Summer 2015 Course Syllabus
Page 1
COMMUNICOLOGY 251:
PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING
Mondays through Fridays 9:00 - 10:15 am
George Hall 213
PROFESSOR:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
Dr. Amy Hubbard
George Hall, Room 333
M-F 10:20-10:45 am & by appt.
PHONE:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
COMG WEBSITE:
(808) 956-3321
aebesu@hawaii.edu
manoa.hawaii.edu/communicology
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS & MATERIALS
1.
Lucas, S. E. (2012). The art of public speaking (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
Begin reading assignments before the date specified in this course syllabus and complete the readings
by the class session of the assignment date. The readings are designed to parallel the lecture content
and to prepare students for each speech performance assignment. Students are held responsible for all
assigned readings, even if they are not explicitly discussed in class.
2.
Some assignments, class materials, outlines of PowerPoint lectures, and announcements may be
shared in class and/or distributed to the class via Laulima. It is your responsibility to regularly attend
class on time and check your Laulima account. Go to: https://laulima.hawaii.edu and enter your UH
identification and password to use Laulima.
OBJECTIVES
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles of effective public speaking. Students will gain substantial
knowledge and practice in speech composition and delivery. Because Communicology 251 is a skills-based course,
students will have numerous opportunities to gain "hands-on" experience delivering public speeches. In addition, as
students prepare and present a variety of speeches throughout the semester, particular emphasis will be placed on
organization, critical thinking, reasoning, and evaluation of speeches. As a result, students not only become more
proficient public speakers, but they also develop better writing, listening, and analytical skills.
The purpose of this course is NOT to transform students into masterful public speakers. Becoming an expert in this area
requires extensive and consistent practice, preparation, and detailed analysis. Instead, the purpose of this course is to
begin that process of becoming an excellent public speaker by increasing your public speaking competencies and by
providing guidance to help you to enhance your public speaking abilities in the future. You will gain a deeper
appreciation of the many facets of public speaking and you will be able to foresee which areas you will need to gain
further practice in order to become that successful and polished public speaker in the future.
After completing this course, students will have a better understanding of:
1.
the relevant concepts, theories, and principles of effective public communication,
2.
the ethical implications of speaking and being an attentive audience member,
3.
how to select appropriate and effective speech topics,
4.
how to research and gather supporting material for various types of public speeches,
5.
how to effectively organize and outline the speech,
6.
how to analyze and adapt to audiences,
7.
how to develop and support a persuasive argument,
8.
how to develop visual aids that augment rather than debilitate a presentation,
9.
how to deliver a speech with maximum impact, and
10.
how to listen critically and provide constructive feedback to other public speakers.
Summer 2015 Course Syllabus
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CLASS FORMAT
This class will involve lectures, discussions, and activity-based learning. Participation, motivation, and enthusiasm will
enhance the student’s learning experience and will enrich the class experience. Students are expected to fully take part in
all class activities and are expected to have completed all class assigned readings on the assigned date.
CLASS POLICIES
Academic Integrity: The mission of a university can only be accomplished in an environment where academic integrity
is valued. The Student Code of Conduct states that academic dishonesty includes both cheating and plagiarism.
Plagiarism is, but is not limited to, “the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of
another person without full and clear acknowledgement. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by
another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.” Word-for-word copying of
another’s work without the use of quotation marks and the citation of the source, paraphrasing another person's ideas
without proper citation of the source, lack of reference to the sources (i.e., reference pages) from which the information
was obtained, and misleading citations are all considered plagiarism. A paper given to an instructor with the student’s
name on it is assumed to be in the student's own words and to represent his or her original ideas, unless certain words and
ideas are specifically credited to another source. A paper bearing a student's name that does not do this is plagiarized and
will be considered academically dishonest.
According to the Student Code of Conduct, “the term ‘cheating’ includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any
unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) use of sources beyond those authorized by the
instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; (3) the acquisition,
without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the UH faculty, staff, or student (4)
engaging in any behavior specifically prohibited by a faculty member in the course syllabus or class discussion.”
Students who disrupt teaching and research are also violating the Student Code of Conduct.
