SPCM 101 Summer 2013 South Dakota State University Fundamentals of Speech, 3 Credits Course Instructor: Dr. Jo Nesmith Email: please use D2L Course mail function In case of emergency: maryjo.nesmith@sdstate.edu Course Description: This is an introductory course designed to expose students to the craft of public speaking. Through practical experience and examination of relevant content, it is the goal of the course to improve the skills of the speaker and listener while developing an understanding of the public speaking experience. SPCM 101 is intended for introductory students of all majors who are interested in studying public speaking. This is a 100-level course which is reflected in the assignments and pace of the course. Course Prerequisites: It is assumed that students enrolled in this course possess 5 criteria: 1. Collegiate-level writing skills 2. Self-motivation 3. Time-management skills 4. The technical requirements include: an ability to navigate online, to compose documents with word processing software preferably Microsoft Word, and to utilize D2L. Complete system requirements and links to necessary downloads for the course can be found at: http://learn.sdstate.edu/online/require.htm 5. You will be required to video record your speeches using a webcam on SDSU Blackboard Collaborate program. Collaborate links will be provided by the instructor. Directions for using this site will be included with your first speech assignment. (We will not be using YouTube.)However, Collaborate requires certain programs. Using Firefox, Internet Explorer 8 or lower, Safari or Google Chrome are recommended. Do not use Internet Explorer 9. Also, update your Java, set your firewall settings at medium, disable your pop-up blocker and set your screen saver to a 15 minute delay. For Technical Support questions, contact the Helpdesk at SDSU.supportdesk@sdstate.edu or call 605-688-6776. Description of Instructional Methods: The delivery for this course will be through Desire2Learn. You will need Internet access approximately ten hours per week to access the website, course materials and assignments, and to participate in weekly group discussions. This is not a self-paced course. You will have numerous deadlines to meet within this course. Course Requirements: Text: Haleta, L. (2009). Public Speaking: Strategic Choices (6 th ed.). Englewood,CO: Morton Publishing. This text is available at the SDSU Bookstore in the University Student Union or at http://www.sdstatebookstore.com/ The text may also be obtained from an online bookstore, such as Amazon.com. It is the student s responsibility to obtain the course textbook immediately (by June 5). Recording Devices: All of your speeches will need to be video-recorded via a webcam. You are responsible for the quality of the recording, including a well-lit space, in focus, in color, and excellent sound quality. Most digital recording devices provide a quality product. Some webcams will produce a quality recording and some won t. I will let you know if your first submission (Introductory Video) is of adequate quality. If the recording quality is poor, it will affect your grade on subsequent assignments and
you are likely to need a different recording device. You will record the speeches with your webcam via the SDSU program, Collaborate. Assembled Audience for Speeches: You will need to assemble an audience of at least 3 people for each of your speeches. Your audience must consist of at least three people capable of making informed decisions and reasoning. Children, animals, and stuffed animals do not count. Your audience can be friends, family members, teammates or coworkers. Attendance: It is expected that you will daily log into the course to be aware of any course news, to submit assignments, to participate in course activities and take exams. This course does not have regular meeting times. It is self-paced with specific deadlines. My recommendation is that you set aside a regularly scheduled 4-5 blocks of time each week to work on this course, rather than putting everything off until two days before assessments are due. How to Succeed in this Course Plan on logging into the course almost every day to check course news (on the homepage), course mail, assignment reminders, and to monitor your grades. Set aside a time four five times per week to work on this class. A steady work routine will be helpful in avoiding procrastination on assignments. This will allow you reasonable time to read, study, and work on speeches. Also, if you have questions, you are more likely to get questions answered in a timely manner. You are encouraged to work ahead if your schedule allows. You should plan accordingly with the rest of your life schedule. Poor planning on your part will not result in any extensions for assignments. Extended Absence from the Course: If a student encounters circumstances which may require absence from class that exceeds one week (i.e. prolonged illness, death in the family, etc.), then that student may wish to contact the Dean of Student Affairs located in AD 318, or by calling 688-4493. Academic Honesty: Any breach of academic honesty on the part of the student will result in failure in this course. In addition to institutional punishments, a grade of F will be assigned for any of the following violations: 1. Cheating: An act of deception by which a student misrepresents that he or she has mastered information on an academic enterprise that she or he has not mastered. 2. Plagiarism: The offering of as one's words, ideas or arguments of another person without the appropriate attribution by quotation reference or footnote. 3. Fabrication: The intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. 4. Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: Those who intentionally or knowingly help or attempt to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty is also subject to penalty. Key Dates: First day of the Course: January 9 th, 4:00 pm Midterm exam: July 8 Last day of the Course: August 2 Final Exam: August 2 Make-up Policy: Assignments submitted after the designated due date will be docked one grade level for each day the assignment is submitted late. Exceptions will be made for students who encounter circumstances beyond
