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An introductory speech communication course which focuses on the student's development of knowledge and skills in the areas of interpersonal, small group, and public communication. Special emphasis is given to public speaking.

1. The student should be able to select an appropriate topic and write a thesis statement for the speech to inform.

2. The student should be able to select an appropriate topic and write a thesis statement for the persuasive/argumentation speech.

3. The student should be able to complete original research on approved speech topics.

5. The student should be able to complete an outline for persuasive/argumentation speech.

6. The student should be able to present a documented speech to inform in an extemporaneous style using sketch notes.

7. The student should be able to present an informative speech with visual aids.

8. The student should be able to present a documented persuasive/argumentation speech in an extemporaneous style using sketch notes.

9. The student should be able to participate effectively in a panel discussion on a current issue.

10. The student should be able to use critical listening skills when receiving persuasive messages by applying appropriate critical listening criteria to the message.

11. The student should be able to use supportive listening skills in interpersonal communication.

12. The student should be able to use automated indexes and other electronic research media in the college LRC to research speech topics.

13. The student should be able to complete a written analysis of communication patterns within the student's family.

14. The student should be able to complete a written analysis of a contemporary political speech.

1. The speech thesis must be clear and clearly stated. The speech must be well organized with an introduction, preview, transitions and summary statements.

2. The speech must be presented with effective vocal qualities including volume, emphasis, and clear articulation.

3. The student must use good eye contact with the audience and explain points directly to the audience in his or her own words using only sketch notes on index cards.

5. The speech must be the student's own work and presented in the student's own words.

6. The research done for the speech should be based on current information available in books, magazines, journals internet and through interviews.

7. The speech must use neat, clearly visible and appropriate visual aids to clarify points. (Required for Speech to inform)

8. The student's must present research with the speech, including an outline, bibliography, and photocopies of all sources used.

10. The speech must be interesting or enjoyable and as it explores the topic sufficiently in the time allotted (Informative Speech) or it must effectively argue one side of an issue or present a problem and offer solutions (Persuasive/ critical argumentation speech).

11. The speech must represent the original work of the student based on appropriately documented sources.

12. The speech must not be offensive in content, language, or manner to particular individuals

Note: Much class time will be devoted to communication exercises and public speaking activities. Class time will also be used for lecture/discussion on course topics covered in the text and class handouts. Class discussion and student participation in class activities will be stressed.

2. Students will be evaluated based on their performance delivering oral presentations.

3. Students will be evaluated based on written assignments and folder assignments.

The final grade will be based on the student's percentage ranking for all required work:

(Students failing to complete all assignments, tests, and speeches may receive an F for the

Office hours will be posted on the instructor's office door, announced in class, and on this syllabus. Students are encouraged to schedule conferences with the instructor throughout the term. Students may ask for clarification of any course topic or assignment. Students should definitely contact the instructor regarding poor academic work or if the student is considering dropping the course.

A major focus of SPCH 2010 is the development of communication skills. Therefore, class attendance and participation in class activities are absolutely essential to the student's ultimate success in the course. Failure to attend class and participate effectively in class discussions, group exercises, and student speeches may result in a failing grade for the course.

Communication exercises and group discussions conducted in class cannot be made up outside of class. Each class absence reduces the student's class participation grade.

Other behaviors related to attendance and participation such as frequent tardiness, distracting or inappropriate classroom conduct, the failure to participate in group exercises, or the failure to complete assignments and speeches on time may significantly affect the student's participation grade and final course grade.

Students are expected to attend all classes. Although class activities missed by class absences cannot be made up, a limited amount of extra-credit work may be done for excused absences. Extra-credit work may include speeches, speech analyses, or other written assignments and must be approved by the instructor. No makeup tests or extra-credit work will be allowed in the case of unexcused absences. A student who arrives after the roll is taken will be counted absent. It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor regarding missed work.

No extra-credit work will be accepted after the due date for the SPCH 2010 Folder..

Note: The student should consult the Walters State Community College catalog for further attendance and classroom conduct information.

Exams will be drawn from the readings, class notes, and films, and will be primarily multiple choice and short answer with some discussion questions. All exams must be taken on the day scheduled. If a student misses an exam due to illness the student should contact the instructor immediately upon his/her return to campus to schedule a makeup exam. No makeup exams will be given except in cases of documented personal illness or emergencies. Makeup exams must be completed within one week.

