BELLEVUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SPCH 220 /1951-B: Introduction to Public Speaking

Brenda Larson, Instructor

 

 

Office:                                     R 230-U

Office Hours:                          Monday - Friday: 8:30-9:20am or by appointment

Telephone:                              425-564-3050

Email:                                      blarson@bcc.ctc.edu 

Course Website:                      http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/ArtsHum/materials/Fall2004/SPCH.asp


Quarter Start/End Dates:       09/27/0412/15/04 / Daily 9:30-10:20am

Classroom:                               R Bldg., Room 205

No class on:                             10/15/04 – Brenda at Workshop - Assignment to be announced

10/18/04 – College Issues Day

                                                11/05/04 – Faculty Professional Development Day

                                                11/11/04 – Staff Professional Development Day

                                                11/25-26/04 – Thanksgiving Holiday           

           

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will teach introductory skills in listening, speech technique and organization. Students will learn how to analyze and appeal to their audiences, support claims with credible evidence and avoid fallacies of argumentation. Students will prepare and present informative, persuasive and special occasion speeches in a curriculum that encourages intercultural communication, investigation of current social, economic, and political issues, and the critical analysis and development of possible solutions.

REQUIRED TEXT

Sellnow, D.D.(2005). Confident Public Speaking, 2nd Ed. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. ISBN 0534551920

 

PREREQUISITES

To successfully complete course assignments, instructor strongly recommends completion of English 101 with a grade of C or better, or equivalent English placement test score.

REQUIRED MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

Students will need a portfolio folder containing pockets for their projects. Students must obtain or have an email address, computer access to the Internet and access to a printer to obtain materials required for class. Internet access and printers are available to students in BCC’s computer labs and also in regional public libraries. Note: Audio-visual and computer equipment can be reserved for speeches if students notify instructor three to five days in advance by email. 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES/COMPETENCIES

Upon successful completion of Speech 220, students will be able to:

1.      Understand, identify and apply ethical communication principles in public speaking

2.      Cope effectively with normal public speaking anxiety

3.      Self-assess and engage in active listening behavior

4.      Critique a speech based upon theory presented in the course

5.      Analyze and better understand how to connect with different types of audiences

6.      Support speeches with credible evidence and reliable research

7.      Logically organize a speech and prepare formal and speaking outlines

8.      Effectively deliver a speech utilizing appropriate non-verbal cues (space, time, appearance, eye contact, facial expressions, body movement, posture and gestures,  and voice)

9.      Distinguish the elements and purposes of informative, persuasive and special occasion speeches

10.  Thoughtfully select and gracefully employ audiovisual aids for speaking assignments

11.  Use correct pronunciation and eliminate unnecessary filler words

12.  Prepare presentations on ideas, issues and concerns that are relevant to their lives

13.  Participate in class activities as individuals and in small groups, demonstrating effective teamwork, good ethics, professionalism, and respect for others.

 

ASSESSMENT:

 

1.      Speech of Introduction                                                  25 points

2.      Informative Speech                                                100 points

3.      Impromptu Speech                                                        25 points

4.      Persuasive Speech                                                           150 points

5.      Special Occasion Speech                                               25 points

6.      Participation/Assignments/Quizzes                           275 points

. Total                                                                                                        *600 points

 

*Note: Actual point values may vary.

           

SPEECH 220: END-OF-COURSE GRADE

 

Points

Available

Percentage

Letter Grade

570-600

95-100

A

540-569

90-94

A-

522-539

87-89

B+

504-521

84-86

B

480-503

80-83

B-

462-479

77-79

C+

444-461

74-76

C

420-443

70-73

C-

402-419

67-69

D+

384-401

64-66

D

360-383

60-63

D-

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Speeches (325 points)

There will be two principal speaking assignments (Informative and Persuasive) and three minor speech exercises (Introduction, Impromptu and Special Occasion) required during the course.  These assignments will be graded based on criteria and objectives described in this syllabus, instructional handouts and course lectures. 

For example, all speeches will be evaluated based upon:

A. The Content: All formal outlines will be typed or word-processed in assigned format, and Informative and Persuasive speeches will include a proper bibliography with five separate, credible research sources (per speech) in either MLA or APA format.  All speech outlines will include introduction and concluding strategies and transitions.  Preparation and Formal outlines for all speeches will be presented to the instructor prior to speaking on assigned speaking date. Speaker outlines will be presented to instructor upon completion of the speech.

 

B. The Delivery: Except for impromptu speeches, all speeches will be delivered extemporaneously. During each speech, speakers will integrate strategies to gain and keep the audience’s attention, establish credibility through verbal citation of sources, and connect with the audience through verbal and non-verbal communication methods and audio-visual aids.

Quizzes, Assignments, Critiques & Participation (275 points)

This portion of course grade reflects the student’s competency and participation through chapter pop quizzes (10 @ 5 pts each), written evaluation of speeches (25 @ 5 pts each), and other daily exercises and assignments (20 @ 5 pts each).

 

CLASS POLICIES:

Participation Students are required to attend class in order to receive credit for discussing assigned chapters and participating in class exercises. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and assignments, both verbally, in-writing, in research and in attitude.  Students are expected to complete individual and group assignments on time with a spirit of cooperation, respect and responsibility.  If students do not actively participate in classroom activities and group exercises/assignments, his/her grade will be adjusted accordingly.

