fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Humanities/Fine Arts required for the
A.A. or A.S. degree. It satisfies the Humanities component of this requirement. COMM 101 should
transfer to other Illinois colleges and universities as the equivalent of the General Education Core
Curriculum course C2 900, described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative. However, students should
consult an academic advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the
IAI web page for information as well at http://www.itransfer.org/IAI/Other/Student.taf
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes)
After completing this course,
students should be able to:
General
Education
Learning
Outcome
Assessment: May include but
are not limited to:
1. Effectively organize thoughts
and ideas into coherent, wellfocused verbal messages
appropriate for the audience,
occasion, and purpose.
CO1
Speeches, class discussion,
Q&A, outlines, tests
2. Conduct evaluative scholarly
research and incorporate
appropriate materials into
focused, well-informed
presentations.
3. Demonstrate appropriate
behavior as active listeners and
participants.
CT3
Library exercises, speeches,
bibliographies, citations, tests,
in-class exercises
CO3
DI5
Presentations, Q&A, self
reflection essays, class
discussion, tests
CO3
Presentations, self-reflective
essays, class discussion, speech
critiques, peer evaluations, tests
CO3
Presentations, workshops,
speeches, tests
4. Demonstrate an awareness of
and sensitivity to non-verbal
communication in both speaking
and listening situations.
5. Evaluate and employ
appropriate visual aids to enhance
the impact of oral presentations.
6. Demonstrate awareness,
respect, and appreciation for the
diversity of others as they
endeavor to refine their
communication skills.
7. Employ strategies to reduce
communication apprehension in
order to effectively participate in
a variety of public
communication situations.
8. Become more effective
communicators in democratic
situations, demonstrating the
ability to consider and evaluate
multiple perspectives on social
issues and the ability to manage
conflict.
CO5; DI5
CO4
PS4;CO2
Self-reflection essays, speech
critiques, class discussion,
Q&A, tests
Self-reflective essays, class
discussions, self-reports
Class participation, workshops,
small group assignments, Q&A,
tests
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
I. Introduction: The Essentials of Communication
II. Public Speaking
III. The Informative Speech
IV. Speeches for Other Occassions
V. The Persuasive Speech
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
The majority (60-70%) of the final course grade should be determined by performance on four to
six speeches. At least one speech should be informative, and at least one speech should be
persuasive. Students will deliver at least four speeches, each of which should be a minimum of 5
minutes in length and delivered extemporaneously. The remainder (30-40%) of the final course
grade should be determined by scores on such activities and assignments as in-class speaking
activities, class participation, speech outlines, exams, peer evaluations, self evaluations, research
assignments, and other exercises that help students create, plan, organize, and develop the form and
content of their speeches.
Final grades will be determined according to the following scale:
A = 90-100 percent
B = 80-89 percent
C = 70-79 percent
D = 60-69 percent
F = Below 60 percent
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
Students will read approximately 50-60 pages per week from the textbook or other readings and will
be asked to write evaluations of speakers. Outlines for each speech will also be required.
COURSEWORK:
EXAMS: There will be one midterm exam and a final exam. Exams will assess your understanding
of communication concepts and theories, as well as your application and integration abilities.
SPEECHES: Each student will present 4 speeches:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Informative speech (5-7 minutes w/at least 4 sources)
Informative speech (5-7 minutes w/at least 6 sources)
Special Occasion speech (5 minute minimum)
Group persuasive presentation (25 minutes w/at least 10 sources – 5 minute minimum
for each group member)
All four 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).
*** If you fail to give your speech on your assigned day, you will receive a 20 point
deduction from your total speech grade. In order to comply with IAI stipulations, you will be
required to complete the speech in front of an audience of 3-5 people (whom you select). Further
details can be discussed should this option be needed for you to complete the course.
SPEAKING EXERCISES: During this semester, you will have numerous chances to become
comfortable speaking in front of the class. I have included in this course informal and formal
speaking opportunities. Formal exercises are the aforementioned speeches and informal
opportunities include any class activities and two speaking exercises (one individual, one group).
PROFESSIONAL PARTICIPATION: You will be graded on your participation in this class.
Introduction to Speech is a skills-based, developmental course. Participation is a function of
attendance, demonstration of having read the material, asking questions that extend the thinking of
the class & instructor, supporting classmates, & contributing relevant examples.
For optimal success and learning, it is essential for both you and me to participate in this course. Think
of this class as your job. Just as an employer expects an employee to participate and perform, I
expect the same of you in this class. In our jobs, we perform tasks in order to earn our paycheck.
