Communication 100 Course Syllabus
Learning Objectives | Participation | Exams | Speech Requirements | Written Assignments
Grades | Computer Science Majors | Special Notes
Communication Department | Communication Basic Course Homepage | Communication Web Resources
Syllabus Course Description:
Students will learn the skills and strategies necessary to prepare and deliver informative and persuasive speeches. Special consideration is given to adapting communication styles and content to diverse speakers and audiences you will encounter throughout your life. The course emphasizes how to compose meaningful and coherent messages, conduct responsible research on appropriate topics; and how to argue, develop, and polish effective presentation skills.
Course Objective/Rationale:
During the course you will be asked to stand before a group and deliver information, argue a position, present an award, introduce a guest speaker, or honor a special event. It is important that you command the audience's attention and present yourself as a credible speaker. In this course, you will be asked to present four speeches. The goal is for you to gain more confidence with communicating in public contexts.
Required Textbooks:
Lucas, S. E. (2000). The art of public speaking (7th). New York: McGraw-Hill. Bethea, L. S. (2000). A guide to public speaking: Student handbook. Carrollton, TX: Alliance Press.
GMU Communication Basic Courses Homepage: http://classweb.gmu.edu/classweb/comm/comm104/coursepage.html
In ALL COMM 100 level classes, the following objectives are involved:
1. Students will become aware of the fundamental principles of communication as they apply in a variety of situations.
2. Students will have experiences that teach self-monitoring and thus provide the basis for life-long improvement of their communication skills.
3. Students will receive reinforcement for effective written communication.
4. Students will understand the role of free speech in a democratic society.
5. Students will gain insight about the influence of culture in communication and how to cope with cultural differences when interacting with others.
In COMM 100, the following specific objectives are identified:
1. Students will learn how to construct (research, outline, and organize) public speeches for delivery to audiences.
2. Students will be able to deliver ceremonial, informative, and persuasive speeches.
3. Students will develop analytical skills and critical listening skills.
4. Students will learn how to successfully manage their apprehension about communicating in public contexts.
Course Requirements:
You are expected to participate in all classes. Instructors will provide a sign up sheet that will serve as a partial indicator that you made an effort to participate in class. Make every effort to inform your instructor if an emergency prevents you from giving a speech on an assigned date. If you are absent during your scheduled speaking time a grade of "0" will be assigned if you miss your scheduled day without a physician's verification of an absence within 24 hours. Do not be late for class. Walking into class late disrupts the presenter; be courteous. Coming to class late or leaving early will be counted as an absence for the entire class period. If you are absent/tardy for any reason, you are responsible for the material covered and any announcements made while you were gone. You are allowed a limited number of non-participation days on non-speaking days. The following is the limited number of non-participation days you are allowed: three (3 absences) for Monday/Wednesday/Friday; two (2 absences) for Tuesday/Thursday; and one (1 absence) for night and summer classes.
Two multiple-choice exams will be given. You will need to bring scantron #882 or #8000 to each exam (little green scantron forms can be found at the GMU bookstore by the checkout stand). Each exam will cover readings from the text and lectures from class.
The midterm will cover chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, and 17. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., include elements from every chapter in the book). Approximately 70 percent of the final exam will cover chapters 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 18; and approximately 30 percent of the final will be taken from the chapters covered up to the midterm.
You will be required to deliver four speeches; failure to do so will result in an " F" for your final grade.
You will be evaluated on your skill in selecting and researching a topic, organizing and delivering your speeches. You will be evaluated on the criteria on the grading sheet(s), your ability to adapt while presenting the information orally, and on your adherence to time limits. If you do not deliver your speech within the specified time frame, your grade will suffer. The penalty is 5 points for every minute a speech is over or under time, and 3 points for intervals less than 60 seconds. (See participation section for policy on missed speeches.)
All speakers must be on time! Doors close when class is scheduled to begin. All audience members must also be on time for performances (see grading sheets in final section).
*****On each day you are scheduled to perform a speech, you must turn in one typed copy of your outline and your grade sheet AND email your instructor a copy via file attachment (For example, labeled Last Name 100-010-sp2000 persuasive). The hard copy will be graded and returned to you. The file attachment will be kept in a BASIC COURSE administration file. Further, for all paper assignments, you are also required to turn in one hard copy to be returned and one file attachment. If you fail to turn in the required copy and file attachment assigned you will receive a "0" for the entire assignment.
