MCOM 100 -- Public Speaking*
Piedmont College
Spring 2008

NOTE:  The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary. 
Normally, this will be done at least once in class and published on the course web page. 

Professor:  Dr. W.A. Kelly Huff               e-mail address:   khuff@uga.edu

Textbook:  Lucas, Stephen E.  (2007).  The Art of Public Speaking (9th Ed.).  Boston:  McGraw-Hill. 

Web Page URL:  http://www.wakh.net/
                          
        Check the web page frequently for information about course schedules, assignments, exams, etc.  
        Click on “Information for Current Students;” then “MCOM – Public Speaking;” then  “Announcements/Schedules;”
        then click on the section for your class. 
 
Catalog Course Description:  “Prepares students for formal and informal speaking, including informative, persuasive, demonstration,
        visual aid and impromptu speeches, as well as exploring non-verbal, group dynamics, and different styles of propaganda.” 
 
Course Goal:  The goal of this course is to help students become better communicators.  We intend to teach
        students how to speak effectively in public. We intend to help students understand why some people are
        more effective and others less effective as public speakers. In short, we seek to help students become better
        speakers and critics of public communication. 

Course Objectives: 

        1.    The student will understand the need for effective public speaking skills in a variety of contexts.  
        2.    The student will use research skills in the preparation of speeches. 
        3.    The student will practice listening skills. 
        4.    The student will learn the vocabulary of public speech. 
        5.    The student will practice various types of public speech.
 

Grade Scale:  90%=A, 80%=B, 70%=C, 60%=D, Below 60=F.  There will be no rounding of grades or extra credit in any form.  

Grading: 

Examination I 20 percent
Examination II 20 percent
Introduction Speech (2-4 minutes)    5 percent
Demonstration Speech (3-5 minutes) 10 percent
Exposition Speech  (4-6 minutes)  15 percent
Persuasive Speech (5-7 minutes)  20 percent
In-class Assignments, etc.  
 10 percent
Attendance/Participation/Comm Requirement See Policy

        Two examinations account for 40% of the grade.  Each counts 20%.  Students are responsible for bringing their own
        “number 2” pencils.  Each examination will consist of a combination of true-false, multiple choice, and matching format items. 
        Exams cover material from lectures and the textbook.  I do not lecture on all of the material in your text so ensure
        you have done the readings before exams.  The final exam, or Examination II, will be given at the assigned time per the official
        college schedule.  The final exam will NOT be given early or at a different time unless changed by the college. 
       
        Speeches account for 50% of the grade on a scale of 100 possible points.  The initial speech of introduction counts
        5%, the speech of definition counts 10%, the speech of exposition counts 15%, and the speech to persuade
        counts 20%.  Each speech will be assigned minimum and maximum time limits, with a penalty assessed for
        violations.  The student will be penalized five points for each 15-second period the speech goes under or
        over time, which indicates a true lack of preparedness.  A speech that goes over is just as ill prepared as one
        that goes under time.  For speeches, the instructor will use critique sheets for grading.  Critique sheets will
        be explained in class and may be seen on the course web page.  Students will be required to complete a
        variety of in-class assignments including pop quizzes, assignments, and participation as an audience
        member.  In order for public speaking to take place, there must be an audience.  Students must attend class
        and complete these assignments.  In line with departmental policy, such activities will go toward your final
        course grade (10%) and cannot be made up regardless the reason for the absence.  You may be given a
        letter grade or numerical grade or both on assignments.  If you receive a letter grade on a speech or other assignment,
        then the numerical equivalent would be:  A+ (98), A (95), A- (92), B+ (88), B (85), B- (82), and so on with
        Cs and Ds.  F can be anything from 0-59 and would normally be assigned numerically and with a letter.  This scale
        is not the same as the final grade +/- scale. 

Written Work:  Outlines, Sources and Visual Aids:  All written work must be typed or word-processed on 8.5 by
        11 inch white paper using one-inch margins on the top, bottom, and sides.  Each of the three major
        speeches will require a typed formal outline due on the day of the speech.  Problems with computers (“it ate
        my outline”) are not acceptable excuses for failure to turn in an outline.  Failure to turn in the outline when
        it is your turn to speak will result in your automatic failure on the speech without exception; no outline
        means no speech and a grade of zero.  If the outline is handed in but not typed, a 10-point penalty will be
        assessed on the speech.  The outline must follow the example that will be given to you by the instructor. 
        The outline will constitute part of the grade, so it must be well done.  In addition to the hard copy of the outline the
        student will hand to the instructor on the day of the speech, the student/speaker will send to the instructor on the
        day of the speech an MS-Word version of the outline as an e-mail attachment. 

