Communication Fundamentals
COM 231, Section 03
Fall 2015
9:30-10:57AM
JW Room 109
Instructor: Candice Tucker. Phone: 517.442.6236 (you may call or text). Please do not
call after 9:30 P.M. Office hours: by appointment. Home email:
runcmt@hotmail.com
JCC e-mail: tuckercandicem@jccmi.edu
Text: Human Communications: The Basic Course. J.A. DeVito. 13th Edition
Solution Center: 517.796.8639
JCC Switchboard: 517.787.0800
Course Description:
Students will learn the basic principles of speech communication including speech
development and delivery, interpersonal message, non-verbal messages, and small group
dynamics. The course is designed to prepare students to be effective communicators in a
diverse global society. Student speeches will be evaluated for effectiveness.
Prerequisites: ENG 085* and ENG 090*
Welcome to Communications 231! This course is designed to improve your public
speaking skills and equip you for a variety of social, civic, school, and business occasions
in which you are more likely to achieve success if you can speak effectively before an
audience. This course will also build your self-confidence and help you to “think on your
feet” with greater ease-- two traits that will serve you well for the rest of your life.
Associate Degree Outcomes:
Jackson Community College’s Board of Trustees has determined that all of our graduates
should develop or enhance a variety of important skills while enrolled in courses. The
ADO’s (Associate Degree Outcomes) for this course include:


ADO 2: Speak clearly, concisely, and intelligibly
ADO 9: Work productively with others, recognizing individual contributions to
group success
Attendance: Given the importance of oral participation in speech classes, daily
attendance is vital if the student’s grade is not to be affected. Unless there are extenuating
circumstances, more than two absences per semester will result in a lower grade. In
addition, the student must not be absent for tests, speeches, or presentations unless
s/he has previously informed the instructor because of an emergency and made
arrangements to take the test or present the speech at a mutually convenient time. If
the student has not arranged something with the instructor, the missed exam is a
zero. There will be make-ups allowed for late speeches, but the speeches will earn a
30% late deduction (30 points removed from total score). The makeup must be
presented before the close of the course at a date agreeable to the instructor.
Ethics: All work submitted must be your own. Failing to document sources in both oral
and written assignments is considered plagiarism. Students found plagiarizing will be
dealt with according to JCC’s policy on academic honesty.
Academic dishonesty in all forms is a serious offense and will result in a grade of “0” for
the entire assignment.
It is inappropriate in this course to use obscene language or gestures, tell offensive jokes,
or allude to sexual, racial, cultural, or gendered references that may be demeaning or
offensive. Please be mindful of what you say and how you say it.
Speech topics will be selected in advance and approved by the instructor.
Anything that distracts from the communication process should be avoided in class. Cell
phones, pagers, MP3 players, laptops, and text messaging devices should be turned off
when not being used as part of the class.
Grade Breakdown:
Speeches and Group Presentations
Exams and Quizzes
Class Assignments, Papers, and Attendance
60%
20%
20%
Grade Scale: 93-100 = 4.0; 87-92 = 3.5; 80-86 = 3.0; 75-79 = 2.5; 70-74 = 2.0; 65-69 =
1.5; 60-64 = 1.0; 0-59 = 0.0.
Exams:
There are two exams in this course. Tests will cover material from the book, class
lectures and discussions. More information on test format will be provided before the
exam dates.
Assignments:
All speeches are required to adhere to the following guidelines:
 Follow the guidelines for organizing, developing, and presenting speeches
discussed in the textbook and during classroom discussions
 Relate the topic to the audience. Personalize the speech without being too
technical.
 The speech should be organized and all claims supported with bibliographic
references.
 All speech topics need to be approved by the instructor beforehand.
 Typed outlines are required for all speeches.
 You are expected to “Dress for Success” when giving a speech or presentation. To
that end, please wear the type of clothes you would wear for a job interview. No
hats should be worn when giving a speech unless they are relevant to what you
are sharing.
“Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class
are encouraged to contact the office of Learning Support Services at 787-0800, extension
8270/8553 as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a
timely fashion.”
Major Speeches for this Class:
Introduction Speech
1. 30 Second (or longer) Animoto or Wideo Video (or other type of video) Required.
2. You must introduce your video, show it, and then close the presentation with some general
information about yourself.
3. Outline submitted with at least two roman numerals
#1: Informative Speech
Develop a presentation on any approved topic of interest to you that can be supported with credible library
research.
Additional Requirements:
1. Detailed typed outline, with at least three roman numerals (bring one for instructor and one for
yourself)
2. Annotated Bibliography
3. Five Sources Minimum, at least two required from our online library databases
4. 5-7 Minutes
5. One visual aid
#2: Community Issues Speech
Develop a presentation about an event that is real in our own community. Your topic needs to be
researchable, and you need at least three different sources. One source should be an interview or survey.
Examples: Discussing how the closing of a local plant affected workers in our county.
Discussing the nearby shelter and the need it meets
Discussing a local crime that has occurred
Additional Requirements:
1. Detailed typed outline of three or more roman numerals (bring one for instructor and one for
yourself)
2. Annotated Bibliography
3. Three Sources Minimum
4. 5-7 minutes
5. One visual aid
#3: Group Project:
This assignment will combine a symposium and panel discussion demonstrating public speaking and group
communication skills on an argumentative topic. Each member of the group will give a three-four minute
speech on a different aspect of the group discussion topic. The entire group will then discuss the topic in an
attempt to reach a consensus on the discussion topic. More specific requirements will be handed out closer
to the due date.