Additionally, failure to complete all speaking assignments will result in a final course grade of "F." In short, no outline or no speech‹you will fail the course regardless of your overall average.
***** Material Turned in Late: Any speech not given on the assigned speech day will result in an automatic 50 PERCENT OFF THE SPEECH GRADE. All other material turned in late will result in a FULL GRADE TAKEN OFF (10%) FOR EVERY DAY IT IS LATE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Speech outlines: You must prepare a written outline for each speech. All written assignments are to be neatly typed, double-spaced on 8 1/2 x 11 white paper with 1-inch margins. Only typed assignments will be accepted. Incomplete sentences and mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling will adversely affect your grade.
Written paper: To gain a better understanding of the similarities, differences, and connections between oral and written communication, you will also be required to submit a 4 - 6 page research paper on the topic you select for your informative speech. (Note: you are required to turn in two copies of your informative research paper. See the paper description page for more details.)
Outside speech written critique requirements: You will critique two speeches outside the classroom setting (e.g., speaker's on campus, city council, church, House of Representatives, etc.). One evaluation must occur before you take your midterm. The second evaluation must be turned in by the last week of class. The assignment requires two written analyses and critiques (2-3 pages each, double spaced, typed) of two different live speakers. Special attention should be given to the way Lucas describes appropriate use of supporting materials, evidence, organizational structure, style, delivery, and invention [topic, type and variety of support, development of ideas, types of proof]. Support your own conclusions with quotations and use of paraphrasing from the Lucas text. Speakers can be found in the Broadside, Washington Post, local churches, city council, etc. Finally, have a classmate proof your paper before the final draft is done (see detailed criteria sheets in final section).
Research requirement: Participation includes activities such as coding data, participating in surveys, etc. It is your responsibility to check the sign-up board regularly for upcoming research projects. The sign-up board is located in the adjunct instructor office 206 Thompson Hall.
You will be graded in this class based on the number of points you earn for each exam, speech, and written assignment as well as your class participation. The total number of points available for the semester is 1000. Keep track of your scores on the Student's Record of Grades form. At semester's end, add up your points and use the chart provided below (or in your handbook).
GMU adopted the plus/minus system in 1998. If you have any questions concerning GMU grading policies call the Assistant Registrar for academic records 703-993-2462 or the academic records staff 703-993-2435.
A 93-100 (930-1000)
A- 90-92 (900-929)
B+ 87-89 (870-899)
B 83-86 (830-869) B- 80-82 (800-829)
C+ 77-79 (770-799)
C 70-76 (700-769)
D 60-69 (600-699)
F 59 or less (590 or less)
Student notification of grades:
Grade reports are not automatically mailed to students at the end of the term. Instead, students may access their grades by calling 4GMU (703-993-4468) or by checking http://webGMU.gmu.edu for the grade report. The grade reports will be updated nightly.
Posting grades publicly:
The posting of student grades by student name or ID number---at any time, in any format---is not allowed at GMU. This policy has been in effect since May 1990 to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended. *NOTE: It is your responsibility to record your grades for this class. Do not expect your instructor to subtotal your grades for you during the course or at the conclusion of the semester.
For Computer Science majors only:
The computer science major requires that all assignments and speeches in the presenting with technology class be specifically related to your major. It is your responsibility to accomplish this task.
Presentation Assignments
This course emphasizes student choice and focus in learning different presentation skills. There are four general areas of presentations, and students choose which assignment they would like to complete under each area. Students may vary across all four different areas if they want to gain a variety of experiences, or they may concentrate up to a maximum of three presentations in one area.
FOCUS AREAS:
A CORPORATE perspective: focus on sales, products, services, management. May develop a corporate mission, extol an investment opportunity, or give an assigned management report. General emphasis on information and persuasion within a corporate environment. May specify company size, industry type, and context. Groups might present assigned task force reports, or present vision statements for an annual division meeting.
