Spring 2010 Syllabus

COMM 1101 - Introduction to Public Speaking

This is a University of Minnesota course offered through College in the Schools

Instructor:
Contact information:
Office hours:
Day/time/location of class:
Credits: 3 U of M semester credits
Required Text and Materials:
Sprague, Jo and Douglas Stuart. The Speakers Handbook (8th ed.). Belmont: Thomson
Higher Education, 2008. (provided)
A 3-hole binder for notes, handouts, and assignments
3 x 5 white note cards
Course Objectives:
To develop an understanding of the basic principles of oral communication
To improve skills in researching, writing, and organizing effective presentations
that are appropriate to particular audiences
To develop, improve, and gain confidence in basic delivery skills
To develop an awareness of the consequences of communication and acquire an
appreciation of the responsibilities of ethical communication
Course Policies and Expectations:
Class time will be centered on the learning and practice of text material. Students will
have ample chances to speak in a non-graded, informal manner. Discussion and group
conversation will be emphasized.
Attendance. Class attendance is expected and is critical to your success in this course.
If you plan to miss class often, whether excused or not, this is not the class for you.
Attendance will be counted in the participation portion of your grade.
As the nature of public speaking requires an audience, attendance
is required on all presentation days, whether you are speaking or
not. If you are absent on a presentation day, you will not be able to make up daily
points. If you take a POA or have an unexcused absence on a day you are to give
a speech, your grade for that assignment will drop 2 letter grades.
Communication is key!
If you miss a class, you are responsible for getting any missed
materials from a classmate.
Excused Absences. If you are involved in extra-curricular activities and know that you
must miss class for that reason, notify me immediately. University policy states that you
will be excused for school-related absences if you notify the instructor well in advance of
the absence and provide proper documentation. Inform me by phone or email as soon as
possible if you must miss class for any other legitimate reason (i.e. religious observance,
confirmed medical excuse). Avoid scheduling any meetings or appointments that will
require you to miss class.

Typed Work. All typed work is due at the beginning of the class period on the
scheduled due date. Work that is late will receive only half credit. I will not accept
assignments over email. If you have printer issues, please save on a flash drive and
arrange to have someone print your work before class.
Speeches. Speeches must be delivered on the day for which they are scheduled, and
exams must be taken during class on the day they are administered. Not doing so will
result in a zero grade for that speech, quiz, or exam. Extensions will be granted only in
the case of severe illness or family emergency. These will be granted on an individual
basis at my discretion, and documentation will be required.
Scholastic Misconduct. Scholastic misconduct is defined as any act that violated the
rights of another student with respect to academic work or that involves
misrepresentation of a students own work. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not
limited to: cheating on assignments or examinations; plagiarizing (misrepresenting as
ones own anything done by another); submitting the same or substantially similar
papers (or creative work) for more than one course without the consent of all instructors
concerned; taking, acquiring, or using test materials without faculty permission;
fabricating or falsifying data, research procedures, or data analysis; depriving another of
necessary course materials; sabotaging anothers work. (CLA CGEP 13)* Any violation of
these guidelines will result in an F on that assignment. In addition, I will file a Report
on Student Scholastic Misconduct with the Student Conduct Committee.
Complaints and Grade Disputes: Please see me with any questions or concerns about graded
assignments, adhering to the following points:
Wait 24 hours before approaching me with your concern.
Put together a written, persuasive argument as to why you
believe that another grade is warranted.
Your written appeal, along with the assignment and evaluation form must be submitted
within one week of receiving the grade in dispute. Appeals will not be accepted after the
one-week period. An appeal does not necessarily mean that there will be a change of
grade.
Disabilities. The University of Minnesota will provide reasonable accommodations to students
who have disabilities that may affect their capacity to participate in course activities or meet
course requirements. (CLA CGEP 7)* Please let me know immediately if I should be aware of a
particular disability that will affect your success in this class so that we can work together to
establish reasonable accommodations for you.
Conduct. The University of Minnesota is committed to creating a positive, supportive
environment that welcomes a diversity of opinions and ideas for students. There will be
no tolerance of racial discrimination/harassment, sexual discrimination/harassment, or
discrimination/harassment based on age, gender, disability, color, national origin,
religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance or
membership in a local commission. Refer to the student handbook for the complete list
of student rights, responsibilities, and procedures.
Cell phones, laptops, iPods, and all other electronic devices must be turned
off (not on vibrate) and put away during class time. Additionally, University
policy prohibits the use of classroom or lab computers and the Internet for non-class
related activities during class time. I will deduct significant points from your
participation grade if you choose to violate this policy.

