Course Syllabus
Communications 1008-96 – Public Speaking
FALL 2021
CRN #81386 – Monday & Wednesday 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm
| Professor: | Bianca Moreno (she/her/hers) |
| Office: | Business Development Center 252A (Closed Due to COVID) |
| Email: | bmoreno1@csub.edu |
| Office Hours: | MW 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; T 9:00 am – 10:00 am, or by appointment |
| https://csub.zoom.us/j/95881807586 |
Table of Contents:
An introduction to public speaking and communication studies. Emphasis is placed on increasing the student's understanding of theory relating to the practice and criticism of public speaking, improvement of the student's public speaking and critical thinking skills, and an understanding of library research skills. COMM 1008, or its articulated speech course, is required for all Communications majors. A passing grade of "C-" or higher required to earn course credit. (Taken from the current CSUB catalog)
Area A. Communication in the English Language:
This course satisfies your general education requirement for the designated Area A. The objectives below are designed to address the approved CSUB Area A goals:
Required General Education Goals for Area A1 credit:
Goal 1: Students will analyze the principles of effective oral communication from the rhetorical perspective.
Outcome 1A: Students will identify and apply the rhetorical principles that underlie form and content in formal speeches and oral presentations.
Outcome 1B: Students will evaluate contexts, attitudes, values, and responses of different audiences.
Outcome 1C: Students will demonstrate active listening skills in order to interpret, critically evaluate reasoning, and engage with new ideas.
Goal 2: Students will actively participate in written and oral forms of communication in English.
Outcome 2A: Students will create, organize, and support ideas for various types of oral presentations.
Outcome 2B: Students will present well-organized oral presentations practicing sound reasoning and advocacy in the physical presence of others.
Outcome 2C: Students will demonstrate acceptable ethical and responsible communication in researching, creating, and presenting presentations, including proper verbal citations.
COMM 1008 Student Objectives:
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Understand and recall essential concepts in public communication.
- Compose and deliver extemporaneous public presentations on socially significant and intellectually challenging topics, while utilizing core concepts from class.
- Competently create, organize, and support ideas in public presentations.
- Develop the ability to analyze audience response.
- Effectively assess and evaluate written and spoken forms of public presentations.
- Efficiently listen to and critically evaluate others’ messages.
Required Text –
Griffin, C. (2012). Invitation to public speaking (6th Ed.). Boston: Wadsworth.
ISBN: 978-1305948082
(A FREE alternative source is to use: www.publicspeakingproject.org )
Recommended for a Zoom Classroom –
To assure your ability to benefit from all of the resources available in this class, please be sure you have a computer that meets or exceeds the following standards:
- A PC or Mac laptop with at least an i5 processor or equivalent (a phone with streaming capabilities)
- 8 GB, 16 GB of RAM
- 256 GB hard drive
- A web camera (built in or stand-alone)
- Wi-fi adapter
- A headset, earbuds (if needed)
Also, please be sure you have a broadband connection able to provide a minimum of 20 megabits per second (mbps) download and 10 mbps upload, or a hot spot or a cell phone capable of tethering.
If you need assistance assessing the capabilities of your computer, please contact Information Technology Services at 661 654-4357.
Academic Integrity – The principles of truth and integrity are recognized as fundamental to a community of teachers and scholars. The University expects that both faculty and students will honor these principles and in so doing will protect the integrity of all academic work and student grades. Students are expected to do all work assigned to them without unauthorized assistance and without giving unauthorized assistance. Faculty have the responsibility of exercising care in the planning and supervision of academic work so that honest effort will be encouraged and positively reinforced. (Taken from the current CSUB catalog)
Academic honesty is expected and required. Academic dishonesty defrauds all those who depend upon the integrity of California State University Bakersfield courses and is a serious offense. Cheating in any form or plagiarizing any part or parts of oral or written work is automatic grounds for receiving a failing grade in the course. Each case will be assessed according to CSUB’s Rights and Responsibilities of Students guidelines, which are available in the current course catalog. Proper action will be taken. To avoid unwanted situations, consult me for any help necessary and follow all of CSUB’s policies for students.
No audio or video recordings are allowed in this course by students. We cannot create a safe space for students to present their ideas if presenters are worried about being recorded, so I will assign an F for the course and will report you to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities if I discover that you have recorded any portion of the class.
