Introduction to Public Speaking Communication 1020: Course Syllabus

What's this course about?

Public Speaking is grounded in critical thinking and is not to be considered merely a course regarding speech delivery! Ideas are power. Well-expressed ideas become dynamic through effective argument (logic and reason), artistic persuasion, meaningful, animated language, and powerful imagery. When you can express your ideas coherently, cogently, and responsibly, you possess a valuable skill. Effective oral communication skills are a necessity in all occupations today, as well as an aid for full participation in social and democratic processes.

The capability to inform/persuade an audience is a learned behavior with potentially compelling effects for a skilled orator. As a critical thinking course, students must develop the ability to communicate effectively in public situations in the presence of small or large audiences while addressing topics that are significant and relevant. Consider the issues and address them with intelligence and articulation.

I see this is a General Education course. What's that about?

General education courses provide a foundational knowledge and intellectual tools that help you apply your learning and develop personal and social responsibility. They're not just courses to "get out of the way." Rather, these courses can lead to your future success at Weber, your workplace, and the community. Embrace the journey!

What are you going to learn?

Since this is a general education course, we will be exploring a "big question" that relates to our class. This semester, we will focus on the following big question: How can we prepare ourselves to address and respond to important social issues happening in our world today through effective public address?

There are also some General Education Foundational Principles from the College of Arts & Humanities that influence how I approach the course and facilitate our time together. They're listed below:

• We believe the arts and humanities play a fundamental role as tools for the analysis, interpretation, creation, and expression of human ideals, challenges, and desires across cultures.
• Perspectives from the arts and humanities apply to other academic disciplines and to society at large.
• We value open inquiry into complex problems, and the ability to reflect on, analyze, and appreciate diverse viewpoints and schools of thought.

We also include General Education Learning Outcomes (GELOs) to guide instruction.

• GELO 1: Content Knowledge. This outcome addresses students' understanding of the worlds in which they live and disciplinary approaches for analyzing those worlds.
• GELO 2: Intellectual Tools. This outcome focuses on students use of and facility with skills necessary for them to construct knowledge, evaluate claims, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
• GELO 3: Responsibility to Self and Others. This outcome highlights students relationship with, obligations to, and sustainable stewardship of themselves, others, and the world to promote diversity, social justice, and personal and community well-being.
• GELO 4: Connected and Applied Learning. This outcome emphasizes how students learning in general education classes can be connected and applied in meaningful ways to new settings and complex problems.

Here are some of the goals that I have for YOU as a result of taking this course. I hope you are able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to understand and respond to public speaking as a transactional process between you and your audience.
• Develop listening and observational skills by providing descriptive and evaluative feedback about speeches and speakers.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze and evaluate the competence of your own public speaking and that of others through self evaluation and peer analysis.
• Develop the ability to speak competently, confidently, and ethically in public settings.
• Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, and use information to shape and adapt messages for various audiences, purposes, and settings.
• Develop and adapt messages and message strategies to the needs and expectations of multiple audiences.
• Organize ideas, supporting examples, and reinforcing images in a coherent and captivating message.
• Speak in an extemporaneous, conversational style using language, voice, and bodily action effectively and appropriately for public settings.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply public speaking competencies to multiple audiences and settings.

Where do I find course resources and submit my assignments?...CANVAS!

Canvas is the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver content in this course. If you're having Canvas issues (with assignments, discussions, etc), contact 24/7 Canvas Support at 1-877-215-0831.

You can also contact WSU Online during regular business hours at 801-626-6188.

Why do you need to know about Canvas?

• You will submit all of your written work on Canvas.
• Speeches in this course will be recorded and uploaded on Canvas.
• You can contact me and I can contact you through Canvas.

Here are some tips for using Canvas:

• Set up your Canvas account to leave messages on your mobile wireless devices.
• Use your WSU email account for correspondence to enhance the likelihood of effective delivery and response.
• Call Canvas Support at 1-877-215-0831 for assistance anytime, or during regular office hours, contact WSU Online at 801-626-6188.

What is Plagiarism?

Definition of Plagiarism: To steal or use (the ideas or writings of another) as one's own. To appropriate passages or ideas from another and use them as one's own. (The American Heritage Dictionary)

Derivation:

• Greek plagious: oblique, crooked, treacherous
• Latin plagium: kidnapping

The College of Arts and Humanities Academic Dishonesty Policy explains that:

“Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsification, accessing unauthorized course or test information, using unauthorized resources or breaches of copyright law and thus, will not be tolerated in this class. The penalty for academic dishonesty in this course may include repeating the assignment, failing the assignment and/or failing the course, depending on the specific nature of the act.”

Honesty requires that any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged. Offering the work of another as one's own is plagiarism. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas or materials that s/he takes from another source is guilty of plagiarism. Penalties for plagiarism are often severe. Depending on the specific nature of the act, a student found guilty of plagiarism may receive an E in the course or even be dismissed from the university with a notation of the offense on his/her transcript. If you are in doubt about the legitimate use of sources for your speeches, check with me. I will be happy to assist you in ensuring the originality of your ideas and avoiding subsequent confrontations and penalties.

How does diversity and inclusion fit in to this course?

At Weber State, we celebrate and value all individuals of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital or parental status, age, disability, veteran or military status or other identifiers. We demonstrate our commitment by nurturing an inclusive campus and striving to honor a balance between freedom of expression and respect for others. Together, we will continually challenge ourselves and each other in an atmosphere of mutual concern, goodwill, and respect.

Keeping this in mind, please be mindful of the language you use in your speeches and in your discussions. I will assume no mal-intent in your comments, yet will definitely bring questionable comments to your attention. I want everyone to feel comfortable in the course, especially since we're online!

What if I need accommodations for disabilities in this class?

