Trinity Valley Community College

Catalog Description & Course Objectives:

Fundamentals of Public Speaking (1315) is an introductory course in research, organization, delivery, and analysis of informative, persuasive, and entertainment speeches. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ speaking abilities, adapting to various speaking situations and audiences, and addressing the ethical implications of communication.

Required Text & Additional Materials:

· Lucas, Stephen E., The Art of Public Speaking (9^th ed.). McGraw Hill Publishing Company, 2007.
with Student CD-Rom Guidebook that accompanies the text.

· VHS videotape for recording class presentations OR needed equipment and materials for mailing in speech assignments (see further details under course requirements and course rationale.)

· Also required are a positive attitude, and willingness to work to your full potential.

Course Rationale:

Many of you may believe that your career path will never require Public Speaking skills; however, according to Stephen Lucas, the author of your text, there are many opportunities in your life that will allow you to you to “make a difference in something you care about very much.” Besides those many opportunities, employers require good communication skills, which are enhanced through the study of public speaking. As you can see, this course is an integral part of your education. It will benefit you in many ways: allow you to face your possible fear of public speaking, polish your natural talents for speaking, increase your listening, critical thinking and organizational skills, and enhance your communication skills.

Public Speaking online? Many people ask HOW you can complete a speech course online; my answer, with the careful use of technology! As your instructor, I will guide you through the textbook and CD-Rom Guidebook, that will allow you to learn necessary skills for Public Speaking, just as you would in a traditional lecture course. I will also help you apply that material through activities, online interactions and speeches.

How will speeches be delivered? You have the option of coming to campus on four (4) MONDAY evenings to deliver your four (4) required speeches in front of an audience, made up of your classmates; or you may videotape and mail your speeches to me for grading. More specifics about each of these options will be available when the course begins.

Course Requirements:

Students enrolled in this course should be prepared:

· To follow an INSTRUCTOR-PACED schedule, completing all class assignments accordingly.

· To complete four speeches throughout the semester with preliminary assignments leading up to each speech.

· To attend a mandatory orientation on Monday, 9/10/07, on the Terrell campus at 6pm.

· To have the necessary equipment to complete the course:

à Computer access on a regular basis with internet access;

à Upgraded computer equipment allowing the student to view the CD-Rom Guidebook and work in WebCT;

à Videotaping equipment for recording speeches and mailing those in either on VHS, VHS-C, CD-Rom or DVD,

UNLESS the student chooses to come to campus to deliver the speeches in person.

Should YOU take this course online?

Before completing your registration for this course, please consider the following questions honestly:

· Are you self-disciplined?

· Will you meet deadlines according to the schedule, and take the time necessary to learn from your reading and CD-Rom viewing?

(This course requires that you complete assignments weekly.)

· Do you have the computer and other necessary equipment available to you on a regular basis to complete the course?

· Do you have the computer skills necessary to navigate WebCT and the CD-Rom instruction, and the skills necessary to complete work electronically?

(Assignments always involve computer-related activities.)

· Do you have strong reading skills to comprehend the material in the textbook?

· Do you learn best through independent study, student-centered learning (work on your own, but ask questions), or teacher-directed environment?

· Do you like to work independently?

(This course requires that you work independently, HOWEVER, I’m always available online to answer your questions, clarify the reading, viewing and assignments, and help guide you so that you can complete the assignments successfully.)

Grading & Requirements:

Major Assignments & Grading Procedures: Details will be given in advance of each assignment. (Adjustments may need to be made in number and length of assignments, depending on class size and number of students attending on-campus speeches.)

This course will be graded on participation in online discussions and activities, assignments, and presentations.

à You will be expected to deliver well prepared, college-level presentations.

à Assignments are due no later than assigned deadline.

à You cannot pass the course by only completing the major speech assignments, you MUST complete the preparation assignments for each speech. If you are consistently not completing assignments, it is considered the same as not attending class in a traditional campus course. I reserve the right to drop you from the course for excessive missing assignments.

à You must complete 3 of the 4 required speeches to earn credit for the course, regardless of your average!

Late/Makeup Work: There are no automatic “makeups” for missed assignments; it depends on the circumstances and documentation of the absence, as well as time permitting for the makeup. It is decided by instructor discretion. All late work accepted will lose 10% of the grade. Late work will only be accepted within two weeks of assignment due date. No discussion boards will be accepted late.

Withdrawal Policy: If you are unable to complete this course, you must withdraw from it by 11/16/07.

· Withdrawing from a course is a procedure you must initiate in the Admission Office. I will not do this for you. If you stop attending class (participating online) and do not withdraw, you will still receive a performance grade, usually an F.

· Students sometimes drop courses when help is available that would enable them to continue. Please discuss your plans with me before deciding to withdraw from this course.

· TVCC will drop you from all courses for non-attendance in TASP remedial courses.

Possible Extra Credit Projects

Must be completed by 11/16/07. All require confirmation of completion. If you have additional ideas that might supplement classroom content, please share with me. The amount of extra credit awarded for each depends on the following: type of project, quality of material handed in to confirm project, etc. Maximum bonus points = 50.

Projects:

1. Speakers on campus or in community or via internet with video:

à 5 points per speech possible

à Confirmation: a thorough critique of the speaker(s) including: name, topic, occasion, date, main idea/supporting details of speech, critique of speaker’s strengths and weaknesses.

2. Personal Speaking Opportunities outside of class:

à 5-10 points per speech possible

à Confirmation: report including: Topic of speech, where and when given, intended audience, length of speech, critique of speaker’s strengths and weaknesses.