Attendance and active participation are essential in a course of this nature, since majority of this course is presenting and responding to speeches. The quality and quantity of your class participation will be used to determine a portion of your grade and in borderline cases. If you plan on missing a significant amount of this course, please take the course when you can be in full attendance. Too many excused absences may result in an incomplete. If you are a Runner athlete, you must provide me with a game schedule and make arrangements with me to make up coursework before your games. Course grades will be adjusted on the basis of attendance and tardiness as follows:
0-5 absences = No deduction
6 absences = 5% deduction from final course grade
7 absences = 10% deduction from final course grade
8 absences = 15% deduction from final course grade
9 absences = Failing grade in the course
Promptness is expected as a general rule, especially on speech days. If you should happen to be late on a speech day, wait in the hall until you hear applause and then enter.
Zoom Attendance - Because nonverbal feedback is helpful in human interactions, I expect students in this class to keep their cameras on during synchronous portions of online instruction. With this in mind, please plan where you will be during class time so you can participate in a setting that is free from visual distractions. If you believe you have a legitimate reason not to have your camera turned on, please consult with me well in advance of the class period, and I will make a determination.
Special Needs/Arrangements
If you are struggling in class or have special needs because of learning or other kinds of disabilities, please feel free to discuss this with me. Make an appointment or come during my office hours, but please do not wait until the end of the quarter to present concerns. I am here to help!! You may also contact the Oasis Tutoring Center at (661) 654- 6411 for additional assistance. To request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) as soon as possible. Call (661) 654-3360 or (661) 654-6288 (TDD). You must have an accommodations letter from the SSD office documenting that you have a disability; present the letter to me during my office hours as soon as possible or in the first class period.
Basic Needs
A student’s safety and well-being are important (food, water, shelter, safety, physical, emotional needs) and often more important than my course. I have included resources on my syllabus and canvas if a student is facing any challenges.
The CSUB Food Pantry
Phone: 661-654-3663; email: foodpantry@csub.edu: Instagram: @csub_foodpantry
The Food Pantry is guided by the CSUB Food & Housing Security Committee, the Sustainability Department, and the Executive Director of Associated Students, Inc. The project goals are to increase food security, reduce food waste, and expand nutritional offerings at CSU Bakersfield.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES (SHS)
Phone: 661-654-2394; website: csub.edu/healthcenter; Instagram: @csubstudenthealthservices
The Mission of Student Health Services is to build a healthy campus community by providing quality, caring, cost-effective ambulatory healthcare and health promotion services. As part of an institution of higher learning, Student Health Services participates in the educational process by teaching students the skills for self-care, promoting their health, advocating for themselves, and preventing diseases thus enhancing their academic productivity leading to a satisfying college experience.
BASIC SERVICES: Student Health Services provides basic outpatient medical services for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and subacute conditions, illnesses and injuries. The medical staff is available for routine health care, women’s services, minor surgery and urgent care including basic x-rays, laboratory and pharmacy. Student fees support the facility and provide many basic services, which are available at little or no cost. These include:
- Women’s Clinic
- Medical evaluation and counseling for individual health problems
- Laboratory tests needed to evaluate many acute problems
- X-rays needed for skeletal injuries
- Contraception and family planning counseling
- Programs in health education
- Anonymous or confidential HIV testing
- Emergency first aid for injuries on campus
COUNSELING CENTER
Phone: 661-654-3366; website: csub.edu/counselingcenter/; Instagram: @csubtrainingclinic
The Counseling Center provides professional mental health counseling services to all registered CSUB students (661-654-3366). All counseling services are free of charge, and information shared with a counselor is kept strictly confidential. Services are designed to help students develop their maximum potential while pursuing their educational and personal goals, as well as to help remove any emotional or psychological barriers that may interfere with students’ successful graduation from CSUB. The Counseling Center provides individual and group services.
Personal Counseling
Personal counseling is an opportunity to meet individually with a licensed counselor to explore various needs and concerns. Common concerns include stress management, personal crises, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, abuse, grief, trauma, alcohol and drug issues, self-esteem problems, managing anger, and eating issues. Personal counseling may address any issue that influences a person’s sense of well-being and progress in school. Due to high demands for services, an appointment may be necessary, and the number of individual counseling sessions is limited.
If needed, students may call 654-3366 and press 2 anytime the counselors and administrative support staff are not in the Counseling Center (after 5pm, weekends, and during school breaks). The student will be connected to Protocall, CSUB's after-hours counseling service. Text ‘HOME’ to 741741. Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433
Safe Zone Program
Phone: 661-654-3366; website: www.csub.edu/counselingcenter/safezone
The purpose of the Safe Zone program is to establish a University-wide network of easily visible allies who can provide support, information, and assistance to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students at CSUB. Allies are trustworthy, knowledgeable, and sensitive people who can provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment on campus for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Allies are faculty, staff, and administrators who have attended the Safe Zone Ally Orientation and agreed to be visible allies of the LGBTQIA+ community on campus.