Finally, “engaging in, or attempting to engage in any of these behaviors subjects a student to the disciplinary process and
sanctions.” The penalties for academic dishonesty are severe, and the instructor will see that violators are punished. If
anyone is determined to have cheated, plagiarized, or misrepresented work in this class or if the student has disrupted
class or research, the best he or she can hope for is a notation on the student’s permanent record of the violation and
failure on the relevant assignment in the course. The instructor will additionally recommend to the Department Head or
hearing committees that the person be suspended or expelled from the University. Papers submitted for credit in other
classes may NOT be submitted for credit in this course. Students are expected to have full knowledge of the University's
Student Conduct Code. A copy of the code may be obtained from
http://studentaffairs.manoa.hawaii.edu/policies/conduct_code/.
Laptop Computers and Other Electronic Devices: You will only be allowed to have a laptop computer or a related
electronic device during class if it is not distracting to other students and if you are using it for our class. If you are
discovered to be using your computer or related device to play games, prepare work for another class or activity, listen to
music, and the like, during class time, you will not be allowed to use your computer or related device for the entire
semester.
Cellular/Digital Phones and Other Electronic Devices: Before attending class, turn off all cellular/digital phones and
other portable electronic devices that can ring or “sing” and generally disrupt the class. This also means that texting
during class is not allowed. During examinations and review sessions of exams, using or the act of looking at your phone
will be considered cheating and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the KOKUA Program for information
and services. Services are confidential and free for students. Contact KOKUA at 956-7511, kokua@hawaii.edu, or QLC
013.
Student Counseling: The Counseling and Student Development Center offers free and confidential counseling services.
They can be reached at 956-7927 or go to QLC 312.
Summer 2015 Course Syllabus
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Research Participation: The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is a research-intensive institution. Research is conducted
regularly throughout campus. The Communicology Department uses Sona Systems to manage opportunities to
participate in research conducted within the Communicology Department. In order to participate, students will need to
create an account at http://hawaii-communicology.sona-systems.com. Once an account is established, students will be
able to sign up for a variety of research projects and the system will keep track of the student’s participation. Students can
participate in research projects until the last day of instruction to earn extra credit in this course.
Alternative Locations: In the event of disturbances that interfere with holding class at our scheduled location (e.g., bomb
threats), meet the instructor at the Zone 2 Parking Lot Entry Kiosk (fronting University Avenue). You will be given
further instructions at that point. On days of scheduled exams, you will be directed to an alternative classroom to take the
exam. You should check your email for additional instructions as well.
Appointments and Office Hours: Appointments are a privilege. Do not abuse it. You must come prepared with
materials and questions to ask prior to meeting with the instructor. Otherwise, it wastes the instructor’s time and other
student’s time. Plan early for appointments. Last minute appointments may NOT be accommodated.
E-mails: The University of Hawaii e-mail has been declared an official means for communication with students.
Executive Policy E2.213 reads: “Students are responsible for checking their email account frequently and consistently to
remain current with University communications. They are expected to monitor and manage their email storage quota to
insure that their mailboxes are not saturated and are able to receive new messages.”
When sending an email message pertaining to this course, the subject line of the email should include (a) the class name
and section and (b) a title in the subject line that is descriptive of the content of the email message. Separate emails
should be sent for different topics. Also, students should include in their emails multiple ways to respond to them (e.g.,
provide a telephone number in addition to an email address). When responding to an email message, students should
include appropriate parts of the original message in the email.
If you send the instructor an email message during regular business hours on weekdays, you can expect a response
within 24 hours. If you do not hear from the instructor, then feel free to email the instructor again because your
message might not have been received. During other times, such as weekends and holidays, response times may be
longer.
Paper & Oral Requirements: In general, all work turned in for credit must be typewritten, use left-justification, use
double-spacing throughout, use a standard font type and size, and contain one inch margins on the left, right, top, and
bottom of each page. Multiple copies of your work will sometimes be required. All group papers submitted to this class
should list the group member names in alphabetical order, by last name. All work that does not conform to these
requirements will be considered late. Students should write and speak in a manner appropriate for an academic and
scholarly environment and should avoid language that is sexist, racist, and ageist in their writing and speaking.
