Lake-Sumter State College Course Syllabus
Course / Prefix Number
CRN:
Course Catalog
Description:
SPC 2608
20795
Course Title:
Public Speaking
Credit:
3
Term:
Spring 2016
This course is designed to introduce students to communication theory and its application
to preparing and delivering public speeches. Emphasis is placed on improving speaking
and listening skills common to all forms of oral communication through a variety of
experiences in public speaking.
Gary A. Connelly
Contact Information:
Text: 352-446-4151
connellg@lssc.edu
Office Hours:
by request and appointment
Instructor:
Office:2-237C
South Lake
JF 1113
Sumter
All students are required to use Lakehawk Mail for official college e-mail communications.
See the college webpage for instructions on activating LakerMail.
Prerequisites:
Textbook and Other
Course Materials:
None
Concise Public Speaking Handbook by Steven & Susan Beebe required
Click here to enter text.
Technology and Online
Computer Access
Requirements:
Course Objectives:
Student Learning
Outcomes (SLOs) Assessed
in this Course:
(what the students take with
them beyond this course)
All students are required to attend scheduled seated classroom sessions. Reliable
internet access and word processing software is required. Students will utilize Lake
Sumter State College Website and Faculty webpages, as well as Lakehawk Mail.
It is also recommended that students use a USB Drive to back-up their work. Do not
count on the stability of any online environment or of your computer’s hard drive.
The main goal of this class is help students develop confidence as oral communicators
through an experiential learning environment. Emphasis will be on idea organization,
information/argument presentation, vocal delivery, and stage presence. This class is about
learning how to improve your public speaking skills and requires students to actively engage
by practicing speaking in front of groups in a variety of contexts.
*To employ effective idea organization in formulating oral presentations.
Competency: Prepare logical, documented and well-organized message content.
*To demonstrate and use effective vocal delivery, non-verbal techniques and aids.
Competency: Give oral presentations which communicate clearly and engage the
audience
* To utilize effective team skills and planning techniques for creating group
presentations.
Competency: Prepare & perform group presentation through a creative means of
delivery
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Academic Integrity:
Important Information
for Students with
Disabilities:
The successful functioning of the academic community demands honesty, which is the basis
of respect for both ideas and persons. In the academic community, there is an ongoing
assumption of academic integrity at all levels. There is the expectation that work will be
independently thoughtful and responsible as to its sources of information and inspiration.
Honesty is an appropriate consideration in other ways as well, including but not limited to the
responsible use of library resources, responsible conduct in examinations, and the responsible
use of the Internet. (See college catalog for complete statement.)
Any student with a documented disability who requires assistance or academic
accommodations should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities immediately to
discuss eligibility. The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is located on the Leesburg
Campus, but arrangements can be made to meet with a student on any campus. An
appointment can be made by calling 352-365-3589 and specific information about the OSD
and potential services can be found at www.lssc.edu, then go to “Quick Links” and click on
Disability Services
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part99) is a
Federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s education records. In order for your information to
Privacy Policy (FERPA): be released, a form must be signed and in your records located in the Admissions/Registrar’s Office.
Attendance / Withdrawal
Policies:
Withdrawal Deadline:
Methods of Evaluation:
Students are expected to attend and be on time for every class. I take attendance. Unexcused
absences over two will negatively affect your final grade. If you cannot attend class, simply
inform me of your situation by phone or email. Do not ask a classmate to do this for you. You
will be responsible for any homework/reading that you missed during your absence. If you
must withdraw from class, you must inform the college officially.
Monday, March. 25th
School policy mandates that a student who stops attending class without officially
withdrawing will earn an F.
Students will demonstrate their proficiency in oral communication through presentation of
four speeches. Speeches will be evaluated using specified criteria.
Introductory speech: 100 points
Impromptu speech: 50 points
Informative speech: 100 points
Informative outline: 50 points
Demonstration speech: 150 points
Demonstration outline: 50 points
Persuasive Speech: 200 points
Persuasive outline: 50 points
Class Participation: 150 points
Quizzes: 100 points
Total: 1,000 points
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A typed outline for each speech must be submitted to the Instructor the day your speech is to
be given. Please proofread your work before handing it in. Only a typed outline will be
accepted and no outlines will be accepted following the class time of your assigned speech.
You must give your speech on the day it is assigned. Speeches may be made up with full
credit for an excused absence only. For an unexcused absence, a make-up speech may be
scheduled at the availability of both the class and the Instructor. A deduction of 50 points to
the final grade will be taken for a speech that is delivered late and is not the result of an
excused absence. Failure to deliver your speech on a second assigned attempt will result in a
zero for that particular speech.
Grading Scale:
Course Calendar:
GRADING: Grades will be based on a point scale. Students will earn points for each
assignment and in-class activities. Students are responsible for keeping track of their own
point totals in order to gauge their progress.
A 900-1000
B 700-899
C 500-699
D 300-499
F 0-299
To be discussed in class
Classroom Rules and
Policies:
As you enter the classroom, expect to enter an environment of learning. In order for me to
teach effectively the classroom must be free from distraction. Please be respectful of your
instructor, your fellow classmates, and the college, by practicing the kind of courtesy one
expects to find in a civilized society.
*Do not leave the classroom until the period is over, unless there is an emergency.
*Always bring paper, pen or sharpened pencil, textbook, and course folder to class.
*Take notes! Everything said and done in here is test-worthy.
*Do not leave or enter the classroom during a presentation.
*Tell people to refrain from calling you while you’re in class. Set on voicemail.
*Do not use laptop computers or electronic devices in my class unless they are needed for
your presentation. Take notes the old-fashioned way… with pen and paper.
*Turn off anything that buzzes, beeps, or rings. Playing with your phone in class will
negatively affect your participation grade.
You are responsible for any assignment you miss or don’t hand in due to an absence. It is up
to you to keep reading assignments and homework up-to-date. Please keep this in mind. I
won’t remind you of missed work. Any missed work (except quizzes) due to excused absence,
must be made up during the next attended class period. After that, it will not be accepted.
Violence Statement:
Lake-Sumter State College has a policy of zero tolerance for violence as stated in College
Board Rule 2.17. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with Board Rule
2.17.
Syllabus Disclaimer:
Information contained in this syllabus is, to the best knowledge of this instructor, considered
correct and complete when distributed to the student. The instructor reserves the right, acting
within policies and procedures of Lake-Sumter State College, to make necessary changes in
course content or instructional techniques without prior notice or obligation to the student.
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