CMM 104H

Honors Communication

COURSE SYLLABUS OUTLINE

Course Title and Number:                   Honors in Speech Communication, CMM 104H

                Semester and Year:                              Fall, 2006;    SH 227  9:30 am

Text Information: 

Required Text(s):                  Zarefsky, David. Public Speaking: Strategies for Success.  Boston:  Allyn & Bacon, 4^th Edition; 2005

                                                                Bookwalter, R.B. Fundamentals of Communication Student Workbook, Tenth Edition. 2006.

                                Additional Aids:  You will need to have a videotape for recording your speeches.  Internet video guide (packaged with text)

*Computer Requirements:  Internet Searches; E-mail account;

Instructor:            Name:                                     Dr. Bob Edmunds

                                Office:                                    SH 249

                                Office Hours:                        T  9:00-9:30 a.m.; 11:00-11:30 and 1:30-3:00 p.m. M  9:30-11:30

                                                                                Other hours by appointment

                                Phone/Email:                         Office: 696-2805; Home: 525-2030                                                                                                                EDMUNDS@MARSHALL.EDU; rfedmunds@aol.com

Course Description; Credits; Prerequisites:

                An accelerated course for selected first year and second year students in fundamentals of communication, concepts and skills in verbal/nonverbal communication and listening.(Substitute for CMM 103 or 305; PR: ACT 26)

Desired Learner Outcomes/Objectives:

After completing Communication Studies 104H, students will be able to:

                1.  Recognize public speaking as a transactional process by,

                                a. determining audience orientation toward the topic

                                b. identifying supporting material most relevant to the audience

                                c. recognizing and adjusting nonverbal audience feedback,

2.  Demonstrate critical thinking in the production and evaluation of oral presentations by

                                a.  differentiating among various types of evidence

                                b.  extrapolating valid claims from evidence

                                c.  identifying and producing factual, value, predictive and policy claims

                                d.  identifying the types of reasoning that link evidence to claims

                                e.  identifying limitations to evidence

                                f.  identifying weaknesses in argument and reasoning

                                g.  producing valid arguments

                3.  Produce organized informative and persuasive presentations by

                                a.  demonstrating the ability to capture audience attention

                                b.  stating the thesis/preview of oral remarks

                                c.  using signposts, transitions, and internal previews/summaries to emphasize speech structure

                                d.  concluding presentations with a summary of main ideas

                4.  Demonstrate effective extemporaneous speaking skills, including

                                a.  maintaining eye contact with the audience

                                b.  using gestures which complement the verbal message

                                c.  speaking with varied vocal cues.

Evaluation/Measurement of Learner Outcomes:

In order to measure the above outcomes we will do the following activities (including, but not limited to):

1.             Class lecture/discussion activities in which we will learn about the basic perspectives in communication;

2.             Examine the basic elements of communication including language and nonverbal communication, meaning and thinking, defining and participating in a group communication exercise, critical thinking exercises, analyzing and synthesizing the elements of public communication;

                3.             Prepare and deliver a variety of oral presentations;

                4.             Present oral presentations using an extemporaneous style of delivery.

Assessment of Learner Outcomes:

1.             You will have three examinations covering the content of the course.  Exams 1 & 2 will contain multiple guess and short answer type questions, the final examination will be comprehensive and  multiple response only;

2.             You will prepare and deliver an introductory speech;

3.             You will prepare and deliver 2 one-point speeches with appropriate outlines;

4.             You will prepare and deliver an informative speech with appropriate outline;

5.             You will prepare and deliver a persuasive speech with appropriate outline;

6.             You will prepare and deliver a ceremonial speech.

7.             You will write analyses of speeches both inside and outside of class;

8.             You will deliver an impromptu speech.

Grading Policy:

                Grades will be determined using the point system:

                                Examinations         (60,60,100)                                             220 points

                                Speeches               (20,75,100,25,25)                                   245 points

                                Written Work (see workbook)                                           230 points

                To receive an "A" you must accumulate at least 90% of the total points for the course.

                To receive a "B" you must accumulate 80-89% of the total points for the course.

                To receive a "C" you must accumulate 70-79% of the total points for the course.

                To receive a "D" you must accumulate 60-69% of the total points for the course.

                If you do not accumulate at least 60% of the total points for the course you will not successfully complete the course.  Please check the section in your workbook (pp. 4-6) for a copy.

Assessment Policy:           

                Marshall University regularly participates in assessment activities to determine various student competencies.  You may be asked to participate in such a study.  Please remember that these activities are necessary and should be taken seriously.

Plagiarism Policy: See Workbook p. 2

Videotaping Policy: See Workbook p. 2

Social Justice Policy: 

I have made a commitment to social justice. No one will be discriminated against on the bases of race, sex, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, social class, abilities, or differing viewpoints. Each student will be viewed as a valuable part of this class

Students with Disabilities: 

Students with disabilities please let me know as soon as possible.  Students in the H.E.L.P. program let me know of your particular needs early on.

Inclement Weather Policy:

We will follow the normal MU rules for inclement weather.  A 2 hour delay means that this class will begin at 10:00.   So please be in class.  Cancelled classes will not be made up.

Policy statement (due dates, make-ups) on major projects and examinations and other assignments:

                Due dates for major assignments are listed in the accompanying daily schedule, please note them.  We will attempt to abide as closely as possible to this schedule.  If you must miss a class, please leave me a phone message at 696-2805 as soon as possible.  If you must miss a major assignment, some make-ups can be made, but please check with me prior to your missing the assignment so that I might make schedule adjustments.  If you must miss because of a University sponsored function, please make sure that your instructor notifies the University Faculty Newsletter.  In these cases, make-ups should be scheduled prior to the event if possible.  All written assignments should be sent electronically (via e-mail) to me at rfedmunds@aol.com.  Please keep a file of these in case one gets lost.  I will send an acknowledgment that I have received your e-mail successfully.

Attendance Policy:

                Please see your workbook, page 2 for the absence policy.  Please see the college catalogue p. 126 for a further explanation of attendance regulations and excused absence policy.

*Course Philosophy and Themes to be developed:

                Reasoned pubic discourse continues to be the raison d’etre.  In an information age both oral and written communication are essential skills and tools for effective citizenship.  The purpose of this class and its philosophical underpinnings will be to enhance those oral communication skills you now possess.  It will be up to you to choose worthy topics, develop a critical thinking approach and present effective oral presentations.  As well, this year is an election year with the persuasive messages of candidates flying through the air.  We will investigate the persuasive messages of some of the candidates and apply our critical rhetorical skills to examine these messages.

DAILY SCHEDULE

FALL, 2006