COMMUNICATION AND CRITICAL INQUIRY (COM 110)
Instructor: Caitlin Shaffer
Office: Fell Hall 280
Email: Cmshaff@ilstu.edu
Classroom: Fell Hall 158
Office Hours: W 2:00-3:30
Office Phone: (309) 438 - 3672
Section: 28
Meeting Time: MWF 12:00 -12:50
TEXTS:
Simonds, C. J., Hunt, S. K., & Simonds, B. K. (2014). Communication as Critical Inquiry (5th ed.
for Illinois State University). Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing.
(Access Codes to eTexts available at campus bookstores—See below).
Simonds, C. J., Hunt, S. K., & Hooker, J.F. (2014). Communication as critical inquiry:
Supplementary materials packet. Champaign, IL: Stipes Publishing.
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:
E-TEXTBOOK: You are required to have an e-Text Access code for Com 110, which will allow
you to access the textbook as well as other materials necessary for the completion of the course.
The E-book can be purchased at the Barnes and Noble bookstore in the Bone Student Center or
the Alamo II. You will register this code with Pearson as well as with your instructor so
please do not discard this access code. Access codes may only be registered once per student
and will go offline once the semester is completed. The access code is required in order to
access class materials (i.e. textbook, participation assignments, review material) and to upload
student speech outlines to the MediaShare website. MediaShare will be used for the informative
and persuasive speeches.
SPIRAL WORKBOOK: The other item that you will need to purchase is the student workbook at
the Communication Resource Center (location stated below). This contains activities and
evaluation forms that you will need to complete COM 110. This book should be purchased during
the first week of class.
SPIRAL WORKBOOK PURCHASING PROCEDURES: Students will purchase the spiral
workbook (Com 110 Communication as Critical Inquiry) through the School of Communication
online store using a credit, debit, or monetary gift card. The website can be found at the following
address:
http://tinyurl.com/o8jjxke
The workbook will cost $31 plus tax and will be available for the students to pick up in the
Communication Resource Center located in the lower level of Fell Hall, Room 34, 1-2 business
days after the online purchase. Students will need to show their ISU ID card and Resource Center
workers will verify they have purchased the book and give it to them at that time.
COM 110 Student Workbooks Available
in the Communication Resource Center
located in the lower level on Fell Hall, room 34.
Hours of Operation:
Room34, the first week
Monday, January 12th– 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 13th – 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 14th – 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 15th – 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 16th – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Room Fell 034, the second week
Monday, January 19th – CLOSED
Tuesday, January 20th – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21st – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 22nd – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, January 23 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
ALSO REQUIRED:
- A three ring binder (no more than 1") - to be used for portfolio assignment
-Some mechanism that can record at least 8 minutes of video that can be uploaded to a computer
(Smartphone, tablet with video capabilities, laptop with web cam, or a friend/classmate with said
technology).
SUGGESTED MATERIAL:
-Divider tabs - to be used for the portfolio assignment
- Note cards (4 x 6 or smaller) –to be used for speeches
- A STAPLER!
COMMUNICATION AS CRITICAL INQUIRY (COM 110) COURSE GOALS
1)
Students will become more competent communicators (using knowledge, skill,
motivation, and judgment).
2)
Students will become more critical consumers and producers of ideas and information
(using analytical reasoning skills in the reception, collection, and presentation of ideas).
3)
Students will conduct background research necessary to develop well-informed
presentations.
4)
Students will evaluate the communication skills of others (identifying effective and
ineffective aspects of oral presentations).
5)
Students will become more competent in communicating in small group discussions
(articulating and defending their own ideas as well as listening to and considering the
ideas of others).
6)
Students will become more effective communicators in a democracy (demonstrating
ethical communication, considering multiple perspectives on controversial issues, and
managing conflict).
ASSIGNMENTS:
EXAMS: There will be a midterm and a final exam each worth 100 points. These exams will
assess your understanding of communication concepts and theories, as well as your application
and integration of material. Students are required by the University to meet during their final
exam time.
