Course Syllabus

Syllabus 

COM 111-56190 Introduction to Speech Communication

IAI Major Course Description: C2900

Mod 1 – Eight week class: Begins January 13th  and ends at midterm, March 7th  

Online with In-Person Speeches: 1/21, 2/11, 2/25, 3/4  

  

Instructor Information

Name:

Sarah Lucht    

Office Location:

Northwest – 16

Office Hours:

M - 12:20-12:50

T/Th – 10:00-11:00 are virtual office hours (email, phone or Canvas). Or by appointment. 

Wed- 7:30-8:50, 12:00-12:50

F – 12:20-12:40

*Subject to change, please see office door for up to date hours.

Email:

sfuesting16215@lakelandcollege.edu

Phone Number:

217-234-5271

 

Course Information

Description:              

Focuses on the fundamental principles and methods of     

selection, analyzing, organizing, developing and communicating information, evidence, and points of view to audiences.

Credit Hours:

3

Pre-Requisite Information:

Reasonable mastery of the English language

Classroom Location:

Online with in-person speeches – Kluthe Center 220

Meeting Times:

In-person speeches: T 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm on 1/21, 2/11, 2/25, 3/4  

Course Materials:

Valenzano, J.M., Kuypers, J.A., & Braden, S.W. (2019). The Speaker: The  Tradition and Practice of Public Speaking.  (4th ed.). Fountainhead Press.

 

Course Objectives, Assessment, and Grading Criteria

Learning Outcomes:

Understand and Manage Communication Apprehension

Ethical Speaking and Listening

Audience Analysis

Research and Supporting Materials

Critical Thinking Skills

Speech Organization

Outlining

Delivery Techniques

Presentational Aids

Evaluate Student Speeches

Bag Speech

Informative Speech

Persuasive Speech

Impromptu Speech

 

 

Types of Assessment

Assessment Method

Determination of Grade

Speeches

Four Core Speeches (listed above)

Documentation

Outlines and APA Reference Pages

Assignments

Topic Papers, Discussions over reading materials, etc.

Tests

Pop Quizzes (varies by semester and class interaction), Quizzes, and Final

 

Grading Criteria

Grades are posted in Canvas

 

A=100%-90%   B= 89-80%   C= 79-70%    D=69-60%    F=59% or lower

 

Assignments and Exams

Points

Bag Speech

60

Informative Outline

50

Informative Speech

120

Persuasive Outline

50

Persuasive Speech

150

Impromptu Speech

80

Peer Reviews

*Varies

Pop Quizzes

*Varies

Discussions

*Varies

Participation

**Not extra credit

                        *quizzes could increase the total points available, as well as additional assignments added throughout the course.

 

Final Exam Information: 

            The final will be in person on March 3rd.

 

Assignments

  • Submittal of assignments via email, flash drive, or any other electronic media is unacceptable.
  • All assignments will be evaluated on content, organization, grammar, style, clarity, and language.
  • Each student must possess a reasonable verbal mastery of the English language.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Lecture Topics and Assignments

Week (subject to change)

Topic & Assignments

1

Chapter 1

2

In Person Deliver Bag Speech – Chapters 2, 5, 8, 11, 9

3

Chapters 4, 10, 12

4

 

5

In Person Deliver Informative Speech – Chapters 13, 14, 15, 6

6

 

7

In Person Deliver Persuasive Speech

8

In Person Deliver Impromptu Speech

Final

 

Instructor Classroom Policies

Attendance

Even though this is an on-line section of Speech Communication students are still required to participate with one another electronically and during the four face-to-face speech sessions. Because of the in-depth nature of this course, your success will be determined by class participation. Students have the opportunity to earn up to 30 points for participation. This is gained through discussions in canvas, homework, participation in the classroom and other course related activities. Students who participate in the on-line discussions and the face to face sessions will benefit greatly when it comes to the grade for participation. These are not bonus points; they are a part of the overall points for the course.

 

Students will be required to deliver 4 graded speeches (a student CAN NOT pass the course if they fail to present one of the four speeches), compose outlines, and additional assignments throughout the semester. Missed speeches cannot be made up, and if a student misses one speech they will be withdrawn from the course.

 

Faculty Withdraw Notice: According to The Lake Land College Board of Trustees Policy Manual, “Because regular, punctual classroom attendance is considered important for quality performance and success, students are expected to punctually attend all meetings of classes in which they are enrolled. Instructors or divisions have the prerogative to determine minimum requirements.” Furthermore, the Illinois Community College Board requires instructors to certify at midterm if a student is actively pursuing a passing grade in a course and to withdraw anyone not doing so. Therefore, at (or before) midterm—February 7, students who are not actively engaged in classroom discussions, lectures, completing speeches, and so on, will be withdrawn.

  • The instructor reserves the right to withdraw a student at any point throughout the semester if they are earning a failing grade.

 

 

Dress Code

Dress appropriately to deliver a speech. This means, look presentable and remove hats, remove sunglasses, discard gum, refrain from shirts with distracting pictures or lettering; overall-look presentable to deliver a speech and build credibility with your audience.

 

 

Missing a Speech or Test

Speeches cannot be made up. The sessions have been posted for months now, so make arrangements to be present for all assigned speeches. This means for the entire session. It is very important to be an audience member as well. Under certain circumstances the instructor can make amendments to this stipulation (ie: a death in the family, hospitalization). Therefore, make arrangements to be present at all four sessions for the entirety of the class.

  • Unplanned Absence

If time and class schedule allow, a core speech may be made up during the first class meeting immediately following the missed speech at a penalty of 50% of the total speech grade. It is the student’s responsibility to visit the instructor during a scheduled office visit prior to the first course meeting after the absence to seek authorization for a reschedule.  The instructor has final say regarding the permissibility of a reschedule request. No speech or test shall be made up more than a week after the original test date.  

 

Late Work

Late work is not accepted. Assignments must be submitted in the correct format, location, and naming style for acceptance. Assignment due dates and times will be clearly listed on the assignment directions. The instructor reserves the right to accept late work with the understanding that the work will be capped at 50% of maximum point value.

 

Classroom Conduct 

 

  • Cell Phones: Please turn your phone off during class. Phone calls (even vibrating) are disruptive. Talking and texting is prohibited! Electronics and other potentially distracting devices: Computers, pads, Bluetooth headsets, headphones, and any other electronic device and/or fidget spinners or the like, may not be utilized or handled during class time.  Anyone observed using devices as mentioned, will be considered disruptive and outside the guidelines of Academic Integrity.  Furthermore, students using said devices, without permission of the instructor, during class will be exempted from class for the day and marked absent.  Exceptions may include hearing assistive devices and other medical devices with accompanying paperwork. Please consult with instructor if you have special needs or concerns.
  • Students are expected to demonstrate respect toward their instructor and classmates.
  • If a student’s behavior creates a disturbance or interferes with classroom activities, said student will be required to leave.
  • If return to class is granted, further episodes of inappropriate behavior will also lead to the student’s removal from the course and reported to the college administration for disciplinary action.

 

Classroom Communication

  • As Lake Land College students, you should be checking your Laker Mail and Canvas daily for course updates and communication from instructors.
  • Check Canvas daily for assignments and Course Announcements.

 

Contacting the Instructor

  • Please contact me via Laker email at sfuesting16215@lakelandcollege.edu.
  • I do not check my email outside of normal business hours. Work ahead on your assignments so you have ample time to have your questions answered.

 

Important Dates

  • 10th day – January 17th. The instructor reserves the right to withdrawal students from the course who have not actively engaged, completed an assignment, or shown up for class.
  • Mid-Term – February 7th
  • Last Day to Withdrawal – March 3rd
  • Registration Begins for Summer & Fall – March 26th

 

**The instructor retains the right to modify the course schedule and assignments as needed**

College Policies

Academic Integrity and Student Code of Conduct

At Lake Land College, it is assumed that students will honor the tradition of academic honesty. As such, students have the responsibility to be fully knowledgeable of the Academic Integrity Code, produce their own work, and encourage academic honesty among their fellow students.

 

Presenting a speech and submitting a speech outline without proper verbal and printed source citation is plagiarism and constitutes ground for assignment and course failure and collegiate disciplinary action. 

 

Students may use artificial intelligence or machine learning tools (e.g., Grammarly, Microsoft Word) for proofreading writing assignments, such as checking spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Any other use of AI—like generating, solving, outlining, or drafting assignments—is only allowed if the assignment specifically permits it. Examples of prohibited uses include using AI to write essays, solve math problems, take quizzes/tests or create discussion posts. All work must be completed independently, without unauthorized assistance from others or automated tools unless otherwise specified. Misuse of AI is considered cheating and will result in disciplinary action under Academic Integrity Board Policy 07.28.02. 

 

For a description of what is considered to be academic dishonesty, please review the Academic Integrity Code available in the online Student Handbook and Right to Know  www.lakelandcollege.edu/student-handbook. If you have questions regarding the College’s policy specifically related to this course, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

Responsible Use of Classroom Content

Class discussions, papers, pictures, video, and any other student-created work for a course are all considered official course content. Student work, including papers, discussions, quizzes, assignments, etc., must be confined to the classroom (either on-campus or virtual) and should not be shared outside the classroom without the express permission of the student who created it. Students should respect the privacy of person-to-person or person-to-class communication in all forms. Violating student privacy may result in removal from the course. Significant or repeated violations may result in disciplinary action. This standard is pursuant to Board Policies 07.28.01 (Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures) and 11.15 (Acceptable Technology Use).

 

Student Accommodations

Lake Land College is committed to providing a quality educational experience to all students. As such, the College provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability to help them achieve their full potential. For additional information, please contact Student Accommodations within Counseling Services—(217) 234-5259.

 

TalkCampus

TalkCampus is a global mental health support network. Get safe, anonymous support, anytime of the day or night from a global community of students, just like you. Download TalkCampus for free today by using your student email address. For more information, go to this TalkCampus link.

 

 

 

Proper College Etiquette

 

Professionalism

A key part of being a successful student is acting appropriately according to your environment. Although many instructors understand their students have a life outside of the classroom, it is expected of a professional college student to be able to balance their personal and academic lives. Therefore, however important these personal issues may be, they should not be used as excuses for:

 

  1. Failing to attend class
  2. Showing up late for classes (even if only by a few minutes)
  3. Submitting late and/or subpar work
  4. Not respecting pre-existing deadlines
  5. Asking for extended deadlines
  6. Requesting changes to the attendance policy or failing to keep track of your attendance record if required by your instructor

 

Furthermore, while your instructors are here to help you succeed in your college classes, remember they are experts in their subject field and deserve the respect afforded to them. No matter your relationship with them, your instructors are still the authoritative figure in the classroom and you should address them as such unless instructed otherwise. This may include (but is not limited to):

 

  • Emailing instructors with professional format, including:
    • Name
    • Class number and time
    • Reason for email
    • What time you would like meet
    • Example:

Hello,

My name is John and I am in your Comp. 121 class that is working on our final essay. I have some questions concerning the assignment if you would be willing to meet with me during your office hours on Monday.  