Drafts: Drafts will be accepted no later than three days before the due date, and the instructor will review them. In
general, the more work you put into your draft, the better feedback the instructor can give you. It is STRONGLY
recommended that students review each other's drafts for spelling and grammatical errors before the instructor evaluates
them. All work submitted for this course should show critical thinking, thoughtful writing, and careful editing.
Attendance Policy: Timely attendance is mandatory. I expect you to be in class, be punctual, and be ready to contribute
to the class. It will be impossible to do well in this course without regularly attending and participating in class every day.
Most activities build upon one another so attendance and adequate preparation for each class period are essential. If you
miss class, it is advisable to get notes for that day from a classmate. Once you have the notes and have examined them,
see the instructor for further clarification (if needed). Do NOT attempt to acquire these materials during class time. Do
NOT ask the instructor for his/her notes or to redo the lecture during office hours.
Attendance will be periodically taken throughout the summer semester. If you miss that particular class session when
attendance was taken, YOUR GRADE will be LOWERED BY 20 POINTS for each unexcused absence. If you
accumulate THREE unexcused absences during the semester, your grade will be lowered by one letter grade; if you
accumulate SIX unexcused absences during the semester, your grade will be lowered by two letter grades; if you
accumulate NINE unexcused absences during the semester, your grade will be lowered by three letter grades, and so forth.
Summer 2015 Course Syllabus
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Class starts on time so avoid being tardy to class because it disrupts the scheduled activities and speakers. If you have a
class on the other side of campus before your Communicology 251 class, make arrangements to arrive on time or consider
adjusting your schedule.
If you are late to class (i.e., you are 10 minutes or less than 10 minutes late), 10 points will be deducted from your grade.
If you are over 10 minutes late to class, 20 points will be deducted from your grade. All quibbling regarding these tardy
deductions will result in an automatic 20 point deduction. For example, do not argue with your instructor regarding
whether or not 10 minutes have actually passed according to your watch. Do not argue with your instructor because you
were waiting outside of the classroom for a student speaker to finish his/her presentation. These sorts of debates waste
precious class time and resources. As a general rule, arrive early to class and come prepared with the appropriate
completed materials for the day.
Excused absences are those documented through legitimate written proof and given to the appropriate instructor on the
first day of your return to class. In addition, you should make every effort to notify the instructor prior to your "excused"
absence from class. However, simply calling your instructor will not necessarily “excuse” you from class. Without
appropriate and timely documentation, the absence will be treated as “unexcused”.
LEGITIMATE WRITTEN PROOF REQUIREMENTS: Legitimate written proof must be provided on official stationery
and include (1) the correct name of the student, (2) the date of the visit or incident, (3) the reason the student could not or
cannot attend class, (4) the dates of incapacity or inability to attend class, (5) an official signature, and (6) a telephone
number to verify the information.
EXAMPLES OF EXCUSED ABSENCES: (1) serious illness or hospitalization, (2) motor vehicle accident on the way to
school, (3) official University athletic or scholarship trip, (4) court subpoena to appear in court during class time, and (5)
death of an immediate family member that is accompanied by a note from the Dean.
POSSIBLE MAKE-UPS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES: An excused absence DOES NOT GUARANTEE that a speech
performance may be made-up. Make-ups for an excused absence for a speech performance will be based on the
availability of class time. A missed midterm examination or in-class activity due to an excused absence must be made-up
within one week of the student’s return to class. No make-ups will be given for the final examination.
Absolutely no make-ups will be given for unexcused absences resulting in a missed speech performance, midterm
examination, final examination, or in-class activity. However, in questionable areas, notifying the appropriate instructor
prior to an “unexcused” absence from class will be viewed favorably. In other words, some leniency may be given to
students who, at minimum, inform their instructor of an unexcused absence (for the first time that this occurs).
EXAMPLES OF UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: (1) routine medical or dental appointment (not an emergency), (2) to work
at your job or go on a trip for your job, (3) to go to an interview with a potential employer, (4) going on a vacation or trip,
(5) to babysit or go on an excursion with a child, (6) to pick up someone at the airport, (7) attending a protest, (8)
registering for classes, (9) oversleeping, (10) working on a paper or assignment for this class or another class, (11) your
car/moped/bicycle will not work, (12) the bus did not show up, and (13) attending a wedding.
