Course Description
CAS 100A (GWS) Effective Speech (3) Principles of communication, implemented through presentation of
speeches, with some attention to group discussion and message evaluation.
Course Objectives
1. To show understanding of the value of effective speech communication in their personal, academic
and professional goals;
2. To overcome or transform any fears, anxiety or nervousness in public speaking into a positive driving
force geared towards achieving communication and leadership skills that are vital to one’s personal,
academic and career goals;
3. To demonstrate fundamental skills in speech planning, researching, speech preparations and speech
delivery;
4. To organize ideas clearly, logically, creatively, reflectively, and critically towards a purposeful and
effective manner of speech presentation or delivery;
5. To effectively use technology and other tools of communication as aid in speech or presentation;
6. To deliver informative, persuasive and other types of speeches with confidence, credibility, mastery
and naturalness in an ethical manner;
7. To critically assess or evaluate speech message content and effectiveness of one’s own speech
delivery or performance and that of others;
8. To execute communication, leadership, coaching, mentoring, team work, and collaboration skills; and,
9. To be able to present, at the end of the course, the student’s overall learning achievements through
an e-portfolio.
Course Overview
This course is designed to immerse you and let you explore fundamental concepts and principles of
effective speech communication and provide you the opportunity to apply these concepts and principles.
Learning activities include: collaborative or group learning, reflective, critical and creative thinking, reading,
researching, writing, mini-speech exercises, impromptu speaking, discussions, formal speech delivery, and speech
evaluations. Learning output and performance (i.e., speech deliveries or presentations) shall be evaluated using a
set of grading criteria or rubric or evaluation form. All learning activities and assignments (graded or non-graded)
will have emphasis on the mastery and application of the concepts and principles of effective speech
communication.
As part of the strategic plan of the course, you will be given enough guidance and preparation time for
your speech deliveries. Students’ full cooperation, good work ethics and leadership initiatives are important so
that we can all successfully obtain the goals and objectives of this course.
Department Required Textbook: Stephen E. Lucas, The Art of Public Speaking.
Angel as Main Repository of Course Learning Materials
Updated Sources as Course Progresses and Depending on Class Learning Needs
CAS 100A Course Syllabus Fall 2009
Page 1
Strategic Approach in the Teaching and Learning Process
This course follows John Dewey’s principle of learning and doing. Students shall be highly
involved in exploring, discovering, learning and acquiring knowledge and understanding of the principles
of effective speech communication through a variety of learning activities that will include: writing,
researching, speaking exercises (impromptu or prepared), speech planning and outlining, speech
preparations, among other things. In place of the traditional quizzes are non-traditional means of
learning outcome assessments and evaluations such as: in the form of your graded assignments and
required work output relevant to speech preparations and delivery. A periodic Reflective Journal Writing
also takes the place of route memory quizzes. There shall be one take home exam which shall reinforce
your application of speech preparation or speech writing techniques.
Course Policies
Attendance and Punctuality
Your attendance and active engagement in the learning process could ensure higher levels of
learning on your part. Valuable ideas, learning contributions, learning engagement or participation shall also be
rewarded with points each session. To record your daily attendance, we will have practical, engaging, and
enriching learning exercises or activities every class session. The activity shall be done either at the
beginning of our class or in the middle or prior to dismissal.
Punctuality and regular attendance in class is part of developing and molding you to become
responsible and disciplined individuals - ready to face the challenges of your dream career or profession.
It is best to come on time or few minutes before the start of class.
Late Assignment Policy
To maintain academic standards and integrity, your prompt submission of assignments is highly
encouraged. For each day of late submission, your assignment shall be subject to a 10% deduction from
its actual score. A late assignment that is more than 5 days late can no longer be accepted. This policy
also applies to non-compliance on the scheduled date of speech delivery, unless otherwise proven that
your inability to fulfill the assigned task is due to reasonable grounds.
Absence
If an emergency arises that may cause you to miss our class, you must notify your course
instructor the soonest possible time through e-mail. If any work or assignment is due on any day of your
absence, strive to submit your work not later than the day you will be back in class or make a reasonable
arrangement for the day of your submission. If your absence is due to sickness, a doctor’s clearance for
fitness to attend school will be best and ethical for the student to acquire and show copy to the
instructor.
CAS 100A Course Syllabus Fall 2009
Page 2
Class Communication and Collaboration
We will make use of Angel and University e-mail to enhance our communication. We will use
both Angel and PSU mail for class announcements, assignment submissions, grades, discussion forums
and collaboration.
Classroom Learning Procedures
All classroom learning procedures to include specific work output and deadlines for submission are
covered in the Course Calendar of Activities. For better learning experience, your speech delivery performances
shall be recorded for you to be able to make a self-evaluation of your own performance, a copy of which you
should be able to obtain so you can proceed with your self-evaluation. You shall be given at 5 days to write your
self-evaluation narrative after your receipt of the copy of your speech.
Course Materials Needed:
1. A sturdy, neat looking folder to file course syllabus, course calendar of activities, course guide materials
and copies of your accomplished works.
