Speech 101- Fundamentals of Communication
Spring Semester - 2009 Instructor: Nicole Allaire
Time: 12:20pm OR 1:25pm Email: nmallaire@dmacc.edu
Location: Bldg 2, Room #23 Phone: (515) 231-1569 (emergency)
Office: Bldg 2, Room #29 Office: hours arranged
http://NicoleAllaire.EducatorPages.com
Welcome
I would like to welcome you to this Fundamentals of Communication course. As your instructor, I am here to help you develop and improve your skills in relating to others and public speaking. As a student, I hope you are here to learn, to discover your perceptions, to challenge your opinions, and to find new and effective ways to relate to others. I am excited that you are here to take this journey of self-discovery. I hope by the end of this course you increase your competencies in communication – since it is an essential life-long skill you will use on a daily basis. Enjoy the course and your communication journey!
Course Materials
1. Required Textbook: DeVito, Joseph A., Essentials of Human Communication, Allyn & Bacon, 2008.
2. Bring a folder/binder to store all handouts and completed assignments.
3. Bring paper, pencil/pen, and textbook to each class.
4. E-mail access needed for course communications to instructor and classmates.
5. Keep all returned assignments and exams in a folder throughout semester.
Course Competencies
1. Explain the transactional nature of the communication process.
2. Explain how perceptions influence human communication
3. Analyze how communication functions in relationships.
4. Describe relationships between verbal and non-verbal messages in face to face communication.
5. Identify characteristics and functions of small groups.
6. Participate in problem solving and or decision making groups
7. Identify communication behavior characteristics of roles in groups.
8. Develop a topic according to purpose and audience.
9. Organize information and ideas appropriately.
10. Develop main ideas specifically and coherently.
11. Use language appropriate to the speaker, audience and occasion.
12. Employ extemporaneous style to the delivery of short speeches.
13. Demonstrate active listening skills.
14. Analyze speeches from a listener’s point of view.
(There are sub-points to these topics which can be viewed at www.dmacc.edu/compentencies)
Course Policies
1. Read student handbook - Please read your DMACC student handbook where all official policies are listed. I would expect as a responsible student that you know what is in the handbook and your expectations as a DMACC student. The following are some policies I would like to emphasize in our classroom:
2. Be on time – the course only meets three times a week for 55 minutes and we will use the full class period for learning and fun activities – you won’t want to miss a minute of it.
3. Technology use - Cell phones should be turned off and put away during class. No answering calls or text messaging during class. Laptops are not to be used during class unless there is documentation. No I-pods or listening devices during class. Any violations will result in loss of class activity points.
4. Be respectful - your Instructor and your classmates – Please pay attention during class, participate in activities, use appropriate language for the classroom, and be respectful of other gender and cultures.
5. Academic honesty – All coursework is expected to be your own. Please see the DMACC Educational Services Procedures ES 262 VII A and B for specific information on plagiarism, cheating, and appeals procedures. (See pages 14 and 63 in the student handbook)
6. Support services – If you are a student with a documented disability, please notify me at the beginning of the class to ensure you are registered with support services and to discuss any necessary accommodations. I am very happy and willing to work with you to support your education.
7. Student code of conduct – Please review pages 54-56 in the student handbook for the specific list for the code of conduct for each student at DMACC.
“You are expected to actively listen and respond in a way that demonstrates that you have been doing the reading and thinking about communication principles. Respect for yourself and others is mandatory. Informed involvement is expected. Please use Standard American English. Attending each class session is not enough to earn a passing grade; you must demonstrate a willingness to practice your communication competencies in class role-plays, group work, class discussions, and exercises. Studying for other classes during class sessions, failing to prepare for class sessions and failing to contribute to group presentations will be factored into your grade. You are further expected to demonstrate courtesies of professional life, which includes contacting your instructor if you will miss a class session.
Class climate is an essential ingredient for the success of this course. At various points during the semester, we may be examining sensitive and personal issues as they relate to aspects of interpersonal communication. Differences of experience, attitude, and values can be discussed meaningfully as long as we agree to respect norms of civil discussion.
Certain forms of classroom behavior are expressly prohibited. These include verbal attacks on the person and character of another; disparaging responses to another's group of origin or affinity, (e.g., age, gender, health status, physical or mental abilities, race, culture, sexual orientation, political philosophy, social views or religion); any form of behavior that manifests direct or implied sexual harassment; and any statement that questions the moral character or integrity of another. [Note: Some film clips shown in class contain vulgar language and inappropriate ways of managing emotions; your instructor does not condone this type of communication.]” (From: DeVito Instructor Manual, 2008)
Course Attendance
Regular attendance is essential in this course. Points will be given for in-class activities each class session which cannot be made up – you must be in class to receive points for in-class activities.
Course Participation
Participation in the course is essential in order to get the most out of the course. Participation will not be graded, but will be expected. Students who do not participate on a regular basis will be contacted individually by the instructor. You are expected to participate in all speeches, impromptu and prepared.
Course Assignments
1. Exams: There will be 3 exams for 10% each for 30% of total grade. Exams will be mainly multiple choice, true/false, matching, and short answer based on both readings and course lectures. Exams must be taken on date they are scheduled. If you cannot attend the exam, you must contact the instructor before the exam. The missed exam must be taken before the next class period and arranged with the instructor. Any missed exam will automatically have 10% of grade taken off, regardless of reason.
