Southern Maine Community College
ENG 110 Course Syllabus & Outline
Spring 2015
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite: ENG 075/080 & 090
Instructor: Richard Rottkov
Office Hours: By appointment
Phone: 899-8686
E-mail: rrottkov@smccme.edu
Required Text: Public Speaking for College and Career, Gregory, 10th edition
Course Syllabus
Course Description
This is an introductory course designed to provide students with a foundation in the
basics of oral communication. This course in public speaking includes organization of
speech materials, practice of oral reading, participation in panel discussions and
presentations of informal talks and formal speeches.
The emphasis of the course is to relate the cognitive aspects of speech communication to
practical, daily communication experiences. Exercises include giving instructions, using
visuals, reading from manuscripts, delivering informative talks and making a persuasive
speech. In addition to public speaking, the course will also examine the other aspects of
human communication. These include interpersonal, intrapersonal, small group and
public communication. We will also look at other important factors that influence the
communication process other than the spoken word: nonverbal, self-perception, gender,
cultural background, etc.
Course Objectives
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Speak before an audience in a variety of speaking situations.
Listen actively to other speakers.
Speak before a group with confidence.
Select, research and organize a speech.
Analyze the audience in order to adapt to different styles of speaking.
Appreciate the sensitive nature of words and their impact on the effectiveness of
communication.
7. Develop the ability to recognize, interpret and demonstrate nonverbal signs.
8. Identify, evaluate and manage factors which shape communication.
9. Develop a variety of speaking situations in clear, interesting, and well-developed
presentations.
10. Improve interpersonal communication.
11. Understand intrapersonal communication.
Course Requirements and Grading
1. Attendance, Preparation, Participation and Communication:
The content of this course will be developed through lectures, group activities, discussions and
demonstrations. The classroom itself is the primary learning environment. This is an in-class
performance course; therefore attendance is required both for developing good speaking as well as
listening skills. Individual and group activities involve all students, whether they are engaged in a
presentation or as a member of the audience. Absences totaling six class hours will be allowed. For
each unexcused absence thereafter, the final grade will be reduced by five points. Communication
is an active, participatory process in which the roles of the speaker and listener are important.
Students are expected to participate in an active, respectful and thoughtful manner in responding to
class discussions, listening attentively and actively to peer speeches and providing effective
feedback. You are encouraged to make appointments with me to discuss assignments, challenges
and course progress.
2. General Requirements for All Assignments: Please make sure you are present for all
presentations. All assignments are due on the date assigned. Late assignments will be reduced by
one letter grade (10 points), unless the instructor has given permission prior to the assigned class.
Speeches, written material and quizzes must be completed by the last class unless special
arrangements have been made. Assignments missed because of absences must be made up within
one week. The instructor reserves the right to consider unusual and/or extenuating circumstances
with regards to grading and attendance.
3. Ground Rules: You are expected to attend each class on time with your homework
completed. Repeated lateness will affect your grade. If there is a problem please notify the
instructor 24 hours in advance to avoid a late penalty. If you are not prepared to speak on the
day scheduled, you will speak at the next class. You must complete all assigned speeches to
receive a passing grade. Failure to do so will result in an Incomplete for the class. If there is
an emergency, please notify security (741-5553). All cell phones are to be turned off during
class. Never leave the room while a student is giving a speech unless it is an emergency.
Please wait to enter the room while a student is giving a speech. Do not talk while someone is
in front/at the podium addressing the class.
4. Grading
Speeches (50%): Students complete all speeches assigned and turns them in with
notes/outline. The final three speeches will count as a double grade.
Textbook knowledge (25%): Students demonstrate knowledge of their reading
through class presentations, tests, quizzes and homework.
Class work, group participation, feedback (15%): Students complete all work
assigned during class, answers questions and participates in class, and completes
Reflection, Evaluation and Feedback responses.
Effort (10%): Student assumes responsibility for attending all classes on time; speaking
with the instructor regarding make up speeches/class work; completing speeches/class
assignments on time; supporting peers in group work and speech delivery; and incorporating
suggestions to make improvements in speech presentations.