SPEECHES: Each student will present three speeches:
a. Informative speech (5-7 minutes; at least 4 sources)
1. Assignment can be found on page 12-13 in your workbook.
2. Grading criteria can be found on pages 14 and 15
3. With this speech you are required to turn in:
a. Instructor Evaluation Form (pg. 16)
b. Self-Evaluation Form –Completed (pg. 21)
c. Outline and reference page-final version due the first day of speeches (example
on pg. 23-37)
b. Group presentation (18-22 minutes; at least 10 sources)
1. Assignment can be found on page 44-45 in your workbook.
2. Grading criteria can be found on 46-47
3. With this speech you are required to turn in:
a. Instructor Evaluation Form (pg. 48)
b. Peer Evaluation Sheets-due the day you present (pg. 49)
c. One collective outline and reference page (examples on pgs. 50-58)
d. Group Journal
c. Persuasive speech (6-8 minutes; at least 6 sources)
1. Assignment can be found on page 61-62 in your workbook.
2. With this presentation you are required to turn in:
a. Instructor Evaluation Form (pg. 63)
b. Outline and reference page (examples on pgs. 67-71)
*The page numbers mentioned above refer to your spiral workbook unless otherwise noted.
*Speeches that do not reach the minimum time limit or exceed the time limits by more than 30
seconds will be docked from the “Overall Impression” category (listed on the evaluations in your
spiral books) as well as any content that was not covered. Students will be made aware when
certain time limits are nearing. I will stop speeches when they reach 30 seconds over the time
limit, to ensure every speaker is able to deliver on his/her speech day.
All three speeches must be completed to pass the course. Each presentation will be evaluated
on content and delivery. Specific details will be clearly outlined in class. Typed outlines and
references are required for each (a sample will be provided in the textbook and/or spiral
workbook) and are to be turned in prior to presenting. Speeches cannot be delivered without
having turned in a hard copy of the outline. All outlines and references are due on the first day
of speech presentations. Failure to turn in an outline and reference page on the due date will
result in a 50 point deduction from your speech grade. You will always have the opportunity
to submit a preliminary outline to me at least a week prior to your speech date in order to receive
feedback. Outlines will NOT be accepted through email. Additionally, if you fail to give your
speech on the assigned day you MUST complete that speech in the speech lab for an audience of
3-5 people (that you provide), at a scheduled time with your instructor in order to pass this course
but will receive a 50 point deduction.
ILLINOIS ARTICULATION INITIATIVE:
The Illinois Articulation Initiative is designed to allow students to transfer course credit between
institutions. The IAI requires that all Com 110 students present at least three speaking
opportunities that include research and are five minutes, or longer, in duration.
SPEECH LAB: Though it will not be required for this course, you are encouraged to visit the
speech lab at least once during the semester to practice your speech. The use of the speech lab
and the return of the form (found in the beginning of your spiral workbook on pages 5, 6, or 7)
will be worth 5 points of extra credit ONCE during the semester. It is recommended that you
plan a visit to the speech lab at least one week before your speech so you have enough time to
synthesize the feedback received from the attendant and incorporate it into your speech. You
cannot schedule your speech lab appointment on the same day as you present your speech.
Ultimately, the speech lab can be a useful tool in improving the quality of your speech and public
speaking skills. To schedule time in the speech lab, call 309-438-4566 or visit in person. The
speech lab is located on the lower level of Fell Hall, room 32. Make an appointment at your
earliest convenience since the speech lab fills up fast. If you need to change or cancel your
appointment, you will need to call the Speech Lab or stop by in person 24 hours in advance. If
you skip your appointment without notifying the Speech Lab, you will be blacklisted; meaning
you will not be able to use the Speech Lab at any point in the semester.
COMMUNICATION IMPROVEMENT PROFILE (CIP): This is the first major assignment in
the class and which will also be included in your Portfolio. This is a short paper in which you
will analyze your own communication style, strengths, and weaknesses and discuss what
your goals and expectations are for your improvement in this course. The paper will also
discuss a plan of action that you will use to achieve those goals. The CIP assignment
details can be found on page 77 of your workbook.
With your CIP paper you will turn in:
1. Grading Criteria and Evaluation Form (pg. 78)
2. CIP Template- Completed (pgs. 79-80)
3. Critical Thinking Self Assessment Pre-Test (CTSA) (pgs. 81-82)
4. Ethical Communication Self Assessment (ECSA) (pgs. 83-48)
PORTFOLIO: This is a collection of material accumulated over the semester represents
your insights, observations, experience and reflections on communication. This is your
opportunity to see material evidence of your accomplishments. In this paper, you will
reflect on your experiences as a COM 110 student. Specifically, you will explain how the
material learned in this class can be applied to your personal and professional life. You
will also discuss ways you have improved as a communicator throughout this class, as
well as the areas in which improvement is still necessary. The directions for the synthesis
paper can be found on page 85 in your workbook. You may also find page 87-88 the
Synthesis Paper Template helpful when brainstorming for your paper.
