Speech 2214 Guidelines

Speech 2214
Strategies of Human Communication
Fall 2004

BASIC INFORMATION:

INSTRUCTOR:

Lori Halverson-Wente

OFFICE:

Plaza Hall 402

OFFICE PHONE:

285-7553

EMAIL:

Lori.Halverson@Roch.Edu

RCTC Course Website:

http://www.roch.edu/course/spch2214/

D2L Website:

Desire to Learn Site can be accessed from: https://rctc.ims.mnscu.edu/index.asp
Official Course Calendar will be posted on the Desire to Learn Site
User Name = 8 digit Stinger ID + "306"
(i.e. if your ID is "00012345" type 00012345306)
Password = entire First Name, capital first letter
(If your name is shorter than 4 characters, use "password")

TEXT:

Highly Suggested: Communication: Principles for a Lifetime is suggested, you can choose not to purchase this text, but tests will cover readings. I will place 2 texts in the library reserve.

Suggested: Gang of One by Fan Shen is also suggested. There will be 20 copies of this in the library's reserve area. I will make copies of readings from this book too. However, it is a great book to purchase. Additional readings distributed though the Internet, CD ROM's and handouts.

OFFICE HOURS:

Fall 2004 Office Hours are
MWF 8:10- 8:50 and MW 1:00-1:50
Of course, we can also schedule a meeting when requested.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

In Speech 2214 students develop a variety of communication skills and an understanding of related communication principles. This course will include a heavy emphasis on public speaking and incorporate the use of computerized technology, along with components of small group communication and intercultural communication. Please note that a service learning and a group assignment will require each student work in and out of class with others. Many students will be involved in the Communication Application Activities Assignment with the Upward Bound Group at RCTC on Nov 13 in the afternoon. Please reserve this date now.

You will be required to think, prepare well and be responsible for your work. This means speeches will require thought, research, audience survey and adaptation and outline preparation in addition to mere delivery. Group work will require commitment and participation in and out of class. Computer skills will be incorporated. Some course delivery will take place via the computer. D2L will be used for submission of assignments and grade reports.

Topics of the course include: Human Communication Theory; Types of Communication; Public Speaking Skills (including computerized technology applications); Small Group Communication Theory and Skills; Intercultural Communication Theory and Skills; Active Listening; Technology and its impact on Human Communication.

This is NOT a lecture oriented class -- this is a participation-based performance course. The course is experiential with each student expected to perform several speeches and participate in extensive group activities throughout the semester. This demands active individual participation. I enjoy teaching the course and hope you will enjoy taking it! Do be warned, the schedule does shift due to the dynamic nature of the course. If you have any concerns about this, please let me know. Revisions will be available on our website. Please check it regularly.

OBJECTIVES:

Students will be able to:

a. Understand/demonstrate the writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation.
b. Participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding.
c. Select appropriate communicating choices for specific audiences.
d. Construct logical and coherent arguments.
e. Use authority, point of view, and individual voice and style in their writing and speaking.
f. Imagine and seek out a variety of possible goals, assumptions, interpretations, or perspectives that can give alternative meanings or solutions to given situations or problems.
g. Analyze the logical connections among the facts, goals, and implicit assumptions relevant to a problem or claim; generate and evaluate implications that follow from them.
h. Recognize and articulate the value assumptions that underlie and affect decisions, interpretations, analyses, and evaluations made by ourselves and others.
i. Evaluate the usefulness of traditional as well as innovative and technologically based communicative strategies.

TO BECOME AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT, I SUGGEST:

RESPECTING your own self and others to create an open classroom climate. We all participate and disclose at different rates and in different styles, but no one truly shares when they can trust the listeners.

TAKING PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for actively contributing to class discussion by completing readings and assignments in a timely fashion. Readings and homework will account for about 2 hours outside of class per class period. Research and speech preparation will take a significant amount of time. Your groups will depend upon your participation, so you must make responsible choices while working on these projects.

CONSCIOUSLY DECIDING to positively contribute to the class. I will do everything in my power to make this class valuable and "enjoyable" -- BUT -- I can only do so much, your attitude will make this class successful for all of us!