The Dreamers Resource Center
Phone: 661-654-3530; website: www.csub.edu/dreamers; Instagram: @csub_magec
The Dreamers Resource Center at CSUB is a new center on campus dedicated to provided support and resources to our students who are undocumented, AB-540 recipients, DACA recipients, or students from mixed-status families. We are here to help with any questions you may have related to your immigration status or the status of your family members, and to assist you in filling out DACA renewals, AB-540 applications, California Dream Act applications and any other documentation you may need assistance with.
NOTE: Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, CSUB has transitioned to a virtual campus. During this time, the immigration legal services provided by Immigrant Legal Defense will be conducted over the phone. Please contact us if you have any questions or if you need additional support.
Veterans Center Services
Phone: 661-654-3557; website: http://www.csub.edu/veterans; Instagram: @csubvetcenter
Through the Veterans Success Center (VSC) and their connection with other departments and organizations on and off campus, CSUB can provide you with the necessary support, resources, and information to make your journey successful. Services include:
- 8 Computer Work Stations
- Complimentary Printing for Veterans
- Dining Area, Microwave, Refrigerator
- Free Scantrons and Blue Books
- Conference Room
- Tutoring during regular academic year
- Veteran Workshops
- Veteran Club
- Events honoring military related holidays to spread military culture across campus
- Veterans Recognition Ceremony
Project Rebound
Phone: 661-654-3553; website: https://www.csub.edu/rebound/
CSU Bakersfield’s Project Rebound program supports the success of the formerly incarcerated by offering the opportunity and resources needed to successfully transition and acclimate to a college campus. The program is an alternative to the revolving door policy of the criminal justice system, and instead encourages students to excel in a course of study. The program offers special admissions for those who might not normally qualify for university acceptance due to application deadlines and minor academic deficiencies. Project Rebound recognizes the importance of access to a quality education for all and assists motivated individuals to prepare, apply, enroll, and graduate with a university degree.
Philosophy Regarding Academic Freedom in the Classroom
The expression of different points of view in the classroom by faculty and students is not only a right but also a responsibility. Although we cannot control the interpretations of others, we must always remember why we are here: to enlighten, nurture and educate. It is our responsibility to try to provide an environment of mutual respect in which individuals can express their opinions. Instructors often present controversial opinions (some of which they do not personally believe to be true) in order to stimulate conversations and higher reasoning amongst students. This ability must not be eroded. Students do have the right to be graded fairly and the right for professors and the university to protect their academic freedom. Having an ideological divergent opinion does not constitute grounds for punitive action.
Instructor Class Rules/Expected Student Behavior
- Take responsibility for your education.
- Students are expected to attend class via Zoom. Try to get to class on time, and if there are any connection issues, please let me know. A certain pace might be established, so specific due dates/speech dates may be tentative. The best way to not fall behind is to attend class. If you are absent, please let me know.
- Please note that instructors' classroom policies, procedures, and teaching styles vary.
- There will be NO make-up speeches nor exams unless there is a legitimate reason for missing class on your speech date or exam date. Speeches must be live-streamed (with camera and mic on). If you are absent on the assigned day with no prior notice, then you will receive a ZERO. Failure to attend and give a speech will result in failing the class, as each student must perform all the required speeches. However, speeches may be made-up in class if there is time on another speaking day, reach out to me if this is the case.
- When having academic difficulty, seek assistance - this is what I am here for; I'm here to help you understand and provide guidance. Do not be afraid to communicate with me. If something is going on, please let me know so I can better assist you.
- You will often speak in front of your classmates throughout this class, so please be courteous and direct your attention towards them. Remember that your classmates deserve your respect and support. We will be utilizing Zoom, so cameras must be on, especially when you are delivering your speech. It must be a live presentation. Please do not be disruptive during someone’s speech. We must all follow proper Zoom etiquette (refer to Canvas).
- A college community is a place where ALL should feel respected and valued, regardless of ethnic background, religious beliefs, political affiliation, age, gender identity, disability, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation. It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, and that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class. It is my hope that your learning in my course will contribute to making CSUB a more welcoming and supportive place and that the diversity that the students bring to this class and campus be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit.
- Listen with an open mind. Please be courteous and apply ethical listening. Remember that it is okay to disagree, but try your best to understand. We can learn a lot from our differences, uncomfortable conversations, and further assessing information. It is important that we create a warm, safe environment.