their control (health problems, computer problems, etc.), if they contact the instructor in a timely manner. Poor time management or personal forgetfulness is not considered a circumstance beyond the student s control. Description of Instructional Methods: The delivery for this course will be through Desire2Learn. You will need Internet access approximately ten hours per week to access the website, course materials and assignments, and to participate in weekly group discussions. This is not a self-paced course. You will have weekly deadlines to meet within this course. Troubleshooting: Technical and Desire2Learn Support: For Technical Support questions, contact the Helpdesk at SDSU.supportdesk@sdstate.edu Or 605-688-6776. You may also find assistance through: http://www3.sdstate.edu/technologysupport/informationtechnologyservices/ Course Goals: This course addresses: System General Education (SGE) Goal #2 Students will prepare and deliver speeches for a variety of audiences and settings. Students will demonstrate listening competencies by summarizing, analyzing, and paraphrasing ideas, perspectives and emotional content. System General Education (SGE) Goal #7 Students will recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, organize, critically evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of sources with intellectual integrity. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will: Demonstrate speech preparation competencies. (Goal 2, SLO 1) IDEA Objective 6) Determine the extent of information needed. (Goal 7, SLO 1) Access the needed information effectively and efficiently. (Goal 7, SLO 2) Evaluate information and its sources critically. (Goal 7, SLO 3) Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose. (Goal 7, SLO 4) Use information in an ethical and legal manner. (Goal 7, SLO 4) Demonstrate speaking competencies including choice and use of topic, supporting materials, organizational pattern, language usage, and delivery. (Goal 7, SLO 1, 2, 3) (IDEA Objective 6) Demonstrate speech criticism and listening competences. (Goal 7, SLO 5) (IDEA Objective Evaluation Procedures/Graded Assessments: Written Work: The quality of written work (grammar, punctuation, format, typos, etc.) will affect your grade. Proofread all written work (This includes your discussion postings.) before it is submitted so that points will not be deducted for written mechanical errors. Use of the APA documentation style is required for all written work. Assignment Points Possible Introduction Activities 50 pts. (30 for Intro. Video; 15 for Scavenger Hunt Quiz; 5 for Introductory Email) Personal Attitude Speech 100 pts. Informative Speech 100 pts. Propositional Speech 100 pts. Group Discussions 50 pts. (1@ 16 pts.; 1@ 10 pts.; 4 @ 6 pts.) Evaluations (Peer & Self) 100 pts. (3 @ 5 pts.; 4 @ 10 pts.; 3 @ 15 pts.) Exams (Midterm & Final) 100 pts. (2 @ 50) Total Possible Points 600
Grading Scale: The number of total points earned throughout the course will determine final grades.grades will be available only through Desire2Learn. Total Points Earned Letter Grade Assigned 540-600 points A 480-539 points B 420 479 points C 360 419 points D 0 359 points F A note on incorrect assignment submission... 1. Submitting a speech and final outline which does not have its topic approved will result in a point deduction of 50 points. 2. Submitting a speech and final outline which does not have a draft and final outline submitted for approval prior to speaking will result in a point deduction of 50 points. 3. Submitting a speech and final outline which does not have the corrections as suggested by the instructor for the draft will result in a point deduction of 50 points. 4. Failure to meet the recording submission deadline will result in a 10 point deduction for every 24-hour period it is late. 5. Failure to deliver your speech extemporaneously by either memorizing your speech or by reading it from a manuscript or preparation outline will result in a loss of 50 points for that assignment. 6. All public speaking should be audience centered. This class is not any different. Your audience must consist of at least three people capable of making informed decisions and reasoning. Children, animals, and stuffed animals do not count. Your audience can be friends, family members, co-workers or any other random person you can convince to listen. For all 3 speeches you will need to show on the recording your audience to establish their presence before and after the speech. Failure to do so will result in a 10 point deduction for each person missing. 7. Be sure to record in a well-lit room. Test the audio levels before you begin. Turn on the sound program for your computer and web cam. Be sure to review your recording before submitting it. You are responsible for it. Failure to have adequate sound or visuals will result in a zero on the speech. If I can t see or hear your speech, there is nothing for me to assess. Classroom Expectations: In order to meet these objectives, students are responsible not only for their own work in the course, but also their contribution to the class discussions. Throughout the course individuals should display: An appreciation for the limitations and unlimited opportunities of an online course. Writing, study, and time-management skills a student should be able to display in at the collegiate level. Basic Netiquette: visit http://www.studygs.net/netiquette.htm Attentiveness to the material and the course. Approach all course activities in a prepared and enthusiastic manner. An openness to new ideas from others and criticism of writing style from the instructor. An informed concern about contemporary social issues. A commitment to one s own values. What you can expect from the instructor: I strive to clearly articulate my expectations of each assignment. I have high standards for students enrolled in an online course. It is assumed that by enrolling in this course you are willing to take on the challenges of the online learning environment and that you meet all of the expectations. I will attempt to provide you with timely feedback on assignments. In addition, I will respond to your questions in a reasonable time frame. I will grade all written assignments based on their content, composition and performance. You will not receive comments on your exams. In grading your assignments I will do everything in my power to grade your work fairly.
Americans with Disabilities Act: This course acknowledges the importance of ADA requirements. Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Coordinator of Disability Services privately to discuss your specific needs. Please contact the Office of Disability Services at (605-688-4504) in to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. For more information please see http://www3.sdstate.edu/studentlife/disabilityservices/ Freedom in learning: Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study. Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should first contact the instructor of the course. If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may contact the department head and/or dean of the college which offers the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.