With your synthesis paper you will turn in:
1. Synthesis Paper: Grading Criteria and Evaluation Form (pg. 86)
2. Portfolio Evaluation Form (pgs. 75)
3. CTSA & ECSA Post-Test (pgs. 89-90 & 91-92)
4. As well as the required CIP and all 3 speeches (TBA).
PARTICIPATION (P2P): To receive full credit for participation each student must complete all
knowledge questions from the Preparing to Participate (P2P) sections found in the textbook from
chapters 1 through 17 in order to prepare for discussion. All participation assignments MUST BE
TYPED, STAPLED, has 1 inch margins, free of grammatical and spelling errors and in full
sentences. (See assignment format below for detailed description). These will function as a study
tool for exams. These notes will be collected at the end of each assigned class period and the
points cannot be made up. If you are absent on a day a P2P is due you may not turn in the
assignment late, unless you have an excused absence. P2P assignments are worth 5 points each.
This may not sound like much, but they add up quickly. Do not let your grade suffer because of
P2Ps. It is suggested that students take notes on their P2P assignments as there will be
information we will cover in class that will not be in their P2P assignments.
ACTIVITIES: You are expected to come to class and be prepared to engage in activities and
discussion with your peers. I do not want to lecture on notes you have already read and I KNOW
you do not want to listen to a lecture you have already engaged in. Throughout the semester you
will experiment with introduction speeches, short impromptu speeches and various in-class group
activities. Activities will be done in class and cannot be made up. Detailed instructions will be
given at the appropriate times. Ex: Pop quiz, in-class activity, topic selections, group journals,
concept mapping, one-on-one meeting, and in-class workdays. These activities fall under the
TBD points below as they vary by day.
EVALUATION:
Informative Speech
Group Presentation
Persuasive Speech
Portfolio
CIP Paper
Speech Materials
Synthesis Paper
Portfolio Appearance
Midterm
Final Exam
Participation
Activities
100 pts
100 pts
100 pts
100 pts
30
20
40
10
100 pts
100 pts
80 pts
TBD
The grading scale is a
standard ten percentage point
scale:
90-100% = A
80%-89% = B
70%-79% = C
60-69% = D
below 60% = F
TOTAL
TBA
*Assessment and point values are subject to change*
ASSIGNMENT FORMAT: Please make your headings for ALL assignments uniform. If you do
not follow this format you will lose points. I will provide an example, which I will expect you
follow. Though your work will be double spaced (with the exception of your outlines), 12pt font
and will have 1 inch margins, Times New Roman Font, free of grammatical and spelling errors
the heading should be SINGLE SPACED and on the first page ONLY for all assignments.
(HINT: In order to get this format on word Highlight the text, go to Paragraph, then Line spacing
and click single, then check the box that says "Don't add space between paragraphs of the same
style" Taadaa!) See below for example.
Name
Assignment
Date
Section Number
As noted earlier, a stapler is suggested for this class. All assignments MUST be stapled prior to
turning them in. I will not accept any assignments that are not stapled together in a professional
manner. Please be sure to take into account proper spacing after paragraphs and periods.
COURSE POLICIES:
ATTENDANCE:
1. You are expected to come to class prepared to discuss and participate in activities
associated with the readings. Being absent will deprive you of valuable class discussions
and will also prevent you from fulfilling certain graded in-class activities, which cannot
be made up. Attendance is taken every class time, including in-class workdays.
2. I understand that “life happens” and there may be days that you make the choice to not
attend class. Each student may have 2 absences without being penalized, no matter what
the creative excuse may be. Use them wisely. After 2 absences, 5 points will be
deducted from your participation grade for each additional day that is missed. You are
always responsible for all materials distributed in your absence. Any additional notes
taken on a day you miss are your responsibility to obtain from a fellow student. You may
not turn in missed assignments after you have been absent without a documented
excuse. If you decide to be absent without a documented excuse on an exam day, it
may result in a ZERO.
3. Showing up to class but falling asleep does NOT count as being present. I reserve the
right to consider naptime an absence, as well as rude.
4. If you are involved in university activities that will cause you to miss class such as
athletics or the debate team, I need a schedule of classes that you will miss and a signed
note, preferably on letterhead, from your coach or sponsor verifying that you are on the
team. These absences should be documented and discussed previous to your absence.
5. Tardiness will not be tolerated. If you feel you have a legitimate reason that will keep
you from being on time, please discuss it with me during the first week of class. Every 2
times that you show up late you will be required to present an impromptu speech
from "the box" to the class.
6. We are a support system for each other because public speaking can be a scary
proposition. Therefore, if you skip a speech day when you are not presenting, you will
lose 10 points off your speech grade for each speech each day you miss.