- Homework will be due on canvas. All outlines must be submitted on Canvas before the start of the first speech day. No late assignments will be accepted for full credit.
- Keep mobile usage to a minimum. Limit outside/home distractions. Treat it as you would if we were face to face. Zoom sessions must follow proper Zoom etiquette.
Remember that we are a class community, which means that the things we do in the classroom affect everyone else (myself included). As your instructor, it is my job to protect the class climate in any way that I deem necessary.
Thank you very much in advance for your cooperation! I want you to get the most out of your education!
Course Requirements:
There will be five graded speech presentations. We will be utilizing Zoom, so it can be a live presentation. All speech topics must be emailed and approved before your speech day. Speech line ups will be assigned during class. If you are absent on a speech sign-up day, I will assign a day to you. (Please note: It is your responsibility to inquire about what day you were assigned). On the day we begin speeches, you will submit a TYPED outline in the correct outline format (to be discussed in class) through Canvas. Visual aids (if required) must be ready/emailed before you deliver your speech. You will not be permitted to speak if your topic is not approved or if you do not provide me with an outline BEFORE you deliver your speech.
Narrative Speech: Students will deliver a 3-5 minute speech about themselves. This is a chance to introduce themselves to the class. Speeches can be organized to the student’s wishes: Surface, simple, or deep. What you would like to share with us is entirely up to you. (Outcome 1A, 1B)
Informative Speech: The purpose of this speech is to inform. Students will be given 6-8 minutes to inform their audience on their chosen (topic must be approved). Topics can range from a person, place, event, object, or concept. A minimum of 3 sources will be required. (Outcome 1A, 1B, 2B, 2C)
Commemorative Speech: This assignment was designed to break us away from all the pressure and allow everyone to focus on delivery. Students will give a 1-2 minute special occasion speech. Students will become familiar with different speech types during the lecture.
Impromptu Speech: One must understand the importance of speaking with little to no time of preparation. Students will deliver a spontaneous 3-4 minute speech.
Persuasive Speech: In this 8-10 minute speech, students will attempt to persuade their audience on a topic (topic must be approved). The speech will display the importance of credibility, delivery, and research. A minimum of 5 sources will be required. (Outcome 1A, 1B, 2B, 2C)
Other mentions:
Community Event Attendance: You are required to attend a community event that includes a public speaker or evaluate a Tedtalk. You will evaluate their speech and write an evaluation/reflective piece. Many community events will take place Zoom, so be sure to register to receive a link.
Speech Sketch: Choose a person, event, or object that is significant to you and sketch a 1-2 minute speech. This is designed to ease you in, do not stress. Do the best you can.
Class Participation: Many discussions, activities, in-class assignments, and audience participation events are held. All are developed to help you improve as a speaker and student. Points can be deducted if you are a disruptive audience member during speeches or have attendance issues (especially during speech days).
In order for this course to count as your Area A1 requirement, you must receive a “C-” or higher.
(The +/- system will be used for final grades.)
930 pts. - 1,000 pts. = A 730 pts. - 769 pts. = C
900 pts. - 929 pts. = A- 700 pts. - 729 pts. = C-___Passing______
870 pts. - 899 pts. = B+ 670 pts. - 699 pts. = D+
830 pts. - 869 pts. = B 630 pts. - 669 pts. = D
800 pts. - 829 pts. = B- 600 pts. - 629 pts. = D-
770 pts. - 779 pts. = C+ 599 pts. and below = F
Course Points:
Keeping track of your scores throughout the quarter will help you understand your position in the course and adapt appropriately.
