Fundamentals of Speech
Communication
CRN 31001 Speech 105-032, Spring 2014
Class meeting: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30-12:45
January 13 – May 10, 2014
Room 212, New Martinsville
Instructor: Christina Sullivan, M.A.
Email: csullivan@adjunct.wvncc.edu; Facebook: Christina Sullivan-instructor (friend
me on FB for chat during online office hours--this is optional)
Phone: 304-281-0516
Office hours: by appointment on Wednesdays, Thursdays 5:00p-6:00p (online)
Textbook:
Gregory, Hamilton. Public Speaking for College and Career. 10th Edition. New York:
McGraw Hill
Catalog Description:
This course includes a study of the elements of oral communication and practice in
organizing and delivering short speeches. Emphasis is on the development of effective
communication skills and self-confidence. Prerequisite/Corequisite: Satisfactory writing
placement test scores or ENG 090 and satisfactory reading placement test scores or
READ 095.
Course Focus:
Fundamentals of Speech Communication begins with short extemporaneous informative
speeches and moves toward longer speeches in other formats. Speeches are accompanied
by outlines with sources listed correctly. Students also give impromptu speeches,
participate in group work and evaluate themselves and other speakers. Students are
tested on chapters in the textbook, all of which cover material which is directly applied in
class.
Course Objectives:
Upon satisfactory completion of this course students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in
human communication and factors that may affect them;
2. Demonstrate the ability to organize and present a speech effectively and
prepare an outline which reflects this;
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and criticize speech content and delivery;
4. Demonstrate more confidence in public speaking situations.
Specifically, you should be able to demonstrate the following skills or abilities in order to
accomplish the outcomes listed above:
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Deliver at least one impromptu speech
Control unnecessary or distracting movements
Create or find visual aids and use them effectively
Interpret and react to audience response
Articulate clearly using correct grammar
Maintain eye contact with an audience
Gesture naturally and emphatically
Control obvious physical or vocal nervousness
Prepare outlines using correct form
Locate and make use of outside sources in speech preparation
Analyze audience and occasion and choose topics appropriate to both
Deliver extemporaneous speeches (informative, persuasive, special occasion, etc.)
Evaluate other speakers in writing.
Discuss and answer questions on topics covered in lectures and in the textbook
Attendance:
Fundamentals of Speech Communication relies heavily on the performance component.
Since a speech requires both a speaker and an audience, it is imperative that you attend
every class meeting, particularly on speech days. There will be a speech due as
scheduled in the course schedule. If you have a true emergency and cannot attend a class
meeting, I expect to hear from you within 24 hours of the missed meeting. I prefer not to
allow make up speeches but may consider doing so. As you can see from the grading
policy below, you can earn up to 300 points for in-class discussions (essentially,
attendance participation points). If you are not in class, you cannot earn or make up these
points.
If you fail to make progress, I will let you know and will offer suggestions for
improvement. If you fail to complete discussions, assignments, etc., you will be at risk
for Administrative Withdrawal. Please understand that issuing an Administrative
Withdrawal is a courtesy, not a requirement. Generally, this prevents you from
receiving a grade you would not want on your transcript. Should you be administratively
withdrawn, reinstatement is solely at my discretion.
Grading:
Grades will be determined using the following:
Graded Component
Points Possible
Speeches 4-6 with outlines
300
Speeches 1-3
150
Evaluations of peer speeches (4)
100
In class discussions/participation (attendance and inclass participation required)
300
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C. Sullivan, updated February 22, 2014
9 Assignments (including reflection & discussion
papers)
180
Final Speech
200
Midterm Exam
100
Final Exam
100
Total Possible
1430
Final Grading Scale:
A
90% -- 100%
B
80% -- 89%
C
70% -- 79%
D
60% -- 69%
F
00% -- 59%
Reflection and Discussions Papers:
Reflection and discussion papers benefit both students and the instructor by allowing you
to provide your own academic analysis and insight on topics from text and in-class
discussion. You will be graded based on your use of course content (i.e., applying terms
and concepts from class accurately) and your ability to follow instructions (i.e., typing
papers in the appropriate format, meeting the assignment length requirements), and
proper use of the English language (i.e., accurate grammar, punctuation, usage and
mechanics). Because this is a college level course, your completion of these and other
assignments is expected to meet college-level expectations. Issues in writing—including,
but not limited to, improper spelling, multiple grammatical mistakes, and use of nonacademic language—will result in loss of points.