Preparation - Students are expected to complete reading assignments for chapters prior to discussion of chapter in class Bring the course textbook to class each day (except for speech days as scheduled) to discuss assigned chapters, complete assignments and participate in activities.Speeches - Assigned speeches must be successfully completed to receive a passing grade for this course. Students who do not deliver their speeches on scheduled date and time will receive a zero for the speech and as a result, will not pass the class Speeches must be completed on time and as scheduled. Due to the possibility of adjustments to the speech schedule and in the interest of fairness, all students are required to be prepared to speak on the first day speeches begin, even if not scheduled to deliver a speech that day.

            Note:   If a student is unable to deliver his/her speech on time due to an emergency or unavoidable circumstance, they may be allowed to deliver their speech on an alternate date (if time permits and at instructor’s discretion).  All late speeches excused or not, will receive a 25% deduction from the total score.

Assignments Due by the start of class time on the date they are due. All assignments and outlines must be word-processed, properly headed up with student’s first and last name, course number and section, assignment and date, and stapled/clipped together to be accepted. No late assignments or outlines will be accepted.

Attendance Students are expected to be on time and attend every class: Missing four to five classes means an A- grade becomes a B+; missing six to seven classes means an A- becomes a B; missing eight to nine classes means an A- becomes a B-. Ten absences or more will result in a failing grade for the course.

Tardiness – Students are expected to arrive on time to class. Late students will receive ½ of the participation points awarded for the day. Repeated tardy arrival to class will result in disciplinary action. On speech days, out of courtesy for fellow students, students arriving late will to wait outside class door until the speaker is finished with his or her speech.

Student Behavior – Students are expected to respect the rights of fellow students and the instructor.  All students have the right to a safe, productive, and uninterrupted learning environment.  If students fail to show due respect to instructor or fellow students by interrupting the learning process, using inappropriate language or behavior, the Dean of Students will be contacted.  Students are responsible for becoming aware of the Student Procedures and Expectations: http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/ArtsHum/policy.html

Accessing Course Materials – Students are expected to access and at times print course materials as instructed via the Internet from course website, http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/ArtsHum/materials/Fall2004/SPCH.asp

Student Ethics and Academic Authenticity – Plagiarism and cheating undermine the learning process, destroy student credibility and may result in a failing grade, expulsion from class, and/or the college. In all cases, the Dean of Students will be contacted. It is your responsibility to become familiar with BCC policies in the student handbook or via the Arts and Humanities Division website at http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/ArtsHum/policy.html

a.      Plagiarism – Students who use the ideas and theories of others, or other supporting materials to complete class assignments are expected to give credit to the originator/author through proper citation of sources and/or bibliographies. Failure to provide sources for assignments/speeches or engaging in plagiarism will result in a zero for the speech or assignment. These assignments cannot be made up.

b.      Cheating – Students who engage in cheating on assignments or quizzes will receive a zero. Repetition of this behavior may result in suspension from the college.

Student Contacts & Responsible Behavior - Students, whether present or not, are responsible for all material presented in class, and absent students must obtain class materials from classmates - including handouts not posted to the website. It will be to your benefit to develop a relationship with a reliable classmate who can fill you in on lectures and materials.

Two classmates to contact in case of absence:

                        Name                                                   Phone                                      Email              

 

1.

 

2.

Disabilities - If you require accommodation based on a documented disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation, please make an appointment with Disability Support Services (DSS) and myself as soon as possible.

You may inquire about DSS for students by calling 425-564-2498, TTY: (425) 564-4110 or in person at the DSS office in B132. Fax: (425) 564-4138 (confidential fax line) You may also contact DSS via E-mail: dss@bcc.ctc.edu and learn more from their website http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/dss/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COURSE CONTENT SCHEDULE*                                                                               

Week 1

09/27                          Introductions              Icebreaker Exercise

            Orientation                  Syllabus

                        Ch. 1                           Ethical Public Speaking

                        Ch. 2                            Coping Effectively w/Public Speaking Anxiety

                                    Ch. 3                            Your First Speech           (Handout)

Week 2                        Introductory Speeches

10/04                          Ch. 4                            Listening and Critiquing Communication

                                    Ch. 5                            Selecting and Narrowing Your Topic

Week 3                        Informative Speaking Assignment                                     

10/11                          Ch. 6                            Understanding Your Audience

Ch. 7    Supporting Your Speech: Evidence & Research (Interviews)

                         

Ch. 8 & 10                   Organizing Main Ideas and Outlining Your Speeches

Ch. 9                                    Introductions and Conclusions

Week 4                        Internet Research Presentation          

10/19                        

Ch. 11 & 12                 Language, Style and Delivery                                    Ch. 13                                  Creating, Selecting and Setting up Presentational Aids

                                    Ch. 14                          Informative Speaking

Week 5            Impromptu Speech Exercise

10/25                         

Research                        Formal Outlines Due 

                                    Informative Speeches 5 speeches per day                          

Week 6

11/01                          Informative Speeches Continue

Week 7                        Persuasive Speaking Assignment

11/08                          Ch. 18                          Working and Speaking in Small Groups

Ch. 15                          Persuasive Speaking – Types & Designs

Ch. 16                          Persuasive Strategies

Research                      Prepare outlines          

Week 8                                   

11/15                          Research                      Internet Research Presentation

Group Work                Audience Analysis

Formal Outlines Due Word Processed with Sources / Presentation Rehearsals

Week 9                       

11/22  Persuasive Speeches    Begin – 5 per day        

Week 10                     

11/29                          Persuasive Speeches    Continue 5 per day

Ch. 17                          Speaking on Special Occasions

                                    Research                      Prepare outlines

Week 11                     

12/06                          Class Exercise

Self-Assessment/Reflection

                                    Portfolio Preparation

Student Conferences

Week 12

12/15                                  Closing Ceremony       Special Occasion Speeches

*Course Content Schedule may be changed to accommodate curriculum.