7. Please show up to class and support your classmates because they will do the same for
you. Also, if you are late on a speech day, NEVER come into the classroom during a
speech. Wait outside until you hear applause and the conclusion of the speech. Tardiness
on speech days will result in the loss of 5 point from your own speech.
8. If you make the decision to be absent on your speech day, you will receive an automatic
zero. However, because of the Illinois Articulation Initiative you will be required to make
the speech up in the speech lab. Further instructions will be discussed if this happens (but
it should NEVER happen)
UNIVERSITY BEREAVEMENT POLICY: Students who experience the death of an immediate
family member or relative as defined in the University Student Bereavement Policy will be
excused from class for funeral leave, subsequent bereavement, and/or travel
considerations. Students are responsible for providing appropriate documentation to the Dean of
Students office and for contacting the instructor as soon as possible to make arrangements for
completing missed work. More information is available in the Student Bereavement Policy at
http://www.policy.illinoisstate.edu/2-1-27.shtml
ELECTRONICS: All electronic devices are to be placed on silent and put away when I start
taking attendance. If your phone rings during class, I reserve the right to answer it. If I see you
texting/on your phone during class, I will have you put your phone on the table in front of the
classroom. If you are not paying attention, I will assume you already have an understanding of the
material and will have you teach the remainder of the class period. Also, if your phone rings
during someone’s speech, you are texting, or you are playing with your phone in anyway,
you will lose 10 points from your own speech grade. This class is not a lecture and you are
assigned the chapters ahead of time, as a result, no laptops or tablets will be necessary unless told
otherwise (i.e. workdays).
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES: These are put in place for a reason. Late work will not be
accepted unless arrangements have been made with me prior to the class meeting. I want to help
you in any way possible, but I will not accept less than your full effort. Make sure to anticipate
predictable problems that you can prevent them. For example, running out of paper or printer ink,
or losing computer files that you did not back up are problems that need not occur if you are
looking ahead. Assignments will NOT be accepted through email. Assignments are due on the
assigned due date.
CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR: I expect that email communication be of professional
quality. When using email to communicate with me, please identify yourself and the class for
which you have an inquiry. In the subject line of your email, please list your course (COM 110)
followed by the section number. Failure to do so may result in the email being deleted without
consideration. You should also address your instructor. I do not care what you say as long as it is
respectful (i.e. Hello, Hi, Dear, etc). Then you should state your question, comment, issue, etc.
Finally, you should close with Thank you, Sincerely, With warm regards, followed by your first
and last name so I know who I am responding to. I apologize; I cannot memorize all of your
ILSTU E-mails. This is a (semi) professional form of E-mailing and is the format in which you
should me E-mailing all the time. An example can be found below.
If you choose to contact me through email, please be patient and allow 24 hours for a response
during the week and 48 hours during the weekend. If an email is sent an hour before class it
should not be expected that I will respond within the hour. Yes, my email will come to my phone.
This does not, however, mean that I am always available to respond immediately. If I have not
responded within 24 hours, check to make sure the email was sent.
PROFESSIONAL COURTESY: Professional courtesy includes respecting others' opinions, not
interrupting in class, being respectful to those who are speaking, and working together in a spirit
of cooperation. I expect you to demonstrate these behaviors at all times in this class.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM: Students are expected to be honest in all academic work, consistent
with the academic integrity policy as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. All work is to be
appropriately cited when it is borrowed, directly or indirectly, from another source. Unauthorized
and unacknowledged collaboration on speech topics and/or the presentation of someone else’s
work warrants plagiarism.
Students found to inadvertently commit acts of dishonesty will receive appropriate penalties
specific to the assignment in question. Students found to commit intentional acts of dishonesty
will receive a failing grade in the course and will be referred for appropriate disciplinary action
through Community Rights and Responsibilities.
SPECIAL NEEDS: Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a
documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853
(voice), 438-8620 (TDD).
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: Life at college can get very complicated. Students
sometimes feel overwhelmed, lost, experience anxiety or depression, struggle with relationship
difficulties or diminished self-esteem. However, many of these issues can be effectively
addressed with a little help. Student Counseling Services (SCS) helps students cope with difficult
emotions and life stressors. Student Counseling Services is staffed by experienced, professional
psychologists and counselors, who are attuned to the needs of college students. The services are
FREE and completely confidential. Find out more at Counseling.IllinoisState.edu or by calling
(309) 438-3655.