MISCELLANEOUS EXCUSES
“But, I’m not ready to go today.”: If you are not ready for your speech performance on your scheduled day at your
scheduled time, and you have not made arrangements in the schedule prior to the day of your speech, you will earn a zero
for that assignment.
“But I didn’t know we had to type it.” “But I didn’t know we needed to make copies of it.”: Failure to conform to the
requirements of an assignment will result in a late penalty until the work adheres to the requirements (i.e., 10% deduction
per day late).
Late Papers/Assignments: Class activities and assignments are due when the instructor collects them. This is usually in
the beginning of class. All activities and assignments not turned in when they are due will be considered LATE. Late
work will not be accepted without explanation. Late work that is accepted will receive a 10% deduction for each DAY
late. Legitimate written documentation for an excused absence is required on the day of your return to class and this type
of late work will not receive any late penalty.
Summer 2015 Course Syllabus
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It is the student’s responsibility to find out about missed work due to tardiness or an absence. Ask a fellow student for
information regarding any missed assignment BEFORE approaching the instructor for clarification. Late
papers/assignments can expect a full grade reduction per class period late. Exceptions may be made for MAJOR medical
and MAJOR personal problems when the instructor has been given notification at the first possible opportunity.
Excused absences must be documented (e.g., doctor’s note on official stationery) and turned in on the first day of your
return to class. All missed work due to an excused absence must be turned in within one week of your return to class. No
papers will be accepted after the last day of instruction.
Except for illness or other emergencies, there will be no late exams given. Failure to take an exam without prior explicit
exemption by the instructor may result in a failing grade for that exam. There will also be no incompletes given, except in
the case of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events preventing completion of a small but important part of the assigned
work before the term's end.
GRADING SYSTEM
ASSIGNMENTS
Examinations: There will be two examinations. In general, each exam will cover lecture, activities, and reading
material for one half of the course. Examination questions will consist of multiple choice, true/false, fill-in, and
short answer items.
Speech Performances: There will be five major speeches in this course. All speeches will be individual
speeches. Specific guidelines for each presentation will be posted on Laulima and discussed in class. You are
required to dress appropriately on the day of your presentations. Please use mature judgment when choosing
topics for your speeches. Topics using live animals, weapons of any type, alcohol, drugs, fire, or topics that
encourage your audience to break laws are strictly prohibited.
1.
Introductory Speech. This assignment involves another classmate interviewing you and then introducing
you to the rest of the class.
2.
Informative Speech. This assignment focuses on constructing clear explanations of a specific person,
place, object, process, or concept.
3.
Persuasive Speech. This assignment challenges you to design and deliver a presentation in which you
move your audience to take some kind of action. For this speech, you will use persuasive theories and
strategies to tailor your speech for your audience.
4.
Commemorative Speech. This assignment offers a fun and creative way to incorporate the skills you are
practicing throughout the semester, with a focus on language use. For this speech, you will pay tribute to
a person, a group of people, an institution, or an idea.
5.
Presentation and Acceptance Speech. This assignment requires you to work with a classmate. As a team,
you will decide who will introduce and present an award and who will receive and accept the award.
First, Partner A will design a speech introducing his/her classmate to the class and presenting him/her
with an award (introduction/presentation speech). Second, Partner B will design a speech giving thanks
for the award (acceptance speech).
Participation and Class Activities: Throughout the session, there will be miscellaneous activities conducted
inside and outside of the classroom. Additionally, the quality of your participation in class will be assessed.
Specific guidelines for various miscellaneous activities and assignments will be posted on Laulima and discussed
in class.
Summer 2015 Course Syllabus
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POINT SYSTEM: Each graded assignment earns points, not letter grades.
POSSIBLE POINTS
POINTS EARNED
I.
II.
III.
SPEECHES
A.
INTRODUCTORY (pass/fail)
B.
INFORMATIVE
C.
PERSUASIVE
D.
COMMEMORATIVE
E.
PRESENTATION & ACCEPTANCE
10
150
210
160
70
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
EXAMINATIONS
A.
MIDTERM
B.
