COMMUNICATION AS CRITICAL INQUIRY (COM 110)
HONORS SYLLABUS
Language creates reality. Words have power. Speak always to create joy.” - Deepak Chopra
Instructor : Julie Maio
Office : Fell 280
E-mail : jamaio@ilstu.edu
Office Hours : TBD
Office Phone : 309-438-8488
Cell Phone : 518-265-9631
Julie.Maio1@gmail.com
Classroom : FEL 0148
Section : 032
Meeting time : MWF 12:00-12:50 P.M.
TEXTS:
Simonds, C. J., Hunt, S. K., & Simonds, B. K. (2013). Communication as Critical Inquiry (5 th ed. for Illinois State
University) . Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing.
(Textbook materials with access codes available at campus bookstores
—
See below).
Simonds, C. J., Hunt, S. K., & Hooker, J.F. (2015). Communication as critical inquiry:
Supplementary materials packet. Champaign, IL: Stipes Publishing.
(Available at the School of Communication Resource Center in the basement of Fell
—
See below).
COURSE MATERIALS:
COM 110 TEXTBOOK: You are required to have an Ebook Access code which will allow you to access the textbook for this course. On this website, there is a full electronic copy of the textbook as well as other materials necessary for the completion of the course. If you would prefer a hard copy of the textbook in addition to the
Ebook, these can be purchased online through the Ebook site for an additional cost.
Spiral Workbook Purchasing Procedures. Students will purchase the spiral workbook (Com 110
Communication as Critical Inquiry) through the School of Communication online store using a credit, debit, or monetary gift card. The website can be found at the following address: http://tinyurl.com/o8jjxke
The workbook will cost $31 plus tax and will be available for the students to pick up in the Communication
Resource Center located in the basement of Fell Hall 1-2 business days after the online purchase. Students will need to show their ISU ID card and Resource Center workers will verify they have purchased the book and give it to them at that time.
Monday, August 17th
–
9:00 a.m.
–
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 18th
–
9:00 a.m.
–
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19th
–
9:00 a.m.
–
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 20th
–
9:00 a.m.
–
7:00 p.m.

Friday, August 21st
–
9:00 a.m.
–
3:00 p.m.
Monday, August 24th
–
9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 25th
–
9:00 a.m.
–
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 26th
–
9:00 a.m.
–
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 27th
–
9:00 a.m.
–
7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 28th
–
9:00 a.m.
–
3:00 p.m.
Communication Resource Center Hours of Operation (TBD)
ALSO REQUIRED:
- Note cards (4”x6” or smaller)
- A two-pocket folder for portfolio/speeches
- Some mechanism that can record at least 8 minutes of video that can be uploaded to a computer
(smartphone, tablet with video capabilities, laptop with web cam, or a friend/classmate with said technology).
COMMUNICATION AS CRITICAL INQUIRY (COM 110) COURSE GOALS
Communication as Critical Inquiry (Com 110) seeks to improve students
’
abilities to express themselves and to listen to others in a variety of communication settings. Effective oral communication is viewed as an essential life skill that every person must possess in order to function in today
’ s society. The course emphasizes participation in a variety of communication processes in order to develop, reinforce, and evaluate communication skills appropriate for public, small group, and interpersonal settings. The course content and experiences will enable students to assume their responsibilities as speaker-listener-critic in a culturally diverse world. In short, the course is designed to make students competent, ethical, critical, confident, and information literate communicators.
COM 110 addresses the following General Education outcomes:
II. intellectual and practical skills, allowing students to a. make informed judgments c. report information effectively and responsibly e. deliver purposeful presentations that inform attitudes or behaviors
III. personal and social responsibility, allowing students to a. participate in activities that are both individually life-enriching and socially beneficial to a diverse community c. interact competently in a variety of cultural contexts
IV. integrative and applied learning, allowing students to a. identify and solve problems b. transfer learning to novel situations c. work effectively in teams
Primary outcomes are indicated in plain text and secondary outcomes are indicated in italics.

