MWF COMM101 Syllabus
COMMUNICATION 101
FUNDAMENTALS OF ORAL COMMUNICATION
Communication Homepage: www.marietta.edu/~comm
Fall 2005
MWF plus NOON Lab
Special Rules for First-Year Courses (page 130 of the 2005-2006 Marietta College Catalog)
“Students may not withdraw from the First Year Seminar, FYSE 101, the College Life and Leadership
Laboratory, FYSE 102, English Composition, ENGL 101 or Fundamentals of Oral Communication, COMM
101.”
This course is designed to increase your knowledge, understanding, and ability to use the fundamentals of oral
communication. We will realize these objectives in two ways: first, through lectures and class discussions,
homework assignments, quizzes, and a final written examination. Second, you will be expected to present
several speeches that will vary in type, length, and requirements.
This syllabus is an outline of the course. You are responsible for all assignments unless circumstances call for
the instructor to announce changes.
BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE COURSE, YOU WILL BE REHEARSING ONE SPEECH AND
WRITING THE OUTLINE FOR THE NEXT SPEECH AT THE SAME TIME.
Students should save copies of their written critiques throughout the semester in order to understand their own
final grade. Since all outlines will be retained in the departmental outline file, students should make an extra
copy of their outlines for their own files.
All homework and outlines MUST be submitted as hard copies. Instructors are not responsible for
printing student papers. Submission of homework or outlines via disk or e-mail is NOT acceptable.
Oral communication skills are crucial for all individuals, and therefore Communication 101 represents a
transitional skills course for all Marietta College students. The following transitional skills that are emphasized
in this course will prepare students to excel personally and professionally:
RESEARCH SKILLS
ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Because Oral Communication and English are fundamental to a liberal arts education, all students are
expected to enroll in English 101, or English 060 and then English 101, and Communication 101 until they
are completed. No student should take more than one of these courses in any given semester. In order to
receive credit, COMM 101 and ENGL 101 must be passed with a C- or higher.
Course Objectives:
Development
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Students will be able to choose a topic and restrict it according to the “general and specific purpose.”
Students will be able to demonstrate the significance of the chosen topic.
Students will be able to understand and apply the elements of the communication model.
Students will be able to demonstrate ethical communication decisions.
Students will be able to select appropriate information using paper and electronic resource material to
construct effective arguments.
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MWF COMM101 Syllabus
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6.
7.
8.
Students will be able to apply the principles for constructing arguments.
Students will be able to organize and outline messages.
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the power of language and select words that avoid
sexism, racism, and other forms of prejudice.
Transmission
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Students will be able to employ vocal variety in rate, pitch, and intensity.
Students will be able to articulate clearly.
Students will be able to use language appropriate to the designated audience.
Students will be able to demonstrate nonverbal behavior that supports the message.
Students will be able to use strategies to engage the audience.
Attendance Policy:
Classes missed because of participation in college-sponsored co-curricular events are considered excused
absences provided:
 The student and the coach or sponsor notifies the professor in writing of the scheduled absence.
 Notification must be received by the instructor at the beginning of the semester if possible, but no later
than one week in advance of the absence.
(The activity must be a performance, professional meeting, or athletic contest to be considered an excused
absence.)
Because Communication 101 is a performance-based course implemented in a tight calendar, there is no extra
time for makeup speeches. If you are ill, you may come to class, give your speech first on the assigned day, and
then leave after your speech; your instructor will understand. For more severe medical issues, such as
hospitalization, the student should contact the instructor before the class and bring a note or receipt from the
attending physician to corroborate the necessity of the absence.
All students must abide by the co-curricular probation rules listed on page 141 of the 2005-06 Catalog.
Early Alert Program: Because academic success is directly linked to establishing a pattern of attendance early
in your academic career, attendance is required in this class. Several short quizzes/writing assignments are due
early in the semester to provide early evidence of any difficulty you may have in your academic career. The
Communication faculty members participate in the Early Academic Warning program. See form at
http://www.marietta.edu/~arc/eaw.html.