All assignments and speeches must be completed on or by the assigned date. A late penalty will be assessed at 25% per day for all work that is not completed on time. Missed speeches may not be made up. All written assignments must be typed or word processed.

All speeches and panel discussions must be documented with a bibliography and photocopies of original sources provided to the instructor. All materials turned in for Speech 2010 become the property of the Speech Communication Department.

All forms of cheating, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited. All speeches, papers, and assignments for the course should be the student's original work according to guidelines governing that assignment. The penalty for cheating and plagiarism on written assignments or speeches is a grade of zero.

College Policy on Attendance and Classroom Conduct

Students must attend the first day of class or contact the instructor prior to the first class if they intend to remain in the class. If this procedure is not followed, the students may be administratively dropped from the class, and other students will be allowed to take their positions. Students who are withdrawn from classes under this policy will receive a drop form marked "attendance withdrawal."

Attendance at classes and other official appointments is required. A student's schedule is considered a contract and constitutes a series of obligated appointments.

Absences are counted from the first scheduled meeting of the class. An explanation for the cause of all absences should be given each instructor. If possible, students should inform their instructor in advance of planned absences.

Important: Non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal from classes or from the College. Procedures to formally drop a course or to withdraw from the College must be followed. Following these procedures may prevent the student from receiving an undeserved "F" on his transcript.

The instructor has the primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance of academic integrity and can order the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct in violation of the general rules and regulations of the institution. Extended or permanent exclusion from the classroom or further disciplinary action can be effected only through appropriate procedures of the institution.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are subject to disciplinary action. In addition to possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or a zero for the exercise or examination, or to assign an "F" in the course.

Classroom Behavior Policy

Students are expected to be positively engaged in class lectures, group discussions and student speeches. Students should show respect to the instructor and to other students. Any behavior, which may distract from the learning process, should be avoided. The behaviors listed may affect the student’s final course grade:

Students exhibiting these behaviors will be given a Classroom Misconduct Report and asked to meet with the instructor.

Students should attend the first day of class or contact the instructor prior to the first class. Failure to do this may result in being dropped from the class.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.

Students with disabilities must register with the Department of Services for Individuals with Disabilities in College Center (CCEN), Room 210 (phone 423-585-6892) if they need any special facilities, services, or consideration.

Students in need of tutoring assistance are encouraged to contact the Office of Tutoring located in the College Center (CCEN), Room 221A. The phone number is 423-585-6920.

Students who have not paid fees on time and/or are not correctly registered for this class and whose names do not appear on official class rolls generated by the Admissions and Records office will not receive credit for this course.

Students receiving any type of financial aid or scholarship should contact the Financial Aid Office before making any changes to their schedule. Schedule changes without prior approval may result in loss of award for the current term and future terms.

Cellular phone use during classroom interaction is prohibited. Cellular phones must be turned to the non-audible mode until after class, at which time calls can be received or checked. (See the Walters Sate Catalog/Handbook)

Humanities Building regulations strictly prohibit food, drinks and tobacco in the classrooms.

All students attending Walters State Community College, regardless of the time and location of the class, must abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the current Walters State Catalog/Student Handbook and the current Walters State Timetable of Classes. A copy of the Catalog/Handbook and the Timetable of Classes may be obtained from the admissions office on the main campus or at any of our off-campus sites. You may also access the Catalog/Handbook on-line at the following web address: http://www.ws.edu/catalog

Please place this signed and dated page of your syllabus in the SPCH 2010 folder.

Policy on Visual Aids for the Classroom

Students should select topics appropriate to the assignment, the audience and the classroom setting. The selection of visual aids for use with speeches requiring a visual aid should be made with the same careful consideration to audience and setting. All topics and visual aids must be approved by the instructor in advance of the scheduled speech date.

Any visual aids brought to class should aid in the explanation of the topic and not in any way detract from the speech or class decorum. Students should under no circumstances bring to the classroom weapons of any type (whether operable or inoperable) or other items such as ammunition, pressurized canisters, hazardous chemicals or flammable liquids. Also, animals, including house pets, should not be brought to class.

Students should consider the use of pictures or digital PowerPoint images for approved topics that could involve the use of any prohibited visual aids. The student must assume the responsibility for any harm or damage that might occur to persons or property from of the student’s use of the visual aid.