ASSIGNMENTS:
FORMAT: All assignments must be submitted in 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri font, double-spaced, and with one inch margins. All references are to be cited using American Psychological Association (APA) style.
ARTIFACT PAPERS (2-3 pgs.): The artifact papers are analyses of observations, personal experiences, conversations, newspaper clippings, television or movie clips, advertisements, songs, magazine articles, cartoons,
YouTube videos, etc. that illustrate some concept or theme in the course. Artifact papers should include three sections: (1) a description of the concept as presented in the text or in lectures, (2) a description of the artifact, and
(3) an explanation of how the concept applies to the artifact. Magazine articles, cartoons, newspaper clippings, and ads should be attached. Links to a video should be included at the end of the paper.
ARTIFACT DISCUSSION: In addition to your papers, you and a partner will be required to present an additional artifact (one that you already have not written about) to the class and then generate a discussion with your classmates. I will model an example artifact for Ch. 1, and then you all will do the same for the remaining chapters. Just like the papers, you will be required to (1) provide a description of the concept as presented in the text or in lectures, (2) a description of the artifact and (3) an explanation of how the concept applies to the artifact.
You are required to turn in a brief speaking outline as well as the questions you asked your classmates. This discussion should take about 5-7 minutes, and we will have one artifact discussion per. chapter. You will choose what chapter and what day you want to go on at the beginning of the semester. Lastly, your partner will be the same as your partner from the
“
Introduction as Biography
”
speech.
COMMUNICATION IMPROVEMENT PROFILE, ECSA and CRITICAL THINKING SELF
ASSESSMENT: This is the first major assignment in the class and thus one of the most important. This assignment is geared to set up and outline students’ individual goals for the semester and develop a plan of action to achieve these goals. An explanation can be found in the spiral book.
EXAM: There will be a midterm exam worth 100 points. This exam will assess your understanding of communication concepts and theories, as well as your application and integration abilities.
SYNTHESIS PAPER: A detailed handout is in the spiral notebook. The synthesis paper will represent your insights, observation, experiences, and reflections that illustrate course content. In this paper, you will reflect on your experiences as a COM 110 student. Specifically, you will explain how the material learned in this class can be applied to your personal and professional life. You will also discuss ways you have improved as a communicator throughout this class, as well as the areas in which improvement is still necessary.
SPEECHES:
Each student will present four speeches:
- Informative speech (5-6 minutes, no more than 6:30; at least 4 sources)
- Group presentation (12-15 minutes, no more than 15:30; at least 10 sources)
- Persuasive speech (5-6 minutes, no more than 6:30; at least 6 sources)
OUTLINES: Outlines will be required for each speech. To practice proper outline habits, a draft outline will be due for the informative speech. After the informative speech is finished, you can turn in a draft outline to

me to look over, but final draft outlines will be the only outline required for the group and persuasive speeches.
All three speeches must be completed to pass the course.
Each presentation will be evaluated on content and delivery. Specific details will be clearly outlined in class.
Typed outlines and references are required for each (a sample will be provided) and are to be turned in prior to presenting. Speeches cannot be delivered without having turned in a hard copy of the outline. You will always have the opportunity to submit a preliminary outline to me at least a week prior to your speech feedback. Additionally, if you fail to give your speech on the assigned day you MUST complete that speech in the speech lab for an audience of 3-5 people in order to pass this course, and we will discuss your how this impacts your grade in person.
ILLINOIS ARTICULATION INITIATIVE:
The Illinois Articulation Initiative is designed to allow students to transfer course credit between institutions.
The IAI requires that all Com 110 students present at least three speaking opportunities that include research and are five minutes, or longer, in duration.
PARTICIPATION: Because Communication as a Critical Inquiry is a skills-based, developmental course, participation is essential. Participation is a function of attendance, demonstration of having read the material, asking questions that extend the thinking of the class and instructor, contributing relevant examples, and demonstrating respect for the contributions of classmates. At the end of the semester you will be required to write a 1 page paper reflecting on your participation throughout the semester.
PREPARING TO PARTICIPATE: I understand that not all students are as comfortable participating vocally, but contributing to discussion will be expected. To receive full credit for participation students must write up one insight and one question pertaining to the assigned chapter. Please see ReggieNet for examples of each. I will tell you in class which P2Ps I will be collecting and you can also refer to the course schedule at the end of this syllabus.
These can be used as evidence of class participation and are useful tools for class responses and can facilitate the ease of the discussion. Late P2Ps will not be accepted. If you have an excused absence, P2Ps must be turned in by the end of the class period it was due.
LIBRARY MODULES: There will be two assessments throughout the semester that will help you conduct academic research and become familiar with the library. Our class librarian will be announced in class.
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES: All assignments will be due on the date assigned. No late work will be accepted unless I have previously approved an alternative due date. No assignments will be accepted via email, unless you have made arrangements with me prior to the due date.
If you work ahead of time, you will not be rushing to get your work done, so think ahead!
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION RESEARCH POOL WEBPAGE:
This website is dedicated to research projects approved by the School of Communication which students enrolled in communication courses may participate during the semester. Com 110 students are encouraged to participate in research projects found on this website to facilitate the production of new knowledge about communication and to learn about the value of research.
The website can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/isucomresearch.
FOR EACH RESEARCH STUDY YOU PARTICIPATE IN I WILL AWARD 2 POINTS OF EXTRA
CREDIT, UP TO 10 TOTAL POINTS.
SPEECH LAB: Though it will not be required for this course, you are encouraged to visit the speech lab at least once during the semester to practice your speech. The use of the speech lab and the return of the form
(found in your spiral book) will be worth 5 points of extra credit once during the semester.
It is also