Absences:
All absences from class and lab will have an adverse impact on the class participation grade. Each student is
allowed a total of 3 unexcused absences. The 4th unexcused absence WILL affect the final course grade with a
full letter grade deduction. (Example: Course grade of a B will be lowered to a C.) Three tardies equal one
absence.
Late Assignment Policy:
Policy Concerning Late Homework: Homework must be turned in during class. No homework will be accepted
after class. Unless otherwise specified ALL WORK MUST BE TYPED.
Policy Concerning Late Outlines:
Outlines submitted after the designated class period will be penalized as follows:
 one letter grade if the work is turned in later on the assigned day
 two letter grades if the work is turned in one day late
 three letter grades if the work is turned in two days late
 four letter grades if the work is turned in three days late
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MWF COMM101 Syllabus
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3
five letter grades if the work is turned in four days late
Each day late will result in another 10 percent reduction in points until a zero is reached.
Students must turn in the outlines before they may speak, even if they have opted for a lower grade or a zero.
Documented Disabilities:
Any student with a documented disability who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the
instructor and the Director of the Academic Resource Center at the beginning of the semester. The Director may
be reached at ext. 4700.
Communication Lab Procedures
1. Print extra copy of appropriate speech critique.
2. Make appointment immediately following your speech.
3. List the date and time of your appointment on a copy of the appropriate critique sheet.
4. View speech at appointed time.
5. Mark comments on critique sheet.
6. Use speech critique sheet comments to guide your self-reflection essay.
7. Use the following structural format:
a. Minimum of four well-written paragraphs (total length about 1 page).
b. Introductory paragraph with clear thesis and preview.
c. Include comments concerning both the content and delivery; discuss what you did well.
d. Include comments concerning both the content and delivery; discuss what you could improve.
8. Summarize and conclude the essay.
Bonus Speaking Opportunity:
Representatives from each section of Communication Fundamentals will participate in the Wilcox Tournament,
Saturday, November 5. More specific information will be presented later in the course.
Final Exam:
The Final Examination will be given on Wednesday, December 7 from 12:00-2:30 p.m. All students are
expected to make their travel arrangements accordingly. At the beginning of the semester, all students
will be asked to acknowledge with their signature that they realize the necessity of being present on the
examination day.
YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE:
Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking. 8th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2004.
Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 6th ed. New York: MLA, 2003.
VHS-C tape to record all of your speeches—students will not be allowed to deliver their speeches
without their own videotapes.
Package of 3 x 5 white index cards for speaking notes
Folders: For course materials and to turn in all speech materials on the day of your speech
Stapler
Transparency materials for overhead visual aids are available for purchase from the departmental secretary in
Mills 103.
Computer printing fee of $5.00 may be paid to the departmental secretary in Mills 103 if you wish to use the
computers in the Communication Lab (Mills 205).
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ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES
Due Date
August 24
August 24
August 29
September 5
September 16
September 21
October 5
October 12
October 14
October 17
October 24
October 26
October 31
December 7
Assignment
Student Information Summary
Homework Assignment #1
Homework Assignment #2
Homework Assignment #3
Informative Speech Outline
Homework Assignment #4
Homework Assignment #5
Homework Assignment #6
Homework Assignment #7
Proposition of Policy Speech Outline
Homework Assignment #8
Homework Assignment #9 (To be completed in class)
Homework Assignment #10
Goals Assessment Summary (Due no later than Final Exam)
GRADE DISTRIBUTION
Assignment
4 Quizzes (25 points each - all grades will count)
Introductory Speech* (20/15/15)
6-8 Minute Informative Speech* (37/53/60)
8-10 Minute Proposition of Policy Speech* (50/70/80)
Visual Aids for Proposition of Policy Speech
3-5 Minute Commemorative Speech* (25/35/40)
10 Homework Assignments
Chairperson
Class Involvement
(See Class Involvement Matrix)
Impromptu Speech
Final Examination
Bonus Points (At the discretion of instructor)
Points
100
50
150
200
40
100
85
25
60
40
150
maximum 20
*For those speeches with outlines, all parts of the speech preparation and delivery count in the grade. The
points shown are distributed for the original outline, for the speech content, and for the delivery. This
distribution is indicated in parentheses next to each speech in the list above.