FINAL EXAM
150
150
_______
_______
PARTICIPATION & CLASS ACTIVITIES
100
_______
GRAND TOTAL POINTS
=================
1000
_______
Your final grade will be a letter grade. This grade will be awarded as follows:
Excellent
Above Average
Average
Minimal Passing
Failure
A = 1000 - 900
B = 899 - 800
C = 799 - 700
D = 699 - 600
F = 599 - 0
A+ (970)
B+ (870)
C+ (770)
D+ (670)
F (0)
A (930)
B (830)
C (700)
D (630)
A- (900)
B- (800)
D- (600)
CRITERIA USED FOR EVALUATING SPEECHES
The average speech (grade C) should meet the following criteria:
1.
Conform to the kind of speech assigned—informative, persuasive, etc.
2.
Be ready for presentation on the assigned date
3.
Conform to the time limit
4.
Fulfill any special requirements of the assignment—preparing an outline, using visual aids, conducting an
interview, etc.
5.
Have a clear specific purpose and central idea
6.
Have an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion
7.
Show reasonable directness and competence in delivery
8.
Be free of serious errors in grammar, pronunciation, and word usage
The above average speech (grade B) should meet the preceding criteria and also:
1.
Deal with a challenging topic
2.
Fulfill all major functions of a speech introduction and conclusion
3.
Display clear organization of main points and supporting materials
4.
Support main points with evidence that meets the tests of accuracy, relevance, objectivity, and sufficiency
5.
Exhibit proficient use of connectives—transitions, internal previews, internal summaries, and signposts
6.
Be delivered skillfully enough so as not to distract attention from the speaker’s message
The superior speech (grade A) should meet all the preceding criteria and also:
1.
Constitute a genuine contribution by the speaker to the knowledge or beliefs of the audience
2.
Sustain positive interest, feeling, and/or commitment among the audience
3.
Contain elements of vividness and special interest in the use of language
4.
Be delivered in a fluent, polished manner that strengthens the impact of the speaker’s message
The below average speech (grade D or F) is seriously deficient in the criteria required for the C speech.
Summer 2015 Course Syllabus
Page 7
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE FOR COMMUNICOLOGY 251
(Sometimes it is necessary to make changes in the schedule of material to be covered. Changes will be announced in class.)
WEEK
DATE
1
May 26
Orientation & Overview
May 27
Basic Principles of Speech Communication
May 28
Ethics and Public Speaking, Praise & Criticism
Chapter 2
May 29
Topic and Purpose
Chapter 5
June 1
PERFORMANCE: Introductory Speeches (1-2 min)
June 2
Speaking to Inform
June 3
Gathering Materials & Supporting Ideas –
MEET AT HAMILTON LIBRARY CLASSROOM 113
Chapter 7 & 8
June 4
Organizing and Outlining
Chapter 9 & 11
June 5
Beginnings and Endings
Chapter 10
June 8
Delivery & Visual Aids
Chapter 13 & 14
June 9
Delivery & Visual Aids - continued
2
3
4
5
6
TOPIC – ACTIVITY
READING
Chapter 1, 4, & 18
(pp. 354-356)
Chapter 15
June 10
PERFORMANCE: Informative Speeches (4-6 min)
June 11
HOLIDAY: KAMEHAMEHA DAY
June 12
PERFORMANCE: Informative Speeches (4-6 min)
June 15
MIDTERM EXAM (Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, & 15)
June 16
Speaking to Persuade
Chapter 16
June 17
Methods of Persuasion
Chapter 17
June 18
Analyzing the Audience
Chapter 6
June 19
Audience Analysis Questionnaires
June 22
PERFORMANCE: Persuasive Speeches (5-7 min)
June 23
PERFORMANCE: Persuasive Speeches (5-7 min)
June 24
Commemorative Speaking
Chapter 18
June 25
Using Language Effectively
Chapter 12
June 26
Listening
Chapter 3
June 29
PERFORMANCE: Commemorative Speeches (2-3 min)
June 30
Impromptu Speaking
July 1
PERFORMANCE: Speeches of Presentation & Acceptance (1-2 min)
July 2
FINAL EXAM (Chapters 3, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17 & 18)