recommended that you plan a visit to the speech lab at least one week before your speech so you have enough time to synthesize the feedback received from the attendant and incorporate it into your speech. Ultimately, the speech lab can be a useful tool in improving the quality of your speech and public speaking skills. To schedule time in the speech lab, call 438-4566 or come to Fell 032 and schedule an appointment in person. If you wish to video-record your presentation, please tell the attendant when booking your appointment.
Remember to book your appointment early, as there are a great number of students trying to make appointments. You must schedule an appointment at least 24 hours before the date you are scheduled to deliver your speech in class, or you will not be able to use the speech lab. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, you will need to call the Speech Lab at 438-4566 or stop by in person (Fell
Hall 032) 24 hours in advance.
EVALUATION:
Informative Speech
Group Presentation
Persuasive Speech
Civic Engagement Speech
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
Midterm Exam 100 pts.
Communication Improvement Profile 50 pts.
Participation
Synthesis Paper
P2Ps
Artifact Paper #1
50 pts.
40 pts.
40 pts.
20 pts.
Artifact Paper #2
Artifact Discussion
20 pts.
20 pts.
Activities TBD
(AOB speech, syllabus contract, small homework assignments, in-class activities, library assessment
#1=10 pts., library assessment #2=10 pts.)
*Extra Credit 15 pts.
The grading scale is a standard ten percentage point scale:
90-100% = A; 80%-89% = B; 70%-79% = C; 60-69% = D; below 60% = F
* Extra credit can be achieved by completing a maximum of FIVE research surveys from the
School of Communication Research Pool Webpage for a total of 10 pts. and attending the speech lab for a total of 5 pts. Extra credit points will be added to your participation or speech grade. Additional extra credit assignments can also be created in the event that you do not want to take research surveys!
** Please note that if I feel that the class has not been keeping up with the assigned readings that I reserve the right to administer pop quizzes.
*** If you would like to speak with me regarding a grade you receive, I am happy to do so. I just ask that you please refrain from coming to see me for 24 hours.
**** I will not discuss grades in class. Students will need to meet with me during my listed office hours or by appointment.
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:

I am here to help you grow as a student, public speaker, as well as a human being. Communication is the key to success in any class, and I want to thoroughly communicate with each of you, so please be sure to speak with me as much as you may need. I also encourage you to ask questions whenever something is unclear or doesn’t make sense to you. Overall, I like to foster a comfortable and respectful environment in my classroom
— please respect me, your instructor, and more importantly, your classmates at all times, so that we can have great, eye-opening class discussions! Lastly, I want our time together to be both enjoyable and educational.
Life is too short to be serious all of the time, so lets all have a fun and productive semester! :)
COURSE POLICIES:
ATTENDANCE: It is extremely important that you are in class on all days. You are expected to come to class prepared to discuss and participate in activities associated with the readings. Missing any class presentation will always diminish your understanding of the material presented that day, and the course material as a whole. Don't miss class and expect to fully understand everything people are talking about, or what the exam is asking for. However, in the case you are unable to make it, please email me ahead of time. You will get 3
“freebies” - after 3 absences, 5 points will be deducted from your participation grade for each additional day that is missed.
If you have a legitimate reason for not being in class, you must tell me as far as possible in advance by e-mail or voice mail or bring a doctor’s note in case of illness. If you are involved in university activities that will cause you to miss class such as athletics or the debate team, I need a schedule of classes that you will miss and a signed note from your coach or sponsor verifying that you are on the team.
We are a support system for each other because public speaking can be a scary proposition. Therefore, participation points will be given every speech day for peer evaluations, and if you skip a speech day when you are not presenting, you will lose 10% off the grade for your speech and all the participation points for the day. Show up to class and support your classmates because they will do the same for you. Also, if you are late on a speech day, NEVER come into the classroom during a speech. Wait outside until you hear applause and the conclusion of the speech. Tardiness on speech days will result in the loss of all participation points for the day.
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY BEREAVEMENT POLICY: In the event that a student experiences a death of an immediate family member or relative as defined below, the student will be excused from class for funeral leave, subsequent bereavement, and/or travel considerations.
The student will provide appropriate documentation and arrange to complete missed classroom work as soon as possible according to the process outlined below.
Upon notification of the absence and proper documentation, each faculty member shall excuse the student from class according to this policy and provide an opportunity to complete missed exams, quizzes, and other required work.
Ultimately, the student is responsible for all material covered in class and must work with each individual professor as soon as they return to complete any required work. Details can be found at the following website: http://policy.illinoisstate.edu/students/2-1-27.shtml
PROFESSIONAL COURTESY: Professional courtesy includes respecting others’ opinions, not interrupting in class, being respectful to those that are speaking, and working together in a spirit of cooperation. I expect you to demonstrate these behaviors at all times in this class.
ELECTRONICS: If your phone rings in class, I may or may not answer it and have a delightful conversation with whoever is on the other end. I don’t mind if your phone is out on your desk, but please do not text during class! It is distracting to me, and trying to hide your phone under your desk isn’t that covert, I promise

