SYLLABUS
Tulsa Community College, Summer 2012
Course: SPE 1113, Speech Communication I, Section 310, Call No. 31779
Monday – Thursday 9:00 – 2:30; June 4 - 14. Classroom 7115. Lunch from 11:45 – 12:30
every day during this intersession class.
TO CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Jane Varmecky
Office SE 7118
Phone: 595-7633
e-mail: jvarmecky@tulsacc.edu
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFC.
Olivia Martin-Phillips, Associate Dean
Division Name: Communications
Office: SE 1202
Phone: 595-7694
OFFICE HOURS
Before or after class or by appointment.
PREREQUISITES FOR THIS COURSE
None
COURSE DESCRIPTION
SPE 1113, Speech Communication I, is an introductory course in oral communication;
emphasis is on improving applied communication skills. Special attention is given to critical
thinking skills and the anatomy of the communication process: audience analysis, research,
organization, logic, ethical use of evidence, delivery, and listening. Required for B.A. and B.S.
degrees in most professional majors; i.e. Business, Law, Education, Medicine, and English.
Lecture – 3 hours. No Laboratory.
NEXT COURSE IN SEQUENCE
SPE 2213, Speech Communication II
TEXTBOOK
Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking. 10th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill. Textbook and
supplies may be purchased at the TCC Bookstore.
GENERAL EDUCATION GOAL STATEMENT
The General Education Goals are designed to ensure that graduates of Tulsa Community
College have skills, knowledge, and attitudes to carry them successfully through their work and
their personal lives. General Education Goals relevant to this class include critical thinking
and effective communication.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Speech Communication I is designed to give students an opportunity to participate in public
speaking situations while fulfilling a general education requirement of most Professional
majors. The goal is not perfection; it is improvement in oral communication at a comfort level
leading to success. The course study includes several expected learner outcomes:
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.
a.
to identify anxiety as a given in any speaking situation, to learn to control
anxiety, and to use anxiety in a positive role in a presentation.
b.
to examine and synthesize effective communication skills.
c.
to understand and apply effective listening skills.
d.
to apply ethical critical thinking when evaluating and utilizing research to
construct effective presentations.
e.
to evaluate and apply the various types of effective supporting materials to
be used in oral presentations.
f.
to adapt to an audience through effective audience analysis.
g.
to create a variety of oral presentations by using the basic skills of
effective organization, preparation and delivery.
h.
to evaluate speech content and delivery utilizing electronic video recordings.
i.
to apply critical thinking skills to persuasion strategies.
j.
to develop and apply interviewing skills
k.
to understand the theoretical background and apply a practical
understanding of interpersonal communication principles.
TEACHING METHODS
Lecture, individual instruction, class discussion, group activities, recorded examples, and film
clips will be utilized as teaching methods in this course.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES
Grades will be determined according to the following scale: 100%-90% = A,
89%-80% = B, 79% - 70% = C, 69%-60% = D, 59%-0% = F. All work to receive a
grade will be assigned points. Accumulated points will be converted to percentages.
Speeches will be evaluated in writing on a detailed speech evaluation form that
will be provided and explained to you before your first speaking assignment that is to receive
a grade.
There will be a mid-term examination on Blackboard and one final written exam on Blackboard.
Students will several days to complete their mid-term and final examination in the event they
need to schedule time to use the computers in the TCC computer lab to take their tests.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is required in this class since it is a severely compressed class and it is primarily a
performance class. Please plan to attend every session. If you know ahead of time you are
going to miss some of the time that we are meeting during this intersession, please drop the
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class. If something unexpected happens and you are late or miss some time, the student is
responsible for ALL material covered, handouts, and assignments given for the time missed.
Do not ask me to provide you with the information covered in class or handouts provided in
class if you are absent. Identify one or two fellow students that you can contact in the event
you do miss class, so you can receive your materials and stay up-to-date. You will also find all
assignments and important announcements on Blackboard so be sure to check Blackboard
often.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE-UP POLICY
No make-up time for speaking assignments will be guaranteed. If a make-up should be
allowed for speeches (again, this class is on a very compressed schedule so there most
probably will not be time for make-up speeches) the speech grade will receive a penalty of one
grade level and only a verifiable emergency will constitute a legitimate reason for a student
missing their assigned speech time. This policy is for students who are scheduled to present a
speech and do not attend class that day. This does not apply to situations in which a student
knows ahead of time that an alternative date needs to be arranged for a speech presentation
and follows through with this with the instructor. There is no need for make-up tests because
the test will be completed on Blackboard and there will be several days to complete each of
them. Each evening a reading and writing assignment will be assigned. It will be due the
following morning. These assignments must be turned in when due. No written assignment
will be accepted after it is due. No exceptions. These assignments must be turned in during
class. E-mailed assignments will not be accepted.