Other / Common Sense.

Respect your peers, yourself, and your instructor.
Be on time. If you are late, NEVER interrupt a fellow classmates speech. Wait
in the hall until he or she is finished.
Do not chew gum during a speech.
Think about what you wear for a speech.
Bring no food or beverages to class.
Dont get discouraged; public speaking takes work.
Dont allow frustration to build; talk to me if you have concerns.
Assignments and Class Requirements:
Readings. Your syllabus indicates the required readings for each week. Complete the
assigned readings before the class period in which they are due.
Participation. Participation points can be earned by attending class regularly, by
actively and respectfully participating in class discussion and activities, by completing
non-speech assignments for class, and by attentively listening to and giving appropriate
feedback to all classroom speakers, including yourself. Participation points will be lost
for: absences, tardiness, and talking while someone else in the room is speaking; this
includes the instructor, student speakers, and the students participating in class
discussion. During student presentations, I fully expect everyone to attentively listen to
the speaker. This means no talking, no whispering, no sleeping - I have no tolerance
for rudeness.
Typed Work. Assignments will be graded for grammar, mechanics, and content. All
work submitted for a grade, including speech outlines and bibliographies, must be:
on 8 x 11 white paper, stapled in upper left-hand corner
typed and double-spaced
in 12-point Geneva or Times New Roman font with one-inch margins
in MLA documentation format
I will not accept work that is not typed.
For specific assistance with citation, see pp 120-122 in the text or visit
http://writing.umn.edu/sws/quicktips/quick_help.htm
Grading. Assignments, speeches, papers, and quizzes will be graded on a point system. This
system follows the guidelines as established in the Classroom Grading and Examination
Procedures (CLA CGEP 19)*
A
Achievement outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course
requirements
B
Achievement significantly above the level necessary to meet course
requirements
C
Achievement meeting the basic course requirements in every respect
D
Achievement worthy of credit even though it does not fully meet the basic
course requirements in every respect
F
Performance failing to meet the basic course requirements
I
Incomplete; arranged in extreme cases only at the discretion of the
instructor

By merely satisfying course requirements, you will earn a C grade. In order to

receive a grade of A or B, you need to go above and beyond minimum
expectations.
The total number of points you earn on all assignments is divided by the total
number of points possible. Letter grades are assigned as follows:
93-100% = A
90-92% = A87-89% = B+
83-86% = B
80-82% = B77-79% = C+

73-76% = C
70-72% = C67-69 % = D+
63-67% = D
60-62% = DLess than 60% = F

Your grade for the class will be as follows:

o Performances: 75% of your final grade.
Major Speeches: This will include a personal speech, an
historical analysis speech, 2 formal discussions, a persuasive
debate speech, and a group campaign speech. In order to earn
credit for this class, you must perform all major
speeches. A detailed outline must be submitted as assigned prior
to presenting a major speech, or you will not be allowed to give the
speech for a grade.
Minor Speeches: This includes one introductory speech, several
impromptu speeches, and one summary/analysis of a public
speaker speech.
o

Participation: 10% of your final grade.

Participation grades will be given based on active involvement in
discussions and activities, completion of non-speech assignments,
and respectful engagement as an audience member for other
speakers (10%)

Exams/Quizzes: 15% of your final grade.

Exams will be scheduled, quizzes may be scheduled or simply
occur. To ensure that you are prepared for all quizzes and exams,
keep up with all assignments and assigned readings and take
detailed notes.

CIS Student Information:

College Credit. If you meet the requirements of this course and earn a passing
grade, you will receive high school English credit and three U of M semester
credits. This is a University of Minnesota class, but the credits will be recognized
at many other schools.
Transcripts. If you wish to have a copy of your transcript from the University of
Minnesota, see http://onestop.umn.edu/grades_and_transcripts/index.html or call
612-624-1111.
UCards. By taking this course, you are officially a University of Minnesota Student.
You will be issued a Ucard (University ID card) that can be used to check out resources

from the University Library system. UCards also earn you discounts at various places
both on and off campus. If you lose your UCard, you will have to pay to replace it.
Field Days. We will be attending a Field Day on the U of M campus
(Wednesday, Oct. 28). This is an important part of the class experience, and
attendance is mandatory. We should be back by 7th hour.
Student Handbook. You are responsible for the content of the CIS Student
Handbook. It is no longer in print form, but you may access it any time at
http://www.cce.umn.edu/pdfs/dcp/cis/CIS_Student_Handbook.pdf