If your phone rings, if you are texting, or if you have any technology out during someone else’s speech

indicating you are not being an attentive audience member, you will lose 5% off your own speech grade . If you must have your phone with you (such as in an emergency), please alert me at the beginning of the semester or class period. If I catch you doing anything other than taking notes on your computer, it will no longer be allowed in class.
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
Professional Courtesy: Professional courtesy includes respecting others' opinions, not interrupting in class, being respectful to those who are speaking, and working together in a spirit of cooperation. I expect you to demonstrate these behaviors at all times in this class. With that in mind, sleeping, reading materials irrelevant to class purposes, or disrupting the class will not be tolerated and will result in the student being considered absent for that particular class period.
Behavioral Expectation Policy: Should any student violate the expectations of appropriate classroom behavior (as mentioned in the professional courtesy and presentation etiquette policies above), the instructor will schedule a meeting to discuss these expectations and develop a behavioral modification plan. If these behaviors persist, you will be at-risk for failing the course.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM: Students are expected to be honest in all academic work, consistent with the academic integrity policy as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct . All work is to be appropriately cited when it is borrowed, directly or indirectly, from another source. Unauthorized and unacknowledged collaboration on speech topics and/or the presentation of someone else
’ s work warrants plagiarism.
Students found to inadvertently commit acts of dishonesty will receive appropriate penalties specific to the assignment in question. Students found to commit intentional acts of dishonesty will receive a failing grade in the course and will be referred for appropriate disciplinary action through Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution
Office.
APA GRADES: During the 5th week of school, the university will send out Academic Progress Alert Grades.
For purposes of this course, APA grades will be based on an anticipated grade rather than a calculated grade determined by class participation and presence/absence of work turned in to date. Grades will be given based on the following: C—adequate progress in the course F—inadequate progress in the course.
SPECIAL NEEDS: Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853
(voice), 438-8620 (TDD).
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Life at college can get very complicated. Students sometimes feel overwhelmed, lost, experience anxiety or depression, struggle with relationship difficulties or diminished self-esteem. However, many of these issues can be effectively addressed with a little help. Student Counseling Services (SCS) helps students cope with difficult emotions and life stressors. Student Counseling Services is staffed by experienced, professional psychologists and counselors, who are attuned to the needs of college students. The services are FREE and completely confidential.
Find out more at Counseling.IllinoisState.edu or by calling (309) 438-3655.
IMPORTANT UNIVERSITY DATES:
Aug. 26 th , 2015: Last Day to Drop a Course with no Withdrawal Grade
Sep. 15 th , 2015: Last day to drop a full-semester course – Receive 25% tuition adjustment
Oct. 9 th , 2015: Last Day to drop pass/fail option from full-semester course