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. ATTENDANCE:

You are expected to be at all classes and on time. Attendance is required and will be taken. If you miss sessions on a regular basis, more than 2 times in a semester, it will be reflected in your course grade. Ten points per class missed may be deducted from your final grade after two missed classes. To further reinforce this policy, and to reward those attending, when we do graded in-class assignments, no make-ups will be allowed, regardless of reason.
Attendance is mandatory on performance days.
Come prepared with having read your material and text to each class.
During scheduled in-class group days, if you are absent, your grade will be reduced for each day missed, regardless of the reason. When we use the computer labs or other technology it is especially important that you are there to contribute to your group

2. ASSIGNMENTS:

Readings and assignments are due as you walk into class. Some will be delivered via Internet.

Late homework will be lowered up to one grade for each DAY (not class period) late. If it is not handed in on time, that begins the one day (even if received later that same day). I will not accept homework after 1 week of being late.

Performances and tests cannot be made up unless there is a verifiable emergency. Do not miss group performance days. If you miss on a group performance day, your group must go without you. The schedule just can not accommodate extra speech days.
When there is a verifiable emergency, I treat this uniformly: you must produce some verification of your absence and/or a written explanation of:

(1) what were the circumstances

(2) why should I make an exception for you

(3) under what conditions should I accept your work (e.g., 1/2 the grade, one grade deduction, no deduction, etc.).

You must type your work (other than homework that is) unless otherwise instructed. Always keep a copy of your work on the disc, and a hard copy for yourself. Always print and keep D2L submission verifications.
When PowerPoint assignments are given, you must make a hard copy, an online copy (I will show you how) and 2 disc copies. A corrupt disc is not sufficient reason for not presenting your speech. Each semester 1-5 people per class seem to lose their presentation (myself included!). Be prepared for such an emergency.

Most assignments will be submitted via the Internet to our D2L site. Print copies of assignments submitted via the web for your own records. ALWAYS SAVE YOUR E-MAIL TO A DISC, BETTER YET, PRINT A HARD COPY FOR YOURSELF ALSO. MISTAKES DO OCCUR, BUT IF YOUR ADDRESS IS CORRECT AND YOU TYPE MINE CORRECTLY, THERE SHOULD NOT BE PROBLEMS.

Always print your confirmation forms or web-assignments when Internet homework from our site is assigned.

3. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY All work presented in this class must be your work. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student caught in the act of presenting work that is not his or her own as such will be disciplined according to college policy.

4. MISCELLANEOUS:

Each student will provide one blank VHS tape for videotaping your speech & don't worry only YOU and I will see this tape.
You need to establish your D2L account during the first week of the semester and must check it regularly - at least once a week. I will "track" students to determine who has been on our site and who has not.
I will also use a Website that is not password protected for the distribution of some course materials: <http:www.acd.roch.edu/lhalverson>.
This course does require a service learning project. You will volunteer at a site of your choice (which must approved by the fourth week of class) for at least 10 hours. If a problem arises in this arrangement, you need to talk to me as soon as possible. This will account a large section of your grade, so please start this project early!
In case of bad weather, follow college policies (check the official RCTC website, KTTC, etc.). (If your hometown schools are canceled, I will believe you that the weather is horrible!). See: http://www.rctc.edu/services/html/weather.html
Communication Activity Workshops will occur outside and inside of class times. Many students will be involved in the Communication Application Activities for the Upward Bound Program on November 13th.

THIS COURSE WILL USE A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TECHNOLOGY. IF USING A COMPUTER OR ACCESSING ONE IS A HARDSHIP FOR YOU, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE &I AM VERY SENSITIVE TO THIS ISSUE AND WILL MAKE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR YOU, INCLUDING MAKING HARD PAPER COPIES, TEACHING YOU HOW TO ACCESS IT, ETC. HOWEVER, YOU MUST LET ME KNOW THAT YOU NEED THIS HELP.

GRADING SCALE

1000-900 = A | 899-800 = B | 799-700 = C | 699-600 = D | 599 - 0 = F

Assignments:
Individual Speech and PowerPoint Competency	200
Public Speaking Competency Test FYI -- See: Text's Website Review Area FYI -- See: Another Text's Website Review Area FYI -- See: D2L Review Discussion Board	100
Group Work - Communication Application Activities (Includes Group Work, Research and Critical-Thinking, Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication Skills in the Workshop Format and Individual Reflection).	250
Group Communication Quiz	100
Service Learning Project (Emphasizes Interpersonal and Cultural Communication. It Includes at least 10 service hours, journal/web discussion board submissions, an informal presentation and reflection paper).	250
Graded Impromptu Activities	25
Exercises, Group Work and Participation (homework points are averaged together at the end of the semester)	75