ANCILLA COLLEGE is a Liberal Arts institution of higher learning
sponsored bythe Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. The Colleges
religious tradition is RomanCatholic; its climate ecumenical. In a
caring environment, Ancilla serves a diversepopulation, as we
transform and empower students to achieve high academicgoals,
lifelong learning, successful careers and values-centered lives.
COURSE INFORMATION Academic Term:Fall 2015 Course Title:COM 115
Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 credit hours), Section 2 Class
Meets:Monday 6:35-9:15pm Room Number:C114 INSTRUCTOR CONTACT
INFORMATION Instructor: Jodie M. Bowers Phone:574-936-8898 ext: 357
Office Hours: M/W: 9-11AM. & 4:30-5:00PM and T/TR: 9-11AM
Office: 219 Email:[email protected] REQUIRED
MATERIAL/RESOURCES/SOFTWARE Text: Ross, R.S., & Leonard, D.K.
(2012). Introduction to the speechmaking process. 14th ed. Redding:
BVT Publishing oISBN: 978-1-61882-009-9 Course Home: Moodle Use of
your Moodle account is required for this class.Grades will be
posted in the online gradebook; and class and assignment materials,
forums, announcements, and changes in the syllabus will be posted
here. Recording Device: You will be expected to record one of your
informative speeches and complete a self-analysis. You are
responsible for providing a recording device.It CAN BE your
smartphone or a webcam on your laptop. COURSE DESCRIPTION Students
will learn a variety of techniques for speech preparation and
presentation applicable in professional and private life.Emphasis
upon developing content, organization, analytical skills,
self-confidence, listening skills, delivery skills, and persuasive
techniques. COURSE GOALS This course will require you to prepare
and deliver a number of presentations.Additionally, you will
complete a number of assignments outside of class and participate
in class discussions and activities. This syllabus will explain the
nature, importance, and purpose of these assignments, the course
policies and procedures, and my expectations of students in the
course. ANCILLAS ACADEMIC CORE VALUES The work in this course, like
all courses at Ancilla College, is guided by the idea that all
students who graduate from the College must demonstrate the
following skills and knowledge.This course, in particular, will
prepare students to do the bolded core values below. F u n d a m e
n t a l s o f P u b l i c S p e a k i n g | 2 Fall 2015 Ancilla
College 1.Identify and solve problems using critical thinking.
2.Speak and present information in varied contexts. 3.Create and
present information in formal written formats. 4.Recognize and
critique significant historical, social, political, or cultural
forces that shape society. 5.Analyze and solve quantitative
problems using mathematical reasoning and critical thinking.
6.Apply the scientific method and evaluate the acquisition of new
knowledge. 7.Identify the use and application of appropriate
computer and communication technologies. 8.Articulate ethical
values and employ moral reasoning in decision-making. The
assignments, class activities, and readings all play their own
roles in ensuring that we meet the above bolded Ancilla Academic
Core Values as well as the following Student Learning Outcomes
(SLOs): Student Learning OutcomesAssignment/Assessment title or
numberPoints available Conduct and use effective audience analysis
Choosing appropriate topics and content based on audience as
determined by audience analysis worksheet conducted for persuasive
presentations 40 pts (toward total persuasive speech points)
Research and organize content for a speech topic Having sufficient
material and well-organized content as defined in the speech
rubrics for all speeches/presentations 550 points total over 5
speeches Determine source credibility and illustrate their own
credibility in presentations Choosing trustworthy sources and
developing strong credibility statements for all
speeches/presentations 550 points total over 5 speeches Write
formal speech outlines and prepare speaking notes from formal
outline Follow guidelines from outline rubric to complete outlines
for all speeches 130 points (toward 550 total of all speeches)
Deliver a speech using effective verbal and nonverbal skills
Successfully deliver all five presentations550 points total over 5
speeches Demonstrate mastery over speech anxiety Successfully
deliver all five presentations -and- Record development of
confidence through the end-of-semester self-analysis paper 550
points total over 5 speeches -and- 25 points Illustrate listening
skills and evaluate strength of presentations Participate in
listening exercises throughout the semester-and- Complete peer
evaluations as part of class participation 200 points total through
participation -and- 75 points Incorporate ethical speech guidelines
in presentations Choosing appropriate content, language, topics,
and visual aids for all presentations 550 points total over 5
speeches Create effective visual aids for use in presentations
Develop a well-designed visual aid for the informational,
demonstrative, and persuasive speeches 500 points total over 3
speeches Compose a well-designed persuasive presentation
Successfully incorporate logos, ethos, and pathos into a persuasive
speech while also following other required guidelines250
pointsCritique and analyze famous speeches Participate in a number
of in-class exercises-and- Completing a rhetorical criticism
evaluation 200 points total through participation -and- 150 points
F u n d a m e n t a l s o f P u b l i c S p e a k i n g | 3 Fall
2015 Ancilla College Expectations:Students will be held to a high
standard of performance.To receive an A in this class your
presentations must be significantly better than that which passes
for acceptable work.More precisely, an A speech is one that shows
originality, careful research, tight reasoning, well-thought out
persuasive appeals, and skillful delivery.Additionally, A speeches
will deal with non-trivial subject matter and will constitute a
genuine contribution to the knowledge and beliefs of the
audience.Do not assume that you can do simply what is assigned to
receive a high grade in this class.Doing only what is assigned gets
you, at most, a C. Appeals: You must wait 24 hours after receiving
a grade to discuss it with me.Please schedule a meeting for us to
meet privately.The classroom is not an appropriate place for these
discussions.After you have received a graded assignment or speech,
you have two weeks to discuss them with me.After two weeks, I will
not discuss any previous assignments.In general, grades are only
changed due to a miscalculation. COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1.Outlines:
Outlines are a critical element to preparing a well-developed
speech and/or presentation.Outlines are also helpful brainstorming
and writing tools that will aid you in future classes or in your
career.For these reasons, you are required to turn in outlines for
every speech.They are graded and feedback will be provided. I am
not requiring you to turn them in early for a grade however, I AM
ALWAYS WILLING to go over your outlines ahead of
time.2.Presentations: You will present five individual
presentations.These will include a self-introduction, two (2)
informative speeches (informational and demonstrative), a special
occasion speech, and a persuasive speech.You are expected to
deliver your speech on your assigned day.If you fail to deliver
your speech on the assigned day, you will receive, at most, 50%
(for written deliverables) and will not be given another day to
present.This is to ensure that an unfair disadvantage to your
classmates is not created. 3.Writing Assignments: There will be two
writing assignments in this class.These are to be
computer-generated, double-spaced, and 12-point (max) font with
1-inch margins.These assignments will ask you to critically think
about your own communication styles as well as others communication
styles.These are to be submitted ONLINE through Moodles Turn-It-In
dropbox. 4.Peer Evaluations: This class will use peer evaluations
as a way to ensure that you are keeping up on the reading and
applying critical listening and critical thinking skills during
presentations.If you dont have a book yet, there is a copy in the
library.You will be expected to complete peer evaluations for each
of your classmates for three speeches (informative, demonstrative,
persuasive).Evaluation forms will be provided. 5.Participation
Grade: Participation in COM 115 is made up of participation
in-class exercises and/or out-of-class homework assignments.To be
more specific, these points can be comprised of short projects,
group activities, exercises, impromptu speeches, etc.Often times,
it can be the activity points that will make a difference between a
final grade of an A and a B for a student.You must be in class to
receive participation points for these exercises.A quick and easy
way of thinking about the participation point system is assuming
that each class day is worth approximately five participation
points.Please note that attendance is included in this
grade.Excessive absences will negatively affect your participation
grade. Feel free to ask me what your grade is for participation at
any time during the semester (e-mail your request). F u n d a m e n
t a l s o f P u b l i c S p e a k i n g | 4 Fall 2015 Ancilla
College GRADINGYour course grade will be determined by your
performance in assignments, presentations, critiques, and overall
participation in the course.See below for a breakdown of total
course points possible.(Points and assignments are tentative and
may change throughout semester- instructor will notify you.)
Assignments Points Your Grade Self-Introduction Speech25 Special
Occasion Speech25 Informational Presentation100 Demonstrative
Presentation150 Persuasive Presentation250 Self-Analysis Paper25
Rhetorical Criticism Evaluation 150 Peer Evaluations75
Participation/Attendance200 Total Course Points1000 LATE WORK
POLICY: All assignments are due in class on the due date.Late
assignments will receive the following deductions:Same day AFTER
class = 5%Next day after due date = 20% Any day after = 30% There
is a 30% cap on late work so it is ALWAYS in your best interest to
turn something in late.However, there are NO make-ups for
speeches.If you miss your speech, you will receive at most
half-credit (for the written deliverables).If you know you are
going to be absent please arrange with me to turn things in and/or
present prior to your absence.CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance at
all class meetings is expected and is essential to your success in
class.Since much of the learning in this class will result from
interaction with others, attendance and participation are vital for
your success.You are expected to attend class regularly and in a
timely fashion. Two absences are allowed without an attendance
penalty; however, please note that missed activities, homework,
speeches, and participation points CANNOT be made up if you have
not made arrangements with me beforehand.Every absence after your
second will result in a penalty of 10 points off your final grade
in the course. If you must be absent because of extenuating
circumstances (i.e. illness, family emergency, etc) you must notify
me in advance of your absence as soon as possible.Please bring
documentation of the absence upon returning to class.If you know
you will be absent ahead of time, please let me know as soon as
possible.You may also leave a message with Erin HouserYou are
responsible for obtaining the material that you miss.Grade Total
