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RANGER COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING SPCH 1315

3 credit hours

Fall 2020

INSTRUCTOR: Keren Myers

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INSTRUCTOR: Keren Myers EMAIL: kmyers@rangercollege.edu OFFICE: Main Campus, Jameson Building PHONE: 361-228-0346: please save this number in your phone HOURS: TBA

I. Texas Core Curriculum Statement of Purpose

Through the Texas Core Curriculum, students will gain a foundation of knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning.

II. Course Description

1315 - Public Speaking (3 - 0) 2313045312 A systematic study of the basic principles of effective oral communication. Provides experience in public speaking and listener analysis. Emphasis is placed on speech construction for extemporaneous speaking. Credit 3 semester hours.

III. Required Background or Prerequisite

There is no prerequisite for this course.

IV. Required Textbook and Course Materials

‘Principles of Public Speaking’ by Lumen Learning is the current OER textbook needed for this class. You may purchase this textbook at the Ranger College campus bookstore. Other materials for this course may be found in the appropriate Unit on Blackboard. You will also need a computer, access to the Internet, Microsoft Office, and knowledge of how to operate in MS Word and PowerPoint (or Google Docs & Slides). Additionally, if the need presents itself, you’ll need a video recording device (digital camera/ camcorder/ iPhone/ smart phone), and a good group of friends, family, and neighbors to help you in preparing for your speeches for video recording and submission. In the event that this occurs, further details will be posted on Blackboard, and communicated to you.

V. Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. The course involves the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.

VI. Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication. Apply elements of audience analysis. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g. narrative, informative or persuasive).

VII. Core Objectives

This course meets the following of the six Core Objectives established by Texas:

☒ Critical Thinking Skills (CT) – Creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis; evaluation and synthesis of information

☒ Communication Skills (COM) – effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication

☐ Empirical and Quantitative Skills (EQS) – The manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions

☒ Teamwork (TW) – The ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal

☐ Social Responsibility (SR) – Intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities

☒ Personal Responsibility (PR) – The ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making

VIII. Methods of Instruction & Communication

Modes of instruction will include group discussion via Blackboard discussion boards, personal work, and audio-visual materials.

Above you have my email and cell number. I will also do my best to have a class on Remind for you to join so that you can communicate with me in the most efficient way possible. If you choose to email, please know that I may take up to 48 hours to respond, and it could be longer on weekends or holidays. So, if you need an immediate answer, call/text/message via Remind J

V. ASSESSMENT METHODS & GRADING POLICY

Speeches will be the main manner by which you will be assessed in the course. As you improve in your speech- presentation skills, so will your grade potential. In

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addition to speeches, you will also be assessed in two Exams, Chapter Quizzes, and speech analyses via Blackboard.

You will have to contact the nearest RC campus to schedule the time of your Final Exam, on Tuesday June 30th, 2020. If you do not live near a RC location, you will need to find a proctoring location at which you can test.

Email me if you have questions. You will have 1-1/2 hours on each Exam, and 12 minutes on each Chapter Quiz. Your written work will also count for you as you successfully complete each assignment. You will have one (1) week after the assignment due date to contest a grade, if you feel an error was made.

Assessment Chart

IPS Assessment Chart

Minor speeches 30pts ea. Quizzes 10%

Major speeches 100pts ea.

Speech Components 40%

Outlines 30pts ea. Exams 20%

Self-Critiques 10pts ea.

Writing Assignments 30%

Quizzes 10pts ea.

Speech Analyses 30pts ea.

College-level course may include controversial, sensitive, and/or adult material. This is a “3-hour” course, which means that for each “hour” students spend “in class”, they will be expected to complete about 3 hours of homework “outside” of class. Students are expected to have the readiness for college-level rigor and content. This is a course in which you are expected to be self-motivated, and are highly encouraged to work ahead!

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Nature of the Course You will need to video record your speeches in front of a small audience (5 adult members, at minimum).

If the video does not show the minimum of at least five (5) adults present for the speech, then a grade of zero will be given for the assignment. No Exceptions.

Make sure you rehearse your speech! You will be allowed to use one (1) 5x7 note card during your speech. Follow the guidelines at the end of

The video should be taken in one, continuous interval with no stopping, restarting, or evidence of editing.

