CMM 103 (Sec 130): Fundamentals of Speech Communication Syllabus

Fall 2009

Wednesday 6:30-9:00

Smith Hall RM 227

 

Instructor:  Sharon Webb                                                              Office #:  Smith Hall 254E 

 E-mail:  webb88@marshall.edu                                           Office Phone #:  (304) 696-2812

                                                                                                Office Hours:  By appointment

 

Required Books and Materials:

 

Text:   Zarefsky, D. (2008). Public Speaking Strategies for Success. (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

 

Workbook: Bookwalter, R.B. (2007). Fundamentals of Speech Communication. (11th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

 

Mini DVD:  A blank mini DVD + RW will be required for videotaping speeches.

 

Course Description:  This 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.

 

Credit Hours:  3

 

Prerequisites or Co-requisites: None

 

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 public as well as private settings.  Although we have all been communicating since birth, each of us could improve 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.

 

Attendance Policy:  Attendance is essential for this course.  There is only one absence allowed either excused or unexcused.  Five points will be deducted after each class day missed passed the allotted one day.  However, attendance is mandatory for test days and speech days unless you have a University excused absence.  Five points will be deducted on speech days (even if it is not your speech day) if not present. 

Marshal University Excused Absence Policy:  If you miss class when any assignment is due or you miss more than the allotted one absence (if you want to avoid the point deduction from your total grade) you must get a university excused absence.  You can find information about the MU excused absence policy at http://www.marshall.edu/student-affairs/absence.htm.  Once you have read the information and printed off and completed the form, then submit it to the Dean of Student Affairs with appropriate documentation. 

 

Grading Policy:  All assignments need to be turned in on the day they are due to receive full credit. If you are having printer problems, you can e-mail me your assignment before class, but you will need to bring a printed copy to me the next class.  There are computers/printers in the library as well as in other buildings on campus.  Your printer not working is not an excuse for not turning in an assignment.  If you do not have your assignment the day it is due you will not get credit for it. 

 

Grading Scale:

            A= 100%-90% (652 pts)              D=69%-60% (435-506 pts)       

            B=89%-80% (580-651 pts)          F=59% (434-0 pts)

            C=79%-70% (507-579 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

 

Assignments:  All assignments must be typed.

 

Plagiarism Policy:  All assignments, written and oral, must be your own work.  Information and ideas used from other sources must be acknowledged in some way.  Submitting others’ work as your own will result in a failing grade for the assignment and may lead to more severe penalties.  The Department of Communication Studies, the College of Liberal Arts, and the University consider plagiarism, in any form, a very serious matter. Please visit the link provided to find out more information about Marshall University’s plagiarism policy: http://www.marshall.edu/muonline/Academic_Dishonesty_Policy.pdf

 

Makeup Work:  Assignments can only be made up with a University excused absence.   

 

Cell phones:  All cell phones need to be turned off or turned to silent prior to the beginning of class.  Also, cell phones should never be answered in class.  If there is an emergency and you need to use or answer your phone notify me before class.  Answering your cell phone or sending text messages in class will result in being asked to leave the class and take an absence for the day.  If there is a reoccurring problem further action will be taken if necessary.   

 

 Policy for Students with Disabilities: Marshall University is committed to equal opportunity in education for all students, including those with physical, learning and psychological disabilities.  University policy states that it is the responsibility of students with disabilities to contact the Office of Disabled Student Services (DSS) in Prichard Hall 117, phone 304 696-2271 to provide documentation of their disability.  Following this, the DSS Coordinator will send a letter to each of the student’s instructors outlining the academic accommodation he/she will need to ensure equality in classroom experiences, outside assignment, testing and grading.  The instructor and student will meet to discuss how the accommodation(s) requested will be provided.  For more information, please visit http://www.marshall.edu/disabled or contact Disabled Student Services Office at Prichard Hall 11, phone 304-696-2271.

Inclement Weather Policy:  Please go to the link provided http://www.marshall.edu/www.

policy/policy 07.html for information regarding this policy.

 

University Computing Services Acceptable Use Policy:  Please go to the link provided http://www.marshall.edu/ucs/CS/accptuse.asp for information regarding this policy.

 

Non-discrimination Policy:  Refer to Marshall University undergraduate catalog for more information.

 

 

 

 

 


 

CMM 103 Night Class Proposed Schedule

Fall 2009 WEEKLY CLASSES (15)

(Activity Key:  WB  103= Student Workbook, page 105)

                               

Week 1—Aug 26               

                Introduction to Course

                Chapter 1:  Importance of Public Speaking

                Chapter 2:  Principles of Public Speaking

                               

Week 2—Sept 2

                Due:  Introductory Speeches

                Chapter 5:  Beginning the Speech

                               

Week 3—Sept 9

                NO CLASS!!!

                Read assigned chapters and write of a summary of each chapterJ.

                               

Week 4—Sept 16               

                Chapter 6:  Investigating the Topic

                Chapter 4:  Analyzing the Audience

                Chapter 3:  Critical Listening:  Strategies, skills, evaluation

                Due:  Summary of Chapters             

 

Week 5—Sept 23

                Chapter 8:    Speech Structure/Organizing Main and Supporting Ideas

                Chapter 10:  Outlining the Speech

                Chapter 14:  Informative Speaking

                Due:  Speech Proposal—Informative

 

Week 6—Sept 30

                Exam I

                Chapter 9:    Polishing the Speech:  Introductions, Conclusions, Transitions

                Chapter 12:  Presenting the Speech

                Chapter 13:  Using Visual Aids

                               

Week 7—Oct 7  

                Due:  Supporting a Claim (oral presentation)

                Chapter 11:  Achieving Style through Language

                               

Week 8—Oct 14

                Due:  Informative Speeches & Outlines (All outlines due!)      

                Everyone must be prepared to speak this day!

                               

Week 9—Oct 21

                Due:  (Cont’d if needed) Informative Speeches & Outlines

 

Week 10—Oct 28              

Exam 2:  Chapters 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14 (Omit chapter 11 for this exam)

Due:  Speech proposal--Persuasion

               

Week 11—Nov 4

                Chapter 7:    Reasoning

                Chapter 15:  Persuasive Speaking

                Chapter 16:  Special Occasion Speaking

                Due:  Creating an Argument (oral presentation)

                               

 

Week 12—Nov 11

                Due: Persuasive Speeches & Outlines (All outlines are due!)

Everyone must be prepared to speak this day!

 

Week 13—Nov 18

                Due:  (Cont’d if needed) Persuasive Speeches & Outlines

                Due:  Critical Listening Assignment

 

Week 14—Nov 25              

                Thanksgiving Break-- University Closed

 

Week 15—Dec 2

                Due:  Ceremonial Speeches

                Course Evaluations

                Exam Review

 

Week 16—Dec 9

                Final Exam (Exam is cumulative)

               

 

 

 

**This syllabus is not considered a legal document and is subject to change.