Course Syllabus

Hey Students!

Here is a digital copy of the syllabus.

 

FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH: COM-1000-09 FALL 2016 Room: 6402 T/TH 9:35AM -11AM 3 credit hours

 

 

Professor: James Ryan Caldwell                            Email: jcaldwell2@sfc.edu

Office: 7314

Office Hours: By Appointment

 

Required Text:  Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking. (12th Edition). 

New York:  McGraw Hill, 2015.

 

COURSE SYLLABUS

(Syllabus is subject to change. When the syllabus changes I will notify you and post the updated syllabus on CANVAS. We will always be on the same page.)

 

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION:

 This course is an introduction teaching basic diction, and the practice of extemporaneous speaking.  COM 1000 is organized according to purpose, such as speaking to persuade, inform, or entertain.  Emphasis is placed on ethics and critical thinking.

 

MISSION OF THE ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE CORE CIRRICULUM:

 The core curriculum is the academic cornerstone of St. Francis College and affirms its mission to graduate educated, well-rounded students to enter and participate in a changing and culturally diverse world.  As an integrated program of studies, it focuses on developing the skills expected of a liberally educated person. It provides students with a broadly based foundation outside their areas of specialization, an understanding of how various disciplines intersect and differ, and assistance in cultivating a disposition for lifelong learning.

 

 GOALS OF THE ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE CORE COURSES:

• Students will write, speak, and listen more effectively.

• Students will understand structures and possibilities of the human experience through the study of the social sciences, fine arts, and humanities.

• Students will understand and apply the fundamental processes, methods, and reasoning of mathematics and science.

• Students will collect and interpret information using appropriate research technology.

• Students will become more engaged with the Franciscan traditions of service, social justice, stewardship for the environment and personal responsibility.

 

OBJECTIVES OF FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH:

(By completing this course, our goals are that…)

• Students will be able to deliver an extemporaneous speech that is clearly organized using ideas that are developed and supported to achieve a purpose, including informational and persuasive methods.
  

• Students will be aware of the importance of audience-centeredness: choosing and narrowing a topic appropriately for the audience and occasion.
  
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role ethics plays in public speaking.
  
• Students will understand the importance of coherence and eloquence in delivery.  They will use language that is vivid, and enhances clarity.
  
• Students will develop their listening and critical thinking skills; and exhibit a fundamental understanding of classical rhetorical principles.
  
• Students will develop confidence in public speaking.

 

COLLEGE POLICIES

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to attend every class session. Students absent more than 10 percent of the total meetings of a course are subject to a grade of F in that course. Students who do not attend any portion of a course or whose last date of attendance is before the withdrawal date, and who have not submitted an official withdrawal form, may receive an X instead; however, the X will have the same computational effect as an F. (See St. Francis grading policies.) Additionally, students who have accrued five hours of consecutive absences are reported to the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students.

TARDINESS

If you arrive late I will not stop the class to mark you present. If you are late to class it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to come to me to make sure I have recorded you as present.

DISABILITY STATEMENT

St. Francis College is committed to a policy of ensuring that no individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in college programs or activities due to his or her disability. The college has resources and procedures in place to ensure that students with disabilities have full access to our academic programs and facilities. Any student interested in obtaining academic accommodations should contact Dr. Jose Rodriguez, Dean of Students (718) 489-5315 or jrodriguez2300@sfc.edu.

 

STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY (the following from Dr. Scott Weiss) PLAGIARISM

 

Deliberate plagiarism is a grave violation of the scholastic ethics and collective confidence expressed in the “St. Francis College Code of Academic Integrity”.

“Academic integrity (honesty) entails being truthful to oneself and to the larger College community, being original in thought and expression, and attributing honestly ideas and words taken from other sources.”

Plagiarism, defined in The Cord, the official student handbook of the college,

“(…) includes presenting as one’s work the work of someone else without properly acknowledging the source (in work, for example, for specific class assignments or for submissions to campus publications). Plagiarism is theft: using the words and ideas of another person as if they were one’s own. Exact copying should be enclosed in quotation marks and be appropriately documented in footnotes or endnotes that indicate the source of the quotation. Paraphrasing, when the basic sentence structure, phraseology, and unique language remain the same, is also plagiarism. When in doubt about these matters, it is the student’s responsibility to seek guidance from the instructor of the course prior to submitting material for course credit.”

