SPCH 1A / PUBLIC SPEAKING

Professor Danny Cantrell

Office:  26D-1441 (Forensics Room)

Office Hours: MW 10:30am-12:30pm & by appointment    

Phone:  909-274-6310 / dcantrell3@mtsac.edu / http://tinyurl.com/spch1a

COURSE TEXT

Reel, Ron et al. From Fright to Might: A Textbook/Workbook for Public Speakers, 7th Edition. (2012) Day and Nite Publishing.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

For this course, you will need 3x5 index cards, and access to a computer and printer. There will also be some copy costs. You must purchase the textbook as it contains many worksheets and activities we will be completing in class. Please avoid purchasing a used copy as you may be missing important worksheets.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

You will study and apply rhetorical principles to research and analyze topics, organize sentence outlines, and deliver effective public speeches. You will perform speaking and listening assignments that utilize effective verbal, vocal, and physical communicative strategies, and critical/analytical techniques. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Create full-sentence outlines using appropriate, credible research sources and attribution.
• Utilize appropriate speech organization.
• Create and effectively utilize visual aids.
• Perform five speeches.
• Critically evaluate student speeches.
• Apply a theoretical framework in the preparation of the persuasive speech.
• Demonstrate proficiency in direct eye contact, appropriate speaking volume, and body control.
• Speak extemporaneously.
• Reduce you level of anxiety related to public speaking.
• Strengthen you library, database and online research techniques.
• Synthesize multiple research sources.
• Construct an appropriate MLA bibliography for at least six sources of research.
• Create a rough draft of a formal speech outline.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Student learning outcomes for this course can be found here: 

http://www.mtsac.edu/instruction/outcomes/sloinfo.html 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

“Mt. San Antonio College provides opportunities for the pursuit of excellence for all students and through its educational services…The college will provide open access to a college education and all support services without regard to sex, race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, marital status, physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), sexual orientation, or Vietnam Era Veteran Status”

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

This campus will provide reasonable accommodations for students who face unique physical, learning, and emotional challenges.  If you have special conditions as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need accommodations, please inform me within the first two weeks of the semester.  There are eligibility requirements for some of the programs offered.  Please visit Disabled Student Programs and services or call ext. 4290.  It is your responsibility to work with DSP&S to make arrangements for special accommodations in this class.

PARTICIPATION POLICY

Our Communication Department sees a strong correlation between consistent attendance and student retention and achievement. Because speech communication involves listening, evaluating, and writing as well as speaking, you are expected to attend ALL class meetings.  Roll will be taken each day and each student will be assigned a participation grade relating to the value that they add to the learning environment each class. Students will receive participation points for activities like answering questions, adding value to in class discussion, participating in group activities, etc.  You are not able to make up participation points due to an absence as they occur during each specific class meeting. If an assignment or speech is missed during an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor when a documented excused absence is going to occur and arrange any make up work due. Documentation is required for excused absences.

If you reach more than 3 unexcused absences you will be dropped from the class due to excessive absences. I will try and contact you before dropping but you may not receive notice if I can not get in touch.

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM

Cheating/ plagiarism (representing somebody else’s words or ideas as one’s own) of any kind will not be tolerated and will earn you an “F” on the assignment in question or an “F” for the entire course depending on the seriousness of the offense. Cases of plagiarism will also be reported to the Department Chair and/or the Dean of Students.

The term “cheating” includes but is not limited to

• Plagiarism
• Receiving or knowingly supplying unauthorized information
• Using unauthorized material or sources
• Changing an answer after work has been graded and presenting it as improperly graded
• Illegally accessing confidential information through a computer
• Taking an examination for another student or having another student take an examination for you
• Forging or altering registration or grade documents

CLASS CONDUCT, RULES AND POLICIES

Please keep in mind that a college classroom is a professional learning environment in which mutual respect amongst students and between students and the professor is expected.  For a detailed description of Mt. San Antonio College’s Code of Conduct, please see the college catalog.  Here are some examples of disruptive behavior listed in your catalog:  obstruction or disruption of the educational process; willful disobedience and/or the open persistent defiance of authority; verbal or physical threats to students, faculty, or staff; excessive talking in class; turned on pagers and cell phones; passing notes in class; excessive lateness; sleeping in class; and poor personal hygiene.

Remember, we all want a comfortable, respectful atmosphere for optional learning and success.  In addition, here are a few more rules and policies for my class:

• Absolutely no liquor, firearms, weapons, explosives or animals.
• All written work must be typed in order to receive credit.
• E-mailed work will not be accepted.
• You must give your speech on the day that is assigned.  Unless you have a documented, excused absence, NO SPEECHES WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THE DESIGNATED SPEECH DAYS!

• No late work is accepted!  Plan ahead!
• Exams will be a combination of True and False, Multiple Choice, and/or Essay.  No scantrons are required. Students may leave the room only after completion of an exam.  No headphones, iPods etc are allowed.  Your final will involve an in-class speech critique.
• Some extra credit may be offered…stay tuned.

WARNING!

• All cell-phones, tablets, etc. must be silenced (not on vibrate) prior to the beginning of class and be put away, out of sight.   If a cell phone goes off, I will ask you to leave.  You will then receive an unexcused absence for that day.
• Also, please do not text-message in class.  If you do, you will be asked to leave and receive an unexcused absence as well. It is best make sure phones are out of sight so that you don’t even give the appearance that you are texting.  
• If you have an emergency please step outside to take a call or text.
• Just say no.

If this is a deal breaker, there are no hard feelings.

But PLEASE drop this class today to allow someone else to take your seat.

DESCRIPTION OF SPEECHES

Introduction Speech

Impromptu Speech

Demonstration Speech

Informative Speech

Persuasive Speech

Special Occasion Speech - 

GRADING AND EVALUATION

There are a total of 1000 points possible in the course.  The point breakdown is as follows:

Office Hours

I strongly recommend visiting me during office hours to get feedback on your outlines and presentations.  My office is located in 26D-1441 (Forensics Room). My office hours are:

Office Hours: Tuesday 1:30-3:30pm, Wednesday 3:30-4:30pm, Thursday 9:30-10:30am      

*Due to my forensics travel schedule various classes might have substitutes and/or be cancelled. I will make sure to let you know ahead of time and list the information on the class website.