Students will learn the skills and strategies necessary to prepare and deliver informative and persuasive speeches. Special consideration is given to adapting communication styles and content to diverse speakers and audiences you will encounter throughout your life. The course emphasizes how to compose meaningful and coherent messages, conduct responsible research on appropriate topics, and how to argue, develop, and polish effective presentation skills.

Students will gain a deeper understanding of the uses of technology in the process of oral communication.  The emphasis will be on different types of public communication and will integrate different media and computer technologies into informative and persuasive presentations.  The ethics of free speech, oral communication principles, persuasion and influence-processes, and key human dimensions of the communication process will be developed to shape appropriate choices of technology and media.

Course Objectives/Rationale

During the course you will be asked to present while appropriately integrating technology that VISUALLY ENHANCES the information in your speech, stand before a group and deliver information, as well as argue a position. It is important that you command the audience’s attention and present yourself as a credible speaker. In this course, you will be asked to present a minimum of EIGHT prepared speeches. The goal is for you to gain more confidence with communicating in public contexts.

This course utilizes a progressive introduction to the use of technology to enhance oral communication.  The presentations feature increasingly sophisticated uses of technology, starting with showing tips and tricks of using slide show technology (e.g., PowerPoint), integrating a video or audio clip and the use of static PowerPoint slides, moving to a professional PowerPoint presentation, and finally an advanced PowerPoint presentation (or another computer-based presentation) with the additional use and integration of one or more internet sites relating to the topic.

Required Textbooks and Reading

Beebe, S. & Beebe, S. (2006). Public speaking: An audience –centered approach. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Boileau, D., & Talkington, B. (2007). Public speaking student handbook. Spring / Summer 2007 Edition. Reno, NV: BentTree Press.

Student Learning Objectives and Goals for Communication Basic Courses

Oral communication competency at George Mason University is defined as the ability to use oral communication as a way of thinking and learning as well as sharing ideas with others.  The general education program identifies numerous learning goals in oral communication, which are addressed specifically in two Communication courses, COMM 100, Public Speaking and COMM 101, Interpersonal and Group Interaction.  Common to both courses are these six learning goals:

1. Students will understand the role of free speech in a democratic society.
2. Students will learn and practice principles of ethical communication.
3. Students will understand the influence of culture in communication and will know how to cope with cultural differences when presenting information to an audience.
4. Students will develop analytical skills and critical listening skills.
5. Students will understand and practice effective elements of verbal and nonverbal communication.
6. Students will demonstrate understanding of and proficiency in constructing multiple message types.

Goals for COMM 100, Public Speaking:

1. To understand fundamental principles of communication, and to develop clearly structured and well supported evidence and/or arguments when seeking to inform or to persuade.
2. To develop a critical perspective for assessment of the credibility and appropriateness of information and supporting materials, especially information retrieved through electronic means.
3. To closely assess the effective and appropriate use of technology  AND OTHER VISUAL COMMUNICATION AIDS  to enhance messages and convey greater depths of information, knowledge, and feeling.
4. To develop skills in using presentational technology, including the integration of video and audio, the effective design and composition of slides, the appropriate use of animation, some advanced design components, and the integration of credible Internet sites relating to topic content.
5. To develop skills in other related areas of the communication process, including listening, using feedback from others to improve communication, researching, and writing.

Course Requirements

Participation:

ATTENDANCE: Following University policy, as your instructor  I EXPECT you to be in class. The only excused absences are for 1) illness; 2) compelling circumstances beyond your control; 3) religious observances, or 4) participation in University activities at the request of an authority of the University. I will note any and all absences. If you want to request credit for a particular absence (i.e. for full assignment credit, not participation credit) you must notify me in writing and with appropriate documentation no later than two weeks after the absence. In order for you to receive the participation points, not only are you expected to attend class on a regular basis, but while you’re there, you are expected to engage in the materials presented. 