#4: Moral Dilemma/Persuasive Speech
Develop a presentation that is intended to change or reinforce the attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors of your
audience.
Additional Requirements:
1. Detailed typed outline of three or more roman numerals (bring one for instructor and one for
yourself)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Works Cited page
At least three credible sources
5-7 minutes
Follows motivated/persuasive sequence
At least one visual aid
Prezi, GoogleDoc Presentation, or PowerPoint Required
Approximate Homework Schedule- Specific Due Dates Will Be Announced.
Speech dates are not listed and may vary.
Week One, 9/9
Week Two, 9/14,
9/16
Read and complete worksheet for Chapters 14-17
For Monday: Prepare and present self-introduction
video/speech
Week Three, 9/21,
9/23
Monday: Complete Speech Evaluation Internet
Handout/ Wednesday: Read Chapters 2 and 4 and
Take Notes,
Wednesday: Read Chapter 6 and Take Notes
Week Four, 9/28,
9/30
Week Five, 10/5,
10/7
Week Six, 10/12,
10/14
Week Seven, 10/19,
10/21
Week Eight, 10/26,
10/28
Week Nine, 11/2,
11/4
Week Ten, 11/9,
11/11
Week Eleven,
11/16, 11/18
Week Twelve,
11/23,
Week Thirteen,
1130, 12/2
Monday: Complete Handout on Chapters 7-9,
Wednesday, finish Speech #1
Study for Exam #1
Complete Chapters 10-11 Worksheet, Finish Speech #2
Read Chapter 18.
Complete Chapter 13 Worksheet.
Finish speech for group assignment
Week Fourteen,
Prepare auction activity if interested in extra credit.
12/7, 12/9
Finish last speech.
Study for final exam.
Week Fifteen,
12/14, 12/16
Week Sixteen, 12/21
General Timetable for Speech 231, In-Class
Week One, 9/9
Week Two, 9/14,
9/16
Week Three, 9/21,
9/23
Week Four, 9/28,
9/30
Week Five, 10/5,
10/7
Week Six, 10/12,
10/14
Week Seven, 10/19,
10/21
Week Eight, 10/26,
10/28
Overview of Course, ice-breakers, Ch. 1
Introduction Speeches, Public Speaking, Ch. 14, 15,
16, 17
Continue 14-17, Culture and Gender, Ch. 2.
Week Nine, 11/2,
11/4
Week Ten, 11/9,
11/11
SPEECH #2, cont’d, if time discuss 13, 18
Week Eleven,
11/16, 11/18
Week Twelve, 11/23
Week Thirteen,
11/30, 12/2
Week Fourteen,
12/7, 12/9
Listening, Ch. 4, Ch. 6, Interpersonal Communication,
Nonverbal Ch. 6
Ch. 7-9, Start Speech #1, depending on size of class
SPEECH #1, cont’d
Review for Midterm, Take Exam, Chapters 1, 2, 4, 6, 79, 14-17 (Exam on 10/15)
Class Group Experience: Chapters 10-11, Start
Speech #2, depending on size of class
Fallacy Discussion, Ch. 18
Chapters 10-11, Ch. 13, Discuss Group Projectorganize groups
Ch. 13, Workshop time with group, lab?
GROUP PRESENTATIONS
Finish Group Presentations, Persuasion – Ch. 18,
Discuss Extra Credit Opportunity
Discuss Moral Dilemma/Persuasive Speech
Assignment
Discuss persuasive sequence
Moral Dilemma/Persuasive Speeches,
Auction activity for extra credit
Week Fifteen,
Moral Dilemma Persuasive Speeches
12/14, 12/16
Week Sixteen, 12/21 Essay EXAM #2: Chapters 10, 11, 13, 18
“A” Speech
Meet and
exceed all “B”
requirements
“B” Speech
“C” Speech
“D” Speech
“F” Speech
Meet and
exceed all “C”
requirements
Meet and
technical
requirements
Did not
present on
assigned day
and/or did not
meet technical
requirements
Did not
present a clear
and original
topic
Did not have a
clear purpose
Does not
deliver the
speech
Original,
Original and
Original and
challenging, and challenging topic appropriate topic
imaginative topic
Excellent
organization
with a variety of
rhetorical
elements
Excellent
audience
adaptation
Strong bond
between
speaker and
audience
Wide variety of
supporting
materials
Effective
organization
with clear
purpose and
transitions
Some audience
adaptation
Clear purpose
and effective
transitions
Keeps audience
attention
Addresses
audience
Avoided
contact with
audience
Varied sources
of supporting
material used
Research used to
support points
Does not use
research to
support points
Great depth of
research
Creative and
vivid language
Polished and
well rehearsed
extemporaneous
speech
Excellent eye
contact with
audience
Excellent
gestures, facial
expressions,
and body
movements
Well written
outline with
complete
references and
free from errors
Some depth of
research
Effective
language
Poised and
prepared
extemporaneous
speech
Effective eye
contact
Credible sources
presented
Appropriate
language
Presented speech
extemporaneously
Inappropriate
sources used
Inappropriate
language
Read speech
to audience
Limited eye
contact
Little or no eye
contact
Effective
gestures,
expressions,
and movement
Limited gestures,
expression, and
movement
Does not use
effective
delivery skills
Written outline
with complete
citations
Typed outline and
bibliographic
material
Outline and
documentation
fails to follow
accepted
format
Limited adaptation No audience
adaptation
Fabricated
or
plagiarized
material
Attempts
impromptu
delivery
No outline