Fundamentals of Speech Communication

Course Details

Course Number: 1133  Section Number: 201

Spring 2013

Location: Fain Fine Arts Center

Classroom Number: B114

Days & Times:

T Th 11:00 to 12:30

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Don Henschel Jr.   
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Course Objectives

Objectives:

1.   To have the student become aware of the importance of the role of effective

        speech communication in our society.

  1. To have the student understand that communication is a constant, flowing, ongoing cyclical process.
  2. To have the student develop proficiency in putting the theory presented into effective practice.
  3. To have the student understand differing attitudes, beliefs, and motivations of others and how this awareness can affect one's success or failure as an oral communicator.

 

  1. To have the student develop research skills which enable him to discover the materials, which would be appropriate for a particular audience.

 

  1. To have the student classify that information and organize it in the most effective manner for a specific audience. 

Course Expectations

This course combines theory and practice in oral communication.  Much of the theory stems from Aristotelian tradition, but is supplemented with concepts and evidence from modern behavioral scholarship.  Research skills, audience analysis, logic, emotional appeals, organization, and delivery are basic course elements.  The important areas of nonverbal communication and that of listening skills is also addressed.

            People communicate orally, in part, because they feel a need to influence the thoughts and actions of others.  The objective of this course is to provide the student with those concepts and skills, which can make them more successful in this endeavor.

  


Grading Standards

 

 1   In order to accomplish these objectives, we will largely utilize the lecture-discussion

      method of presentation.

  1. As a consequence, your attendance in class is crucial  There are no excused absences.  Two absences reduce the final grade by a letter.  Three absences produce an automatic failure.  Go to the Registrar and drop the course; don't expect me to do it.  If you don't drop – you get an F, which is very tough to remove from your transcript.  If assignments are made in your absence – you're still responsible.
  2. The final grade will be based on participation, objective testing and the subjective presentation of the prepared speeches.  There are usually ten grades;  a midterm test, three research grades, two outline grades and three presentation grades, and a final exam, each worth 10% for a total of %100.  Occasional pop quizzes may add to that total.
  3. No excuses will be accepted for late or missed work.  Talk to me well ahead of time.
  4. Speeches and tests, obviously cannot be made up.
  5. See page 78 in the MSU Student Handbook for a statement on university policy concerning academic dishonesty. 

Final Exam5/8/2013  8:00 am

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements
  1. As a consequence, your attendance in class is crucial  There are no excused absences.  Two absences reduce the final grade by a letter.  Three absences produce an automatic failure.  Go to the Registrar and drop the course; don't expect me to do it.  If you don't drop – you get an F, which is very tough to remove from your transcript.  If assignments are made in your absence – you're still responsible. 

Other Policies
  1. As a consequence, your attendance in class is crucial  There are no excused absences.  Two absences reduce the final grade by a letter.  Three absences produce an automatic failure.  Go to the Registrar and drop the course; don't expect me to do it.  If you don't drop – you get an F, which is very tough to remove from your transcript.  If assignments are made in your absence – you're still responsible. 

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.