Revised Summer 2017

SPCH 1315: Public Speaking on the Web

Public Speaking Syllabus

SPCH 1315. Public Speaking (3-3-0)

Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis

on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity, and speech

organizational techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively

evaluate oral presentations. Prerequisite: Must be TSI complete in Reading and English or

concurrently enrolled in EIRW 0200/ENGL1301. F, Sp, Su (2313045312).

INSTRUCTORS:

Name: Mrs. Jeanine Tagg

Office Number: CA 106

Phone Number: 903-983-8176

E-Mail: jtagg@kilgore.edu

Students will access the course through BlackBoard: kilgore.blackboard.com

All official college business will be communicated through the student emails. Therefore,

communications in this class will ONLY be through Blackboard Course Messaging or the

student KC email account.

COURSE RATIONALE: This course prepares the student for the increasing need for public speaking skills required in

modern society and business. This preparation includes analysis of the subject of the speech, the

occasion, the audience, and the most effective method of communication. The course also

satisfies the speech component in the Communications section of the Kilgore College Core

Curriculum and the speech requirement for the A.A., A.A.T. and A.S. degrees at Kilgore

College.

TEXTBOOK:

Kilgore College Public Speaking for College and Career with CONNECT access, Hamilton

Gregory (McGraw-Hill, New York, 10th edition, 2013. Kilgore College Custom Book. ISBN:

9781259345838).

The SPCH 1315 Student Handbook includes a detailed description of each instructional unit.

Web students can access the SPCH 1315 Course Handbook, a detailed description of the course,

its objectives and its requirements, written by the Kilgore College Speech Faculty through their

BlackBoard homepage. This Course Handbook also provides the student a ready record of the

student’s performance on each in-class presentation.

EVALUATION: Grading for SPCH 1315 is divided into four different units:

(1) the “Assigned Written Work” unit, valued at 25% of the semester grade;

(2) the “Speaking Assignments” unit, valued at 40%;

(3) the “Final Examination Speech” unit, valued at 20%; and

(4) the “Written Final Examination” unit, valued at 15%.

The SPCH 1315 Course Handbook includes a detailed description of each instructional unit.

CLASSROOM POLICIES:

Web students must understand that SPCH 1315 is not a self-paced course. Each instructor posts

a detailed semester calendar on the course homepage. The calendar includes all the due dates for

the semester, and late work is not accepted.

Students’ are expected to adhere to the dress code policy outlined both in the Course Handbook

and in this Syllabus under “Speaking Assignments.”

The online version of SPCH 1315 is designed to replicate, as much as possible, the classroom

experience in this course. Each course unit has specific assignments that the students must

complete for credit: these assignments help students prepare for the Unit Tests as well as helping

the student gain the full experience of a speech class.

Attendance: (KC Student Handbook) Effective communication between students and their

instructor is essential. Students are responsible for initiating any make up work regardless of the

cause of the absence. Students absent on official college business are entitled to make up any and

all missed work without any penalty attached. However, students should notify their instructors

in advance of the absence and should schedule any make-up assignments before the absence. If

the student does not submit makeup work by the prearranged time, the student forfeits the right

for further make-up of that assignment.

For a student whose absence is not official college business, the individual instructor will judge

if the student is eligible to make up work. In all cases, the instructor will determine the time for

making up work and the nature of the make-up work. Whenever possible, students should

discuss their impending absence with the instructor and schedule the make-up work prior to the

absence.

Note: Web students are expected to log in and check communications and feedback regularly.

Students are more successful when they check in every day (Monday – Friday.)

Drop dates for Kilgore College courses are included in the Kilgore College Catalog: students

who fail to complete SPCH 1315 course expectations may be dropped from the course. These

expectations include participating in the course by checking the course homepage at least five

days per week for assignments and/or course updates.

Students should also read the Academic Honesty Statement in the Kilgore College Catalog to be

aware of potential penalties associated with academic dishonesty.

Religious Day Absence

In accordance with Texas Education Code 51.911, a student may request and be granted an

absence from classes on a religious holy day provided the student follows college procedures for

seeking such authorization. It is the student's responsibility to make satisfactory arrangements

with instructors prior to the absence for completing makeup work. The procedure governing an

absence on a religious holy day is outlined in the Kilgore College Student Handbook.

