Smith / Fall 2013 SPCH 1315.412
The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): (1) a brief description of the course including each major course requirement, assignment and examination; (2) the learning objectives for the course; (3) a general description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and (4) any required or recommended readings. Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC’s purpose and mission. Information specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to enrolled students.
Course Title: Public Speaking
Course Prefix & Number: SPCH 1315 Section Number: 412
Semester Credit Hours: 3 Lecture Hours: 48
Term Code:
Lab Hours: 0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog):
This course focuses on the process of oral communication and its relation to communication.
Emphasis is placed on extemporaneous speaking in both individual and group formats.
Course Prerequisite(s):
Course Type:

- Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
Name of Instructor:
Campus/Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
James Bryan Smith
Corinth 310 jbsmith@nctc.edu
Name of Chair/Coordinator:
Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
Kristen Weinzapfel
Gainesville, Room 120
940-668-7731, Ext. 3342 kweinzapfel@nctc.edu
REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS
Essentials of Public Speaking, Hamilton, ITP, 5 th ed.
1 Examination Booklet
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DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT
The Department of English, Speech, and Foreign Language provides quality instruction to students pursuing their academic and career goals.
CORE CURRICULUM COMPONENT AREA: COMMUNICATION
The overall objective of the Communication component area is to enable the student to communicate effectively in clear and correct prose in a style appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Student Learning Outcome
1.
Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication.
2.
Apply elements of audience analysis.
3.
Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic.
4.
Research, develop, and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques.
5.
Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches.
6.
Identify how culture, ethnicity, and gender influence communication.
7.
Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group
(e.g. narrative, informative, or persuasive).
Last day to Withdraw
Student Rights &
Responsibilities
Scholastic Integrity
NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct. These rules and regulations are published in the Student
Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog. All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct.
Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies.
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
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Financial Aid,
Scholarships, and
Veterans Services
The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who need assistance in financing their education.
The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA. For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office .
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Disability
Accommodations
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc. On the Corinth Campus go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus go to room 110 in the Administration (100) Building or call 940-668-7731 ext. 4321. North Central Texas College is committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of
2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).
Student Success The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. This program also links students to
FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free 24/7 online tutoring and helps new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students. All students are invited to visit the
Student Success Center on the Corinth Campus go to rooms 170, 182, or 188; on the Gainesville Campus go to rooms 114 or 111; on the Flower Mound
Campus go to room 111, on the Bowie Campus go to room 124.
Tobacco-Free
Campus
NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is
aware that tobacco use influences underage students which cumulates
unsightly tobacco litter and interferes with assuring clean air for all
who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco
use and of exposure to second hand smoke. Information on a tobacco
cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to
stop using tobacco products. We would like to "thank you" for your
help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free. For questions or concerns
please contact the Office of Vice President of Student Services at
940.668.4240.
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Attendance and Participation
Learning is a social process so in order for this class to be successful, your attendance and participation are imperative. We will conduct this class as a seminar, performing the roles of teachers and learners simultaneously. This is possible only if everyone prepares in advance for class by giving thoughtful attention to the assigned readings, assuming a constructive role in class discussions, asking questions, thoughtfully attending to the ideas of others, and sharing your own insights.
I understand that you have a life outside of the classroom and that emergencies do take place, therefore I allow 1 free absence. For each day beyond 1 that you miss, 40 points will be deducted from your final grade.
If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to learn about assignments or any class work missed, ideally from other members of the class. If that is impossible for some reason, you are certainly free to then contact me.
A documented absence does not exempt students’ academic requirements. Excessive absences, even if documented may result in a student failing a course.
Course Policies
You are responsible for turning work in on time. Late work will not be accepted. Assignments are always due at the beginning of class. If you are unable to attend class on the day an assignment is due, or if there is any remote chance your car might break down, you might get stuck in traffic, your printer won’t work, etc., you must email that assignment to me before the end of our class to avoid penalties for lateness.
All assignments (unless otherwise noted) must be typed, single spaced 10 point Cambria font, header with first and last name, course and section number – the header should be in the HEADER. Should you miss class due to an excused absence, you must complete the missed assignment and turn it in no later than the beginning of the next class period. You may also turn these in early, recommended.
Critical Thinking
This class encourages critical thinking, or the ability to perceive information, thoroughly analyze it, and then question particular problematic components of it. This means you are encouraged to ask questions and thoughtfully contribute to class discussions. Of course, this is to be done in an academically encouraging and respectful manner. Absolutely no instances of personal attacks will be tolerated. This includes any and all racist, sexist, homophobic, ageist, etc. language and/or comments. If at any time you feel violated or
uncomfortable about anything said or discussed in class, please discuss it with your instructor.
Grading Assignments
All presentations and assignments are based upon a point system. Students will receive a thorough description of requirements for all assignments before they are due, as well as a detailed explanation of all assignments and grading procedures. Your work will be assessed in terms of concept comprehension and skill mastery. With regard to the skill mastery assessments, it must be stressed that although objective standards exist that can be used to determine the quality of an oral communication skill, a certain amount of subjectivity is inherent in the determination of the degree to which such standards are met.
It is your responsibility as the student to keep up with points accrued throughout the semester. Final
points will be available at the end of the course.
Please note: Please do not contact your instructor via e-mail or phone in an attempt to receive any grades, points or extemporaneous grading issues as course policy does not allow these transmissions. If you have any questions regarding point amounts, please e-mail your instructor with the request and they will bring that information to you in class.