Tentative Class Schedule:

Deadlines for speeches, quizzes, and exams are subject to change. It is your
responsibility to be aware of any schedule modifications.
Week 1 (September 8-11)
Overview/syllabus
Introduction speeches
Assign At My Best speech to give next week
Chapter 1: Understanding Speaking
Chapter 2: Listening
Week 2 (September 14-18)
Chapter 3: Speaking Ethics
Ucard Registration
Give At My Best speeches
Week 3 (September 21-25)
At My Best reflections due
Chapter 6: Topic Selection and Analysis
Assign Informative speech on an historical speech
Impromptu speeches
Chapter 4: Overcoming Fear of Speaking
Week 4 (September 28-October 2)
Chapter 8: Research
Informative Speech topics due
Chapter 21: Informative Strategies
Week 5 (October 5-9)
Chapter 13: Introductions
Chapter 14: Conclusion
Chapter 5: Planning
Chapter 9: Transforming Ideas into Speech Points
Week 6 (October 12-13)
Informative Historical Analysis speech outlines due
Chapter 7: Audience Analysis
Chapter 9: Transforming Ideas into Speech Points
Week 7 (October 19-23)
Give Historical Analysis Speeches

Week 8 (October 26-30)

Historical Analysis speech reflections due
Debate notes
Chapter 22: Persuasive Strategies
Research
Week 9 (November 2 - 5)
Research
End of quarter discussion Wednesday
Analysis of quarter Thursday
Week 10 (November 10-13)
Chapter 11: Organizing Points
Chapter 12: Connectives
Chapter 27: Presentation Aids
Week 11 (November 16-20)
Research
Persuasive Speech Outlines due Thursday
Week 12 (November 23-25)
Give persuasive speeches
Week 13 (November 30 December 4)
Debate reflections due
Assign Group Campaign
Housecleaning: discussion and public speaker assignments
Week 14 (December 7-11)
Chapter 15: Supporting Materials
Chapter 16: Reasoning
Give Public Speaker speeches
Week 15 (December 14-18)
Chapter 17: Language and Style
Chapter 18: Attention and Interest
Chapter 19: Credibility
Chapter 20: Motivational Appeals
Week 16 (December 21-22)
Work with campaign group
Campaign script due on Tuesday
Week 17 (January 6-12)
Give Campaigns
January 13 and 14 - Prepare for discussion or study for final exam
January 15 Final exam on reading, discussion, and notes
January 19-21 Finals week Discussion notes due on test date

*University Policy quoted from: Classroom, Grading, and Examination Procedures.

College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota. 2007-2008.
http://advisingtools.class.umn.edu/cgep/
University of Minnesota Twin Cities: Academic Policies
The following are key excerpts from U of M academic policies. Enrolled students are
responsible for knowing and following the complete policies which can be found by
accessing the links provided below. College in the Schools offers courses from numerous
academic departments housed in several different U of M colleges; college and/or
departmental policies may add variation to some of the guidelines listed below.
U of M Grades
The grade you receive in a CIS course is recorded on a University of Minnesota transcript and
automatically becomes part of your permanent U of M academic record. The University of
Minnesota uniform grading policy states that "University grade definitions establish the qualities of
performance expected at different grade levels. Instructors define grade standards for their courses
in conformity with their departmental policies."
A

Achievement outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course

requirements (no grade of A+ should be submitted; A, 4 grade points; A-, 3.67
grade points).

Achievement significantly above the level necessary to meet course

requirements (B+, 3.33 grade points; B, 3 grade points; B-, 2.67 grade points).

Achievement meeting the basic course requirements in every respect

(C+, 2.33 grade points; C, 2 grade points; C-, 1.67 grade points).

Achievement worthy of credit even though it does not fully meet the basic
course requirements in every respect (D+, 1.33 grade points; D, 1 grade point;
no grade of D- should be submitted).

Performance failing to meet the basic course requirements (0 grade

points).
Pluses and minuses are used: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, and F. Note that
A+ and D- are not allowed by the University.