DEPARTMENT POLICY CONCERNING PLAGIARISM
Webster’s Dictionary defines “plagiarize” as “to take [ideas, writing, etc.] from [another] and pass them off as
one’s own.” Examples of plagiarism include: copying all or part of another person’s outline or paper and
representing it as your own work; having someone else write your written assignments for you; and inserting in
your written or oral presentations verbatim portions of others’ work without giving proper credit to the original
source.
Plagiarism constitutes a serious breach of academic honesty and, as such, will be dealt with harshly. Copying
others’ work or having others write material for you SHALL CONSTITUTE GROUNDS FOR FAILING THE
COURSE (not just the assignment).
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MWF COMM101 Syllabus
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For further information about the seriousness of plagiarism, see Chapter 2 of the textbook and MC Student
Handbook.
All homework, research, and outlines must be the work of each individual student. Group work in these
instances will be considered to be a form of plagiarism.
USING AND EVALUATING INTERNET SOURCES
The Internet may be used as a search vehicle, but evaluation is crucial. Students will need to complete and
attach to their outlines an Internet Resources Evaluation for each of these types of Internet sites: Advocacy Web
Page, Business/Marketing Web Page, and Personal Web Page. Database and search engine synopses are
incomplete and may not be used as sources. To evaluate each Internet site click on to the COMM 101 section of
the Communication Homepage (www.marietta.edu/~comm), click on Checklist for Speeches, and open the link
“Internet Evaluation Form.” You may also access the evaluation criteria by going to
http://mcnet.marietta.edu/~mcwrite/ and click on Instructor Specific Writing Resources and then
Communication Internet Evaluation. You will need to choose the set of questions to answer depending on the
type of website you are evaluating. Evaluations must be typed and attached to your first draft of your
outline for each speech.
COMMUNICATION 101 CALENDAR
MWF PLUS NOON LAB
Fall 2005
All chapter references are to the required course text: The Art of Public Speaking, 8th ed., 2004, by Stephen E.
Lucas. Bring textbook to class. The book on audio CD is available for use in the ARC and for check out from
the Communication Lab. The MLA Handbook, 6th ed., 2003, will be used for the List of Works Cited. All work
submitted to your instructor must be typed. All work in this course must be original for this course; e.g., if you
wrote a paper in another class on AIDS, you may not use AIDS as a topic in Communication 101.
When delivering a speech, always come dressed appropriately for a professional audience.
On-line Library Tutorial REQUIRED: Each student in Fundamentals of Oral Communication is required to
complete the on-line library-sponsored tutorial, “Make the Connection” (Homework #1).
August 22
22
(L) Instructor’s option
Organization; statement of policy. Note chapters that should be read for next class.
Explanation of first speaking assignment.
There will be four quizzes on the readings, so read and be prepared. You will find the textbook
to be both interesting and informative. The majority of the textbook assignments come early in
the semester. This is necessary for you to have the knowledge and background to write the
speeches.
For August 24: Read chapters 1, 2, and 3. Check resources available on the Communication
Homepage and interactive CD-Rom. Study the syllabus. Purchase books, videotape, index
cards, and computer disks. Access both the syllabus and Student Information Summary on the
Communication 101 Homepage. You will find all homework assignments in the Homework
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MWF COMM101 Syllabus
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folder on the Communication 101 Homepage. Be sure to make a copy of the Student
Information Summary for yourself.