Students who are found mindfully plagiarizing are subject to a hearing before the “Academic Integrity Committee” with disciplinary action ranging from a failing grade for the assignment to academic dismissal from the college, depending on the particular nature of the transgression and the student’s accompanying academic record.

More information on plagiarism, how to avoid it and ways in which to improve your speaking and paper writing skills such as the proper citing of sources can be found at the College Library and at The Academic Resource Center.

 

 

COURSE POLICIES

USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Students must have access to CANVAS and a working email account associated with it. As much classroom business as possible will be conducted electronically rather than on paper. BE SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO USE CANVAS AND HAVE ACCESS WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS. Students may contact STS in room 4211 by calling (718) 489-5454 or emailing support services at helpdesk@stfranciscollege.edu for answers to questions or help with their general technology needs.

CELLPHONE AND LAPTOP POLICY

This is a Public Speaking and Communications class! There will be no reason whatsoever to have a laptop out in class. We will be focusing on communication between humans, not computers. Some assignments may require you to view speeches given by popular figures. This will be done via a link that I give you in advance and will be done at home. 

Cell phones are not allowed to be on in class! Your phone will not ring, sing, vibrate, beep, or tweet. If you have a special situation and need to have communication with the outside world, please contact me before the start of class. 

 

STUDENT OBLIGATIONS:

• Be present, respectful and supportive of your fellow students.
• Positively contribute to class discussions and activities.

• Do not enter the classroom while a speaker is delivering a speech.
• Do not leave the classroom while a speaker is delivering a speech.
• Do not create any disturbances during any presentations.
• If you enter late, Do Not interrupt the class, kindly take your seat and join the discussion.
• Do NOT use a cell phone, laptop or any other piece of technology while presentations are being given.
• ABSOUTELY NO WEARING OF HATS or CHEWING OF GUM WHILE PRESENTING AT ANY TIME!
• NO EATING AT ANY TIME IN CLASS!

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS

 

Introduction speech                                    10%   

Demonstrative speech                                10%

Informative Speech                                     20%                           

Persuasive Speech                                      20%

Compare/Contrast Speech Essay               10%

Final Exam                                                   10%               

Readings, Participation, & Quizzes                20%

 

TEXTBOOK READINGS & QUIZZES

(20 %)

Approximately every week, readings from the textbook are required.  They may be from one to three chapters’ worth of reading but not so much that you can’t retain. 

Quizzes will be given when I find necessary, usually after we have completed each section.  They will be linked directly to the textbook readings including vocabulary terms, multiple choice, true/false and short answer questions.

 

(Practice speeches)

INTRODUCTION SPEECH AND DEMONSTRATIVE SPEECH

 (10 % each)

 

The Introduction speech will be the first time you will be in front of the class. It will be approximately 2 minutes long. You will collect information from a classmate (during class) and prepare main points and a layout of how this extemporaneous speech will be delivered.  A form will be distributed to follow along and to be turned in the day of the presentation. 

The Demonstrative speech is a 5 minute speech given to demonstrate a specific skill.  Most times this includes a physical activity while describing in detail to an audience the steps needed to complete a task or to acquire a skill.  As this is mainly a psychophysical act, rehearsing and preparation is essential for your speech and demonstration to flow smoothly.  (i.e. if demonstrating how to learn/perform an exercise or skill, the audience must be informed and shown each step of the process with as much detail as possible.  The “step by step” is what is being looked for.)

 

*NO OUTLINE, BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFLECTION REQUIRED FOR THESE SPEECHES*

­THESE 2 “PRACTICE” SPEECH ASSIGNMENTS MAY NOT BE MADE UP AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER. IF YOU DO NOT PRESENT ON THE DAY YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO GO, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN “F” ON THAT PARTICULAR PRESENTATION!