*For filming your speech, have an audience member hold the camera, and pan the audience (sweep the camera across the audience members so I can verify number/ages) before your presentation, and then have the camera land on you for the duration of your speech.

Responsibility

You are responsible for making sure you meet each deadline for each assignment posted on Blackboard this semester for this course. Late work will automatically receive a score of “zero”. Please contact me if you know ahead of time that you will be unable to complete an assignment. All course work for the remainder of the course will open weekly, and needs to be submitted by 11:30pm on the indicated due date. Emergencies concerning participation and class work must be communicated to me 24 hours at the latest in advance.

Students will be expected to complete their course work. Remember that all composed work needs to be submitted in either Word of PDF format. All other formats will automatically receive a grade of zero. Additionally, remember to use Arial font, size 12, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, heading with Name, Class Name with Day/Time, Due Date. Please title your work. In this type of course you are expected to be self-motivated, and are highly encouraged to work ahead!

You will need to video record your speeches in front of a small audience (5 adult members, at minimum). If the video does not show the minimum of at least five (5) adults present for the speech, then a grade of zero will be given for the assignment. No Exceptions. The video should be taken in one, continuous interval with no stopping, restarting, or evidence of editing. Make sure you rehearse your speech! If it appears to me that you are screen-reading from a device rather than presenting a true extemporaneous speech, a grade of zero will be what you earn.

You are allowed to use one (1) 5x7 note card during your speech. Your speech will then be uploaded to YouTube (following the instructions below), and you will upload to the correctly labeled submission link in the appropriate Unit.

Do not set your video as "private"; it prohibits me from viewing it, and if I cannot open it, you will earn a zero-grade.

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Furthermore, you are responsible for your video recording device, operations, functions, and malfunctions, as well as your upload process for getting your speech video to Blackboard before the due date is expired. I cannot stress this more strongly: This is an absolute pre-requisite skill for this course because I will not and cannot help you make your technology work for you. Additionally, have a Plan B; a technological or Internet malfunction is not a valid excuse for not submitting an assignment on time. All assignments will be submitted via Blackboard.

A Note on YouTube: Below are the instructions for submitting your speech 3 & 4 presentation videos. If I cannot view your video, your grade is a zero (0).

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Online Participation

This course is offered online, using Blackboard module. Participation is expected to be continuous throughout the course. Neglecting to turn in assignments by their due date, or participating in a timely manner via discussion boards may result in failing the course.

Chapter Discussion Boards – In addition to your analyses of two speeches (which will be submitted through Blackboard), you will participate in 14 online discussion boards via Discussion Boards following each analysis submission. Remember, the quality of your posts will be reflected in your grade: half-credit for half- effort.

*For your Discussion Boards, I expect you to title your thread/original post in the following manner: FirstName LastName: Name of Discussion Board. E.g. Keren Myers: Ch. 17 Post Mid-Term & Final Exams – See “Exams” under Written Assignments for further instruction.

Written Assignments

Throughout this course you will have several written assignments, some requiring more of your time than others. You are cautioned, though, not to take any assignment (no matter how seemingly small) lightly. All will require your critical thinking skills, your reasoning, analysis, and research proficiency. All written assignments MUST BE SUBMITTED ON BLACKBOARD, by the time/date indicated on the Blackboard calendar. Requirements: MS Word format (or pfd), Arial font, size 12, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, heading with Name, Class Name with Day/Time, Due Date. Please title your work. If your work is not submitted in MS Word format (or pdf), it will automatically receive a grade of zero (0). Exams – You will have two exams worth 100 points each. The Mid-Term will be taken online. Your Final Exam will be taken at your respective campuses via proctor at the Counseling and Testing Centers. You will have the responsibility of contacting the Counseling and Testing Center at your campus to set up your personal testing time.

All course work for the three-week course is available now (even tests), but needs to be submitted by 11:30pm on the indicated due date.

Outlines for Speeches – Each speech for this course will require a Preparation Outline. These will be submitted by submission link on Blackboard. See the Addendum and Templates section of the syllabus for a sample outline. Self-Critiques – In addition to the speech outline, you will be required to send in a self-critique of your performance of your speech with your outline. You will use

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the New Finding in my Field Speech Self- Assessment, the What Society Needs Speech Self-Assessment, and the Informative and Persuasive Speech Self-Assessments templates provided for you in the Addendum and Templates section.