Points A940-1000 A-900-939 B+870-899 B830-869 B-800-829 C+770-799
C700-769 D F 600-699 Below 600 F u n d a m e n t a l s o f P u b l
i c S p e a k i n g | 5 Fall 2015 Ancilla College Tardiness: You
are expected to show up for class on time and stay the entire
period.Missing more than 20 minutes of class will result in no
participation points for that day.You are responsible for signing
the attendance sheet each day you are in class.If you do not sign
the sheet you, will be counted absent.If you are late, make sure
you see me immediately after class to sign it.After this time, the
sheet will not be changed. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Academic integrity
means that students may not submit work that is not their own in
any manner (research papers, exams, oral reports, computer reports,
etc.).This includes plagiarism and cheating. Permitting other
students to use ones work as their own also violates the principle
of academic integrity. As specified in all syllabi, Ancilla College
stresses the importance of academic integrity. Because all colleges
and universities value academic integrity highly, they treat
violations very seriously. Sanctions for offenses can range from
failure on the assignment or the course to dismissal from the
College.Sanctions will be determined by the Instructor or, in
repeat or more serious offenses, the Dean of Academic and Student
Services.Any repeated violation of this policy can result in
dismissal from Ancilla College.All honor violations will be
reported to the Dean at the time they are detected.Plagiarism on
any assignment will result in a minimum of a 0 for the
assignment.Plagiarism includes the following: Copying someone elses
work and claiming it as your own Paraphrasing someone elses work
and claiming it as your own Collaborating with another person and
claiming the work solely as your own When in doubt, CITE your work.
The risk is not worth it. DISABILITY ACCOMODATION STATEMENT: If you
have any disability that may require accommodation, or if you have
questions related to accommodations, please contact the Center for
Student Achievement (CSA) ADA office as soon as possible.The CSA
Lab is located in room 204 or can be reached at (574) 936-8898,
ext. 302. Please be advised that in order to receive services you
must: submit documentation in the form requested by CSA staff.The
documentation needs to be approved by CSA staff, and all paperwork
involved in the process must be completed.This must be done no
later than the first week of classes.Documentation must be
submitted and approved at least one week before testing, if
accommodations are needed.Documentation received later than these
deadlines may not be approved and accommodations may not be
granted.COURSE POLICIES oAssignments: All written work must be
computer-generated, double-spaced, and 12-point (max) font with
1-inch margin.They are to be turned in at the beginning of class on
the due date. oSpeech Days: Attendance is required on speech
days.Ten participation points will be lost for each day you are
absent when speeches are being given.Timeliness is essential.Only
enter the room between speeches if you are late.Audience etiquette
is very important.Please be attentive and respectful when others
are speaking.Attire is a critical part of presenting.Please make
sure you are presentable.We will discuss most details in class.
oE-mail: I tend to use e-mail frequently to communicate with
students.I may send e-mails to the entire class regarding class
announcements or I may e-mail individuals should it be necessary.I
expect students check their F u n d a m e n t a l s o f P u b l i c
S p e a k i n g | 6 Fall 2015 Ancilla College e-mail at least every
other day though I would be much more comfortable with every day.
When I send out an e-mail it is because it contains important
information that you need to know and that may not have been
covered in class.If e-mail is not a reasonable means of
communication for you, please talk to me and we will work out an
alternative.If you e-mail me and have not heard back within 24
hours, please send your e-mail again. oCell phones: Turn your cell
phones on silent when you enter the classroom.These interruptions
are distracting to your fellow classmates and to me.If your cell
phone rings or buzzes during a peer presentation, you will lose
significant points from your own presentation. oMoodle: I will be
using this web platform as the basis for this class.You must become
familiar with our class site in order to turn in assignments and
participate.We will discuss aspects of Moodle throughout the
semester, but please approach me with any questions BEFORE
assignments are due. oRespecting Others and Yourself: Come to class
ready to engage in the materials.Please respect others
opinions.Sometimes we may not agree, but that does not mean we dont
have to be respectful. Hateful, racist, or other inappropriate
comments have no place in my classroom. Any offenders will be
excused from class and will lose that days participation points.
oStudent Portfolio Connections: Assignments in this course may be
used as artifacts in your student portfolio. This is a graduation
requirement.Please refer to the Student Portfolio Guide for more
details but always save your assignments in several places so you
have a back-up copy for your own records. oClassroom Etiquette: The
Ancilla College Code of Conduct is detailed in the Ancilla College
Catalog/Student Handbook, available on the college
website.www.ancilla.edu Your learning is my #1 priority.Therefore I
may make changes to the syllabus (including policies and
assignments) and course schedule during the semester based on the
needs of the class.Any changes will be e-mailed to students, posted
on Moodle, and discussed in class.