Reflection Papers: This is your discussion of the topic assigned. Papers should have
substantive responses. The minimum length of a discussion paper should be two
paragraphs of five sentences each. Be sure to address all parts of the instructions and be
professional and academic in your tone and language.
Discussion Papers: This is your opportunity to respond to your classmates based on inclass discussions. You are required to respond to at least one topic or idea raised by your
classmates in class, but you may respond to more if you would like. Discussion papers
should be a minimum of two five sentence paragraphs and should be professional in tone
and language.
As with all communication, discussions and reflections should remain academic and
respectful. This does not mean that you cannot disagree with a classmate or the instructor,
only that your language should remain appropriate to the situation. Discussions or
reflections should be in standard written English using both good grammar and
mechanics. Unnecessary abbreviations and “text speak” are not acceptable.
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Make Up Speeches:
We all have the occasional emergency. If you feel you have extenuating circumstances,
it is your responsibility to contact me BEFORE the speech is due to be delivered. There
will be an opportunity for make up speeches toward the end of the term. There will be
only one opportunity to make up speeches.
Make Up Tests:
Since there are only two tests, the midterm and final exam, there will be no make up for
them. Again, if you feel you have extenuating circumstances, it is your responsibility to
contact me BEFORE the midterm or final exam. I reserve the right to approve or deny a
request for a makeup midterm or final.
Academic Honesty:
Students are expected to conduct themselves in an adult, ethical, honest, and professional
way on assignments, exams, and in class. Academic dishonesty includes cheating
including, but not limited to, the following: helping or being helped on assignments or
exams that are intended to be completed individually, putting your name on someone
else’s work and submitting it as your own, doing work someone else is supposed to be
doing, and plagiarism. If you are caught being dishonest, you may fail the assignment or
exam, be removed from class, or even suspended or expelled from the College. More
details about the College’s policy on academic integrity and student responsibilities is
available in the Board of Governor’s policy NC-3001 (available online:
www.wvncc.edu-->About-->Board of Governors-->Board of Governor’s - Rules
Approved)
Classroom Conduct:
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, responsible, and mature
manner in both our traditional classroom and our online course room. This includes
being prepared for class; being on time for class meetings and staying for the entire class;
not engaging in conversation while someone else is speaking; not being otherwise
disruptive, distracting, or harassing to other students or the instructor; and at a minimum,
setting cell phones to an alert that is not audible, or preferably, turning them off. If you
are unavoidably late, DO NOT enter the classroom while a student is giving a speech.
Wait until he or she has finished and then enter quietly.
Social Justice Policy:
WVNCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, disability, veteran status,
color, national origin, or sexual orientation. Any suggestions as to how to further a
positive and open learning environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious
consideration. If you are a student with a disability and anticipate having any difficulty
in completing the requirements of this class, you must see the office of Student
Supportive Services (see the New Martinsville Tutoring Center) to request specific
accommodations.
Also, be sure to use Northern’s free academic support services, such as tutoring, for
general assistance with coursework and concepts. Tutoring is FREE and typically
available on an appointment basis or via walk-ins (depending on tutor availability).
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Please Remember:
♦ Should you find it necessary to withdraw from this course it is your responsibility
to know the last date to drop a course and to do so by that date.
♦ This syllabus and the course outline is a guide only. Changes may be made
depending on resources and time available.
♦ If it becomes necessary to contact you between class meetings, I will do so using
the email account assigned to you by WVNCC. It is imperative that you find your
institutional email address and know how to use it early in the semester.
♦ You would be well served to sign up for WVNCC’s Text Alert System. This will
notify you of college-wide emergency situations- weather closings and the like.
♦ Speeches should not involve offensive materials or bringing demonstration props
to class that are not allowed on campus, for example x-rated material, live animals,
weapons, illegal substances, etc.