 

4 STEP SPEECHMAKING PROCESS

(This full process is applicable to the Informative and Persuasive speeches listed below)

 

1) SPEECH TOPIC PROPOSAL (approx. 10%)

A completed form (to be distributed) which clearly states your specific topic and intention on what you would like the audience to gain from your presentation.   This will also include your preliminary sources according to the bibliography requirements for that specific speech.

 

2) OUTLINE (approx. 30%)

Correctly formatted, double spaced, uploaded to CANVAS, printed for the Professor.

 

3) SPEECH (approx. 40%)

Extemporaneously spoken presentation within the required time frame.

 

4) REFLECTION ESSAY (approx. 20%)

A short, 250-word double spaced reaction essay on the speaker’s process and presentation self-evaluation/analysis.  To be turned in the class after the presentation has been given.

 

INFORMATIVE SPEECH

(20 %)

This is a 5-7 minute speech given to relay information to a given audience about a subject known to you.  A variety of subjects can be chosen as long as the proper research and preparation is completed.  It will be extremely clear to an audience if the orator is not prepared and does not know his/her subject matter.  The information must be organized and presented in clear and concise language. 

An outline in the correct format must be submitted on CANVAS by the assigned date and a physical copy must me turned in on the day you deliver your speech.  It will be assessed along with the speech itself and the Q & A session with the class afterwards.

A short 250-word reflection will be due the class following your presentation.  This essay is the 4^th component of the speechmaking process (proposal, outline, speech, reflection).  It is an immediate/direct response to how you felt the presentation went.  What went well? What could you have done to change the presentation/your delivery?

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY REQUIREMENTS:

1 book source (physical text or e-book) + 2 credible periodicals (newspaper, magazine, medical or scholastic journal)

 You may include any other additional sources such as websites etc.…ONLY after you have met the minimum requirements listed above

 

PERSUASIVE SPEECH

 (20 %) 

This 5-7 minute speech focuses on argument and reasoning.  It should be designed to persuade an audience for or against a question or thesis.  Whether you are for or against your choice topic, sufficient argument and evidence must be presented for your side.  If you present a specific claim, you must be able to support it to the fullest extent.

An outline in the correct format must be submitted on CANVAS by the assigned date and a physical copy must me turned in on the day you deliver your speech.  It will be assessed along with the speech itself and the Q & A session with the class afterwards.

A short 250-word reflection will be due the class following your presentation.  This essay is the 4^th component of the speechmaking process (proposal, outline, speech, reflection).  It is an immediate/direct response to how you felt the presentation went.  What went well? What could you have done to change the presentation/your delivery?

 

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY REQUIREMENTS:

 2 book sources (physical text or e-book) + 3 credible periodicals (newspaper, magazine, medical or scholastic journal)

You may include any other additional sources such as websites etc.…ONLY after you have met the minimum requirements listed above.

 

GREAT SPEECH VIEWING & SHORT RESPONSE ESSAY

(10 %)

Approximately 75% through the term, and in between our two major speeches (Informative and Persuasive), we will explore a series of videos of great speeches.  These speeches may be from famous public speakers and may be familiar to you.  Some may be more obscure and not as “famous”, but chosen for specific reason.  We will view these speeches in class and a short reflection/response/compare/contrast essay will be started in class and a “final draft” due date will be set.

 

FINAL EXAM

(10%)

A final exam will be given at the end of the semester. The exam questions will be linked directly to the textbook readings including vocabulary terms, multiple choice, true/false and short answer questions.

 

 

MAKEUP SPEECHES

If for any reason (illness, slept late, etc.…) you do not come to class having uploaded your outline to CANVAS (and acceptable to me) or with your PRINTED outline in hand and prepared to go, you automatically will not be able to present until the end of the semester (time permitting).  With that said, if this happens, the HIGHEST grade you are able to receive on a makeup speech is a “C+”

MAKEUP SPEECHES ARE NOT A GUARANTEE!   YOU ARE TAKING A BIG RISK AS THERE IS NO PROMISE WE WILL HAVE TIME TO EVEN GET TO MAKEUP SPEECHES.  During previous semesters, so many makeup speeches had to be completed at the end, that we simply ran out of time and numerous students received an “F”. DO NOT DO THAT TO YOURSELVES!  Come prepared!

