Communication
104 Course Syllabus
Objectives | Exams | Participation | Speech Requirements | Written Paper | Grades | Special Notes | Online Resources
Team/Group Work | Computer Science Majors | Student Grade Report | Tentative Semester Schedule
Communication Department | Communication Basic Courses Homepage | Communication Web Resource
Course Description:
Students will gain a deeper understanding of the uses of technology in the
process of oral communication. The emphasis will be on different types of public
communication–including corporate, social, technical, and personal–and
will integrate different media and computer technologies into informative and
persuasive presentations. The ethics of free speech, oral communication principles,
persuasion and influence-processes, and key human dimensions of the communication
process will be developed to shape appropriate choices of technology and media.
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 while integrating technology. 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.
GMU Communication Basic Courses Homepage: http://classweb.gmu.edu/classweb/comm/comm104/coursepage.html
Required Textbooks:
O’ Hair, D., & Stewart, R. (1999). Public speaking: Challenges and
choices. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins.
Bethea, L. S., & Muir, S. (2000). A guide to presenting with technology:
Student handbook. Carrollton, TX: Alliance Press.
This course has three unique features:
1) A progressive introduction to the use of technology to enhance oral communication. The presentations feature increasingly sophisticated uses of technology, starting with showing tips and tricks of using slide show technology (e.g., PowerPoint), integrating a video or audio clip and the use of static PowerPoint slides, moving to a professional PowerPoint presentation, and finally an advanced PowerPoint presentation (or another computer-based presentation) with the use and integration of one or more internet sites relating to the topic. The Practicum part of class sessions will focus on skill-building, and will incorporate everyone’s input, supplementing instruction that students will seek from the STAR center.
2) Students are provided choice in determining what areas of skill development they would like to focus on. Students may choose what area they wish to emphasize: Corporate, Technical, Social, or Personal communication.
3) Students may choose to present their individual speeches and presentations as part of a team structure or framework.
1. Students will learn how to construct (research, outline, and organize) public
speeches for delivery to audiences.
2. Students will be able to deliver speeches of introduction, informative,
and persuasive speeches, and a capstone multimedia presentation.
3. Students will develop analytical skills and critical listening skills.
4. Students will learn how to successfully manage their public speaking anxiety.
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 104, the following specific objectives are identified:
1. To understand principles of persuasion, and to develop clearly structured
and well supported arguments when seeking to persuade.
2. To develop a critical perspective for assessment of the adequacy of information
and supporting materials, especially information retrieved through electronic
means.
3. To closely assess the effective and appropriate use of technology to enhance
messages and convey greater depths of information, knowledge, and feeling.
4. To develop skills in using presentational technology, including the integration
of video and audio, the effective design and composition of slides, the appropriate
use of animation, some advanced design components, and the integration of credible
internet sites relating to topic content.
5. To develop skills in other related areas of the communication process, including
listening, using feedback from others to improve communication, researching,
and writing.
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, 12, 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, 13, 14, 15, and 16; 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.
Written Assignments:
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.
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.
Grades:
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.
*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 work–remember 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 twoweeks 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: www.gmu.edu/departments/writingcenter
Useful websites for
students, writers, researchers, and educators:
Guide to grammar—this is a very thorough and well-organized site with
clear explanations of grammar conventions. Also includes quizzes for those who
are looking for a grammar and mechanics challenge.
http://webster.commnet.edu/HP/pages/darling/original.htm
Academic Writing Online---this is an excellent online journal featuring scholarly
articles about writing and writing culture, as well as a link to Language andLearning
in the Discipline’s website.
http://aw.colostate.edu/
What is an "A" paper---this gives students a basic idea of C-based
grading scales and criteria for writing well in a variety of disciplines.
http://web.calstatela.edu/centers/write_cn/apaper.htm
What is APA style?---this website may help get you started in learning how
to properly cite your academic sources.
http://www.apa.org/journals
http://www.apa.org/journals/faq.html
http://www.apa.org/journals/webref.html
Cool web sites for building your own web page:
HTML Tutorials: junior.apk.net/~jbarta
Web Developer’s Virtual Library: www.wdvl.com
Web Site Garage: websitegarage.netscape.com
Web Developer’s Journal:
nctweb.com/software/html_editors.html
Barry’s Clip Art Server: www.barrysclipart.com
WPTS: www.webpagesthatsuck.com
Registration Wizard: www.registrationwizard.com
NOTE: Additional readings may be on reserve in the Johnson Learning Center.