In this class, you are expected to be present and “in the moment” so as not to be marked absent.
There will be class discussions, partner, and group work that will require you to be engaged during
class. For example: you may be asked to bring in an artifact (article, ad, picture, clip) and describe
how it reflects a communication concept learned in class.
The following standards apply to meeting the course learning objectives:
A
This grade represents consistently outstanding performance that demonstrates
superior understanding and skillful use of important course concepts. “A” grades
mean that students have mastered and excelled equally across all applicable learning
objectives. Performance at this level signifies that the student is extremely well
prepared to continue with more advanced study of the subject.
B
This grade represents performance significantly beyond achievement of the course
objectives. Work is of high quality, even mastery at times, but is not consistently at
such an outstanding level from time to time and/or for all applicable learning
objectives. Performance at this level signifies that the student is well prepared to
continue with more advanced study of the subject.
C
This grade represents an acceptable achievement of all of the applicable course
learning objectives, and often includes occasional outstanding accomplishments.
Performance at this level signifies that the student is reasonably well prepared to
continue with more advanced study of the subject and to be successful.
D
This grade represents acceptable achievement of some of the applicable course
learning objectives and less than adequate performance on others. It signifies
questionable readiness to proceed with more advanced study of the subject.
F
This grade reflects unacceptable performance on most or all of the course learning
objectives. The student is not yet ready to proceed with more advanced study of the
subject, and must repeat the course successfully to receive credit.
W
If you miss more than 3 class periods, barring extreme emergencies as approved by
the instructor, you will be asked to withdrawal from the class or you will be dropped
by the instructor.
EVALUATION
Pet Peeve/Favorite Something Speaking Exercise
Informative Speech - 1
Informative Speech - 2
Special Occasion Speech
Midterm Assessment
Group Identity Speaking Exercise
Persuasive Group Presentation
Final Exam
Participation (Library, class participation and activities)
Evaluations (self and peer)
Points
Possible
10
100
100
100
100
10
200
100
200
80
Total: 1000
Your
Points
COURSE POLICIES
ATTENDANCE: You are expected to come to class prepared to discuss and participate in
activities associated with the readings. Remember, this is your job with the exception that you
cannot call in a sub to fill in for you. Regular attendance is expected and I will take attendance every
day. Being absent will deprive you of valuable class discussions and will also prevent you from
fulfilling certain graded in-class activities which cannot be made up later.
If you have a legitimate reason for not being in class, you must inform me as soon as possible by
email. If you are involved in university activities, such as athletics or forensics, that will cause you to
miss class, please provide me with the dates you will miss and a signed note from your coach or
sponsor confirming your absence.
If you miss more than 3 classes, you will be dropped from the course.
*** IF YOU ARE ABSENT FOR WHATEVER REASON, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO
LEARN/COMPILE WHAT YOU MISSED. BEING ABSENT ONE DAY DOES NOT MAKE
YOU EXEMPT FROM BEING PREPARED THE NEXT DAY.
1. Individual and group speaking exercises cannot be made up for any reason.
2. Test Make-ups: If you miss an exam, there is a 10-point deduction to make it up and you
have one chance to do so. Ex: If you miss an exam on Tuesday and schedule to take it on
Thursday, if you do not show up on Thursday for whatever reason, you get a 0.
3. If you do not perform your speech on your assigned day for whatever reason, there is a 20
point deduction off that speech.
4. Consistent, significant tardiness, unexcused early departures, or lengthy, unexcused personal
breaks will be considered the equivalent of an absence.
5. If you are absent on a speech day during which you are not scheduled to perform, 20 points
will be automatically deducted from your speech grade. Peer evals cannot be completed if
you miss that assigned to you.
6. ***Assignments not typed or stapled will NOT be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS.
TARDINESS: We will respect each other’s time in this course. We will stay true to the start and
end times assigned for this course. If you choose to arrive late more than 3 times, each late arrival
will be considered an absence and participation points cannot be earned for those days. If you have
a legitimate reason that will prevent you from being on time, please talk with me.
PROFESSIONAL COURTESY: Professional courtesy involves 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. With that in
mind, sleeping (or the appearance of), any cell phone usage, any other disruptive behavior in class
will not be tolerated. If you are using your cell phone during class, you will lose your
participation points for that day. Laptops are not permitted in class without permission from
the instructor. Such violations can result in the student being considered absent for that particular
class period and potentially being asked to leave.