The ONLY speeches allowed to be made up at the end of the semester are the Informative & Persuasive. NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

SEMESTER SCHEDULE

 **Please note, this schedule may be altered and adjusted during the semester according to the needs of the class. I will give you more than ample time and notification to complete assignments should there be a change**

This class will be taught and followed in UNITS!

 

Unit 1 – Intro to the SPE 100 course, Introduction speech presentations

& Speaking notes unit

“Chapter 1 – Speaking in Public”

Chapter 4 – Giving Your First Speech

Chapter 5 – Selecting a Topic and a Purpose

 

Unit 2 – Outlining & Extemporaneous speaking unit + Demonstration speech presentations

Chapter 7 – Gathering Materials

Chapter 8 – Supporting Your Ideas

Chapter 15 – Speaking to Inform

 

Unit 3 – Informative speech presentations

Chapter 11 – Outlining the Speech

Chapter 9 – Organizing the Body of the Speech

Chapter 10 – Beginning and Ending the Speech

 

Unit 4 – “Great speeches” viewing and essays

Chapter 16 – Speaking to Persuade

Chapter 17 – Methods of Persuasion

 

Unit 5 – Persuasive speech presentations

 

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

 

Sep 7                          Classes Begin - Fall 2016

 

Sep 13                       Last day to add

 

Sep 14                       Mark of "W" begins for course withdrawals

 

Oct 4                          Last day to file Pass-Fail Option

 

Oct 10

Columbus Day          No classes; Library and administrative offices closed

 

Oct 21                        Midterm grades due via Web Advisor by 4:00pm

 

Nov 10                       Last day to drop with grade of "W"

 

Nov 23 - 27               Thanksgiving Recess Begins - No classes; Library and administrative offices closed

 

Dec 12                       Last Day of Classes - Fall 2016

 

Dec 13                       Study Day

 

Dec 14                       Final Examinations Begin

 

Dec 15-20                 Final Exams

 

Dec 23                       Final grades due

 

Semester Overview (subject to change!)

 

Thursday, Sept. 8	Class Overview/Syllabus
Tuesday, Sept. 13	Class Overview/Syllabus Class Introduction
Thursday, Sept. 15	MANDATORY ATTENDANCE Interviews for Introductory Speech
Tuesday, Sept. 20	Lecture Chapter 4 & 5
Thursday, Sept. 22	Lecture Chapter 4 & 5
Tuesday, Sept. 27	Introductory Speeches
Thursday, Sept. 29	Introductory Speeches Quiz #1 Demonstrative Speech Assignment
Tuesday, Oct. 4	Lecture Chapter 7
Thursday, Oct. 6	Lecture Chapter 7 & 8
Tuesday, Oct. 11	Lecture Chapter 8 & 15
Thursday, Oct. 13	Lecture Chapter 15
Tuesday, Oct. 18	Demonstrative Speeches
Thursday, Oct. 20	Demonstrative Speeches Quiz #2
Tuesday, Oct. 25	Lecture Chapter 11
Thursday, Oct. 27	Lecture Chapter 12 & 9
Tuesday, Nov. 1	Lecture Chapter 9 & 10
Thursday, Nov. 3	Lecture Chapter 10
Tuesday, Nov. 8	Informative Speeches
Thursday, Nov. 10	Informative Speeches
Tuesday, Nov. 15	Informative Speeches Quiz #3 Persuasive Speech Assignment Great Speech Assignment
Thursday, Nov. 17	Lecture Chapter 16
Tuesday, Nov. 22	Lecture Chapter 16 & 17
Thursday, Nov. 24	THANKSGIVING
Tuesday, Nov. 29	Lecture Chapter 17
Thursday, Dec. 1	Persuasive Speeches
Tuesday, Dec. 6	Persuasive Speeches
Thursday, Dec. 8	Persuasive Speeches Quiz #4