If you require accommodations or services due to a disability, please contact Disability Services (DS) in room 181 of the Student Services Center (Ogden campus) or room 262 Building D2 (Davis campus). Disability Services can arrange to provide course materials (including this very syllabus!) in alternative formats upon request.

What if course requirements conflict with my core beliefs?

According to the student code (PPM 6-22 IV), you need to determine, before the last day to drop courses without penalty, if our course requirements conflict with your core beliefs. If there is a conflict, you should consider dropping the class. If you find this solution is impractical, you can request a resolution from the instructor. This policy does not oblige the instructor to grant the request, except in those cases when a denial would be arbitrary and capricious or illegal. Give your written request to me, in writing, and also deliver a copy of the request to Anne Bialowas, the Communication Department Chair. Your request should articulate the burden the requirement would place on your beliefs. If you're not satisfied with the resolution, you can voice a complaint, petition for a change, or make an appeal through the student petition, complaints & grievances process.

What if the campus closes?

In the event of an extended campus closure we will continue to provide instruction and interaction through Canvas. Since this is an online course, not much, if anything, will likely change! Check the announcements and your emails on a daily basis to keep current with course material, assignments, and deadlines.

What if I need to withdraw from this class or any class at WSU?

You can drop any class according to the schedule in the current semester class schedule. Please check the University class withdrawal policy for the current semester to verify withdrawal dates.

What else can you tell me about university policies?

You need to know that by law, I am required to report any disclosure by a student, orally or in writing, whether related to class assignments or not, that communicates the possibility of imminent danger to you, as the student, or others. Thus, be mindful of what you tell me because if it falls within these parameters, I am unable to keep the information confidential.

If you need assistance by seeing a counselor, take advantage of our campus resources. I highly encourage you to contact the Counseling and Psychological Services Center if you need help with your mental health. Their 24-hour crisis hotline is 801-626-6406. You can also check out their website for additional free online tools that you can use.

Professionalism & Respect

The sense of human dignity and belonging of all members of the Weber State community is a necessary part of a healthy learning environment. Therefore, you should practice civil deportment, and avoid treating others in a manner that is demeaning or derisive in any respect. Diverse viewpoints and opinions are welcome in this class, and we will practice mutual respect when we're expressing them. Thus, while I encourage you to share your opinions, you will be expected to do so in a manner that is respectful towards others.

Recording Class

The university prohibits students from recording class lectures unless the faculty member grants explicit permission (PPM 6-22.6.6). Any lectures recorded and posted on Canvas or shared to your Weber State University student email are for the exclusive use of students enrolled in the class and may not be shared without previous authorization. Violations will be referred to the Dean of Students for adjudication under the student code (PPM 6-22).

So, if you need a class session recorded, let me know and we can work together to make it happen. Yes, I am workable withable! Of course, this shouldn't be a problem in this course because of the online delivery.

Student Responsibilities

As a student at Weber State University, you are expected to act responsibly and appropriately as you attend a public institution of higher education. When you enroll as a student at WSU, you agree to abide by the standards of appropriate and responsible behavior outlined in the student code (PPM 6-22). This applies to your behavior as an individual when participating in group settings on campus and if you represent Weber State University at an off-campus event. Choosing to ignore these important student responsibilities could result in university disciplinary actions.

Threatening Behaviors

Threatening behavior is deliberate, hostile conduct which would cause a person to fear injury or harm. It includes aggressive actions such as yelling, kicking, insulting, demeaning, bullying, intimidating, pounding on desks, slamming doors, blocking or cornering, and issuing threatening or disparaging voice-mails, e-mails, or other written intimidating remarks. Threatening behavior will not be tolerated in this class. If you’ve been exposed to threatening behavior, contact the office of the Dean of Students.

Harassment, Discrimination & Sexual Misconduct

Weber State University is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and other forms of discrimination based upon race, color, national origin, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions such as childbirth, false pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, or related conditions, (including recovery), genetics, disability (see PPM 3-34), religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, veteran, active military status, age (over 40 in employment discrimination), and other classifications protected by law. If you have questions regarding the university’s policy against discrimination and harassment, or if you have questions about reporting discrimination or harassment, you may contact the university’s AA/EO office (801-626-6240) or visit its website: https://www.weber.edu/aaeo.

FERPA Rights

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the federal law that governs the release of and access to student educational records, certain rights are given to students related to the management of their records. These rights include, 1) the right to inspect and review your educational record, 2) the right to request an amendment of your education record if you believe that it is inaccurate or misleading, and 3) the right to consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in your educational record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

The following are directory items may be available to the public, if requested, unless otherwise deemed confidential by the student:

Click here to access the website above!

How can I be a competent communicator in class?

I encourage you to show respect for me, guests, and one another, regardless of opinion, value, cultural, and other group differences. I invite you to give one another equal opportunities to express opinions, experiences, and ideas. As students, all of you should be supportive of a cooperative learning environment within the class. As your professor, I reserve the right to publicly address you if your behavior disrupts the learning environment. Keep this simple: Remember what you learned in kindergarten, "be nice and show respect to each other."

Colleen, what are your expectations for assignments?

I expect you to produce well organized, structured, and formatted assignments that demonstrate an awareness and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, readings, facts, technical explanations, and so forth. Your goal should be for your audience members to understand and enjoy the speech. Basically I expect you to be brilliant, so let's work together to make it happen!

Where can I go if I need help?

If you have challenges with writing, I encourage you to visit the Writing Center (main floor of Elizabeth Hall, south end of hallway, Room 210) if you need writing assistance.

If you need some assistance with Adobe programs, the Writing Center is also the place to go. The Center has terrific tutors who have been trained to help you using many Adobe products. Call or check online to make an appointment.