        Each speech will also require research.  At least three sources of credibility will always be required –
        sometimes more – depending on your topic and purpose.  You may use as many sources beyond three as
        you like, but at least two must be old-fashioned library sources and may not be Internet sources.  You must
       document the sources in proper APA or MLA style.  You will find examples of APA documentation on the
        web page.  A uniform point penalty will be assessed for violations.  Five points will be taken off for each
        source under the limit, with a maximum penalty of 15 points.  These sources will be typed and handed in
        with the outline.  Failure to type the sources will result in a five-point penalty.  Poorly documented sources
        are not acceptable and 5 points will be deducted for each under three with a maximum of 15 total points. 

        Some speeches require visual aids.  Failure to comply will result in a minimum automatic 15-point grade
        reduction.  A visual aid must be well thought out and be integral to the speech.  Some examples of what not
        to do:  Hastily writing something on a piece of paper to show the class; Hanging a picture on the wall while
        you speak; Laying an object on the table; Visuals that cannot be seen adequately by the instructor, etc. 
        These examples and similar instances would still result in a 15-point penalty.  The visual aid must be
        pertinent to, and integrated into, the speech and must be done effectively.  An age-old trick is waiting to
        introduce the visual aids at the end so that the student can stall to meet minimum time limits.  Under such
        circumstances, the instructor will end the timing of the speech at the point of transgression and will deduct
        points for failure to integrate appropriately the visual aids into the body of the speech.  Visual aid
        guidelines may be found on the web page.  

        To summarize:  

No outline  Automatic zero grade for speech
Untyped outline 10 point penalty
Untyped sources 5 point penalty
No visual aid  15 point penalty
Inadequate visual aid Penalty depends on extent of inadequacy; 15 point maximum
Inadequate sources and/or poorly documented sources 5-point penalty for each under three with a 15 point maximum
Overtime/Undertime Speech 5-point penalty every 15 seconds

Attendance Policy:  Attendance, timeliness, and participation are required and part of your grade.  In classes that meet two times each
    week, students who miss three (3) classes will have to meet with the instructor to continue in the class.  Students who miss four (4)
    or more classes must withdraw from the class.  

    All absences for participation in recognized school events (e.g., athletics, drama, field trips) will count against
    the announced absence policy. A request for consideration of an exception to this policy must be submitted in
    writing to the appropriate Dean. The student is responsible for all material covered during the classes missed. 
    Sometimes small group projects will be difficult or impossible to make up. 

    Allowable absences will not be penalized unless the student misses an in-class assignment, a speech, or an
    exam.  Excused or not, an absence is still an absence on the attendance record.  You are given a week’s
    worth of sick leave.  Use it when you need it and don’t waste it frivolously.  

    In T-Th and M-W classes, each time a student is late to class or leaves class early will count as one-half an absence. 
    Two of these in any combination count as one absence. 

    If you are absent or tardy, you may under some conditions be able to make up an exam, but you cannot
    make up for not being in class and the absence counts on your attendance record – even if the excuse is
    accepted.  If you know in advance that you will be taking one of your allowable absences for an important
    reason, then inform the professor right away in person and in writing and arrangements can be made. 

Participation and Make-Up Work:  Participation extends beyond mere attendance.  Your regular attendance is
    necessary as examinations cover material from the book and material covered only in lectures.  Students must be prepared
    to contribute to all aspects of classroom activity (for example, paying attention to the speeches of others, discussions,
    exercises, and short written assignments).  In order to participate students will be expected to read the assigned
    readings and prepare any required materials by the date specified.  Students who are habitually unprepared to participate
    substantially in class will have points deducted from their final grade as determined by the instructor.  Per
    departmental policy, there are no make-ups for daily in-class activities.    

    Additionally, class activities and pop quizzes will be scattered throughout the semester.  Such activities will go
    toward your final course grade and – per departmental policy – cannot be made up  regardless of the
    reason for the absence.  Please note that if you should you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain
    missed materials from a classmate, not from the instructor. 

    Public speech presentations and examinations are clearly scheduled on the web page. 
    Students must give speeches and take examinations on the assigned day.  Students who miss a speech or
    examination must inform the instructor by phone and/or e-mail as soon as possible before the class meets   
    and upon returning to class must present a bona fide written reason to the instructor (i.e. written letter to the
    instructor and valid medical excuse).   This is covered under the same policies that govern final exams; for
    example, serious illness,* a college-sponsored event that is documented in writing and in advance,** or
    a death in one’s immediate family.***  For any of these reasons, the student must notify the instructor in
    advance of the absence and then later present his/her case to the instructor in person and in written form. 
    An excused absence results in a grade of zero.  Remember, in line with departmental policy, students
    cannot make up in-class assignments regardless the reason for the absence. 

    IF the student provides a valid medical excuse for an illness as outlined below, the speech or exam may
    be made up.  The professor is the final authority on the validity and acceptance of an excuse.  Excused
    or not, an absence is still an absence on the record.   However, the exam will not be multiple choice, but will
    be in written form.  In the case of illness, the student, prior to returning to class, will also be required to
    present a valid doctor’s excuse and a written explanation from the student to the professor.  