A TECHNICAL perspective: focus on conveying technical information for a broader audience. May review projects, offer instructions, describe a technical process, make a group report. Might review compare, and recommend software, introduce a new division head, prepare an operations overview speech for visiting officials. Groups might present a symposium on a technical social or environmental issue, or a forum on a set of technical tools in use by an organization.
A SOCIAL perspective: reflects involvement and activism on behalf of social issues. Might address a regulatory authority, testify as an expert at a hearing, offer a short presentation for an open community meeting. Could conduct a rally speech, offer a critical issue development, provide opening comments for a debate, or introduce an important speaker on a topic. Groups might engage in a debate, or feature a set of panelists for a C-SPAN program.
A PERSONAL perspective: addresses individual choices, and speaking from personal experience or knowledge to influence life choices. Might address individual health habits, offer a stress management seminar, or provide a personal narrative of a learning experience. May inform about a hobby or an interest, develop a computer lesson for a child, seek a lifestyle reevaluation. Groups might provide a thematic set of speeches integrating personal experiences in making presentations for a Community Center program.
Computer Presentations
All computer presentations must:
1) Be 8 to 10 minutes long.
2) Be presented from a computer to an overhead screen using technology available in class (Technology).
3) Play close attention to visual principles (Application of theory?).
4) Adapt structure and level of complexity to an identified audience (Made meaningful? Interesting?).
5) Have an identifiable backup plan for technological mishaps.
6) Present a plan and outline to the instructor before the presentation.
Specific expectations:
1) If a PowerPoint presentation, cannot be the same as your persuasive presentation.
2) If a PowerPoint presentation, should include some more sophisticated options:
*Fully animated (graphics, titles, subtitles)
*Option to use OLE linked object to another program (spreadsheet, e.g.)
*Option to incorporate sound (.wav files), or video (.avi files)
*Option to use charts and diagrams
*Cannot use Wizards/pre-existing template–must design original backgrounds/formats
3) If not a PowerPoint presentation, clarify software requirements and idea with instructor.
*Academic Misconduct:
The guidelines in the Student Code of Responsibility and Conduct for GMU will be upheld in this course. According to the Academic Misconduct Code: Academic misconduct includes
(a) cheating (using unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise, plagiarism, falsification of records, unauthorized possession of examinations, intimidation, any and all other actions that may improperly affect the evaluation of a student's academic performance or achievement);
(b) assisting others in any such act; or
(c) attempts to engage in such act. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated and will be severely penalized, and possibly resulting in a failing grade for the class.
The appropriate dean will be notified of academic misconduct and handled according to university policy. We take the GMU Honor Code very seriously. Unless otherwise indicated (as in a group project), all work and discussion is to be your own. Plagiarism is representing another's work as your own or recycling earlier work as new work without consulting the instructor. Digital technologies make it possible to cut and paste workremember that if you don't cite it, it is plagiarism and you are plagiarizing! Remember to use proper source citations in citing the evidence, ideas and quotations you use in your own work. All quizzes and other assessment techniques must be completed on your own with no outside help. Academic dishonesty also includes providing false or misleading information in order to receive a postponement or an extension on a quiz or any other assignment. Academic dishonesty, or a failure to follow the GMU Honor Code, will most likely result in a course grade of F and may result in further academic penalties.
*Incompletes or Withdrawals: It is extremely unlikely that an incomplete will be assigned. Students requesting an incomplete must be passing the course, must still complete all of the quizzes, must provide compelling evidence justifying an incomplete, and must sign an incomplete contract with the course instructor. Withdrawal requests are evaluated by the Dean's office.
*Reasonable Accommodation: Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact their instructor or the course directors as soon as possible so that the necessary accommodations can be made to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities. A Disability Support Services office is available on campus to assist students with special needs. If you have a disability or suspect you might have a disability, contact this office at 703-993-2474. If you have a disability that will require assistance, let your instructor know within the first two weeks of this course.
*The GMU Writing Center: The Writing Center provides free tutorial sessions for all students needing help with any writing project--from freshman essays to scholarly publications. It is best to make an appointment to ensure seeing a Writing Center consultant at a specific time; however, walk-ins will be accepted if there are openings. The GMU Writing Center is located at UWC: Robinson A114. Phone: 703-993-1200. Web page: http://www.gmu.edu/departments/writingcenter