2. One DVD-RW disk for storing video recorded speeches to bring home and upload in You Tube.
3. Grading Sheet to keep track of points earned
4. Paper and pen for exercises during class
5. A free weebly.com web page account to serve as your personal web page or e-portfolio
Speech Delivery Procedures and Your e-portfolio
1. You should be able to utilize class time and out-of-class strategic speech planning and preparation guide
in order to prepare and deliver good and web publishable speeches (informative, persuasive, other types
of speech).
2. Submit your speech materials (PowerPoint and other forms) at least one session before your scheduled
date of delivery to avoid any delays and problems in your speech or presentation.
3. After delivering your speech in class, secure a video copy of your speech performance.
4. Review the recorded video of your speech performance and write your own self-evaluation within 5 days
after your speech delivery.
5. Within 5 days after submission of your self-evaluation and the copy of the summary of class evaluations,
you should be able to obtain your average grade for your speech performance.
6. If you approved of it, and if recommended by the class and your instructor, your speech will be uploaded
in YouTube.
7. Paste the You Tube link of your speech to your e-portfolio (weebly.com web page).
CAS 100A Course Syllabus Fall 2009
Page 3
Course Requirements and Grading System
The final grade shall be based on the following:
Categories Based on Course Requirements
Quality of Learning Engagement or Participation to include: Punctuality,
Regular Attendance, Active Participation in classroom activities, learning
exercises, and discussions.
Reflective Learning Journals
Take Home Exam
Informative Speech : 150 (highest possible points for Speech Delivery; 50
highest possible points for Self-Evaluation vis-à-vis Evaluations Received
from Peers and Instructor.
Persuasive Speech: 150 highest points for Speech Delivery and 50
highest possible points for Self-Evaluation vis-à-vis Evaluations Received
from Peers and Instructor
Other Types of Speech: Introduction Speech 15 points; Impromptu
Speaking 30 points; Interpretative Reading 20 points; Narrative Speech
25 points; Awards Day Performances/Speeches 60 points
e-Portfolio (Presentation of Learning Accomplishments in lieu of final
exams)
Total
Points
Weight by %
150
15 %
100
100
10%
10%
200
20%
200
20%
150
15%
100
10%
1,000
100%
Letter Grade Equivalents
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
D
F
95-100
94-91.99
87-89.99
84-86.99
80-83.99
77-79.99
70-76.99
60-69.99
Below 60
CAS 100A Course Syllabus Fall 2009
Page 4
Reflective Journals
Your reflective journals and e-portfolio are intended to heighten your learning achievements. A
student writes and submits his or her Reflective Journal after the fourth week of each month (see
schedule of activities for due dates).
Your e-portfolio
Your e-portfolio shall be designed in a manner that it shall contain your best works or major
assignments. Your e-portfolio should have the following sections or pages:
a) Home Page – that provides an overview or introduction of what your guest or viewers could expect to find
in your webpage or e-portfolio
b) “About Myself” page (a brief Bio and/or Resume)
c) “Initial and Final Thoughts on Speech Class” page
d) “Weekly Summary and Reflections of Learning “ page
e) Monthly Reflective Writing Journals page (See Guide to Writing your Reflective Journals)
f) “Speech Delivered” or “Speech Performance” page to include
a. The URL links for your speech videos (with brief descriptions and reflections)
b. Your polished and well-composed outline and PowerPoint Presentation materials
g) page for your other academic projects or accomplishments you may wish to include
h) A Blog page if you wish to
i) A Contact the Author page
Accommodations
Students with certified disabilities may seek necessary instructional support for their disability as
described by the American for Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Student Guide to University Policies and
Rules. In order to receive any of these support services, students must submit documentation of their
learning disability to Jacqueline Walters, Coordinator of Disability Services at Penn State Hazleton (email: jxw2@psu.edu; Phone: 570-450-3002). You must also submit a psycho-educational evaluation that
meets Penn State’s criteria.
Cancellations, Delays of Classes on Inclement Weather
Cancellation of classes or delays in case of due to weather conditions are announced through elions. In case of class delays, we shall be guided by the following compressed schedule:
MONDAY / WEDNESDAY / FRIDAY
NORMAL SCHEDULE
COMPRESSED SCHEDULE
8:00 am - 8:50 am
10:00 am - 10:40 am
9:00 am - 9:50 am
10:45 am - 11:25 am
10:00 am - 10:50 am
11:30 am - 12:10 pm
CAS 100A Course Syllabus Fall 2009
Page 5
Academic Integrity
It is expected that students adhere to the University’s academic integrity policy (see
http://www.psu.edu/dept/oue/aappm/G-9.html). As members of our academic community, everyone is
expected to act with pleasant and respectful manner and to possess personal and academic integrity, to
have respect for everyone’s dignity, rights, and property, and should help create and maintain a
collaborative, cooperative, positive, supportive learning environment.
Learning and Working Attitude or Behavior
To have academic integrity means working honestly and diligently to achieve success in one’s
academic undertakings, with a solid commitment not to engage in or tolerate any acts of falsification,
misrepresentation, or deception, cheating or copying, any forms or acts of plagiarism (submitting
another persons’ work as one’s own, using library and Internet sources without properly citing these
sources in full or even just in part, tampering with the academic work of another student, facilitating
other students’ acts of academic dishonesty, and so on.