Speech Analysis – During this course you will be asked to view, review, and compose a four-paragraph minimum analysis (analyses should get progressively longer throughout the semester) of two professional speeches given by notable speakers. Use your knowledge and apply chapter content as you analyze these speeches, considering thoughts like:

1) Tell about the delivery – how does it fit with what you’ve read in your textbook? 2) Tell about the content – how did it impact you and fit with what you already know of speech-giving? 3) How does the delivery affect the content, and how you as a viewer perceive the speech and speech- maker? 4) What are your biggest takeaways? Why?

Extra Credit Assignment Great Speakers Paper (50 points) Speakers should be limited to contemporary (the 1980’s and forward) because it is easy to find copies of speech transcripts in databases. Additionally, if it is a major speech, like an acceptance or state of the union address, there is a lot of analysis that follows on the heels of the speech. Types of speakers: great women activists, religious leaders, politicians, presidents, (again, anyone is who famous enough to have their speeches analyzed in text, or newspaper form following the giving of the speech). Sources: 8-10 source citations from a variety of sources are required, no more than four of a Kind: newspapers, websites, journals, commentary in texts. Format: Please use APA style of formatting and documentation for paper, etc, pagination, title page, bibliography. Remember to run spellcheck and grammatical check before due date, I do count off for these errors! J

• Content: The paper should be divided into three even categories: Background on the speaker,

• A synopsis of the speech given, and then analysis of the speech (occasion, official

• Responses, as well as your ideas about the address itself)

This elective paper is due the day of the final prep exam, not on the day of the final. Submit on Blackboard in Unit 14 by the date indicated in the BB calendar.

IX. ‘CLASSROOM’ POLICIES

Academic Dishonesty

The class discusses ethics in public speaking. We will cover this subject in great

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detail. All sources must be cited. When students use material from other sources, they must acknowledge this source. Not doing so is called plagiarism, which means using – without giving credit – the ideas or expressions of another. American College Dictionary defines plagiarism as “Copying or imitating the language, ideas, and thoughts of another and passing off the same as one’s original work.” This includes oral or written use of quotations without citation, extensive paraphrasing of others’ ideas without citation, or using the outline of another person’s work without citation. Failure to cite a source either orally on paper will result in a failing grade, and may be cause for dismissal from the class and/or college. Any student caught cheating will be dismissed from class. It is the intent of Ranger College to promote a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work they have not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense. Do not allow your work to be copied in whole or in part by another student. Do not work as a group on any individual projects. Any work you turn in must be your original work only, created specifically for this class only.

Student Behavior Policy

Students are expected to take responsibility in helping to maintain an online forum and discussion board environment that is conducive to learning. In order to assure that all students have the opportunity to benefit from online class time, students are prohibited from making offensive remarks or engaging in other forms of distracting communication. Inappropriate communication will result in you being asked to leave the class forum. Adult behavior is expected during class. Derogatory, inflammatory, or any type of offensive language will not be permitted under any circumstances. Additionally, offensive language of any type will not be permitted and may be cause for dismissal from the class.

Available Support Services

Ranger Help Desk: helpdesk@rangercollege.edu

XII. Non-Discrimination Statement

Admissions, employment, and program policies of Ranger College are nondiscriminatory in regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, disability, and national origin.

XIII. ADA Statement

Ranger College provides a variety of services for students with learning and/or physical disabilities. Students are responsible for making initial contact with the Ranger College Counselor, Gabe Lewis (glewis@rangercollege.edu) and bringing any subsequent accommodation recommendation sheet to me. It is advisable to make this contact before or immediately after the semester begins.

Absences

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Even though Intro to Public Speaking is an online class, your “absences” will be accounted for by lack of participation during the week. This will be evident by lack of participation in a discussion forum, not turning in writing assignments when due, and/or not posting a speech on its due date. Failing to submit a speech by the due date may result in serious consequences, such as being dropped from the course.