ABSENCES: Excessive absences will likely result in lower grades from missed/late work, missed quizzes, and uncovered classroom material as well as from a possible reduction in participation credit. Again: you are responsible for material covered in class whether you are present or not. Please do not email me with the rather egocentric “I was sick so I missed class today. Did I miss anything important?” toned email. I think we do important things everyday, or I wouldn’t be wasting my time here. Please have a “buddy” in class who takes notes for you and gathers handouts in your absence.

TIMELINESS:  Late arrivals receive less participation credit, as do those who leave class early.  I will ask those who are excessively tardy to leave the classroom for creating a classroom distraction.

PENALTY: Make every effort to inform me if an emergency prevents you from giving a presentation on an assigned date. If you miss, or are late for, your scheduled presentation time a grade penalty of 10 percent is automatically imposed and will increase by 10% every class meeting thereafter.  There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule out of fairness to all the other students taking this course (without the explicit permission of the Basic Course Coordinator). IF YOU FAIL to make up your missed presentation, you will receive a “0” for the assignment.

It is critical that you stay in touch with me by phone or e-mail when you are experiencing illness or difficulty.  If you wait until your problems are over to talk to me, I may have no option but to fail you based on course policies. This is a communication course, communicate to me to discuss options.

Exams

Three multiple-choice exams plus a Final will be given. You will need to bring a pencil and Scantron #882 or #8000 to each exam (green Scantron forms can be found at the GMU bookstore by the checkout stand). Each exam will cover readings from the text and lectures from class. The first three exams will cover information in the Beebe & Beebe book covered up to the time of that exam - about 3 chapters each. On the Final exam your instructor will write questions for about 20% of the exam to reflect specific material covered in class. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., include elements from every chapter in the book). Approximately 70 percent of the final exam will cover chapters since Exam 3; and approximately 30 percent of the final will be taken from the chapters covered in Exams 1-3.  

Reviews: Your instructor may or may not conduct a review and/or provide a review study guide.  It is recommended that you spend some time studying with another student in the class using the “Objectives,” “Outline,” and “Summary” in the textbook as a basis for asking each other questions.  Such reviews should occur outside of class.

Exam makeup policy: Missing an exam without prior and proper notification of your instructor will result in an automatic grade reduction of 10 percent per day. You must make up a missed exam within 1 week, and if necessary arrange to have the exam proctored by another faculty member in order to meet that deadline. After 1 week, a grade of “0” is assigned. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule out of fairness to all the other students taking this course (without the explicit permission of the Basic Course Coordinator). Make up exams may follow a different format.

Prearranged alternative exam date policy: Any requests to take the exam on a date other than the date specified must be made at least a month in advance and are granted solely at my discretion. Making arrangements, such as having your exam proctored by another faculty member, or taking your exam with another section, is your responsibility, however, you must make sure both instructors are aware of arrangements in advance. Note: Final exam policy is different. Prior approval from the Dean may be required to take your final exam at an alternative time. It is your responsibility to get approval.

Going over exams: I will go over several questions most frequently missed by your class on the midterm. If you would like to view your exam, you must arrange to do so during my office hours. You are not allowed to keep or make notes from the exam.

Written Assignments: ALL written assignments are to be typed in Times New Roman, 12 point type and must be double spaced with little or no extra gaps of “white” space”.  In other words, all assignments must be full and complete analyses of the contents assigned. Make a special point to type ALL questions and BOLD them before moving on to your answers. Print out your assignment and turn it in with the correct grading sheet (from your Student Handbook) attached. The hard copy will be graded and returned to you.

Make sure to keep a copy of your written assignments until after you receive a grade.  If there is a question about your work, having your own copy to resubmit is a good idea.  Remember to save all assignments on your computer, and back-up often.  This habit is a good one for all your classes while at George Mason University.   Such practices have advantages if a paper is lost or at the end of the semester you are involved in a grade complaint. 