Course Assumptions:
You have the right to expect that I will:
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Provide a complete syllabus: clearly stated assignments, course objectives, and grading policy
Start and end the course on time
Provide opportunities to discuss the course outside of class
Grade and return speeches within one week of the due date
Re-evaluate any work you believe was graded unfairly
Do my best to help, but I cannot learn the material for you
Explain why we are doing something if you ask me
I have the right to expect from you that you will:
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Get assignments in on time even when you’re not in class.
Ask for clarification or help when needed.
Knowing that computers and printers crash, create a plan to get work in on time when that
happens.
Review the syllabus and understand the work required including doing the required reading,
which may require a minimum of 2-3 hours per week.
Be responsible for material covered in class including what we cover when you’re not here.
Bad question: “Did I miss anything?” Good question: “What did I miss?”
Make up work missed if it’s possible to do so.
Accept that cutting class, routine lateness, or putting little to no effort into class work means
you will fail and also activates my trigger.
We all have the right and responsibility to:
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Arrive on time prepared for class and stay for the whole class barring emergencies
Not bring anything to class that makes noise, is/was alive, or smells
Not schedule non-emergency appointments during class time
Share concerns about class as they occur
Give this class our full attention. This means no open laptops, Web surfing, texting, games,
etc. Among other things, routine Web surfing or texting is a clear sign you’re doing poorly in
the class.
Be actively involved in creating a positive class experience, treating each other with respect,
avoiding stereotypes and humor that demeans others, and intervening politely if others are
disrespectful or unfair.
ADA Statement:
Southern Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and
employer. For more information, please call 207-740-5798. If a student has a disabling condition
and wishes to request accommodations in order to have reasonable access to the programs and
services offered by SMCC, s/he must register with the Disability Services Coordinator Sandra
Lynham (phone no.: 207-741-5923. Once provided, documentation must be supplied to each
teacher before accommodations can be given. Further information about services for students
with disabilities and the accommodation process is available upon request.
ENG 110 Oral Communication
Course Calendar
Assignment Date
Text Assignment
1. Jan. 13 – 15
Introduction to Public
Speaking; Controlling
Nervousness; Ch. 1 & 2
Listening, Speech Delivery,
Ch. 3 & 14
2. Jan. 20 – 22
3. Jan. 27 – 29
4. Feb. 3 – 5
5. Feb. 10 – 12
6. Feb. 17 – 19
7. Feb. 24 – 26
8. Mar. 3 – 5
9. Mar. 17 – 19
Audience Analysis;
Selecting a Topic; Purpose
& Central Idea, Ch. 4 & 5
Finding Information;
Supporting Your Ideas; Ch.
6&8
Body of the Speech;
Introductions &
Conclusions; Ch. 10 & 11
Using Info. Wisely and
Ethically; Outlining; Ch. 7,
12
Presentational Aids,
Speaking to Inform, Ch. 9
& 15
Wording the Speech,
Speaking in Groups, Ch. 13
& 19; Speaking to Inspire
Speaking to Persuade;
Persuasive Strategies; Ch.
16 & 17
10. Mar. 24 – 26
11. Mar. 31 – Apr. 2
12. Apr. 7 – 9
13. Apr. 14 – 16
14. Apr. 21 – 23
15. April 28 – April 30
16. May 5 – 7
Special Types of Speeches
(Special Occasion
Speeches); Ch. 18
Speech Assignments,
Speech Presentations
Group Activity, Assign
Descriptive (Unusual
Object) Speech: non-graded
Descriptive Speech, using
suspense technique (2),
Assign Self-Intro. Speech:
non-graded
Self-Introduction Speech
(2); Electronic Library;
Assign Extemporaneous
Speeches
Extemporaneous Speeches
(4); Assign Demonstration
Speech
Demonstration Speeches
(8); Assign Informative
Speech
Demonstration Speeches
(Cont.); Assign Panel
Discussion
Informative Speeches (6);
(“I Have a Dream”)
Informative Speeches
(cont.); Assign Persuasive
Speech
Persuasive Speeches (6)
Persuasive Speeches (cont.)
Panel Discussions; Assign
Oral Interpretation
presentations
Oral Interpretation
presentations (4), Assign
Speeches for Special
Occasions
Speeches for Special
Occasions (2)
“BS Awards” Voting
“BS Awards”