Summer 2002
Instructor: Dr. B. Edwards
Office: M217
Office Phone: 748-3234
Office Hours: Arranged
COURSE SYLLABUS
SPCH 1555: Public Speaking
Required Text: The Art of Public Speaking—Media Enhanced Edition, 7th edition, by Stephen E. Lucas (2001). ISBN # 0-07-250419-6
Course Description:
Public Speaking is a course that provides practical experience for those who want to develop or to improve their ability to speak in front of groups. Course assignments emphasize informative and persuasive speeches but include exercises for impromptu, manuscript, and special occasion speeches. The fundamentals of organization, development, delivery, and audience analysis are stressed. (3 semester credits)
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. explain the communication process
2. identify and avoid the causes of communication failures
3. employ techniques of listening to and interpreting oral messages that enable the student to overcome some communication barriers.
4. find, select, and organize the best available data on topics that concern him or her
5. find the weaknesses and strengths in the way other speakers reason from supporting material to prove a point or explain an idea
6. speak with fluency and accuracy, and directness whether to small or large groups
7. manage language orally so that ideas are stated clearly and efficiently.
Recommended Supplies:
1 pkg. of white note cards (4 x 6 or larger recommended)
1 blank videotape (for taping your speeches)
Evaluation and Grading:
Final grades will be calculated on total points earned throughout the semester with 90% being an A, 80% a B, 70% a C, and 60% a D.
Tentative Speaking Assignments and Examinations:
1. Introductory speech (25 pts.) -- 2 minutes
2. Demonstrative speech (50 pts) -- 5 minutes
3. Test 1: Chapters 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 13 (approximately 70 pts.)
4. Informative speech (50 pts.) -- 5 minutes
5. Test 2: Chapters 5, 6, 7, 10, 14 (approximately 70 pts.)
6. Impromptu speech (25 pts.) -- 2 minutes (if time permits)
7. Oral Interpretation (25 pts.) -- 2-4 minutes (if time permits)
8. Persuasive speech (50 pts.) -- 5 minutes
9. Test 3: Chapters 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 (approximately 70 pts.)
10. Extra Credit Opportunities: Theatre critiques, evaluation of public speakers (5-10 extra credit points per event with prior approval of instructor)
Speeches are to be delivered extemporaneously; that is, they are to be prepared before hand (an outline submitted on the day of the speech will indicate the quality of preparation). The actual working of the speech, although it is practiced, is determined during the speech itself. PLEASE do not memorize you speech!
Speeches must be delivered when scheduled. If you choose not to deliver your speech at the scheduled time, your mark will be reduced by one whole letter grade. Speeches missed, regardless of cause, will be made up if and when time permits in order for the student to receive a grade in the course.
All speeches that are valued at 50 points will be videotaped. It is your responsibility to view that tape and to hand in a critique written in the third person. No grade will be given until the critique is handed in. You will have one week from the day of the speech until the tape is erase.
Attendance:
The success of this class depends not only upon your regular attendance, but also upon your active participation. To this end, you will be awarded points for each session attended and in which you participated (100 possible points for attendance).
Note: Individuals with any disability, either permanent or temporary, which may affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester. Adaptation of methods, testing procedures, auxiliary aids, and guidance may be necessary to provide equitable participation. Please feel free to see me if you need more information. In addition, if you have not consulted with the Disabilities Director, you are encouraged to do so. Additional assistance for this class is available in the Learning Center. Contact the Leaning Center Coordinator for a schedule of tutors or a counselor for more information and assistance with academic success and services. Please try to make maximum use of all the resources available to you at Mesabi Range College. Your success is important!