Also refer to GMU’s Instructional Resource Center and STAR for the web
in the Johnson Center.
Team/Group Options (only applies to speeches
3 & 4)
In business contexts, some presentations are done individually, and some are
done in groups and meetings. With the exception of the first two speeches, you
may work together. In other words, on the last two speeches you may work with
a partner or team up to four people if you so choose. Some attention would need
to be paid to overviews, transitions, summaries, but the bulk of the presentations
will be individual presentations that each in isolation meets the requirements
identified for the assignment.
Group Option Guidelines and Requirements:
1) All team speeches are graded as an individual speech. So, if one member
fails in an area the entire team may suffer (this typically happens if the team
has not practiced the speech enough). One presentation=one grade.
2) The team context is provided as an option so that students may emulate communication
conditions they are likely to face in their careers, or so they may create situations
with which they want more experience. Any team work is a voluntary choice.
3) Groups must fill out a contract with a Rationale for the group context,
sign it, and clear it with the instructor for allocation and placement of speaking
time.
4) Groups may be formed for the last two speeches (persuasive-Questions of
Fact, Value, or Policy/Action).
5) Groups are limited to 2 to 4 people
6) Individuals must meet the assignment and time requirements for their presentation,
but groups will be allocated an additional minute for each member.
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.
Speeches
Speech of Introduction to PowerPoint and "what PowerPoint can do"
________/40
Informative Speech ________/140
Persuasive Speech #1 ________/160
Persuasive Speech #2 ________/160
Exams
Midterm (Chs. 1-9, 12, 17) ________/100
(50 questions multiple choice format)
Final (30% 1-9, 12, 17) (70% 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16) ________/100
(50 questions multiple choice format)
Instructor points ________/100
Oral Interpretation (optional)
Team Debate (optional)
Team Workshops (optional)
Assurance Readiness Tests (optional)
Persuasive Debate (optional)
Class Participation
Other
Informative Communication Research Paper ________/100
Speech Critiques (2 @ 25 pts each) ________/50
Research Requirement ________/50
Subtotal _________/1000
______________________________________________________________________________TOTAL
_________
*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.
Semester Schedule
(tentative)
Week 1 - Syllabus/Course and Class Introductions, Challenges and choices
in public speaking Ch. 1-2, Lecture/Speech 1: Ceremonial/Special Occasions Ch.
17
Week 2 - Developing Introductions and Conclusions Ch. 9, Visual Aids/Preparing
and using presentation aids Ch. 12
Week 3 - Speech #1: Speech of Introduction to PowerPoint "What
PowerPoint can do" (cont.)
Week 4 - Listening/Ethics/Analyzing the audience Ch. 3,4,5
Week 5 - Selecting a topic and purpose Ch. 6, Developing supporting
material Ch. 7, Organizing and outlining the speech Ch. 8
Week 6 - Discuss Informative Speech Topics & Paper, Review for Midterm
Week 7 - Midterm (Chapters 1-9, 12, 17), Discuss Speech #2: Informative
Ch 13, Delivering the speech Ch. 11, Using language: Styling the speech Ch.
10
Week 8 - Speech #2: Informative Speeches
Week 9 - Speech #2: Informative Speeches, Informative Paper DUE
Week 10 - The persuasive speech Ch. 14, Developing arguments for the
persuasive speech Ch. 15
Week 11 - Speech #3: Persuasive #1: Questions of Fact or Value
Week 12 - Speech #3: Persuasive #1: Questions of Fact or Value
Week 13 - Speech #3: Persuasive Speeches: Questions of Fact or Value,
Discuss Speech #4: Persuasive #2 Questions of Policy/Action, Small group, business,
and professional presentations Ch. 16, Assign Speech #4: Persuasive #2: Questions
of Policy/Action
Week 14 - Speech #4 Persuasive #2: Questions of Policy/Action
Week 15 - Speech #4: Persuasive #2: Questions of Policy/Action
Week 16 - Speech #4: Persuasive #2: Questions of Policy/Action
FINAL EXAM is comprehensive !
(Chapters 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16) = 70%
(Chapters 1-9, 12, 17) = 30%