After a graded assignment has been returned to you, you must wait a minimum of 24 hours before contacting your instructor about a possible grade dispute. After a graded assignment has been returned to you, you have a maximum of 1 week to contact your instructor regarding a possible grade dispute.
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Disclaimer
This syllabus is intended to serve as a guideline for Speech 1315. Both NCTC and your professor reserve the right to make modifications in content, schedule, and requirements as necessary to promote the optimal educational experiences within prevailing conditions affecting the course.
Assignments:
Your grade in this class will be comprised of three performances, two rhetorical analyses (outlines), weekly quizzes, participation, a final rhetorical analysis essay, both a midterm examination and a final
examination, and various classroom activities (that require attendance and participation). Each of the performances will be prepared (in part) during skills workshops and during specific classroom activities..
Performances (30% of your grade, 300 points)
Each student will be responsible for the development, organization and delivery of three individual oral performances. There will be workshops accompanying each Performance, where you will work in groups to enhance and review your ultimate performance. Workshops, outlines, and lectures are designed to enhance your skills and aid in your performance preparation. All presentations are due on the assigned date. There will be no make-up of a speech without an excused absence through Student Life. (See attendance policy above).
Performance #1: Identity (Who Am I?) (10% of your grade, 100 points)
This performance is 4-5 minutes in which you select one (or more) narrative methods to introduce yourself to the class. You will not need any outside sources or research, however, you will be expected to relate beginning course/text concepts to the development of your identity narrative.
Performance #2: Roundtable Interview (10% of your grade, 100 points)
After working with a group on our professional identities and aspirations, we will conduct roundtable or
‘panel’ interviews in front of the class. This interview will consist of two parts – the first is an initial presentation of your professional identity to the panel, followed by the panel ‘interviewing’ according to your own developed professional goals. You will act as the professional candidate and as an interviewer.
Performance #3: Advocacy (10% of your grade, 100 points)
This is an 7-10 minute performance where you will use the rhetorical methods learned in class to invent, develop, and deliver an argument over an exigent issue. This will build off of the corresponding workshop on persuasion, and is your final performance. A minimum of 5 credible sources must be used to support your
Call to Action.
Weekly Quizzes: (15% of your grade, 150 points)
There will be weekly quizzes over lecture and textbook concepts, in order to review your understanding of course content. Each quiz is worth 15 points, with your lowest grade dropped.
Outlines: (10% of your grade, 100 points)
In addition to the required performance outlines, you will rhetorically examine two texts (provided by your instructor) and analyze their arguments (logical structure(s), use of support, and the rhetorical function(s).
Following workshops and classroom assignments, you will develop a synthesized outline of each text articulating how the author(s) logically developed their central and supporting theseis. These assignments are for the development of coherent reasoning abilities – both the analysis of extant structures of reasoning, and the invention (and delivery) of your own.
Class Activities: (15% of your grade, 150 points)
This course represents a dynamic interactive process, and thus this course is designed to engage students in this process. Almost daily, we will engage in activities designed to display and increase your comprehension of course material. This section will include a variety of activities, including quizzes over readings, experiential learning activities, peer critiques, and other graded class assignments. Some assignments may be
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Smith / Fall 2013 SPCH 1315.412 assigned as homework, while others will be completed in-class. Included are two papers – the Narrative
Essay, and the Editorial Analysis.
Midterm Examination: (10% of your grade, 100 points)
The midterm examination will be a cumulative work based upon the first half of the course, wherein you will be expected to describe, and redescribe specific course concepts demonstrating satisfactory progress. The exam itself will be based on texts read, instructor lectures, and classroom activities.
Final Examination: (15% of your grade, 150 points)
The Final Examination will be a cumulative work based on textbook concepts, lectures, and classroom discussions. It is advised that you take notes over texts read, instructor lectures, and classroom activities in order to properly prepare for the test.
Classroom Participation: (5% of your grade, 50 points)
The dynamic, interactive nature of an oral communication course is paramount to its environmental success, therefore classroom engagement is mandatory.
Again, everything is to be turned in to your instructor, on time, in order to receive credit. Late assignments will not be taken – DO NOT attempt to persuade the instructor otherwise.
Grade Scale
A: (excellent, outstanding) 900-1000
B: (good)
C: (average)
800-899
700-799
D: (barely passing) 600-699
F: (failing) below 600
90-100%
80-90%
70-80%
60-70%
59% and below
Tentative Course Calendar
Wk 1
Wk 2
Wk 3
Wk 4
Wk 5
Wk 6
Wk 7
Wk 8 10/15
Wk 9 10/22
Wk 10 10/29
Wk 11 11/5
Wk 12 11/12
Wk 13 11/19
Wk 14 11/26
Wk 15 12/3
Wk 16 12/10
8/27
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
Introduction
Comm. Perspectives
Identity / The Self
Perception / The Other
PERFORMANCE
Language / Meaning
Order / Orientation
MID TERM EXAM
Public / Private
PERFORMANCE
Culture / The World
Advocacy / Change
Persuasion Workshop
PERFORMANCE
Course Review
FINAL EXAM
Narrative Essay due
Performance 1
Outline 1 due
Editorial Analysis due
Performance 2
Performance 3
Outline 2 due
Cumulative Exam
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Assignment
Identity Performance
Roundtable Interview
Persuasion Performance
Outlines
1
2
Classroom Activities
Narrative Essay
Editorial Analysis
Miscellaneous
Quizzes
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Participation
Total:
100
150
50
1000
50
50
50
50
50
150
Point Value Your Score
100
100
100
SPCH 1315.412
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