24
Collect Student Information Summaries. Assign 3 minute introductory speech. Discuss the
outlining process and the informative speech. Work on your first introductory speech and its
delivery. Collect homework assignment #1.
For August 26: Read chapters 4 and 14. Print the Informative Speech Checklist from
Communication 101 Homepage.
26
Discuss selecting an informative topic, general and specific purpose statements.
Discuss informative speech assignment. Discuss Wilcox Speech Tournament bonus
opportunities. Return homework assignment #1.
Bring to class the Informative Speech Checklist from Communication 101 Homepage.
For August 29: Read Chapter 12.
29
(L) Come to Thomas 124 for “Introduction to the Fundamentals of Oral Communication.”
Pretests will be given. Attendance is required
29
Collect homework assignment #2. Three minute introductory speeches, Group I. Knowledge
of the textbook material is fundamental for the development of successful speeches.
31
Three minute introductory speeches, Group II. Return homework assignment #2. ALL
INFORMATIVE SPEECH TOPICS MUST BE APPROVED BY TODAY.
September 2
Three minute introductory speeches, Group III.
5
(L) Class instruction on MLA. Bring MLA Handbook to class to use while discussing
homework assignment #3.
5
Discuss the Communication Lab, the differences in extemporaneous and impromptu speaking.
Begin discussion of outlining format.
For September 7: Read chapters 6 and 9.
7
Collect homework #3. Discuss outlining format, the differences in preparational and
presentational outlines, and the Internet Evaluation Form. Make sure that your outline has a
creative introduction and conclusion. For each speech outline you should label these parts:
For September 9: Read chapter 7.
9
Discuss evidence types and use. Oral citation of sources discussed. Return homework #3.
For September 12: Read chapters 8 and 10.
12
(L) Discuss chairing a meeting and introducing speakers. Your instructor will distribute lists of
assigned chairpersons, dates for speaking, and critique sheets.
Chairperson
1. Length and specific content determined by number of speakers and by instructor’s
guidelines.
2. Provide an integrated program and theme through which speakers are introduced.
3. No outline needed.
4. Extemporaneous delivery.
5. Visual aids may be used but are not required.
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MWF COMM101 Syllabus
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12
Class discussion concerning informative outlines and speeches.
For September 4: Read chapter 13.
14
Discuss visual aids. Discuss movement, gestures, eye contact, attire, and other nonverbal
communication.
16 OUTLINES DUE for the 6-8 minute informative speech. Discuss the metamorphosis of a
speech from an outline. It is perfectly all right to have material in the speech that is not in the
outline or material in the outline that is not in the speech. Be sure to cite a minimum of six
sources in the speech.
For September 19: Read chapters 15 and 16. Print the Proposition of Policy Speech
Checklist from Communication 101 Homepage.
19 (L) Impromptu speeches.
Impromptu Speech
1. 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 minutes in length.
2. Topics drawn in class according to instructor’s directions.
3. Develop topics according to guidelines of instructor.
4. No outline required.
19
Outlines for 6-8 minute informative speech returned and discussed. Your instructor will begin
discussing the persuasive speech (8-10 minutes) and appropriate topics. Discuss the problemcause-solution organizational pattern. Bring to class the Proposition of Policy Speech
Checklist from Communication 101 Homepage.
For September 21: Read chapter 5
21 Discuss the Monroe’s Motivated Sequence organizational pattern. Collect homework
assignment #4.
23 Return homework #4. Questions answered about chairing a session and the informative speech.
Informative speeches begin Monday, September 26. Be sure to bring the following to class:
original outline, revised outline, informative speech critique sheet, and Videotape. Videotape
cases must have colored spine labels previously distributed in class.
26
(L) Discuss the need/problem of the persuasive speech.
26
6-8 minute informative speeches, Group I. Speakers should schedule immediately a time to
view their speeches. See the schedule on the door of the Communication Lab. Mills 205.