Week Date Day Material Covered
1 8/17 M Course Orientation/Introductions
Assign “Introductory” Speeches
8/19 W Unit 1: Immersion
Introduction as Biography Speeches
Assign Artifact Discussions
8/21 F Assign CIP, Defining Communication
(Ch.1)
2 8/24 M Any Old Bag Speech
Assignment Due Library
Activities
(MyIllinois)
Read Syllabus
Syllabus Contract
Introductory
Speech
Read Ch.1/P2Ps
8/26 W Communication
Apprehension/Confidence (Ch. 2)
8/28 F
Ethical Communication (Ch 3)
3 8/31 M Ethical Communication wrapup/Perception and Self Concept (Ch. 4)
9/2 W
Unit 2: Message Clarity
Topic Selection (Ch. 5)/Analyzing Your
Audience (Ch. 6)
Speed “Dating” Activity
9/4 F Supporting Your Ideas (Ch. 7)
Assign Informative Speech
Introductory
Speech
Read Ch. 2/P2Ps
Read Ch. 3/P2Ps
Read Ch. 4/P2Ps/
Read Ch. 5
Read Ch. 6 /P2Ps
Read Ch. 7
4 9/7 M Labor Day - No Class Enjoy the long weekend!

9/9 W Assign Informative Speech
Supporting your Ideas (Ch. 7)
Speed Dating Activity
Read Ch. 7
5
9/11
9/14
F
M
Organization (Ch. 8)/Outlining (Ch. 9)
Pick Speech Order
Introductions and Conclusions (Ch. 10)
Read Ch.8/Ch.9
(P2Ps on ONE of the chapters)
Read Ch.
10/P2Ps
9/16 W Language (Ch. 11)/Visual Aids (Ch. 12) Read Ch.
11&12/Ch. 11
P2Ps What is an
“A” speech?
Video
9/18 F Delivery (Ch. 13)/Speech Workshop Day RD of outlines due/Read Ch.
13/P2Ps
Artifact #1 Due
6 9/21 M Midterm Review
9/23 W Midterm Exam

9/25 F Study Abroad Presentation
In-Class Work Day: Speech
Tips/Reminders/Practice Speeches/
7 9/28 M Informative Speeches
9/30 W Informative Speeches
10/2 F Informative Speeches
Work on speeches!
Presentations
Presentations
Presentations
8 10/5 M Informative Speeches Presentations
10/7 W Unit 3
Group Communication (Ch. 14)/Group
Presentations Assigned
10/9 F Managing Conflict/Group Activities
Ch. 14
Ch. 14 cont.
Read Ch. 15
Artifact #2 Due
9 10/12 M Listening & Critical Thinking (Ch.
15)/Group Activities
10/14 W What is an “A” Group Speech?/Group
Activities
10/16 F In-Class Work Day
10 10/19 M Group-speech workshop
10/21 W Group Speeches
10/23 F Group Speeches
Bring all group materials to class
11 10/26 M Group Speeches /
Assign Persuasive speech and civic engagement speech/Intro to Persuasion
10/28 W Day Off – Personal Day!
10/30 F Fact, Value, Policy
Let’s all give our brains a rest

Ch. 16
12 11/2 M Logos, Ethos, Pathos Ch. 17
11/4 W Building Counterarguments/Fallacies Ch. 17/cont.
11/6 F Monroe’s Motivated Sequence
13 11/9 M No Class- Persuasive one-on-one meetings
11/11 W In-class workday
11/13 F Persuasive Speeches
Bring all speech materials with you to class

14 11/16 M Persuasive Speeches
11/18 W Persuasive Speeches
11/20 F Persuasive Speeches
15 11/23 M
11/25 W
11/27 F
16 11/30 M Civic Engagement panel
12/2 W In-class work day
12/4 F Civic Engagement Speeches
17 12/7 FINAL EXAM TIME — TBA
Civic Engagement Speeches
Semester wrap-up
Read Ch. 18
Synthesis paper due!!!

Syllabus Contract
I have read the syllabus for Julie Maio’s COM 110 course and agree to the terms for required coursework and acceptable classroom behavior.
Signature:____________________________________________________________
Name (please print)___________________________Date______________________
Phone:_______________________________________________________________
E-mail:_______________________________________________________________
Birthday: _____________________________________________________________
Hometown: ___________________________________________________________
Major:________________________________________________________________
Student ID#:___________________________________________________________
Please list any previous public speaking experience, if any (If none, just write none):
Preferred way of learning (visual, auditory, lecture-based, activities, etc. – you may list more than one):
Please list at least 2 goals you hope to meet through this course:
What is your dream career/job?
What do you like to do in your free time?
What/who is your favorite:
Movie?:
TV Show?:
Song (I play music at the beginning of class, so choose wisely!  )?: