Oral and Written Communication
Henry W. Grady HS, Mr. Mario Herrera
Email: mherrera@atlanta.k12.ga.us
http://herreraonline.yolasite.com
School phone #: 404.802.3001
Tutorials: Mondays, 3:30pm-4:30pm, Room C324
Course Description
This class examines the art of communication theory and its practical applications to
classroom and real-world situations. Verbal, nonverbal and written communication is
utilized to enhance interpersonal, educational, interpretative and argumentation skills.
Students are given tools to think and respond critically to the world around them,
organize and synthesize information regarding salient issues and to present information
through informative and persuasive activities.
Course Objectives
Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of appropriate application of
convention and grammar in spoken and written formats; they will deliver speeches that
are focused, coherent and offer a distinct perspective; demonstrate solid reasoning and
combine traditional rhetorical strategies of extemporaneous, exposition, persuasion and
descriptive communication.
Textbooks
The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas (McGraw Hill); and Coming of Age in
America: A Multicultural Anthology (The New Press). Both books will be utilized by
students in class and not be checked out. Students may check out books with Mr.
Herrera for a short period of time, if needed.
Required Materials
By August 17, 2011, students should have: 1) A three-ring binder; 2) Loose-leaf paper;
3) Writing utensil (either pen or pencil); 4) folder for handouts/homework. Coming to
class without these materials is unacceptable and will negatively impact the student’s
conduct grade as well as the class participation grade.
Course Policies
Several concepts guide class participation and behavior. First, diversity within the
community is to be celebrated, not threatened or simply tolerated. Secondly, open and
honest relationships are the only way to build a community, so creating and maintaining
such interactions is vital for student success. Finally, the ultimate goal of the class
should be the achievement of academic success and proficiency of skills. Remember,
communication involves building and maintaining trust between individuals and group
members. Students should be aware of Grady High School and Atlanta Public Schools
policies and follow them accordingly. REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS VITAL FOR
CLASSROOM SUCCESS. GRADY’S ATTENDANCE POLICIES WILL BE STRICTLY
ENFORCED, AS WILL THE PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE/CELL PHONE
POLICY. Also, no cards, dice, inappropriate clothing, etc., are allowed at Grady High
School or in this class.
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Course Evaluation
Tests
30%
Projects 30%
Quizzes
10%
Homework
10%
Classwork/Participation
20%
Grading rubrics are given to all students with exact expectations and grading systems for
each presentation/project.
EXTRA CREDIT may be earned by participation in forensic competitions, the Atlanta
Urban Debate League debate center, reviews of local or televised public speeches
and/or for presentation of formal (non-class related) speeches at school or in the
community. You must arrange for extra credit in advance, and provide documentation of
the event.
Academic Dishonesty
Plagiarism is the representation by a student of another’s ideas or writing as her/his own.
Two types of plagiarism are common. The first, more serious of the two, involves a
deliberate attempt on the part of a student to claim the written or spoken ideas of
another (student, parent, published or unpublished author, etc). The second type of
plagiarism results from the student’s lack of attention to proper procedures of source
acknowledgements and use. The student in this case fails to acknowledge the use of
outside material. Both types of plagiarism are serious violations of the principles of
academic integrity. Neither will be tolerated and such actions will have negative impact
on the grade of that particular assignment, including but not limited to a “0” as a grade
for that infraction.
Additional Class Information
Hall Passes: One hall pass is provided in the event of personal emergencies. It may be
taken one student at a time on a first-come, first-served basis. It may not be used during
the first 15 minutes of class or the last 15 minutes of class. I reserve the right to take the
hall pass away from an individual or an entire class if this privilege is abused.
Late Work:
Work submitted after deadline loses one letter grade potential per class period. In other
words, if you submit work late, the HIGHEST grade you can make is a “B.” You are not
guaranteed a “B.” Work will not be accepted after the related unit.
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Student Name (print)
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Student Signature
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Parent/Guardian Name (print)
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Parent/Guardian Signature
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