SPEECH ETIQUETTE: On speech days, you have dual responsibilities as a speaker and an
audience member. It is essential that you demonstrate the most respectful behaviors during each
class period but especially as your peers are performing. No eating, using cell phones, working on
your speech or other work, sleeping, arriving late or making fun of a peer. Do not enter or leave the
room during another person’s speech. Such behaviors will result in a point deduction from your
speech grade.
If your cell phone goes off during anyone’s speech, yours included, you will have 1 letter
grade deducted from your speech. If you choose to miss class on a scheduled speech day
on which you are an audience member, you will have 20 points deducted from your speech.
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES: I will not accept late work. All speeches, assignments, and tests
must be completed on the date assigned. Speech times and dates are non-negotiable – so if you miss
your date, you miss it. I understand that semesters can be very hectic and that life happens. If you
have a legitimate excuse such as an extreme illness, family emergency, university sponsored events, I
will accept a late assignment for partial credit (50% minus any points deducted for incorrect answers,
etc.) within 24 hours of its assigned date. Such an assignment should be emailed to me. In regards
to university sponsored events, I expect assignments to be completed ahead of time. If your printer
has run out of ink, email the assignment to me BEFORE class.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND PLAGIARISM:
Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland
Community College and is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs.
Moreover, because grading may be competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work
violate the right of their fellow students. The College therefore, views any act of academic
dishonesty as a serious offense requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension,
and even expulsion from the College. In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have
unforeseen effects far beyond any officially imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning
cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification of
academic records or documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or
administrative records or systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the catalog.
PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism is presenting of other’s work as if it were your own. When you write a paper, create a
project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all of the work, except that
which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is considered a serious
academic offense and may take the following forms:
1.
Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
2.
Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving the source credit.
3.
Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own
4.
Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting it’s source.
5.
Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it
were your own.
6.
Receiving excessive help from a friend or elsewhere, or using another project as if it
were your own.
Note: Word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism. Please be aware of the abovementioned acts of plagiarism. The penalties for plagiarism may be severe, ranging from failure on
the particular piece of work to failure in the course or expulsion from the college in extreme cases.
SUPPORT SERVICES:
Heartland Library Information
The Library, located in the Students Commons Buildings at the Raab Road campus, provides
Heartland students with a full range of resources including books, online journal databases, videos,
newspapers, periodicals, reserves, and interlibrary loan. Librarians are available to assist in locating
information.
Tutoring Center
Heartland Community College offers tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students at
the Academic Support Center (ASC) in Normal and at the Pontiac and Lincoln Centers. Tutors are
available at convenient times throughout the week. Study groups, group tutoring facilitated by a
specially-trained tutor, are also available by request. For more information about services available at
each location, please call the Lincoln Center.
Testing Center
The Testing Center provides a quiet environment for students to complete make-up exams, online
exams, and exams for students with special accommodations. Students may be able to complete
exams in the Testing Center if arrangements are made with their instructor.
[Adapted from the Modem Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.
New York: MLA, 1995: 26}
COMM 101 Introduction to Communication
Heartland Community College
Instructor Lee Anne Hale
Fall 2013
I have read the syllabus for this course and agree to the terms. Specifically, I understand the
following are my responsibilities and my failure to comply may result in point deductions.
Please initial by each agreement.
_____ I understand that I need to check my Heartland AND other email account (which I have
provided to Lee Anne) and BlackBoard on a regular basis for updates and revisions.
_____ I understand that if I am having difficulty or questions/concerns, I can communicate with
Lee Anne.
_____ I understand that I am not allowed to have my phone on during class. I understand that I
cannot answer or make calls, text, or surf with my phone/laptop during class and may be asked to
leave class that day.
_____ I understand that if I do not complete ALL FOUR speeches, I cannot pass the class.
_____ I understand that Lee Anne Hale has the right to change the schedule as needed with the
agreement that she will announce such information via email, Blackboard, or during class.
_____ I understand that if I am absent, it is my responsibility to get missed information and to
remain up-to-date with coursework and preparations.
_____ I understand that not being a supportive audience member and engaging in negative
behaviors such as sleeping, eating, texting, etc., during a classmate’s speech can have serious
consequences to my total points.
_____ I understand I am responsible for material on revised due dates as long as Lee Anne
communicates the revised due dates with me.
Signature: _________________________ Print Name:_____________________ Date: ______
Preferred email: ____________________________________ Phone number: ______________