Gaines Greer
The Talented and Gifted Magnet
Communication Applications
2014 – 2015
Dallas ISD Core Beliefs
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Our main purpose is to improve student academic achievement.
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Effective instruction makes the most difference in student academic performance
There is no excuse for poor quality instruction.
With our help, at risk students will achieve at the same rate as non-at risk students.
Staff members must have a commitment to children and a commitment to the pursuit of
excellence.
TAG Mission Statement
We prepare students to gain admission to, earn scholarships for, and succeed
academically at the university of their choice.
TAG Vision Statement
Our graduates will succeed in the field of their choice at the university level.
Communication Applications – Course Description and Objectives
The purpose of Communication Applications is to teach the principles of oral communication.
This is a performance-based class that emphasizes preparation, delivery techniques for
extemporaneous speaking, and critical listening techniques. Throughout this course, the student
will do the following:
1. Research, plan, organize, outline, and present public speeches within the assigned
parameters of topic, purpose, and audience;
2. Listen to, analyze, evaluate, and appreciate public speeches and related theory;
3. Offer constructive feedback/criticism to classmates;
4. Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between and the responsibilities of the
sender and the receiver in the oral communication system/process;
5. Cope with personal and situational tensions of public speaking.
Required materials
1. 3 X 5 index cards for speaker notes
2. Flash drive for saving research work and assignments
3. EITHER a 3-ring binder with loose leaf paper and pockets OR a notebook with perforated
pages and a separate folder
4. Writing utensils, including a highlighter
Gaines Greer
The Talented and Gifted Magnet
Communication Applications
2014 – 2015
Absences
Students who miss a day of class are expected to make up their work as soon as possible.
Tardies
Any student not sitting in his/her assigned seat when the tardy bell rings will be counted as tardy.
Students who enter the classroom after the tardy bell has sounded will be required to obtain a tardy
pass from the office.
Behavioral Expectations
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Arrive on time.
Bring all necessary materials to class.
Cooperate with the teacher and other students.
Participate in classroom activities/discussions.
Hand in completed assignments on time.
Give speeches on assigned dates.
Know and follow class rules.
Always put forth your best effort.
Tutoring
Tutoring opportunities are as follows:
Mornings:
Monday 8:15 – 9:00
Friday 8:15 – 9:00
Afternoons:
Monday 4:15 – 5:15
Tuesday 4:15 – 5:15
Wednesday 4:15 – 5:15
Thursday 4:15 – 5:15
Grading
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Class work
Homework
Quizzes/Tests
Projects/Products (Speeches)
40%
10%
10%
40%
Late work may only be submitted the first school day after its due date and will receive a grade no
higher than 70%.
Gaines Greer
The Talented and Gifted Magnet
Communication Applications
2014 – 2015
Assignments
All students are required to present five (5) extemporaneous speeches during the semester.
Speeches must be original work produced by the student.
In addition to preparing speeches, students will engage in ongoing critiques of their work and
their classmates’ work. This means that students must be open to constructive criticism!
Ongoing assignments will include homework, outlines, quizzes, and impromptu speeches.
Course Outline (Subject to change as the semester progresses)
First Six Weeks:
Developing Your
Voice
Second Six Weeks:
Considering the
Context
Third Six Weeks:
Examining the
Power of Tone
Personal Experience Speech (2-3 minutes)
- Rough Draft showing evidence of revision
- Outline
Informative Speech (3-4 minutes)
- Rough Draft showing evidence of revision
- Outline
- Works cited (2 – 3 sources)
Special Occasion/Commemorative Speech (2-3 minutes)
- Explanation of speech’s occasion
- Rough Draft showing evidence of revision
- Outline
The Art of Persuasion
- Using ethos, pathos, logos, and other persuasive strategies
- Creating a commercial
- Developing a print advertisement
Demonstration with Visual Aid (5-10 minutes)
- Rough Draft showing evidence of revision
- Outline
That Speech You’ve Been Wanting to Give (2-3 minutes)
- Rough Draft showing evidence of revision
- Outline
Gaines Greer
The Talented and Gifted Magnet
Communication Applications
2014 – 2015
I have read and understand the information provided in this syllabus.
Student: _________________________________________ (Name Printed)
_________________________________________ (Signature)
Parent/Guardian
_________________________________________ (Name Printed)
_________________________________________ (Signature)
Parent Contact Information
Home Telephone: __________________________________
Work Telephone: __________________________________
Cell Telephone: __________________________________
E-Mail Address: __________________________________
Ms. Greer’s Contact Information:
 Email: Ggreer@dallasisd.org
 Phone: 972.925.6310
 Website:
http://teacherweb.com/TX/TAGMAGNET/GreerEnglish
(Easy-to-find link available at TagMagnet.org)