Policy on Make Up Work

Effective communication between students and their instructor is essential. Students are

responsible for initiating any make up work regardless of the cause of the absence. Students

absent on official college business are entitled to make up any and all missed work without any

penalty attached. However, students should notify their instructors in advance of the absence and

should schedule any make-up assignments before the absence. If the student does not submit

makeup work by the prearranged time, the student forfeits the right for further make-up of that

assignment.

For a student whose absence is not official college business, the individual instructor will judge

if the student is eligible to make up work. In all cases, the instructor will determine the time for

making up work and the nature of the make-up work. Whenever possible, students should

discuss their impending absence with the instructor and schedule the make-up work prior to the

absence.

The Kilgore College Civility Statement: Students are expected to assist in maintaining an

environment that is conducive to learning. Inappropriate or distractive behavior is prohibited in

order to assure that everyone has an opportunity to gain from time spent in the course. Should a

disruptive incident occur, the faculty member in charge may remove the student. Students have

the right to appeal through the student complaint process.

Students should be properly dressed for class. Students dressed in revealing attire or low-

riding shorts or pants will be dismissed from class and not be allowed to make up work

missed due to the dismissal.

Cell phones should not be a distraction in the classroom. Students will be required to turn

off or put cell phones on silent and to put phones out of reach and out of sight while in

the classroom. Failure to follow these instructions will be grounds for dismissal from the

class temporarily or permanently.

ADA Statement Kilgore College is committed to making reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with

disabilities in reaching their academic potential. If you choose to request accommodations for a

documented disability which may impact your performance, attendance, or grades in this course,

you must first register with the Office of Disability Services. Please note that classroom

accommodations cannot be provided prior to your instructor’s receipt of an accommodation letter

from the Office of Disability Services. For more information about accommodations, please

contact the Disability Services office on the second floor of the Devall Student Center: (903)

983-8206.

Student Grievance

If a student wishes to pursue through the administrative structure some action that has been taken

that significantly impacts him or her in a negative way, he or she needs to complete a Student

Grievance Form available from the offices of department or division support specialists. This

procedure applies to both instructional and non-instructional issues.

Evaluation of Instructor

At the end of the semester, students will be given an opportunity to evaluate the instructor and

the course. Approved evaluation forms are provided by the Office of Institutional Research,

which is also responsible for their analysis.

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING (SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

FOLLOWS):

Assigned Written Work (25%): Primarily, this section includes a series of three Unit Tests based on the material contained 12

chapters of the course textbook. However, each student is required to turn in a final copy of a

typed outline of his/her speech prior to the dates for speaking; failure to turn in the required

outline at the required time will result in the student receiving a grade of “0” for that speech.

Course exercises/participation is also factored into assigned written work.

The Unit Tests are proctored: students are required to take them in one of the Kilgore College

Testing Centers or in another approved college/university testing center. In some cases, students

may be allowed to use ProctorU as an approved testing method. This is up to the individual

instructor.

In addition, web students are required to earn a minimum Unit Test average of “70” to remain in

the course for the Speaking Assignments Unit. Students whose Unit Test average is below “70”

are automatically dropped from the course.

Speaking Assignments (40%): Each student enrolled in Speech 1315 is expected to complete four speeches during the period of

time set aside for student speeches. Each speech will be assigned a numeric grade ranging from

"0" to "100." At the end of the time allotted for student speeches, the student's "Speaking

Assignments" grade (40% of the semester grade) will be determined by averaging the grades for

his/her four speeches. In the event that a student does not complete the four speeches within the

allotted speaking time, his/her average will be determined by adding together the total score on

the speeches that he/she does complete and dividing that total by four. The Kilgore College

speech faculty has determined that this method is the best way to encourage each student to

pursue constant improvement in his/her speaking assignments.