Viewing must be completed within one week of delivering the speech. Remember to take a
copy of the Informative Critique Sheet with you to the lab.
28 6-8 minute informative speeches, Group II. Speakers should schedule immediately a time to
view their speeches. See the schedule on the door of the Communication Lab. Viewing must be
completed within one week of delivering the speech. Remember to take a copy of the
Informative Critique Sheet with you to the lab.

The outlines of those students in the first group to speak will always be returned on the day specified in the syllabus; all
others will be returned at the discretion of the instructor.
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MWF COMM101 Syllabus
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October 3
8
6-8 minute informative speeches, Group III. Speakers should schedule immediately a time to
view their speeches. See the schedule on the door of the Communication Lab. Viewing must be
completed within one week of delivering the speech. Remember to take a copy of the
Informative Critique Sheet with you to the lab.
(L) Discuss surveys/questionnaires.
Reference must be made to the survey in the speech.
Parenthetical documentation: (questionnaire).
List of Works Cited:
Communication 101 Questionnaire. Marietta College. 12 Oct. 2005. Marietta, OH.
3 6-8 minute informative speeches, Group IV. Speakers should schedule immediately a time to
view their speeches. See the schedule on the door of the Communication Lab. Viewing must be
completed within one week of delivering the speech. Remember to take a copy of the
Informative Critique Sheet with you to the lab.
5
6-8 minute informative speeches, Group V. Speakers should schedule immediately a time to
view their speeches. See the schedule on the door of the Communication Lab. Viewing must be
completed within one week of delivering the speech. Remember to take a copy of the
Informative Critique Sheet with you to the lab. Collect homework assignment #5.
For October 7: Review chapter 16.
7
6-8 minute informative speeches, Group VI. Speakers should schedule immediately a time to
view their speeches. See the schedule on the door of the Communication Lab. Viewing must be
completed within one week of delivering the speech. Remember to take a copy of the
Informative Critique Sheet with you to the lab. Return homework assignment #5.
For October 12: Make all necessary changes to your survey. Duplicate enough copies of
your corrected and typed survey for the entire class. Duplicate surveys in advance, not
immediately before class, so that you can arrive on time. Be sure to put your name at the top of
the survey.
10
Fall Break – No class
12
Distribute surveys to the entire class. Collect homework assignment #6.
14
Discuss the proposition of policy speech and the question and answer session.
Chairpersons should lead a short question/answer session after each speech.
Return homework assignment #6. Collect homework #7.
NOTE: You must refer to your survey and a major national paper in the proposition of
policy speech. The speech must have an engaging introduction, concise thesis, clear
preview, sources cited throughout the speech, use of survey, transitions, summary, and
creative conclusion.
For October 17: Print the Commemorative Speech Checklist from Communication 101
Homepage.
17 (L) Discuss reasoning patterns and fallacies.
17
OUTLINES DUE for the proposition of policy speech. Discuss commemorative speech.
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Bring to class the Commemorative Speech Checklist from the Communication 101
Homepage.
Commemorative Speech Topics
Practical Considerations:
 Accessibility to testimony about your topic
 Genuine interest in the topic you have chosen
 Your ability to generate audience interest and goodwill
For October 19: Read chapter 17.
19
Discuss the commemorative speech. Start working on homework assignment #9.
Sign the sheet pledging that you will represent yourself and Marietta College in the Wilcox
Tournament (Saturday, November 5) and will follow the guidelines of the tournament. Any
student who participates and follows these guidelines will receive 20 bonus points. Any student
who signs up for the tournament but doesn’t follow the guidelines will forfeit 20 points.
21 Outlines for 8-10 minute proposition of policy speech will be returned and discussed.*
For October 24: Read chapter 11.
24 (L) Discuss commemorative speech. Impromptu speeches, as time allows.