Your Score / Total Points Possible
Speeches
Narrative Speech (3-5 min) __________ / 80 points (50 speech/30 outline)
Informative Speech (6-8 min) __________ / 200 points (125 speech/75 outline)
Commemorative Speech (1-2 min) __________ / 100 points (80 speech/20 manuscript)
Persuasive Speech (8-10 min) __________ / 230 points (160 speech/70 outline)
Final (Impromptu) __________ / 50 points
Exams
Midterm __________ / 100 points
Course Work
Homework __________ / 75 points
Quizzes/In-class Assignments __________ / 50 points
Speech Sketch __________ / 15 points
Community Event Attendance __________ / 50 points
Class Participation __________ / 50 points
__________ / 1,000 points
(Please note that this schedule is tentative)
|
Week |
Date |
Topic Schedule |
Homework |
|
1 |
8/23 |
Introductions for instructor and students. Discuss syllabus, class outline, grade computation, and requirements including attendance, coursework, and speeches. |
Read Chapter 1 Complete Choose a person, event, or object that is significant to you and sketch a 1-2 minute speech |
|
8/25 |
CH 1 Quiz Speech Sketch (1-2 minutes) CH 1 Why Speak in Public? |
Read Chapter 7 Complete Student Information Sheet |
|
|
2 |
8/30 |
CH 7 Organizing and Outlining Your Speech In-Class Outlining Activity |
Read Chapter 8 Complete Narrative Speech Draft on Canvas |
|
9/1 |
CH 8 Introductions and Conclusions Activity – Get Our Attention/Make Us Remember You Delivering via Zoom |
Prepare a Narrative Speech (3-5 minutes) Submit Outline on Canvas |
|
|
3 |
9/6 |
No Class |
|
|
9/8 |
Narrative Speech (3-5 minutes) |
|
|
|
4 |
9/13 |
Narrative Speech (3-5 minutes) |
Read Chapter 3 Complete Potential Informative Topics |
|
9/15 |
CH 12 Informative Speaking |
Read Chapter 3 Complete Potential Informative Topics |
|
|
5 |
9/20 |
CH 3 Developing Your Speech Topic and Purpose/Outlining Activity – Brainstorming (A thesis statement is great) |
Take a mental health day! Read Chapter 5 Research Find an article that you find interesting |
|
9/22 |
CH 5 Gathering Supporting Materials In-Class How to Fully Develop an Oral Citation (Jasmine Bermudez’s Article) |
Read Chapter 11 Have an appropriate object ready for to next class |
|
|
6 |
9/27 |
CH 11 Visual Aids Activity – Balancing visual aids and delivery (Show and Tell) |
Read Chapter 9 Complete Informative Rough Draft |
|
9/29 |
CH 7 Organizing and Outlining Your Speech Activity – Practice Round CH 9 Language Activity – Blind word choice |
Take a mental health day! Read Chapter 16 Complete Chapter 16 Assignment on Canvas |
|
|
7 |
10/4 |
CH 16 Speaking on Special Occasions In-Class Chapter 16 Review Question #1 |
Prepare for Informative speech Submit Outline on Canvas |
|
10/6 |
Informative speeches – 6-8 minutes |
Midterm Due |
|
|
8 |
10/11 |
Informative speeches – 6-8 minutes |
|
|
10/13 |
Informative speeches – 6-8 minutes |
|
|
|
9 |
10/18 |
Informative speeches – 6-8 minutes |
Read Chapter 10 Complete Chapter 10 Assignment on Canvas |
|
10/20 |
CH 10 Delivering your Speech |
Take a mental health day! |
|
|
10 |
10/25 |
CH 10 Delivering your Speech Activity – Manuscript practice |
Read Chapter 2 Complete Chapter 2 Assignment on Canvas Prepare for Commemorative speech Submit Manuscript on Canvas |
|
10/27 |
Commemorative Speeches (1-2 minutes) |
Take a mental health day! |
|
|
11 |
11/1 |
Commemorative Speeches (1-2 minutes) |
Read Chapter 15 |
|
11/3 |
CH 15 Persuasive Speaking Activity – Convince me |
Take a mental health day!
|
|
|
12 |
11/8 |
CH 14 Reasoning Activity – Fallacies |
|
|
11/10 |
CH 5 Gathering Supporting Material/Outlining |
Complete Potential Angles for Persuasive Speech Read Chapter 6 |
|
|
13 |
11/15 |
CH 6 Developing and Supporting Your Ideas/Reasoning Activity – Spit Fire |
Read Chapter 4 Complete Persuasive Speech Rough Draft |
|
11/17 |
CH 4 Your Audience and Speaking Environment In-Class Audience Analysis CH 2 Effective Listening In-Class Evaluate a TED Talk |
Prepare for Persuasive Speech (8-10 Minutes) Submit Outline on Canvas
|
|
|
14 |
11/22 |
Persuasive Speech (8-10 minutes) |
|
|
11/24 |
Persuasive Speech (8-10 minutes) |
|
|
|
15 |
11/29 |
Persuasive Speech (8-10 minutes) |
|
|
12/1 |
Persuasive Speech (8-10 minutes) |
|
|
|
16 |
12/6 |
Persuasive Speech (8-10 minutes) |
|
|
12/8 |
Final Exam (2:00 pm - 4:30 pm) Class Discussion last minute thoughts, getting comfortable with Public Speaking |
|
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|