    * Illness:  The student must contact the instructor prior to the speech, exam, or assignment.  If the student is unable
    to do so, have a friend or family member do so.  (Note:  Under most circumstances the make-up must be
    scheduled prior to the next class period or within the same week of the exam or assignment.  Students may
    not take a makeup without an official medical excuse presented to validate.)  Whicheve health center you use
    to get an excuse, you MUST get a “Plan of Care/Instructions” from that health center.  To get
    a note from the health center, I do NOT mean the traditional form indicating that the student “was
    seen” at the health center.  Instead you must ask for a form that says “Plan of care/Instructions.”  Ask the
    doctor to write on that form: “In my opinion, this student should not be in classes today, tomorrow, next
    two weeks, etc.”  A doctor, physician’s assistant, or a nurse practitioner will write that note if you ask.  If
    you don’t ask, it is unlikely they will do so. The note does not have to say why you can’t attend class, just
    that you are not fit for attending class.  NOTE: A nurse CANNOT and WILL NOT fill out the plan of
    care/instructions.  Thus you must request seeing someone other than a nurse.  Without a note from
    your doctor stating that you were too sick to attend the exam or the “Plan of Care/Instructions” form from
    the health center indicating you were too sick to give the speech or exam, you will receive a ZERO for
    that speech and/or exam.  Excused or not, an absence is still an absence.  Don’t be foolish in cutting class. 

     ** College-sponsored event :  Note:  The student must submit a written request to the instructor prior to
    the event and must complete arrangements to make up the assignment or exam in advance. 

    *** Family death:  Students must contact the instructor prior to the exam or discussion.  The college
    typically verifies that the student must miss class because of a family death.  At the very least, leave an e-mail
    message or a phone message at Piedmont College and see the instructor as soon as possible.  

Classroom courtesy:

    Students are expected to support this class with good attendance, punctuality, attentiveness, and respect for
    other students and the professor.  Attendance in class is mandatory.

    No private conversations are allowed during class.  We will have polite class discussions with no rude arguing.
    Violators will be asked to leave, counted absent, and must meet with the instructor prior to attending future
    class meetings.

    All phones, beepers, pagers, radios, etc. must be turned off before class begins and will remain off and packed away throughout
    class.  No headphones will be allowed during class. You will not even be allowed to touch or look at a phone or other electronic
    devices during an exam or quiz.  You will put such items away so that no one, including yourself, can see the phone or other device.

    During class time none of the following will be tolerated:
            Studying for other classes.
            Reading outside materials of any kind. 
            Doing crossword puzzles or anything similar.    

    Any student deemed by the professor as disruptive to the conduct of the class will be asked to leave for the
    day, will receive an unexcused absence, and be asked to “show cause” as to why he/she should be allowed to
    continue with the class.  

    Arrive on time and leave on time.  During a speech in progress, no one will be allowed to enter the
    classroom.  If you are late, wait outside until the speaker is finished.  Failure to comply will result in a 10-
    point penalty on your own grade for that round of speeches. 

    If you come in late on the day of an exam, you have only until the last person who came on time turns in
    theirs to finish yours. 

Special Considerations:  Piedmont College makes every effort to provide reasonable and appropriate
    accommodations to students with disabilities.  Accommodations must be coordinated through the Office
    of Counseling and Career Services by contacting the director at 1-800-277-7020 ext 1259 or by
    email kcutrell@piedmont.edu.  Students are responsible for providing accurate and current documentation
    of their disability and for making a written request to the director before receiving accommodations. 
    Students with special needs (disabilities, problems, or any other factors that may affect their performance
    or that require special instructional strategies) should also make these needs known to the professor/instructor
    during the first class session.

Academic Integrity:  A student found responsible for any act of academic dishonesty (cheating, fabrication, facilitating
    academic dishonesty, plagiarism -- see your Student Handbook) will be subject to dismissal from the college.

Special Notes:

    You must fill out and sign the form* given to you in class that acknowledges receipt and understanding of this
    syllabus.  You will return the form to the professor when you receive it or you will be assigned a zero for the final
    grade.  Not receiving a form will not be accepted as an excuse, since the form and syllabus will be available to all
    students during the first week of class meetings.

    No one will go to anyone else about a problem with the class, instructor, or other students without first meeting with the
    instructor.  Failure to follow the first or any other step in the hierarchy will result in forfeiture of any rights to an appeal. 

    *In class, you will receive a form that says:  "I have read the online syllabus and attendance policy and I have had the opportunity to ask
    questions about anything I did not understand.  I understand the syllabus and agree to abide by its provisions.  I also understand
    that some changes may be necessary and will be made by the instructor as needed and announced at least once in class."  

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