Students charged with a breach of academic integrity will receive due process and, if the charge
is found valid, academic sanctions may range, depending on the severity of the offense, from F for the
assignment to F for the course.
Following Penn State’s policy on “Promoting a Vibrant Learning Culture”
(http://www.psu.edu/oue/vibrant.html), I will do my best to:
a) Promote discussion and the expression of diverse opinions while maintaining an atmosphere of
integrity, civility, and respect.
b) Exhibit a strong desire for you to learn
c) Provide your immediate feedback on your performance and class standing.
d) Encourage active student participation in learning.
e) Use technology tools and strategies that could help you achieve greater learning.
f) Make my expectations on assignments clear.
g) Be available outside of class, if you need help.
h) Help you connect learning experiences to your other courses and to your life outside of the
classroom.
In return, I will expect you to do your best to:
a) Show academic integrity, respect, civility and maintain strong work ethic.
b) Manage time wisely and support the accomplishment of all learning activities based on course
schedule.
c) Participate actively in all class learning opportunities while recognizing also the importance of
out-of-class learning by accomplishing assigned readings, classroom tasks and assignments.
d) Reflect on your educational progress and critically assess your own performance by diligently
accomplishing your Reflective Journal Writing Assignments on time
e) Keep an open communication, respectful communication (i.e., if you have questions or concerns, don’t
hesitate to let me know).
CAS 100A Course Syllabus Fall 2009
Page 6
Syllabus subject to change
The instructor may recommend changes to the course syllabus, class policies and schedule of class
activities as may be deemed necessary. Any change shall be discussed and approved by the majority of students
in the class. Remaining in this course shall signify that you accept the course requirements and policies stated
in the course syllabus.
Course Calendar and Assignments Guide
The Calendar of major learning activities can be found at the last two pages of the course syllabus. A
copy of the Weekly Course Assignments Guide shall help you in successfully meeting the learning
objectives of this course.
Instructor’s Classes and Office Hour
M W F 8:00am - 8:50am
M W F 9:00am - 9:50am
Tues 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Office Hours:
Wed 10:00am- 11:00am
Tues 4:00pm- 6:00pm
Or, by appointment
CAS 100A Course Syllabus Fall 2009
121 KOSTOS
118 KOSTOS
203 MEMORIAL
Page 7
Our 15- Week Calendar of Activities
Part I: Week 1 August 23, 25, 27
- Orientation to Speech Class: Dynamics of Communication
- The Ethical Requirements and Elements of Effective Speech
Part 2: Week 2 August 30, September 1, 3
- 2-3 Minute Narrative Speech Exercise
- Varieties of Public Speaking: Different Types of Speeches
- Informative Versus Persuasive Speech
- Speaking Exercise: 2-3 Minute Interpretative Reading Exercise
Part 3: Week 3 September 6, 8, 10
- Speech Preparation Techniques: Selecting A Topic and Outlining
- Research and Citing Sources
- 2-3 Minute Inform Audience About Something of Interest and Social Significance using at least 1 Supporting Evidence
Part 4: Week 4 September 13, 15, 17
- Use of Technology: Creating Visuals: From Outline to PowerPoint Presentation Material
- Informative Speech Delivery Techniques
Part 5: Week 5 September 20, 22, 24
- Final Preparations for Informative Speech Delivery
- Learning How To Evaluate Speeches
Part 6: Week 6, 7, 8 September 27, 29 October 1; 4, 6, 8; 11, 13, 15
- Informative Speech Delivery and Evaluating Speeches
- Learning from One’s own Informative Speech Delivery and from others
Our 15- Week Calendar of Activities (continued…)
Part 7: Weeks 9 October 18, 20, 22
- From Information Giving to Persuasion
- Outlining of Persuasive Speech
- Persuasion Techniques
Part 8: Week 10 October 25, 27, 29
- Speech Exercise: Persuade through Arguments and Evidence or Proof and use of 3 Persuasion Appeals: Logos, Pathos, Ethos
Part 8: Weeks 11, 12, 13 November 1, 3, 5; 8, 10, 12; 15, 17, 19
- Be persuasive! Deliver and Evaluate Persuasive Speeches
November 22 to 28 Thanksgiving Holliday
Part 9: Week 14 November 29, December 1, 3
- Executing Communication and Leadership Skills
CAS 100A Course Syllabus Fall 2009
Page 8
-
Planning the AWARDS Program of Activities
SRTE: Evaluation of Instructor’s Teaching Effectiveness
Part 10: Week 15 December 6, 8, 10
- Reflections and Presentation of Overall Learning Accomplishments
- SRTE: Evaluation of Instructor’s Teaching Effectiveness
- Reaping Rewards
Part 11: Week 16
- Final Examinations Week: No More Classes for CAS100A
- Final Grades and Feedback on Students’ Performance
CAS 100A Course Syllabus Fall 2009
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