The day of your scheduled speech (informative and persuasive speeches only) your outline
and bibliography are due just prior to your presenting your speech. Your outline and/or bib will
not be accepted after that. No exceptions.
Verifiable Emergency
A verifiable emergency is one where it is beyond the student’s control and there is
documentation about the absence:
 Absence while ill and under a doctor’s care (written documentation required).
 Absence due to participation in an authorized college activity (written documentation
required).
 Absence due to attendance at legal proceedings requiring your presence (advance
notification and written documentation required).
 Absence due to the death or serious illness of an immediate family member (written
documentation required).
An excused absence is one in which the absence is beyond your control. For example, the
time of a checkup or a dental appointment CAN BE controlled. Absences will not be excused
in which you have to take somebody else to the doctor, hospital, dentist, court, etc. All written
documentation of absences is due the day you return to class.
WITHDRAWAL AND INCOMPLETES
If you stop attending and do not withdraw from class, you will receive an “F” as your
final grade for the course. For this short course, the deadline to drop is the second day of
class before 5 p.m. It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from the class. The
instructor does not, in fact, is not allowed to withdraw a student from a class unless the student
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never attended the class and at this point, the instructor assigns a “WN.” In any other
circumstance, the student is responsible for withdrawing from the class.
An AW or ”I” will only be assigned when a genuine, documented emergency prevents a
student from completing a class and/or withdrawing before the deadline, at least 70% of the
and only when the student is earning a satisfactory C or better grade.
COMMUNICATIONS
Email:– All TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address (ex:
jane_doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All communications about TCC are sent to your MyTCC email
address; and you must use MYTCC email to send e-mail to, and receive e-mail from, the
instructor regarding this course. Please e-mail me when you need to get in touch with me at:
jvarmecky@tulsacc.edu Please check your MyTCC e-mail often so that you don’t miss out on
information you need. Some students forward their MyTCC e-mail to their private e-mail which
works very well for staying informed.
Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency
situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices and television stations. This
information is also posted in the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu).
If I determine that I cannot travel to TCC due to weather or emergency conditions, I will post a
notice on the Blackboard site for this site by 8:00 p.m. the night before class meets. Be sure to
check Blackboard Announcements for this class if you are wondering if I am going to cancel
class for emergency or serious weather reasons. If I do cancel class, you will receive an
assignment to be completed online using Blackboard and it will be due the next time the class
meets.
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our
graduates gain skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their
higher education and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education
goals are: Critical /Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological
Proficiency.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions,
beliefs, and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange
of ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. Part of
your grade will be based on listening attentively to their fellow students’ speeches. You are
also expected to pay attention during class discussions and lectures. All electronic devices
such as cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering the classroom. No text
messaging during class is allowed. In addition, laptops must be turned off and put away
unless you can show that you are actually taking notes with them. No surfing the web,
checking e-mails, cruising Facebook, etc. with your laptop during class.
SYLLABUS CHANGES: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus or the schedule may be
necessary. Students will be notified of any changes to the syllabus in writing.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: Students with
documented disabilities are provided academic accommodations through the disabled Student
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Resource Center (918.595-7115) or Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
(918.595.7428/TDD-TTY 918.595-7434). If any student is in need of academic
accommodations from either office, it is the student’s responsibility to advise the instructor so
an appropriate referral can be made no later than the first week of class. Students may also
contact the disABLED Student Services Offices directly at the telephone numbers indicated.
ACADEMIC ACCOMODATIONS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED UNLESS
APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED TO THE DISABLED STUDENT
SERVICES OFFICES TO SUPPORT THE NEED.
COMPUTER SERVICES ACCEPTABLE USE
Access to computing resources is a privilege granted to all TCC faculty, staff,
and students. Use of TCC computing resources is limited to purposes related
to the College’s mission of education, research, and community service. Student
use of technology is governed by the Computer Services Acceptable Use
Statements/Standards found in the TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook.
These handbooks may be obtained by contacting any Student Activities or Dean
of Student Services office. These guidelines cover your use of any TCC computers
in any computer labs, language centers, communications/ writing centers, and
computer-equipped classrooms.
FORMAT FOR COURSE WORK
All speech assignments must be typed, using a word processing program. Handwritten work
will not be accepted. This includes the outline you turn in when you present your major
speeches.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of
others about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or
misconduct is not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College
system. Tulsa Community College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for
disciplinary action to the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but
are not limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from classes. In the
case of academic dishonesty a faculty member may:





Require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a
substitute assignment or test;
Record a ”zero” for the assignment or test in question;
Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
Withdraw the student from the class;
Record a grade of “F” for the student at the end of the semester. Faculty may request
that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by
submitting such a request to the Dean of Student Services.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT
Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC
Catalog, TCC Student Handbook, TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook, and
semester information listed in the Class Schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC
website: www.tulsacc.edu
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CLASS PROCEDURES
No chewing gum while giving a speech.