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION RESEARCH POOL WEBPAGE: This website is dedicated
to research projects approved by the School of Communication which students enrolled in
communication courses may participate during the semester. Com 110 students are encouraged to
participate in research projects found on this website for possible extra credit points assigned at
the discretion of their instructor to facilitate the production of new knowledge about
communication and to learn about the value of research. The website can be found at:
https://sites.google.com/site/isucomresearch/
I will distribute 3 extra credit points per research project completed. Students may
complete up to 2 research projects for extra credit.
Tentative Schedule
*Note: At any point throughout the duration of this course I reserve the right to change the
syllabus details. Of course, I will inform you of these changes*
WEEK
DATE
DAY
CHAPTER
MATERIAL COVERED
ASSIGNMENTS
DUE
1/12
M
Review Syllabus, Assign Any
Show Up
1
Old Bag Speech
1/14
W
1/16
F
1
2
3
4
5
Introduction Speeches, Assign
CIP Paper
Any Old Bag
Speech
Introduction to Communication
Ch. 1 P2P
Syllabus Contract
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
DAY
NO CLASS
1/19
M
1/21
W
2
Communication Confidence
Ch. 2 P2P
1/23
F
3
Ethical Communication
Ch. 3 P2P
CIP
1/26
M
4/5
Perception, Choosing Topics
Assign Informative Speech
1/28
W
1/30
F
2/2
M
2/4
W
2/6
F
2/9
M
Ch. 4/5 P2Ps
6
Analyzing your Audience
Ch. 6 P2P
Concept Map
7
Integrating Supporting Material
Ch. 7 P2P
8/9
Organizing and Outlining Ideas
Ch. 8/9 P2Ps
Library Day
Show up
Room 164 D
APA Assignment
10
Introductions and Conclusions
Ch. 10 P2P
11
Language- The Social
Construction of Reality
Ch. 11 P2P
2/11
W
11
Language- Vivid Language
Techniques
Show Up
2/13
F
12
Visual Aids
Ch. 12 P2P
6
7
8
9
10
11
2/16
M
2/18
Delivery
Ch. 13 P2P
W
Informative Speeches Workday
Show Up
2/20
F
Informative Speeches Day 1
Presentations
Outlines & Refs
2/23
M
Informative Speeches Day 2
Presentations
2/25
W
Informative Speeches Day 3
Presentations
2/27
F
Informative Speeches Day 4
Presentations
3/2
M
Debrief Informative/
Assign Group Speech
Bring Spiral
Books
3/4
W
Midterm Review Day
Show Up
3/6
F
MIDTERM EXAM
Show Up
3/9
M
SPRING BREAK
NO CLASS
3/11
W
SPRING BREAK
NO CLASS
3/13
F
SPRING BREAK
NO CLASS
3/16
M
14
Communicating in Groups
Ch. 14 P2P
3/18
W
14
Leadership
Show Up
3/20
F
Conflict
Show Up
3/23
M
Culture
Show Up
Ch. 15 P2P
Show Up
3/25
13
W
15
12
3/27
F
Listening
Group Speech Work Day
3/30
M
Group Speeches Day 1
Presentations
Outlines & Refs
4/1
W
Group Speeches Day 2
Presentations
4/3
F
Group Speeches Day 3
Presentations
13
4/6
M
16
Fact, Value, Policy
Assign Persuasive Speech
Ch. 16 P2P
Group Journals
Ethos, Logos, Pathos
Ch. 17 P2P
Group Journals
Show Up
Group Journals
W
4/7
4/10
17
F
Toulmin/Argument Model
17
14
15
4/13
M
Fallacies
Show Up
4/15
W
Assign Portfolio/
Review Persuasive Unit
Show Up
4/17
F
Persuasive Speech Workday
Show Up
4/20
M
Persuasive Speech Workday
Show Up
Presentations
Outlines & Refs
4/22
W
Persuasive Speeches Day 1
4/24
F
4/27
M
Persuasive Speeches Day 3
Presentations
4/29
W
Persuasive Speeches Day 4
Presentations
5/1
F
Review for Final Exam
Portfolio
5/TBA
TBA
FINAL EXAM
Show Up
Persuasive Speeches Day 2
Presentations
16
17
Syllabus Contract
I have read the syllabus for Caitlin Shaffer’s Com 110 course and agree to the terms for required
coursework and acceptable classroom behavior.
Goals for this class:
List any previous public speaking experience:
Favorite Song or music video (class appropriate):
Favorite Candy:
I take attendance through asking silly questions in order to spark a discussion, provide me some
questions you would be interested to hear more about from your classmates, including (class
appropriate) would you rather, favorite…, continue the story, etc. This class can be as fun as you
make it!  I actually read these and will use these, so help a teacher out!
Signature:____________________________________________________________
Name (please print)___________________________Date____________________