TEXTBOOK: Ross, R. (1998). The speechmaking process (11th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: SPCH 101 develops an awareness of the history and traditions of speech communication as a field of academic study. Students learn fundamental codes, functions, and processes of oral communication. Performance, debate and public speaking assignments are included.

COURSE GOALS/RATIONALE: The class is designed to promote a better understanding of communication processes and to acquire fundamental performance techniques in a variety of communication contexts.

STUDENT OBJECTIVES: As a result of this course, students should be able to appreciate the long tradition of communication studies, as well as demonstrate basic competence in oral performance.

REQUIRED READING: In addition to the textbook, other readings will be required.

OTHER COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Speeches, group and written assignments, as well as five quizzes and two exams will be required. No prerequisites, co-requisites or other materials are required.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY: This class combines lectures, classroom exercises, and oral and written reports.

GRADING: Students’ grades will reflect a cumulative score on the following:

	Quizzes (5)	20%		GRADING SCALE
	Midterm Exam	20%
	Performance	10%		A	91 - 100
	Speech	10%		B	81 - 90
	Debate	10%		C	71 - 80
	Communication Analysis	10%		D	61 - 70
	Final Exam	20%		F	Below 61

ATTENDANCE: Participation is an integral part of SPCH 101. Therefore, you are expected to attend. Students may miss up to three (3) class periods before points are deducted from the final grade. On the fourth and subsequent absences, two (2) percentage points will be deducted from the final grade. For example, if your final score is 81, but you missed four class periods, your final grade will be 79.

LATE WORK: All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day specified in the class schedule. One letter grade will be deducted for each class day any assignment is past due. Missed exams or speaking assignments will not be allowed to be made up without a documented and college approved excuse (for example, a medical emergency).

GRADING RATIONALE:

A      Exceptionally well-prepared completion of assignment indicating effort, individualized style, and impact expected of effective communication.

B      Unusually well-prepared completion of assignment indicating original application of course materials and individual imagination distinctly superior to average effort.

C      Satisfactory completion of assignment indicating effort normally expected of the majority of students (basic preparation, correct procedure, and disciplined technique.)

D      Unsatisfactory completion of assignment indicating technical irregularity, misperceived objectives, and methods, and unorganized effort.

F      Failure to complete assignment during the scheduled time through lack of evident effort.

CHEATING: The policy of the Baton Rouge Community College expressly forbids cheating in any form, including plagiarism. Violation of the policy may result in a score of zero for the assignment or for the course, or may result in expulsion from school, depending on severity. Please consult the BRCC Catalog for more information on this policy.

DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS:

Performance of Literature: A 4-5 minute oral presentation of a selection of prose or poetry. The presentation should demonstrate your ability to select, interpret, and perform works of literature in a dramatic fashion. Submit a photocopy of the selection. Basic standards of delivery should be employed.

Speech to Inform: A 4-5 minute oral presentation which combines your personal experience with research from secondary sources. The speech should demonstrate your ability to select and organize appropriate motivational appeals and supportive materials. Submit an outline of your speech with a list of sources. Basic standards of delivery should be employed.

Debate: A 5-6 minute oral presentation of a pro or con position on a topic, in competition with an opposing classmate. The debate should demonstrate your ability to research and present an effective argument on an issue of current importance. Submit an outline of your debate with a list of sources.

Communication Analysis: A 5 page, double-spaced, typewritten assignment which examines the characteristics of an interpersonal communication episode. This assignment should demonstrate your ability to analyze the effects of day-to-day interpersonal communication.

Quizzes: Throughout the semester students will be tested on comprehension of course material in the following areas: (a) Rhetoric, (b) Performance of Literature, (c) Public Address, (d) Debate, and (e) Interpersonal Communication. Each quiz will be worth 4%.

Midterm Exam: The midterm exam will cover material from the first seven weeks of the course including rhetoric, performance of literature, and public address.

Final Exam: The final exam will cover material following the midterm including debate and interpersonal communication.

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