An introductory course to help the student develop skills for successful oral-communication: interpersonal communication theories, listening techniques, assertiveness skills, and group decision making skills; also, the verbal and non-verbal factors in the preparation and oral delivery of information to a group. Communication theories are discussed and put into practice in the classroom. Students are expected to present both informative and persuasive speeches.  A minimum of three speeches is required.

Place into ENGL 121.

Speech 101 is a practical, introductory speech course.  The central aim of the course is to assist the student as much as possible in increasing their abilities in oral communication.

The student should become proficient in all aspects of oral communication: person to person; small group activities; speaker to audience; and public speaking.

The student completing Speech 101 should be prepared to face the demands for communication in the completion of his future college courses and in his future communication endeavors after his college curriculum is completed.

Communication is the process through which we develop our individual humanity and our relationship with others.  In this course, the student will be studying the process of communication, trying out some of the theories and working on improving their skills in oral and interpersonal communication.

The world puts communication demands on us that include 1} understanding yourself as a communicator, 2} accepting responsibility for your communication, and 3} being sensitive to the communication attempts of others.  A communication course in oral communication will hopefully increase the students’ knowledge about the essential principles and theories involved in communication, strive to improve their skills as a communicator, and increase their skills as an effective listener and participant as well.

Weekly
1.  Communication Perspectives
2.  Perception of Self and Others
3.  Communicating Verbally
4.  Communicating Through Non-Verbal Behaviors
5.  Listening and Responding
6.  Communicating across Culture
7.  Understanding Interpersonal Relationships
8.  Communication Skills in Interpersonal Relationships
9.  Communicating in Groups
10. Problem Solving in Groups
11. Developing and Researching a Speech Topic
12. Organizing Your Speech
13. Adapting Verbally and Visually
14. Overcoming Speech Apprehension by Practicing Delivery
15. Informative Speaking
16. Persuasive Speaking

Verderber, Rudolph, Verderber, Kathleen, and Sellnow, Deanna,
"COMM 2," Wadsworth Cengage Learning, Boston, Ma., 2012

A point system will be used to determine the course grade. Although subject to change, grades will be computed on the following basis:

1. The final grade is based primarily on tests, quizzes, speeches, and the final exam.
2. The final grade is also based on the written homework, and/or any other written papers assigned, participation in class discussions and class exercises, the quality of that participation.
3. The grades will be computed as follows: Tests - 30%
Speeches - 50%
Papers, Homework, & Class work - 20%
NOTE:
Exams and Quizzes - cover the text material and class discussion and handouts.

Homework Assignments/Journals - Written homework assignments/journals with
designated assignments by the instructor are collected at various times during the semester. They are to describe in some depth the students’ experiences with
communication and their insights into the role communication plays in their life.

Group Activities - are a part of the course on a weekly basis. The students are in groups at least once a week discussing course theories. The groups, themselves, become instructional as the students learn to relate and communicate in groups. An evaluated group discussion becomes a part of the group/oral component of the course.

Speeches - At least three oral presentations will be given by students enrolled in the course. Suggested presentations include:

Speech #1--Narrative/self (5-7 minutes)
Speech #2--Informative or Expository (5-7 minutes)
Speech #3--Persuasive (5-7 minutes)

Students will be expected to listen to, analyze, and critique oral communication.

Students will orally cite their information in speeches that use research.

Spring 2012

Nov 1 2012 9:55AM