Communication Studies/Oral Comm. 20: Syllabus

This course will allow the student to study and practice the fundamental principles of communication.  Research, preparation, impromptu and extemporaneous delivery of various types of speeches will be the focus of our activities.  We will engage in analysis, criticism of communication and examination of relevant social issues.

If students lack substantial language competence, the instructor will suggest that the student enroll in the Oral Communication Speech Lab and then take the course the following regular semester.

Students will be dropped from the course if they have more than two absences.  Students will come to class on time.  No student should ever enter the classroom while another student is speaking during an assignment. Turn cell phones off.  All student written work will be typed and appropriately bound.  Plagiarism will result in a failed semester grade.  The letter grade “C” means “average”.  If a student is by the end of the semester not deemed by the instructor to have basic competence in oral speech.

Office hours:_Posted to the left of  D-5 each semester or by arrangement.

Text:

There will be 8 components to your grade in Oral Communication:

1. Speech to Inform – 3 minutes, with visual aids & speech outline submitted at the time of the Preview Speech.  No handwritten work. Professional quality visuals that would be used in private industry must be used.
2. Speech to Interpret – oral interpretation of literature.  No outline but written literary analysis due with text of material selected; requires “virtual” memorization –3 minutes.
3. Free Speech Message – public service announcement will be video taped in class. 30-45 seconds to be read in its full text and copy submitted to instructor.


4. Speech to Persuade– will be 4-5 minutes.  Outline will be required and at least 3 bibliographic references.  The topic will be controversial, reflecting the speaker’s point of view.


5. Speech to Persuade and Actuate - 3 minutes with visual aids and outline. Must provide enough information and interest to motivate audience to do whatever the speaker suggests.
6. There will be a final examination based on the text and lecture.
7. 10 lab reports will be required.
   • The lab is located in GE 108
   • 2 labs may be acquired by prompt attendance
   • You may attend a public meeting for one lab, if you speak during the public    comments section you may receive an addition one.  
   • The Instructor may refer you to the Language Speech Lab.
   • You may observe selected lab material in the library or Lab for Com 20.
   • You may work on the Arts & Lectures Program.
8. The last component of the course will be made up of attendance, impromptu speaking and extemporaneous speaking class activities