♦ I am happy to help you, but it is your responsibility to seek that help. I cannot
help you if I don’t know what you need. Ask questions.
♦ Don’t take yourself too seriously and have fun!
College Mission Statement:
West Virginia Northern Community College’s mission is to provide higher
education empowering individuals to achieve academic and career goals leading to a
competent workforce which excels in a global economy.
The College responds to the educational, cultural and civic needs of the
communities it serves by offering an accessible, safe, diverse, and high-quality learning
environment.
Course Outline
Date
Day of Class
1/13
Monday
1/15
Wednesday
1/20
Monday
1/22
Wednesday
In-class Activities, Topics
Introduction to the Course
Principles of Speech
Communication (Chapter 1)
Assignment due
Monday: Reflection/
discussion paper (1) (max
20 points)--complete in
class
Managing Nervousness
(Chapter 2)
College Closed—MLK Day
Listening (Chapter 3)
Reaching the Audience
(Chapter 4)
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Wednesday: Reflection/
discussion paper (2) (20
points)
1/27
Speech 1 (Icebreaker Speech)
Monday
Monday: Reflection/
discussion paper (3) (20
points)
Speech 1 (Introduction
speeches) (50 points)
1/29
Wednesday
2/3
Monday
Selecting Topic, General
Purpose, Specific Purpose, and
Central Idea
(Chapter 5)
Speech 2
Finding Information (Chapter 6)
2/5
Wednesday
2/10
Speech 2
Evaluating Information &
Avoiding Plagiarism (Chapter 7)
Monday
Support Material (Chapter 8)
2/12
Wednesday
Presentation Aids (Chapter 9)
2/17
Monday
Speech 3
Wednesday
Speech 3
2/19
Midterm Review
2/24
Monday
2/26
Midterm
The Body of the Speech
(Chapter 10)
Wednesday
Introductions and Conclusions
(Chapter 11)
Guest Speaker (Janet Corbitt)
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Wednesday:
Reflection/discussion paper
(4) (20 points)
Monday:
Reflection/discussion paper
(5) (20 points)
Wednesday: Midterm
review sheet
3/3
Monday
College Closed—Spring Break
3/5
Wednesday
College Closed—Spring Break
3/10
Monday
3/12
Wednesday
3/17
Monday
Outlining (Chapter 12)
Delivery (Chapter 14)
Informative speaking
(Chapter 15)
Language and Style
(Chapter 13)
Persuasive Speeches
(Chapter 16)
3/19
Persuasive Strategies
(Chapter 17)
Wednesday
NO CLASS
Special Types of Speeches
(Chapter 18)
Wednesday: Reflection/
discussion paper (6) (20
points)
Monday: Speech 4 topic,
General Purpose, Specific
Purpose, Central Idea, Main
Points
Wednesday: Reflection/
discussion paper (7)
(20 points)
Guest Speaker (Dennis Bills)
3/24
Speech 4
Monday: Speech 4
(Informative) materials due
Monday
Speech 5 topic, General
Purpose, Specific Purpose,
Central Idea Main Points
3/26
Wednesday
3/31
Monday
Speech 4
Speech 5
Monday: Speech 5
(Persuasive) materials due
Speech 6 draft
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4/2
Wednesday
4/7
Speech 5
Speech 6
Monday: Speech 6
materials
Monday
Final Speech topic, General
Purpose, Specific Purpose,
Central Idea, Main Points
4/9
Wednesday
4/14
Monday
Speech 6
Speaking in Groups
(Chapter 19)
Discussion of Job Interviews
Guest Speaker (Career Services?)
Wednesday: Final Speech
materials due
4/16
Wednesday
Final Speech
(or group presentation)
4/21
Monday
Final Speech
(or group presentation)
Wednesday
Final Speech
(or group presentation)
Wednesday: Reflection/
discussion paper (8)
(20 points)
Monday
Final Speech
(or group presentation
Monday: Reflection/
discussion paper (9) as
assigned (20 points)
4/30
Wednesday
Speech Makeup Day
5/5
Monday
Final Exam Review
5/7
Wednesday
4/23
4/28
Final Exam
SPCH105-032
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