2. Assignments/ homework: Read all chapters for assigned dates. Bring all homework to turn in at the beginning of the class period. Homework that is one class period late will be graded with 20% reduction, two class periods late, 40% reduction, 3 or more class periods late will receive 0. = 10% of total grade
3. In-class activities: Attend all classes. Points given for in-class activities. Must attend entire class period for activity grade and must participate in activity during class. = 20% of total grade
4. Group presentation: A group presentation will be assigned in class. Groups will have time in class and need to meet outside of class to prepare the presentation. More specific information will be given when groups are assigned = 10% of grade
5. Informative speech – Policies for speeches on separate information sheet to be provided = 15% of grade
6. Persuasive speech – Policies for speeches on separate information sheet to be provided = 15% of grade
7. Extra credit: A few extra credit opportunities will be presented throughout the semester. More information will be provided later in the semester.
8. Reading: Read each chapter before it will be discussed. Please follow the tentative schedule. Instructor will note any changes to schedule.
Course Grading
Grades will be given on the following scale:
95-100% = A 80-82% = B- 67-69% = D+
90-94% = A- 77-79% = C+ 63-66% = D
87-89% = B+ 73-76% = C 60-62% = D-
83-86% = B 70-72% = C- 0-59 = F
A percentage of the total points will be taken to determine the grade. All major assignments and exams must be completed to receive course credit. Incomplete assignments will receive partial credit and work not completed on time will receive a zero.
Assessment Statement Students’ assignments, speeches, and surveys may be used for department course assessment purposes.
DMACC Information
DMACC Homepage www.dmacc.edu
Student Handbook www.dmacc.edu/handbook
Add/Drop dates www.dmacc.edu/academiccal.htm (Spring 2009 3/31)
Refund Policy www.dmacc.edu/refund.htm
Services for Students w/ Disabilities www.dmacc.edu/student_services/disabilities.htm
Academic Advising www.dmacc.org/student_services/academic_advising.htm
Career Counseling www.dmacc.org/student_services/career_resource.htm
Academic Help www.dmacc.edu/web2000/student_services/academic_acheivement_center.htm
Computer Help www.dmacc.edu/helpdesk/HD_student.htm
Library www.library.dmacc.cc.ia.us
Disclaimer
“This syllabus is representative of materials that will be covered in class; it is not a contract between the student and the institution. It is subject to change without notice. Any potential exceptions to stated policies and requirements will be addressed on an individual basis, and only for reasons that meet specific requirements. If you have any problems with this class, please feel free to discuss them with me”
Software Notice
“All the software used in this course is copyrighted; therefore, it is not for distribution, copying or personal use. The software is the property of DMACC.”
Course Calendar – (Tentative- is subject to change)
1/12 Week 1 Introductions, birthdays
1/14 Chapter 1 – Essentials of Human Communication
1/16 Student in a bag speech
1/19 Week 2 Martin Luther King Day – NO CLASS
1/21 Chapter 2 – Self & Perception
1/23 Impromptus
1/26 Week 3 Chapter 3 –Listening
1/28 Chapters 3&4
1/30 Chapter 4 – Verbal
2/2 Week 4 Chapter 5-NonVerbal
2/4 Review Chapters 1-5
2/6 Exam 1 (Chapters 1-5)
2/9 Week 5 Chapter 10 & Informative speech assignment
2/11 Chapter 10 – Public Speaking Preparation
2/13 Chapter 11– Public Speaking Preparation & Delivery
2/16 Week 6 Chapter 11 – Public Speaking Preparation & Delivery
2/18 Chapter 12– The Informative Speech
2/20 Chapter 12 – The Informative Speech
2/23 Week 7 Review 10-12
2/25 Exam 2 (10-12)
2/27 President’s Day - NO CLASS
3/2 Week 8 Informative speeches
3/4 Informative speeches
3/6 Informative speeches
3/9 Week 9 Informative speeches
3/11 Informative speeches
3/13 Chapter 13 & persuasion speech assignment
3/16 -21 Week 10 Spring Break – NO CLASSES
3/23 Week 11 Small group assignment & Chapter 8 –
3/25 Chapter 8 – Small Group Communication
3/27 Chapter 9 – Members & Leaders in Small Group Communication
3/30 Week 12 Chapter 9– Members & Leaders in Small Group Communication
4/1 Small group prep
4/3 Small group prep
4/6 Week 13 Small group presentations
4/8 Small group presentations
4/10 Chapter 6 – Interpersonal, Conversation & Relationships
4/13 Week 14 Chapter 6 – Interpersonal, Conversation & Relationships
4/15 Chapter 7 – Managing Interpersonal Conflict
4/17 Chapter 7 – Managing Interpersonal Conflict
4/20 Week 15 Persuasive Speeches
4/22 Persuasive Speeches
4/24 Persuasive Speeches
4/27 Week 16 Persuasive Speeches
4/30 Persuasive Speeches
5/1 Review exam (chapters 6, 7, 8, 9 & 13)
5/4 Final (12:20 class) 1:00-3:15 pm
5/6 Final (1:25 class) 2:30-4:45pm