Naming your documents:

As you create documents (and slides), save ALL your files using this standard format:

Document name: Your Name_Comm  100_section number_name of assignment.doc 

SUBJECT LINE: Your Name_Comm 100_section number_name of assignment.doc

Material turned in later than class time: The following is our specific attendance and late policies: 

If the hard copy or electronic copy is late the penalty is one letter grade every 24 hours.

 

Research requirement:

Research is critical to the generation of new knowledge, and understanding of the research process is one of the primary goals of a University education. Your participation in research, therefore, is essential and some of your grade will reflect your participation. Activities may include coding data, filling out a survey, engaging in role-playing or group work, or other research-related procedures. Participation in a given project must be approved by me for credit to be given. Your instructor will notify you of specific research opportunities. In some select semesters, it is possible that no research participation opportunities may arise.

Grades:

You will be graded in this class based on the number of points you earn for each exam, speech, written assignment or other activity, as well as your class participation.  The total number of points available for the semester is 1,000.  Keep track of your scores on the Student's Record of Grades form.  At semester's end, add up your points and use the chart provided below. If you have any questions concerning GMU grading policies call the Assistant Registrar for academic records 703-993-2462 or the academic records staff:  703-993-2435.

A+	97-100 (970-1000)
A	93-96 (930-969)
A-	90-92 (900-929)
B+	87-89 (870-899)
B	83-86 (830-869)
B-	80-82 (800-829)
C+	77-79 (770-799)
C	70-76 (730-769)
D	60-69 (600-699)
F	59 or less (599 or less)

                                                                      

Student notification of grades: If you wish to dispute a grade you receive, you may submit a written, hard copy request no earlier than 24 hours after the receipt of the grade, no later than 2 class periods after I return the papers to the class as a whole. A coherent, ordered essay, attached to the evaluation sheet and the assignment, may earn you points, but you may also lose points. Remember, re-evaluating a grade means just that - it does not guarantee an increased grade.

Grade reports are not automatically mailed to students at the end of the term. Instead, students may access their grades by logging onto: https://patriotweb.gmu.edu  Under normal circumstances, your grade will be posted within 3 business days of your final exam.  Your instructor may NOT e-mail you your grade or tell you any grade over the telephone or over a cell phone!!

*NOTE:  It is helpful to keep track of your grades on the sheet provided in this Handbook.  You can then determine your grade at any time during the semester by adding up your scores and dividing that total by the total number of points possible for the graded work.  As in all 100 and 200 level courses, a midterm grade will be posted.   If you are concerned please check with your instructor. Another good practice for this class, and all your classes, is to calculate periodically how you are doing by dividing the points earned by the points possible to calculate your percentage at that time.  This procedure helps you plan for future work.

Posting grades publicly:

The posting of student grades by student name or ID number---at any time, in any format---is not allowed at GMU. This policy has been in effect since May 1990 to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended.

Special Notes

*Academic Misconduct:

                The guidelines in the Student Code of Responsibility and Conduct for GMU will be upheld in this course.  According to the Academic Misconduct Code:

Academic misconduct includes (a) cheating (using unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise, plagiarism, falsification of records, unauthorized possession of examinations, intimidation, any and all other actions that may improperly affect the evaluation of a student's academic performance or achievement); (b) assisting others in any such act; or (c) attempts to engage in such act.

                Academic misconduct will not be tolerated and will be severely penalized, and possibly result in a failing grade for the class. In the event of misconduct, the appropriate dean will be notified and the case handled according to University policy. 

Honor Code: We take the GMU Honor Code very seriously.  Unless otherwise indicated (as in a group project), all work and discussion is to be your own.  Plagiarism is representing another’s work as your own or recycling earlier work as new work without consulting the instructor.  Digital technologies make it possible to cut and paste work–remember that if you don’t cite it, it is plagiarism and you are plagiarizing!  Remember to use proper citations in crediting the evidence, ideas and quotations of others that you use.  All quizzes and other assessment measures must be completed on your own with no outside help.  The department reserves the right to use plagiarism detection software such as, but not limited to, TurnItIn to ensure that plagiarism is not a concern in our classrooms.