Late Consequences

Assignments submitted after the deadline will maybe reviewed by the instructor at the student’s request, but will earn a grade of zero for the assignment. Exceptions may be made for students with documented illnesses, jury summons, or funeral note. Because of the nature of Blackboard, combined with the potential circumstances stated above (such as quizzes, discussion boards, exam, etc.), missed work may need to be completed via proctor by hard copy (paper).

LIFE HAPPNES CLAUSE

Because there are times in life when we are snowballed by the unexpected, for ONE assignment you may utilize the LIFE HAPPENS CLAUSE. You may turn in the late assignment up to one week after its deadline. No questions will be asked, but you must clear this with me before just randomly emailing me the work. I fully expect an email that contains 1) a statement that you are utilizing your one-and-only “Life Happens” to make-up for this assignment; 2) a description of the work you’re turning in; 3) an attachment in Word/PDF that follows the guidelines listed above; and that 4) you use proper email etiquette.

X. SAFETY

Campus building occupants are required to evacuate buildings when a fire alarm activates. Alarm activation or announcement requires exiting and assembling outside.

Familiarize yourself with all exit doors of each classroom and building you may occupy while receiving instructions. The nearest exit door may not be the door you used when entering the building.

Students requiring evacuation assistance should inform the instructor during the first week of class. In the event of evacuation, follow the professor’s instructions.

Do Not re-enter a building unless given instructions by the Fire Department, Campus/Local Police, or Fire Prevention Services.

XII. COURSE CALENDAR

For the Intro to Public Speaking, Winter 2018, course will follow the schedule set by Blackboard. The schedule and procedures in this syllabus are subject to change if deemed appropriate by the instructor. The chart below is the

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semester curriculum outline.

Course Calendar - We will not follow the sequential order of chapters

Fall 2020 Course Schedule - MW Chapters/ Assignments Stuff that's Due

Week 1 Review Syllabus; Syllabus Quiz, Email Etiquette Quiz

Intro to Public Speaking (Module 1) Quiz 1

Week 2 Listening Effectively (Module 3) Quiz 3, Participate in FlipGrid

Delivery (Module 5) Quiz 5

Due by Sat. at 11:30pm -> "What NOT To Do on Video"

speech

Week 3 Informative Speaking (Module 2) Quiz 2

Informative Speaking, part 2 Participate in FlipGrid

Week 4 Organizing & Outlining (Module 4) Quiz 4, Participate in FlipGrid

Intros & Conclusions (Module 6) Quiz 6

Week 5 Speech #1

"What Society Needs"

Week 6 Mid-Term Review Over Modules 1-6

Mid-Term Exam

Weekend Homework Brene Brown Speech Analysis

Week 7 Audience Analysis (Module 9) Quiz 9

Begin Drafts of Speech #2 Outline Participate in FlipGrid

Week 8 Using Language Well (Module 12) Quiz 12, Participate in FlipGrid

Visual Aids (Module 7) Quiz 7

Week 9 Speech #2

"Memory of a Photograph"

Weekend Homework Amy Cuddy Speech Analysis

Week 10 Supporting Your Ideas (Module 11) Quiz 11, Participate in FlipGrid

Critical Thinking & Reasoning (Module 8)

Quiz 8

Week 11 Persuasive Speaking (Module 10) Quiz 10

Persuasive Speaking, part 2 Participate in FlipGrid

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Week 12 Speaking with Confidence (Module 14) Quiz 14

Speech #3 Bibliographies Due Participate in FlipGrid

Week 13 Speech #3

Question of Local Policy using MMS

Fall Holiday 11/23 - 11/27

Week 14 Final Exam Review Extra Credit Assignment is DUE

Final Exam either Dec 1st, 2nd, or 3rd

XV. COURSE CONTRACT

Student Acknowledgement:

BY COMPLETING THE SYLLABUS QUIZ IN THE Welcome Unit, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED [VIA BLACKBOARD & EMAIL] AND HAVE READ THIS SYLLABUS FOR THE COURSE SPCH 1315, INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING. YOU FURTHERMORE ACKNOWLEDGE BY COMPLETING SAID QUIZ THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT IS IT YOUR REPSONSIBILITY TO ABIDE BY THE GUIDELINES PRESENTED THEREIN, AND THAT FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE REFLECTED IN YOUR GRADES.