Course Syllabus

The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB):

a brief description of the course including each major course requirement, assignment and examination;

the learning objectives for the course;

a general description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and

any required or recommended readings. 

Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC’s purpose and mission. Information specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to enrolled students. 

Course Name & Number: SPCH 1315 (Public Speaking)

Semester & Year: Fall, 2019

Catalog DescriptionApplication of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity, and speech organizational techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations. [Rev 8-14-17]

Instructor's Name: Tiffany Messerli

Office Phone #: 972-899-8400

Instructor's Office #: FM

Email Address: tmesserli@nctc.edu

Office Hours: Tues/Thurs: 10-11:00 am, 3:30-4:00 pm; Mon/Wed (Online): 2:30-4:00pm

Textbooks & Materials: Speaker’s Guidebook (w/EssentGde to Rhetoric & Launchpad Access), O’Hair, Bedford St. Martin’s, 7thed.

COURSE AND COLLEGE INFORMATION

Learning Outcomes. Students who successfully complete this course will meet the following learning outcomes:

Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication.

Apply elements of audience analysis.

Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic

Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques.

Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches.

Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication.

Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g. narrative, informative or persuasive).

Foundational Component Area:Communication

Critical Thinking Skills (CT)- to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information

Communication Skills (COM)- to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication

Teamwork (TW)- to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal

Personal Responsibility (PR)- to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making

Institutional Learning Goals. A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs.

Quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences which parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities.

Quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled occupations, and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading to certificates and associate degrees.

Quality programs and services in support of adult literacy and basic skills development as a mean of workforce enhancement and expanding access to higher education.

Program Purpose Statement. NCTC seeks to implement its goal of providing quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences that parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities by offering a coherent sequence of courses with appropriate breadth and depth to prepare a student for transfer to a university.

Departmental Purpose Statement. The Department of English, Speech, and Foreign Language provides quality instruction to students pursuing their academic and career goals. 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

College Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered. All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor. It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member. Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the

student of the responsibility for making up required work. Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor. A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam. Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Public speaking is a transactional process requiring both speakers and listeners. The only way a speaker can improve his/her presentational skills is through the presence of an engaged, attentive audience who is willing to offer constructive feedback. Attendance on speech days is crucial. It is extremely important for you to be here every class period. However, I realize that some unforeseen circumstances may arise that may make it impossible for you to attend class. Therefore, you may miss up to 2 classes without direct penalty. You are responsible for any work missed and you are subject to deductions should you miss an attendance quiz or speech. On your 3rd absence your grade will drop by one letter. On your 8th absence you will receive an F for the semester.

*I will pass around a sign-up sheet well in advance of the speech dates. Be prepared to speak when your name is called. If you are unable to speak and have no verifiable excuse, you will receive a 25 to 50 point deduction and will be expected to make-up the speech on the make-up day at the end of the semester.

Disability Accommodations: North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission or access to its programs. The College is committed to providing equal access to its students with disabilities by providing appropriate accommodations; a variety of services and resources are made available through the ACCESS Department. Students are responsible for notifying the ACCESS Department of their need for assistance. Students with documented disabilities, such as mobility impairment, hearing or visual impairment, learning, and psychological disorders are eligible for services.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness, or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction-reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc.

On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 in the Administration Building (100) or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an intake appointment with OSD.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of

federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112). http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/disability-services/index.html 

EEOC Statement: North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veterans Services: The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who need assistance in financing their education.  The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA.  For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office: http://www.nctc.edu/financial-aid/index.html. 

Last day to Withdraw: Last day to drop a class with grade of “W” is November 1, 2019

Scholastic Integrity – Plagiarism: Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. See Student Handbook “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct [FLB- (LOCAL)]” #18.

Disciplinary Actions [Student Handbook, #5] “When cheating, collusion, or plagiarism has occurred beyond any reasonable doubt, the instructor may give the student or students involved an “F” on a particular assignment or in the course. [See Scholastic Dishonesty FLB (Local)] The instructor shall make a written report of the incident and the planned action to his Department Chair. The Department Chair shall report the incident and action to the appropriate instructional dean who shall review the case, notify the student and, if necessary, take further action. This may involve either probation or suspension of the student or students in question. If such disciplinary action is deemed necessary, the Dean of Student Services shall be notified, and the action shall be taken through that office.”

Plagiarism, which should be avoided at all costs, includes the following student actions:

Turning in someone else's ideas, opinions, theories, or work as your own;

Unintentionally or inadvertently turning in someone else's ideas, opinions, theories, or work as your own as the result of failing to document sources both internally and in the Works Cited;

Copying words, ideas, or images from someone without giving credit; Failing to put a quotation in quotations marks;

Giving incorrect information about the source of information, quotations, or images;

Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit;

Copying so many words, ideas, or images from a source that it makes up the majority of the student's work, whether or not the student gives credit.

Please be aware that I take plagiarism very seriously.  You may not have another person write, type, edit, or revise any parts of your Writing Assignments.  You may not use someone else’s Writing Assignment or buy one from a “professional” source.  You may not use the material on the internet or in print sources without documenting it.  Failure to follow the proper guidelines for documentation constitutes plagiarism. 

Considering the severity of the issue, if you ever have any questions or concerns regarding plagiarism, please consider this an open invitation to visit with me about the issue. If I discover that a student has committed intentional plagiarism, the Writing Assignment that has plagiarized materials will receive a zero, and I will recommend to the Speech Department Head that the student fails the course.

Student Rights & Responsibilities: NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct.  These rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog.  All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct.

Student Success: The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals.  This program also links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free 24/7 online tutoring and helps new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students.  All students are invited to visit the Student Success Center on the Corinth Campus, rooms 170, 182, or 188; on the Gainesville Campus, rooms 114 or 111; on the Flower Mound Campus, room 111; and on the Bowie Campus, room 124.

Tobacco-Free Campus. NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is aware that tobacco use influences underage students, which cumulates unsightly tobacco litter and interferes with assuring clean air for all who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco use and of exposure to second-hand smoke. Information on a tobacco cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to stop using tobacco products. We would like to "thank you" for your help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free. For questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Vice President of Student Services at 940-668-4240.

Grading Policy & Procedures:

If you miss a speech without a verifiable excuse you will receive a 15 point deduction for a 100 point assignment and a 25 point deduction for a 200 point assignment. The make-up speech day is the last day of class. Attendance quizzes cannot be made up.

**Cell phone policy: Please turn all phones to vibrate/silent upon entering class. If you must take a phone call, please step outside to do it. If you choose to text/talk during class, you will be asked to leave.

*** Please be prepared to speak in front of a camera as I will be videotaping each of your speeches. This is a reference tool should I have any questions about a speech. The video will be viewed only by me and will be erased at the end of the semester. You will have the opportunity to receive a digital copy of each of your speeches. This can be a valuable tool when preparing for future speeches. However, this is NOT a requirement.

WARREN BUFFET ON WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD STUDY:

“Do anything you can to improve your own skills – you never know when it’s going to pay off later on.” The one diploma Buffet has hanging on his wall is from a Dale Carnegie course on public speaking. Communication skills are what he most recommends developing.

(Dallas Morning News, 5/31/11)

Calendar or Course Outline: