SPCM 101 – Summer 2012
South Dakota State University
Fundamentals of Speech, 3 Credits
Instructor: Dr. Jo Nesmith
Email: please use D2L Course mail function
In case of emergency: maryjo.nesmith@sdstate.edu
Course Description:
This is an introductory course designed to expose students to the craft of public speaking. Through
practical experience and examination of relevant content, it is the goal of the course to improve the skills
of the speaker and listener while developing an understanding of the public speaking experience. SPCM
101 is intended for introductory students of all majors who are interested in studying public speaking.
This is a 100-level course which is reflected in the assignments and pace of the course.
Course Prerequisites:
It is assumed that students enrolled in this course possess 5 criteria:
1.
Collegiate-level writing skills
2.
Self-motivation
3.
Time-management skills
4.
The technical requirements include: an ability to navigate online, to compose documents with
word processing software – preferably Microsoft Word, and to utilize D2L. Complete system
requirements and links to necessary downloads for the course can be found at:
http://learn.sdstate.edu/online/require.htm
5.
You will be required to video record your speeches using a webcam on SDSU Blackboard
Collaborate program. Collaborate links will be provided by the instructor. Directions for using this site
will be included with your first speech assignment. (We will not be using YouTube.)However, Collaborate
requires certain programs. Using Firefox, Internet Explorer 8 or lower, Safari or Google Chrome are
recommended. Do not use Internet Explorer 9. Also, update your Java, set your firewall settings at
medium, disable your pop-up blocker and set your screen saver to a 15 minute delay. For Technical
Support questions, contact the Helpdesk at SDSU.supportdesk@sdstate.edu or call 605-688-6776.
Description of Instructional Methods:
The delivery for this course will be through Desire2Learn. You will need Internet access approximately
ten hours per week to access the website, course materials and assignments, and to participate in weekly
group discussions. This is not a self-paced course. You will have DAILY deadlines to meet within this
course.
Course Requirements:
Text: Haleta, L. (2009). Public Speaking: Strategic Choices (6th ed.). Englewood,CO: Morton
Publishing.
This text is available at the SDSU Bookstore in the University Student Union or at
http://www.sdstatebookstore.com/ The text may also be obtained from an online bookstore, such
as Amazon.com. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the course textbook immediately (by
June 5).
Recording Devices:
All of your speeches will need to be video-recorded via a webcam. You are responsible for
the quality of the recording, including a well-lit space, in focus, in color, and excellent
sound quality. Most digital recording devices provide a quality product. Some webcams will produce a
quality recording and some won’t. I will let you know if your first submission (Introductory Video) is of
adequate quality. If the recording quality is poor, it will affect your grade on subsequent assignments and
you are likely to need a different recording device. You will record the speeches with your webcam via the
SDSU program, Collaborate.
Assembled Audience for Speeches:
You will need to assemble an audience of at least 3 people for each of your speeches. Your audience must
consist of at least three people capable of making informed decisions and reasoning. Children, animals,
and stuffed animals do not count. Your audience can be friends, family members, teammates or coworkers.
Attendance:
It is expected that you will daily log into the course to be aware of any course news, to submit
assignments, to participate in course activities and take exams. This course does not have regular meeting
times. It is self-paced with specific deadlines. My recommendation is that you set aside a regularly
scheduled 4-5 blocks of time each week to work on this course, rather than putting everything off until
two days before assessments are due.
How to Succeed in this Course
Plan on logging into the course every other day to check course news (on the homepage), course mail,
assignment reminders, and to monitor your grades. Set aside a time four times per week to work on this
class. A steady work routine will be helpful in avoiding procrastination on assignments. This will allow
you reasonable time to read, study, and work on speeches. Also, if you have questions, you are more likely
to get questions answered in a timely manner.
Due to the rapid nature of summer courses, you are encouraged to work ahead if your schedule allows.
You should plan accordingly with the rest of your life schedule. Poor planning on your part will not
result in any extensions for assignments.
Extended Absence from the Course:
If a student encounters circumstances which may require absence from class that exceeds one week (i.e.
prolonged illness, death in the family, etc.), then that student may wish to contact the Dean of Student
Affairs located in AD 318, or by calling 688-4493.
Academic Honesty:
Any breach of academic honesty on the part of the student will result in failure in this course. In addition
to institutional punishments, a grade of F will be assigned for any of the following violations:
1.
Cheating: An act of deception by which a student misrepresents that he or she has mastered
information on an academic enterprise that she or he has not mastered.
2.
Plagiarism: The offering of as one's words, ideas or arguments of another person without the
appropriate attribution by quotation reference or footnote.
3.
Fabrication: The intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or
citation in an academic exercise.
4.
Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: Those who intentionally or knowingly help or attempt to
help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty is also subject to penalty.
Key Deadlines:
Make-up Policy:
Assignments submitted after the designated due date will be docked one grade level for each day the
assignment is submitted late. Exceptions will be made for students who encounter circumstances beyond
their control (health problems, computer problems, etc.), if they contact the instructor in a timely
manner. Poor time management or personal forgetfulness is not considered a circumstance
beyond the student’s control.
Description of Instructional Methods:
The delivery for this course will be through Desire2Learn. You will need Internet access approximately
ten hours per week to access the website, course materials and assignments, and to participate in weekly
group discussions. This is not a self-paced course. You will have weekly deadlines to meet within this
course.
Troubleshooting:
Technical and Desire2Learn Support:
For Technical Support questions, contact the Helpdesk at SDSU.supportdesk@sdstate.edu
Or 605-688-6776. You may also find assistance through:
http://www3.sdstate.edu/TechnologySupport/InformationTechnologyServices/
Course Goals:
This course addresses:
System General Education (SGE) Goal #2
“Students will prepare and deliver speeches for a variety of audiences and settings.
Students will demonstrate listening competencies by summarizing, analyzing, and
paraphrasing ideas, perspectives and emotional content.”
System General Education (SGE) Goal #7
“Students will recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate,
organize, critically evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of sources with
intellectual integrity.”
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will:

Demonstrate speech preparation competencies. (Goal 2, SLO 1) IDEA Objective 6)

Determine the extent of information needed. (Goal 7, SLO 1)

Access the needed information effectively and efficiently. (Goal 7, SLO 2)

Evaluate information and its sources critically. (Goal 7, SLO 3)

Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose. (Goal 7, SLO 4)

Use information in an ethical and legal manner. (Goal 7, SLO 4)

Demonstrate speaking competencies including choice and use of topic, supporting materials,
organizational pattern, language usage,
and delivery. (Goal 7, SLO 1, 2, 3) (IDEA Objective 6)

Demonstrate speech criticism and listening competences. (Goal 7, SLO 5) (IDEA Objective
Evaluation Procedures/Graded Assessments:
Written Work:
The quality of written work (grammar, punctuation, format, typos, etc.) will affect your grade.
Proofread all written work (This includes your discussion postings.) before it is submitted so that points
will not be deducted for written mechanical errors. Use of the APA documentation style is required for
all written work.
Assignments
Assignment
Introduction Activities
Personal Attitude Speech
Informative Speech
Propositional Speech
Group Discussions
Evaluations (Peer & Self)
Exams (Midterm & Final)
Total Possible Points
Points Possible
50 pts. (30 for Intro. Video; 15 for Scavenger Hunt Quiz; 5 for Introductory Email)
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
50 pts. (2@ 4 pts.; 7 @ 6 pts.)
100 pts. (3 @ 5 pts.; 4 @ 10 pts.; 3 @ 15 pts.)
100 pts. (2 @ 50)
600
Grading Scale: The number of total points earned throughout the course will determine final grades.Grades will be
available only through Desire2Learn.
Total Points Earned
540- 600 points
480- 539 points
420– 479 points
360– 419 points
0– 359 points
Letter Grade Assigned
A
B
C
D
F
A note on incorrect assignment submission . . .
1.
Submitting a speech and final outline which does not have its topic approved will result in a point
deduction of 50 points.
2.
Submitting a speech and final outline which does not have a draft and final outline submitted for
approval prior to speaking will result in a point deduction of 50 points.
3.
Submitting a speech and final outline which does not have the corrections as suggested by the
instructor for the draft will result in a point deduction of 50 points.
4.
Failure to meet the recording submission deadline will result in a 10 point deduction for every
24-hour period it is late.
5.
Failure to deliver your speech extemporaneously by either memorizing your speech or by reading
it from a manuscript or preparation outline will result in a loss of 50 points for that assignment.
6.
All public speaking should be audience centered. This class is not any different. Your audience
must consist of at least three people capable of making informed decisions and reasoning.
Children, animals, and stuffed animals do not count. Your audience can be friends, family
members, co-workers or any other random person you can convince to listen. For all 3 speeches
you will need to show on the recording your audience to establish their presence before and after
the speech. Failure to do so will result in a 10 point deduction for each person missing.
7.
Be sure to record in a well-lit room. Test the audio levels before you begin. Turn on the sound
program for your computer and web cam. Be sure to review your recording before posting
the index number. You are responsible for it. Failure to have adequate sound or visuals will
result in a zero on the speech. If I can’t see or hear your speech, there is nothing for me to
assess.
Classroom Expectations:
In order to meet these objectives, students are responsible not only for their own work in the course, but
also their contribution to the class discussions. Throughout the course individuals should display:
An appreciation for the limitations and unlimited opportunities of an online course.
Writing, study, and time-management skills a student should be able to display in at the collegiate
level.
Basic Netiquette: visit http://www.studygs.net/netiquette.htm
Attentiveness to the material and the course. Approach all course activities in a prepared and
enthusiastic manner.
An openness to new ideas from others and criticism of writing style from the instructor.
An informed concern about contemporary social issues.
A commitment to one’s own values.
What you can expect from the instructor:
I strive to clearly articulate my expectations of each assignment. I have high standards for students
enrolled in an online course. It is assumed that by enrolling in this course you are willing to take on the
challenges of the online learning environment and that you meet all of the expectations. I will attempt to
provide you with timely feedback on assignments. In addition, I will respond to your questions in a
reasonable time frame. I will grade all written assignments based on their content, composition and
performance. You will not receive comments on your exams. In grading your assignments I will do
everything in my power to grade your work fairly.
Americans with Disabilities Act:
This course acknowledges the importance of ADA requirements. Any student who feels s/he may need an
accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Coordinator of Disability Services
privately to discuss your specific needs. Please contact the Office of Disability Services at (605-688-4504)
in to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. For more
information please see http://www3.sdstate.edu/StudentLife/DisabilityServices/
Freedom in learning:
Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under
Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an
academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any
course of study. Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but
is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should first contact the instructor of
the course. If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may contact the department head and/or dean
of the college which offers the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.