Fundamentals of Oral Communications

Course Syllabus

Summer 2007
Class Begins on Tuesday, June 3

Ends on Tuesday, July 29.

 

 

Instructor:  Frances Kavalier

Email: fkavalier@hawkeyecollege.edu

Office Phone:  296-4028

Office Hours:  Please contact me via email to set up an appointment.

                         4:30 – 6:00 p.m. or after class (please make arrangements ahead of time).
                         

Class Meets:  Tuesdays and Thursdays

                       6:00 – 8:50 p.m.

                                    Library, Room 201
There will be two 10 minutes breaks from 7:00 –7:10 and from 8:00 – 8:10.

 

Course Number:  SPC-101-7 
Credit Hours:  3

Course Prerequisite:  None
Text: Seiler, W. and Beall, M. (2008).  Communication:  Making Connections. (7th Edition).

           Boston:  Allyn and Bacon Publishing Co.

 

Course Description:  Fundamentals of Oral Communication presents elements of the oral communications process with emphasis in developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills.

 

Course Objectives
1.  Provide an understanding of the basic elements of the oral communication process and the role of each in communication effectiveness.

2.  Develop an awareness of the role of listening and nonverbal behavior in all types of oral communication situations.

3.  Introduce and involve the student in group and interpersonal communication activities.

4.  Involve the student in all aspects of preparing and presenting public speeches, with opportunities to practice and improve as public speakers.

5.  Introduce the student to informative, persuasive and various special occasion speaking situations.  

 

Evaluation:  Grades will be determined through a combination of required speeches (4) assignments, classroom participation, quizzes, and tests.  There will be a minimum of three graded individual presentations and a graded group presentation. 

Grading:  All grades will be determined by the total number of points the student receives during the term.  If you miss a test, you will not be able to make up those points, unless prior arrangements have been made. 

90 – 100           A

80 – 89             B

70 – 79             C

60 – 69             D

59 and below    F

 

Classroom Policies

  • Attendance is very important.  Instructors are required to report attendance to the Financial Aid Office.  Just as you are expected to be at work every day you are scheduled, you are expected to be in class each day it is scheduled.  In a performance class such as this one, it is critical that students be in attendance each day.  Some class activities will be awarded points.  If you miss that day, you miss the points that were awarded. 
  • The student, not the instructor is responsible for information, handouts, etc. that are missed due to an absence. 
  • It is expected you will have read the Chapters for the day they are assigned.  Occasional quizzes may be given related to the readings. 
  • Cell phones are not allowed to be turned on in class.  If you need to be contacted during class, please inform the instructor before class.   
  • Professional conduct is expected of all students.  Each student is required to actively participate in class.  Hats are not allowed when giving speeches. 
  • The course calendar is for general use and may be revised during the length of the class. 
  • Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in class.  Academic Integrity and Conduct Policy can be found in the Student Handbook and on the Hawkeye web site. 

 

Written Assignments:  Written assignments have a specific due date.  Each assignment must be submitted by 8:50 p.m. on the due date.  All written work must be typed with multiple pages stapled.  Assignments that are late will result in five points taken off the total for the first class.  Late assignments must be turned in when the next class is held.  After that, late assignments will not be accepted and will result in a zero for that assignment unless pre-arrangements have been made with the instructor. 

Speeches must conform to the guidelines provided for each assignment.  Speeches are expected to be presented on the day you are assigned. 



First Night Introduction Speech                      30

Speeches (2 @ 50 and 1 @ 70)                                    

            1.  Informative Speech                         50

            2.  Persuasive Speech                           50                   

            3.  Group Speech                                  70

Speech Outlines (3 @ 20pts)                            60

Chapter Reviews & Quizzes (5 @ 15 pts.)          95                   

Participation/Discussion                                   100

Tests (4)                                                          200

______________________________________
TOTAL POINTS                                               655

 

Changes:  This syllabus is subject to change.  Students are required to check their Hawkeye email account regularly.  They will be notified in the event of class cancellation, changes in syllabus, change in assignments, etc.  (If you have trouble accessing your email account, please contact the Academic Support Center in Bremer Hall, Room 116. )  

 

Please note:  The chapter listed for each date should be read BEFORE coming to class.  Be prepared to discuss the chapters, do activities and/or quizzes. 

 

CLASS CALENDAR
June                                          

6/3                  Course Introduction                                                    

Syllabus and Guidelines

Discussion on Tours of Computer Lab, Library, and College Study Skills

Student Introductions – 30 points

 

6/5                  Chapters 1, 2, 3

                        Communication:  What is it?
                        Perceptions:  What are they?

                        Self Concept:  What is it?

                        Video

                        Activity/quiz
                        Discussion on Informative Speech

 

6/10                 Chapter 4, 5, 6

                        Language and Culture – how does one affect the other?

                        Jargon and Slang                                            

                        Video on Non Verbal Communication

                        Activity
                        Discussion of Speech – Informative and Guidelines

                        Activity

                        Test on Chapters 1-6

                       


 

6/12                 Chapters 7, 8, 9

                        Selecting Topics

                        Gathering and Using Information

                        Organizing and Outlining Your Speech

                       

 

6/17                 First Speech (Informative)               

 

 

6/19                 Chapters  10, 11, 12

Delivering Your Speech
Informative Speaking

                        Persuasive Speaking

Activity
            Test on Chapters 7 - 12

 

6/24                Supporting Materials

                        Presentational Aids

                        Second Speech (Persuasive)

 

 

6/26                Midterm – Classes are half over!
Remainder of Second Speeches (Persuasive)  

 

 

July
7/1                   Chapters 13 & 14

                        Self Disclosing – is honest always best?

                        Interacting with people online

                        Young and elderly – interacting together

                        Developing Relationships

                        Conflict

                        Activity/quiz

 

7/3            No Classes – 4th of July Celebration

                       

7/8                  Chapters 15 & 16

                        Group Communication
                        Gender Differences

                        Ethical Behavior                      

Activity/Test

 

7/10                 Define Group Speeches

                        Discuss Topics

                       

 

 

7/15                 Activity

                        Discussion on Group Speeches

                        Test on Chapters 13 - 18

                                               


7/17                 Third Speech (Group)



7/22                Remainder of Speeches (Group)

 

 

7/24                Final Exam

 

 

7/29                Last night of classes.  Attendance required. 

Receive papers back. 

                        Receive grades. 

                        Recap of “Lessons Learned.”

 


Enjoy the break and remember to find time for family and friends!

 

Students with Special Needs:  Hawkeye Community College strives for student-centered, quality education with flexibility to allow for student’s special needs.  Students with disabilities or special needs should feel free to contact the instructor privately if there are services or adaptations which can be made to accommodate special needs.

 

Weather Cancellation Policy:  If the class is cancelled due to the weather, students are responsible to do their readings on their own.  For questions regarding weather and cancellations, please call 319-296-4444 or check the Hawkeye web site.