Dress Code: For class presentations, each speaker is expected to "dress up." For the men, this

expectation requires a minimum of dress slacks, a belt if the slacks have belt loops, a dress shirt,

a tie, and dress shoes. A suit is preferred. For the ladies, this expectation requires a dress or

coordinated skirt-and-blouse: a ladies suit is preferred. Pant suits (dress pants with a coordinating

jacket) are allowed. As a guiding principle, each student should dress as he/she would for an

important job interview. The dress code is a requirement: it is not an option.

Web students must arrange an audience of at least five adults to observe their speeches. They

must film the speeches and up-load them in accordance with the instructions on the course

homepage. The instructor will then grade the speeches and upload a written evaluation to the

student.

Final Examination Speech (20%)

The Final Examination Speech is in addition to the four speeches made during the "Speaking

Assignments" section of the course and will be given approximately two weeks before the

scheduled written final examinations begin during the fall and spring semesters and during the

final three class periods during summer classes. This speech must be no shorter than seven

minutes and no longer than twelve minutes in length. Note: Check with individual instructors

regarding time limit for final speech.

As the single most important speech of the semester, it should be carefully written and rehearsed,

and it must be presented extemporaneously. Again, a final copy of the student’s typed outline is

due one week prior to the time for speaking. Like the other speeches, this speech is given a

numeric grade ranging from "0" to "100." A penalty of one point per five seconds will be

deducted from the student's grade for all deviations from the required time limits for this speech.

Note: Check with individual instructor regarding time penalties.

Written Final Examination (15%): This comprehensive test will be given during the period set aside for final exams on the Kilgore

College calendar. It will include the material from the textbook as well as any pertinent material

discussed during the semester.

Like the Unit Tests, the Written Final Exam is proctored: students are required to take it in one

of the Kilgore College Testing Centers or in another approved college/university testing center.

In some cases, students may be allowed to use ProctorU as an approved testing method. This is

up to the individual instructor.

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES (Web):

SPCH 1315.FW2 Summer I Session: June 5 – July 28

Week 1 June 5 - 9: Orientation (Review website, read syllabus and course calendar, read FAQ,

post and introduction and take Orientation quiz. Complete Orientation by Friday June 9. Begin

Unit I (Ch’s 1,2,3 & 5) Readings and Exercises.

Week 2 June 12 – 16: Unit I Test (Ch’s 1,2,3 &5) opens June 12 and closes June 15. All Unit I

exercises are Due by Noon June 12 (Comm Skills, Listening Skills, Ch 5 Purpose Statements,

All McGraw Hill Unit I chapter exercises and optional LS.) Begin working on Unit II (Ch’s 6,7,9

and 10) Readings and Exercises.

Week 3 June 19 – 23: Unit II Test (Ch’s 6,7,9 & 10) opens June 19 and closes June 15. All Unit

II exercises are due by Noon June 19 (Source Citation Ex, all McGraw Hill Unit II required and

optional exercises.) Begin work on Unit III (Ch’s 11, 13,14 & 15) readings and exercises.

Speech 1 Topic and Purpose Statements are due by Noon June 21. Practice Video Upload is due

June 23.

Week 4 June 26 – 30: Unit III Test (Ch’s 11, 13, 14 & 15) opens June 26 and closes June 30.

All Unit III exercises are due by Noon June 26. Speech 1 Outline is due Monday June 26th.

Speech 2 Topic and Purpose statements due June 28.

Week 5 July 3 – 7: Speech 1 is due uploaded to McGraw Hill Connect by 5 pm on July 3.

Speech 2 Outline is Due July 3.

Week 6 July 10 – 14: Speech 2 is due uploaded to McGraw Hill Connect by 5 pm on July 10.

Speech 3 topic and purpose statements due July 10. Speech 3 outline is due on July 12.

Week 7 July 17 – 21: Speech 3 is due uploaded to McGraw Hill on July 17. Finals Speech topic

and purpose statements due July 17. Final Speech outline due by July 19. Speech 4 REDO

speech is due July 21.

Week 8 July 24 – 28: Final Speech Due by Noon uploaded to McGraw Hill Connect. Final

EXAM opens Thursday July 20 and closes Tuesday July 25th.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication.

2. Apply elements of audience analysis.

3. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence

and logic

4. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and

nonverbal techniques.

5. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches.

6. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication.

7. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g.

narrative, informative or persuasive).

FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREAS

How will the objective be addressed? How will the objective be assessed?

Critical Thinking

Creative thinking Students will prepare five original

speeches throughout the semester.

Students will select topics that are

interesting and relevant to the

audience. They will find creative

The departmental grading rubric

for the course includes

evaluation of the topic as well as

the creativity of the introduction,

approaches to capturing and

maintaining the audience’s attention

as well as utilizing interesting and

appropriate speech organizational

techniques.

closing statements and structural

elements.

Innovation

Inquiry Students will research speech topics

to support and reinforce their

message. This will include internet

research, interviewing and written

materials.

The departmental grading rubric

and embedded questions on

exams.

Analysis of information Students will apply elements of

audience analysis. They will

analyze their listeners and select

topics that would be interesting,

informative and relevant to the

audience. Students will identify

how culture, ethnicity and gender

influence communication.

Students will compare and contrast

different types of speeches as well

as different source materials. They

will analyze and determine which

source material is more appropriate

to the type of speech being

produced

The departmental grading rubric

and embedded items on tests.

Evaluation of information Students will critically evaluate

research and information to

determine relevance, accuracy,

credibility and reliability of

information and research used in

speeches.

Quality of research is evaluated

on the departmental grading

rubric as well as embedded items

on tests.

Synthesis of information Students will collect and assemble

research materials when composing

speeches. Students will apply

appropriate speech organization

techniques. Time constraints must

be observed in speeches so students

will extract and utilize research

materials that provide the best

support or persuasive focus to

achieve the goals of the speech.

Speech content and choices are

evaluated on the departmental

grading rubric. Embedded

questions on exams also address

organization techniques.

Communication

Effective development,

interpretation and

expression of ideas through

-written communication Students will construct a written,

detailed outline for each speech.

This will include a thesis/central

idea, purpose statement,

Outlines are evaluated and

graded using a departmental

rubric.

introduction, body, conclusion,

transitions and bibliography.

-oral communication Students will develop proficiency in

presenting a variety of speeches.

Clear verbal expression and focus

of ideas as well as appropriate

pronunciation, articulation,

grammar, diction, tone, pitch, and

rate must be used in the speeches.

Departmental Grading rubric

evaluates oral communication

under “Delivery Skills.”

-visual communication Students will deliver

extemporaneous speeches with

effective verbal and nonverbal

techniques. Nonverbal

communication, including

appearance, body language and

visual aids (powerpoint, videos,

objects, etc.) should be appropriate

to the speech. Students will

demonstrate effective usage of

technology when presenting

speeches.

Departmental Grading rubric

evaluates nonverbal, visual

delivery as well as the visual aids

used in the speech.

Teamwork

Ability to consider different

points of view

Students will engage in discussions

of current events, speeches and

other topics in small group settings.

Students will debate differing

perspectives in group settings.

Participation is evaluated with a

grading rubric and factored into

the course grade.

Ability to work effectively

with others to support a

shared purpose or goal

Students will work collectively on

review sheets and graded exercises

throughout the semester. Students

will write a reflection paper

identifying individual and group

strengths as well as completing

group critiques.

Participation is evaluated with a

grading rubric and graded

exercises are factored into the

course grade.

Personal Responsibility

ability to connect choices,

actions and consequences to

ethical decision-making

Students are expected to model

good speaker responsibilities. This

includes meeting deadlines as well

as ethical obligations. Students must

incorporate oral footnotes into

speeches and will understand the

ethical ramifications of plagiarism

as well as the consequences and

ramifications of not meeting

deadlines.

Consequences of not meeting

deadlines impact the course

grades. Embedded items on

exams address plagiarism and

speaker responsibilities.

Critical Thinking Skills - to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and

analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information

Communication Skills - to include effective development, interpretation and expression

of ideas through written, oral and visual communication

Teamwork - to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work

effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal

Personal Responsibility - to include the ability to connect choices, actions and

consequences to ethical decision-making

Disclaimer: Each instructor reserves the right to make modifications in content and schedule as

necessary to promote the best education possible within the prevailing conditions affecting this

course.