24 Collect homework assignment #8. Discuss the use of language, chapter 11.
26 Return homework assignment #8. Bring homework assignment #9 to complete in class.
Proposition of policy speeches will begin on Friday. Today is the deadline to register for Wilcox
Tournament participation.
28 8-10 minute proposition of policy speeches with visual aid(s), Group I. Speakers must view
their tapes within one week of speaking. Appointment sheets are on the door of the
Communication Lab. Remember to take a copy of the Persuasive Speech Critique Sheet
with you to the lab.
31
(L) Class discussion. Start reviewing for the final examination
31
Collect homework #10. 8-10 minute proposition of policy speeches with visual aid(s), Group II.
Speakers must view their tapes within one week of speaking. Appointment sheets are on the
door of the Communication Lab. Remember to take a copy of the Persuasive Speech
Critique Sheet with you to the lab.
November 2
8-10 minute proposition of policy speeches with visual aid(s), Group III. Speakers must view
their tapes within one week of speaking. Appointment sheets are on the door of the
Communication Lab. Remember to take a copy of the Persuasive Speech Critique Sheet
with you to the lab.
4 Return homework #10. 8-10 minute proposition of policy speeches with visual aid(s), Group IV.
Speakers must view their tapes within one week of speaking. Appointment sheets are on the
door of the Communication Lab. Remember to take a copy of the Persuasive Speech
Critique Sheet with you to the lab.
5
Wilcox Tournament
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10
(L) Impromptu speeches speeches.
7 8-10 minute proposition of policy speeches with visual aid(s), Group V. Speakers must view
their tapes within one week of speaking. Appointment sheets are on the door of the
Communication Lab. Remember to take a copy of the Persuasive Speech Critique Sheet
with you to the lab.
9
8-10 minute proposition of policy speeches with visual aid(s), Group VI. Speakers must view
their tapes within one week of speaking. Appointment sheets are on the door of the
Communication Lab. Remember to take a copy of the Persuasive Speech Critique Sheet
with you to the lab.
11 8-10 minute proposition of policy speeches with visual aid(s), Group VII. Speakers must
view their tapes within one week of speaking. Appointment sheets are on the door of the
Communication Lab. Remember to take a copy of the Persuasive Speech Critique Sheet
with you to the lab.
You may NOT view persuasive and commemorative speeches at the same time.
14
(L) Impromptu speeches.
14
Commemorative speech workshop. Bring outlines to class.
16 National Communication Association Convention - Instructor’s option.
18 National Communication Association Convention - Instructor’s option
21
23-27
3-5 minute commemorative speeches, Group I. All speakers should schedule a time to view
their speeches. Be sure to take the commemorative critique sheet provided by your instructor
with you to the lab. See the schedule on the door of the Communication Lab.
Thanksgiving Break
28
(L) Exam Review
28
3-5 minute commemorative speeches, Group II. Make an appointment in the lab to view your
speech with the next two days. Be sure to take the commemorative critique sheet provided by
your instructor with you to the lab.
30
3-5 minute commemorative speeches, Group III. View your speech in the lab within the next
two days. Be sure to take the commemorative critique sheet provided by your instructor with
you to the lab.
December 2
3-5 minute commemorative speeches, Group IV. View your speech in the lab either today or
Monday. Be sure to take the commemorative critique sheet provided by your instructor with
you to the lab.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Goals Assessment Summary due no later than today.
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12:00-2:30 p.m.
MWF COMM101 Syllabus
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Leave all books and belongings by the door as you enter the exam room. The examination will cover chapters
1-17 of the textbook. Each of the 100 questions on the exam is worth 1.5 points. The grading of the course will
adhere to the following policy:
A
AB+
B
BC+
=
=
=
=
=
=
930
900
870
830
800
770
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–
–
–
–
–
–
1000
929
899
869
829
799
C
CD+
D
DF
=
=
=
=
=
=
730
700
670
630
600
0
–
–
–
–
–
–
769
729
699
669
629
599