No hat on while giving a speech.
Be attentive and courteous while others are giving speeches. Being a respectful,
active listener is as important to your grade as giving quality speeches. Speech class
should become a family in which each member gives positive support to others.
Being attentive and courteous as a member of the audience will have a positive
impact on your grade for the class.
Being late to class is inexcusable but if you are running late, do come to class
but be courteous. Look in the classroom and if a classmate is giving a
speech, wait to enter until he or she is finished.
Do not talk when the professor is talking or when fellow students are presenting. You will be
dismissed from class if you violate this rule.
VISUAL AIDS POLICY
Do not bring firearms, weapons, alcoholic beverages, live animals, drugs,
reptiles or birds as visual aids to class. If you have any question as to the
appropriateness of a visual aid, consult me prior to your presentation for
clarification.
SPEECH TOPICS
We will discuss speech topics in class. I will approve all speech topics. Exercise judgment in
selecting topics for speeches. Remember that audience analysis is required of each speech
assignment.
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ASSIGNMENTS AND POINTS
Speech 1113, Summer 2012
Speech of introduction - 50 points
Prepare a “me” box to utilize while you introduce yourself to the class.
Personal Experience Speech – 50 points
Prepare and deliver a speech that describes an experience you have had.
Response Papers, approximately 230 points
Each evening you will answer approximately 10 questions that reflect upon the information
provided in the chapter readings. This assignment will be available to you on Blackboard and
will be due the next morning after it is assigned. The answers to the questions will be used as
the basis for in-class discussion.
Informative Speech - 150 points.
A 5-7 minute speech that informs the audience about an event, organization, concept, or
process. Assignment includes completion of a written outline and use of visual aids.
Persuasive Speech – 200 points
A 6-8 minute speech that persuades the audience to adopt a point of view on an issue or take
action. Assignment includes completion of a written outline and use of visual aids.
Attendance points - 320 points
Points will be earned or lost depending on attendance. Twenty points per morning session and
twenty points for each afternoon session will be awarded for attendance. Likewise, a zero will
be awarded for non-attendance either in the morning or afternoon. It is possible to lose 10
points out of 20 for being late in the morning and the same situation will occur for being late
after lunch or leaving early. Total points that can be earned for attendance total 320.
TESTS – 200 points
1 mid-term test and one 1 final comprehensive examination @ 100 points each.
Points will be converted to percentages and percentages
converted to letter grades.
A is 90 – 100%
B is 80 – 89%
C is 70 – 79%
D is 60 – 69%
F is below 60%
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Tentative Schedule for Summer Intersession Speech 1113.310 – schedule will be
adjusted as needed: June 4 – June 14
Day one - Monday, June 4
9:00 – 9:20 Welcome and introduce me, my story, how I teach, how I teach speech
9:20 – 10:15 Syllabus review in groups
Break 10:15 – 10:30
10:30 – 11:15 Paired introductions – students interview each other and introduce partner to
class
11:15 – 11:45 Establish Group Norms - markers and newsprint – put around the room
11:45 – 12:30 Lunch
12:30 Good Speaker/Poor Speaker - - markers and newsprint – put around the room
1:00 p.m. First two speaking assignments – review – have posted on Blackboard – “Me Box”
Speech (Tuesday, May 13) and “Personal Experience Speech” (Wed. May 14)
1:30 p.m. View and analyze speeches of introduction
1:45 – 10 minute break
2:00 p.m. Address nervousness – tips , breathing, etc.; If time, begin discussion of chapter 1
topics
Assignment for tonight – Read Chapters 1-3 + Appendix after Chapter 3 and answer 10
questions on Discussion Board
Wrap-up, Questions, Concerns, etc.
Day two - Tuesday, June 5
9:00 a.m. Ice Breaker- Name Game, Take attendance, etc.
9:15 - “Me Box” Speeches presented
10:15 – Break
10:30 – Finish up “Me Box” Speeches
10:45 – Feedback exercise – what was done well? What would you work on for next time?