                   Thanks, John Smith

 

  • Addressing student/instructor conflicts outside of class in a calm and respectful manner
  • Sharing personal issues only when appropriate (although your instructor cares about your personal well-being, there are campus resources)
    • Counseling services
    • Human resources
  • Discussing issues at appropriate times, such as during office hours or during a scheduled appointment.  Keep in mind that your instructor has other classes. As such, avoid cornering them before or after class. Arrange an office visit.
  • If issues must be addressed in class, do so respectfully

 

While college is, on occasion, a less structured environment than high school, you cannot take all the liberties that you may like. There are many things that you cannot assume are okay simply because you believe they should be so. Do not assume:

 

  1. Your instructors would like to be addressed by their first name
  2. It is okay to bring food or drinks to class
  3. Your instructors will extend deadlines or give you help because you feel it is necessary
  4. Your instructor is okay with you talking without first being addressed

 

 

 

Responsibility

One of the most vital parts of being in college is being responsible. Now that you are beginning to delve into the academic world, you must take ownership of your own faults and missteps along the way. Being responsible is a surefire way for instructors to identify those students who are serious about college and those who are not ready for this level of responsibility. Some examples of collegiate level responsibility are:

 

  • Consulting your syllabus, canvas, or other class materials regularly for:
    • Attendance policy
    • Assignments and quizzes
    • Grading rubrics and a grading scale  
    • Due dates
    • Class schedule
  • Adhering to the instructor’s attendance policy
  • Completing the work that is assigned  
  • Turning in all projects and assignments on time and in the correct format
  • Taking ownership of grades that you have earned
    • Do not ask for:
      • Extra credit
      • An unreasonable boost or curve on your grade
      • More points on an assignment
  • Asking for help when necessary
    • Setting up appointments to meet up with your instructor
      • Contact them during office hours - not before or after class
    • Utilizing the college’s tutoring center

 

 

Respectfulness

The most prominent display of your character throughout your entire college experience is the way you show respect to your instructors and those in authority over your instructors. Paying attention to your instructors is not only common courtesy but is also your obligation as a student. Even if you do not enjoy the class you are taking, your instructor recognizes its value to your education and you owe it to them to engage in what they have prepared for you. There are many significant ways to display a proper and respectful character, such as:

 

  • Participating in class
  • Being prepared for classes and projects
    • I.e. bringing all necessary materials with you when prompted
  • Acknowledging your instructor
    • Head nods
    • Short verbal responses
    • Eye contact
  • Being quiet while your instructor is teaching
  • Taking notes, especially when instructed to do so
  • Being present physically as well as mentally
  • Not having earbuds out or on your person while your instructor is teaching
  • Keeping your phone in your bag during class (consult syllabus for further details)
  • Not eating or drinking during lecture or in-class activities

 

Non-verbal communication is the most important means of communication that you can convey. What you do is much more telling than what you say. As the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” Body language is a slippery slope. Sometimes you may be conveying a feeling or mood without even realizing it. Proper body language would exclude gestures such as:

 

  • Sleeping in class
  • Putting your head down
  • Being un-attentive
    • Staring out the window
    • Drawing in your notes
    • Not taking notes when prompted to do so
    • Texting
    • Listening to headphones
  • Angry or bored demeanor
    • Glaring
    • Crossed arms
    • Furrowed brows
  • Glazed expressions

           

“Courtesy costs nothing but always pays dividends.” Meaning, depending on your instructor, there can be certain benefits that may arise if you should choose to be a responsible, professional, and respectful student which may include:

  • Leniency on late work and attendance
  • An outstanding letter of recommendation
  • Exemption from certain class sessions
  • Possible bonus points

 

However, should you choose not to follow the outlined criteria, some consequences may include:

  • Being moved from your seat
  • Getting a 0% on an assignment
  • Being dropped from the course
  • Meeting with the Vice President or appropriate division chair in charge of the course
  • Losing scholarships, student aid, or program placement
  • Getting expelled from Lake Land College

 

Your instructor is here to do their job for the whole class, not to deal with bad behavior of one student. Thus, as a student, it is your responsibility to rise to a new level of excellence that each and every one of your instructors expects from you. As believed by your instructors, “college is a privilege not a right.”

 

This document was produced by Allyssa Boerngen, Monique Chavez, Alyssa Finley, Natalie Gordon, Hannah Wellbaum, and Jon Wies of Matt Landrus’ Fall 2018 9:30-10:45 Composition 2 Class.