Academic dishonesty also includes providing false or misleading information in order to receive a postponement or an extension on tests, quizzes, or assignments.  Academic dishonesty, or a failure to follow the GMU Honor Code, will most likely result in a course grade of F and may result in further academic penalties.

Respect/Confidentiality: If all goes well in here, students tend to share information of an “Interpersonal” nature- it goes with the territory. If you wouldn’t want something blabbed all over campus about you, keep others’ revelations confidential outside of this classroom. It is expected that students in this class will respect the presentation times of their classmates. Students who interrupt a speaker either verbally OR nonverbally  (such as by walking in late during a classmate’s presentation or working on PDAs or Cell phones) may lose points off their FINAL COURSE GRADE. One point will be deducted from the final course grade each time a student interrupts a classmate’s presentation. Students who appear uninterested or uninvolved in a particular presentation (text-messaging, reading the newspaper, etc…) may be asked to provide a synopsis of the speech once it is completed. Each student is expected to be conscious and respectful of classroom diversity. While students may disagree on many topics, every person should respect the humanity of his/her fellow classmates, instructor, and invited guests.

Chain of responsibility: You are the person most responsible for your learning experience throughout your time here at George Mason. Your instructor is second in that chain. It is your responsibility to communicate with your instructor about anything that you feel may inhibit your learning experience. If the results of those discussions are unsatisfactory, try again. If you still haven’t achieved the success you desire, your next level of responsibility is to bring any issues to the attention of the Basic Course Coordinator for the Communication Department, Brigit K. Talkington ( btalking@gmu.edu; 703-993-4036). Anything that still can’t be resolved will go through Dr. Don Boileau, the Basic Course Director. Only after these steps have been taken should there be a consideration of going to the Assistant Department Chair, Department Chair, Dean, Provost, President Merton, or George Mason himself. “Jumping rank” and going directly to the Dean is a very ineffective communication strategy for a number of reasons. 

*Incompletes or Withdrawals: 

It is extremely unlikely that an incomplete will be assigned. Students requesting an incomplete must be passing the course, must still complete all of the assignments, quizzes, and exams allowable (not all can be made up if missed), must provide compelling evidence justifying an incomplete, and must sign an incomplete contract with the course instructor.  Mid- to late-semester withdrawal requests are evaluated by the Dean’s office on a case-by-case basis.

*Reasonable Accommodation: 

A Disability Support Services office is available on campus to assist students with special needs.  If you have a disability or suspect you might have a disability, contact this office at 703-993-2474.  If you have a verified disability and will require assistance, let me know within the first two weeks of this course. IF a disability is diagnosed mid-semester, I need to know about it at least one week before the first expected accommodation. 

*The GMU Writing Center:

The Writing Center provides free tutorial sessions for all students needing help with any writing project--from freshman essays to scholarly publications.  It is best to make an appointment to ensure seeing a Writing Center consultant at a specific time; however, walk-ins will be accepted if there are openings. The GMU Writing Center is located at UWC: Robinson A114. Phone: 703-993-1200.  YOU CAN ALSO UTILIZE THE ONLINE WRITING CENTER - FOR THIS ALL YOU DO IS EMAIL THEM THE PAPER YOU WOULD LIKE THEIR INPUT ON. YOUR TUITION DOLLARS PAY FOR THIS WHETHER OR NOT YOU UTILIZE IT - SO DO SO!

Web page:

http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/

 

Useful websites for students, writers, researchers, and educators:

Guide to grammar— At http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/resources/guides.html you can Get help with everything from grammar to writing in specific academic disciplines to citing and documenting sources according to styles such as APA, MLA, and others.

What is an “A” paper--- Following links from the GMU writing center will provide you wit h this link: http://dianahacker.com/pdfs/Hacker-Mira-APA.pdf as an example of a well formatted APA style paper.

 

Notes and Changes:

 

This is the END of the COMM 100 Syllabus from the Student Handbook.

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The remaining info comes from the 2-page addition Dr. Finn handed out during Week 1.