Spring 2009

The course is designed to enhance the development of critical thinking skills and their application to verbal and nonverbal interaction in interpersonal and public communication contexts. 

Course Philosophy:

Fundamentals of Speech Communication is required by the University because we believe that it will help you learn to be more confident, more articulate, and a more intelligent consumer of information.  Through this course, we hope to promote a greater understanding of the communication process in both public and private settings.  Although we have all been communicating since birth, there is always room for improvement with respect to our understanding of communication and our communication skills.

Course Objectives:

            At the end of this course, you should be able to:

1.         recognize communication as a transactional process.

2.         demonstrate critical thinking in the production and evaluation of communication events.

3.         produce organized informative and persuasive presentations.

4.         develop effective extemporaneous speaking skills through the use of eye contact, varied vocal cues and gestures.

Expectations & Policies:

1.         You are each expected to demonstrate “leadership” qualities throughout this course.  Leadership qualities include such behaviors as participating in class discussion, completing assignments in a timely manner, reading the assigned chapters, and attending class consistently. 

2.         In order for this class to be successful, your attendance and participation are imperative.  If you have some crisis or difficulty in which you are prohibited from meeting these expectations, then you are expected to inform me so we can make arrangements.

3.         No makeup work will be given.  Outlines and assignments are due on the assigned dates.  However, I realize that some circumstances occur that are beyond our control.  In those instances, I reserve the right to determine the appropriate acceptance of makeup work or late work contingent upon the individual circumstance. 

4.         Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the College’s Honor Code concerning academic dishonesty.  Please note that academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, and most importantly, plagiarism.  Cheating simply involves the copying of work from another student on assignments and exams.  Plagiarism deals with the submission of other people’s words and thoughts as your own work.

5.         NO USE OF CELL PHONES during class.  Please turn them on silent before entering the classroom. 

6.         SLEEPING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. In order to gather as much information from this class as possible, you need to be alert at all times. 

7.         Special Accommodations: It is your responsibility as the student to know and initiate the appropriate steps to receive special accommodations, as described at http://www.marshall.edu/disabled.

8.         ASSIGNMENTS: Must be typed on white paper, black ink, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1” margins.  Failure to comply with this policy will result in an automatic 0. 

Grading Scale:

            A= 100%-90% (650 pts)            C=79%-70% (510 pts)               F=59%-below

B=89%-80% (580 pts)               D=69%-60% (440 pts)

Written Assignments:

            Informative Speech Proposal                  30 points

            Critical Listening                                   20 points

            Supporting A Claim                               25 points

            Informative Outline                                50 points

            Informative Self-Evaluation                    15 points

            Persuasive Speech Proposal                   30 points

            Creating An Argument                          25 points

            Persuasive Outline                                 50 points                                  

            Persuasive Self-Evaluation                     15 points

                                                                                                                        260 points

Speeches:        

            Introductory Speech                              20 points

            Informative Speech                               75 points          

            Persuasive Speech                                100 points

            Impromptu Speech                                25 points

            Ceremonial Speech                                25 points

                                                                                                                        245 points

Exams:            

            Unit Exams (2)                                      120 points

            Final Exam                                            100 points                                 220 points

                                                                        725 points

Attendance Policy:

As stated above, attendance is necessary in order to assure the individual success of this course.  However, one may be allotted three (3) unexcused or excused absences.  Use them wisely.  Any subsequent absence will result in a 10% reduction in the student’s final grade. Attendance is mandatory on the days of oral presentation and exams.  Failure to attend class on these days will result in a “0" on the assignment and/or exam. 

Videotaping Policy:

One of the most effective ways of improving your speaking competencies is to review your performance on videotape.  Each student is required to purchase a blank mini DVD (DVD + RW type) to be used for recording his or her informative and persuasive speeches.  While many students tend to find this exercise produces some anxiety, please know that only you, the student, will be reviewing this DVD.