Incompletes: Incompletes (I) may be given at the discretion of the instructor. If, in
the opinion of the instructor, there is a reasonable expectation that a student can
successfully complete the work of the course before the end of the next high school term
an incomplete may be used. The assignment of an I requires a written agreement

between you and the instructor specifying the time and manner in which you will
complete the course requirements. Upon successful completion of the coursework, the I
is changed to a permanent grade. An I that is not completed within one calendar year
automatically becomes an F.
View complete text at http://www1.umn.edu/usenate/policies/gradingpolicy.html
Quantity of Work per Credit
The University Senate prescribes the quantity of work needed to earn a credit as three
hours per credit per week or approximately 45 hours per credit per semester. The
manner in which the course is taught determines how much of the work will be in the
classroom, laboratory, library, or independent study and research. A student should
expect to spend about 9 hours a week, including class time, on a 3-credit course.
Disabilities Services
It is University policy to provide, on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable
accommodations to students who have documented disability conditions (e.g., physical,
learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, or systemic) that may affect their ability to
participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities
are encouraged to contact Disability Services and their instructors to discuss their
individual needs for accommodations. Disability Services is located in Suite #180
McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street. Staff can be reached by calling 612/626-1333
voice or TTY. For further information, visit their web site: http://ds.umn.edu/
Student Integrity (Excerpt from the College of Liberal Arts Student
Handbook)
As a new member of the University community, it is important to be aware of what is
expected of you and what you can expect of the University. This information is designed
to clarify the values and actions of an academic community.
The Five Fundamental Values: Honesty, Trust, Fairness, Respect, and Responsibility.
An academic community of integrity advances the quest for truth and knowledge by
requiring intellectual and personal honesty in learning, teaching, research, and service.
For descriptions see: http://www.class.umn.edu/
Student Conduct Code
Subd. 1. Policy Statement. It is the policy of the University of Minnesota (University)
that certain minimum standards of conduct are necessary to safeguard the rights,
opportunities, and welfare of students, faculty, staff and guests of the University
community and to assure protection of the interests of the University as it seeks to carry
our its mission.
The University requires a community free from violence, threats, and intimidation;
protective of free inquiry; respectful of the rights of others; open to change; supportive of

democratic and lawful procedures; and dedicated to a rational and orderly approach to
the resolution of conflict.
Students who engage in behavior that disrupts the learning environment for others may
be subject to disciplinary action under the code. The College of Continuing Education
reserves the right to cancel current or future registration for such students.
Students are responsible for complying with the University of Minnesotas Student
Conduct Code, which is available in the college student affairs office and Student Judicial
Affairs (612.624.6073) and on the Web at http://www.sja.umn.edu/conduct.html
Scholastic Dishonesty
Students are responsible for maintaining scholastic honesty in their work at all times.
Students engaged in scholastic dishonesty will be penalized and their name may be
reported to University of Minnesota Student Judicial Affairs.
The Universitys College of Liberal Arts defines scholastic dishonesty as "any act that
violates the rights of another student with respect to academic work or that involves
misrepresentation of a students own work. Scholastic dishonesty includes (but is not
limited to) cheating on assignments or examinations, plagiarizing (misrepresenting as
ones own anything done by another), submitting the same or substantially similar
papers (or creative work) for more than one course without consent of all instructors
concerned, depriving another of necessary course materials, and sabotaging anothers
work." Scholastic dishonesty also includes fabrication, cheating and academic
misconduct.
Academic Dishonesty in any portion of the academic work for a course is grounds for
course failure and may result in reporting to the Student Judicial Affairs Office. For
more information, visit http://advisingtools.class.umn.edu/Multimedia/ Open the link
to the CLA Student Handbook. Scholastic dishonesty defined at:
http://advisingtools.class.umn.edu/cgep/studentconduct.html
Sexual Harassment
Definition: Sexual Harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature The policy strictly
prohibits sexual harassment by or toward a member of the University community and
requires appropriate reporting and investigation of such reports. The definition and
policy can be seen in its entirety at:
http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/humanresources/SexHarassment.pdf.
CIS Field Days
College in the Schools Field Day events are opportunities to become acquainted with the
University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus, meet your fellow CIS classmates from the
greater metropolitan area, and use the expertise and experience you have gained in the U
of M, TC course.