11:15 – Personal Experience Speech – Instructor will present 2 of them; review assignment
11:45 – Lunch
12:30 – Chapters 1 – 3
Communication Process – mini-lecture, discussion, Analyze a Conversation
Ethics Case Studies – group discussion
Multicultural Metaphors – groups
Family traditions – groups
Ethnocentrism - discussion
Listening – story about Liz Murray, YouTube video about her; listening self-analysis,
types of listening
Chapter 4
Topic brainstorm activity, mini-lecture re: writing specific purpose statements, central
idea
exercises - specific purpose statements and central idea
students write their own specific purpose statements and central ideas for informative
speech
Review Informative Speech Assignment and other documents posted on Blackboard
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2:15 – Reading Assignment for tonight: Read Chapters 4, 5, 6 & 7 – Answer questions
on Blackboard
Tomorrow: BRING LAPTOPS IF YOU HAVE ONE, ALSO i-PHONES if you have one;
also bring typed topic, specific purpose statement, and central idea for informative
speech to class tomorrow
2:30 – Adjourn
Day Three - Wednesday, June 6
9:00 Ice-Breaker - Travel, Where have you traveled, etc.
9:15 Personal Experience Speeches
10:15 Break
10:30 Finish up Personal Experience Speeches
11:15 Discuss topic and central idea for informative speeches
11:45 Lunch
12:30 Discuss main points, supporting materials, and transitions – YouTube Video of
Miss Teen South Carolina, Jimmy Kimmel’s analysis
Watch & analyze speeches: Antibacterial for quotes of experts, China Wall;
Acupuncture
1:45 10 minute break
2:00
Continue with all of the above + how to do an outline – provide examples;
assignment for this evening: Read Chapters 8, 9, 10; answer questions on
Discussion Board
Bring to class tomorrow – body of speech in outline form - must be typed
2:30
Adjourn
Day Four - Thursday, June 7
9:00
Ice-Breaker – The person who most inspires me and why
9:15
Review body of speech outlines – entire class
10:15
Work on research in computer lab with Librarian
11:45
Break for lunch
12:30
Connecting with the audience - Generations, Barbara Bush speech, State of
Union excerpts, Barack Obama introduction speech 2004
Generation Gap Game
1:30
Introductions & conclusions - watch Facebook and Fleas speeches
2:00
Delivery and visual aids
Draw names and organize schedule of appearance for informative speeches
Read Chapters 12 & 13; answer questions on Discussion Board; prepare entire
outline of informative speech with introduction, conclusion, and works cited;
prepare for presentations of informative speeches; also Mid-Term posted online
- available Thursday, May 13 – Monday May 17
2:30
Adjourn
Day Five
9:00
9:15
10:15
10:30
11:45
Monday, June 11
Ice-Breaker
Begin presenting informative speeches
Break
Continue presenting informative speeches
Lunch Break
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12:30
2:00
2:30
Self-analysis – write short paper in class regarding presentation – use
written feedback provided by instructor; individual coaching meetings with
instructor regarding informative speech
While students are meeting with instructor; other students read chapters 15 & 16
and brainstorm topics for persuasive speeches
Discussion of types of persuasive speeches; organization of persuasive
speeches; Discussion of persuasive speech assignment posted on Blackboard;
Assignment for this evening – due tomorrow – bring typed topic, specific purpose
statement, central idea for persuasive speech; Answer 5 questions posted under
Assignments. Bring hard copy of answers to class. Bring laptops to class
tomorrow.
Adjourn
Day six – Tuesday, June 12
9:00
Ice Breaker Oldest, Middle, or Youngest Child
9:15
Discuss topics and central ideas for persuasive speeches; Discuss answers to 5
questions; Fallacies – SNL YouTube Video (s)
10:15
Break
10:30
Watch and analyze persuasive speeches - Puppy Mills, Teenage Driving,
Special Olympics – hand out sample outlines
11:45
Lunch
12:30
Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Exercise
1:30
Watch and analyze The Ultimate Gift
Work on Persuasive Speeches – do research using laptops
2:15
Draw names for order of appearance for persuasive speeches;
Wrap-up, Assignment for tomorrow - develop persuasive speeches; Take final
exam online (available Tues. May 18 – Friday, May 21); bring laptops again
tomorrow
2:30
Adjourn
Day seven – Wednesday, June 13
9:00
Ice Breaker
9:15
Non-verbal Communication – film clips, discussion
Gender communication – film clips, discussion
10:15
Break
10:30
Work on persuasive speeches – individual coaching sessions, individual practice
sessions
research using laptops or classroom computer; etc.
Work on persuasive speeches – individual coaching sessions, individual practice
sessions
research using laptops or classroom computer; etc.
11:45
Lunch
12:30
Continue to work on persuasive speeches
2:30
Adjourn - Take final online; prepare for persuasive speech
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Day eight – Thursday, June 14
9:00
Ice-Breaker
9:15
Present Persuasive Speeches
10:15
Break
10:30
Present Persuasive Speeches
11:45
Lunch
12:30
Present Persuasive Speeches
1:30
Break
1:45
Present Persuasive Speeches
2:00 p.m.
Process learning from the past 2 weeks; evaluation of course
2:30 p.m.
Adjourn
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