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SPCH 1010 Syllabus

Course Syllabus

SPCH 1010 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication (Section R80)

3 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

An introductory communication course that explores the basic concepts of interpersonal, small group and public communication.

Course Outcomes:

The goal of the Communication requirement is to enhance the effective use of the English language essential to students’ success in school and in the world by way of learning to read and listen critically and to write and speak thoughtfully, clearly, coherently, and persuasively

Prerequisites & Co-requisites:

ENGL 1010

Course Topics:

Orientation Module

Module 1 - Foundations of Communication

       A. Elements of Communication

       B. Perception C. Language

       D. Nonverbal Communication

Module 2 - Interpersonal Communication

      A. Building Relationships

      B. Listening Skills

      C. Conflict Management

      D. Small Group Communication

Module 3 - Self Improvement Project

Module 4 - Informative Public Speaking

Module 5 - Persuasive Public Speaking

Specific Course Requirements:

During the Public Speaking portion of the course, students will prepare an informative and persuasive speech following the assignment criteria listed in Modules IV and V. The two speeches must be delivered in front of approved audiences, videotaped, and submitted to the instructor as a compressed video in the Dropbox or as an Unlisted video on YouTube. 

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course. Move your cursor over the "Books" link in the navigation bar and select "Textbooks & Course Materials." Select your Program, Term, Department, and Course; then select "Submit."

Supplementary Materials:

Please visit the TN eCampus Virtual Bookstore for information concerning supplementary information for this course. 

Hardware and Software Requirements:

Minimum hardware requirements can be found here.

Minimum software requirements can be found here.

Common applications you might need:

Web Resources:

Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab (for APA, MLA, or Chicago style)

The Writing Center Online Writer's Handbook

Student Resources:
  • Technical support information can be found on the TN eCampus Help Desk page.
  • Smarthinking virtual tutoring is available FREE of charge. to access Smarthinking, visit the course homepage and select Smarthinking under Course Resources. You also view sample sessions to see what Smarthinking offers and how it works.
  • Information on other student issues or concerns can be located on the TN eCampus Student Resources page.

Instructor Information

Please see "Instructor Information" in the Getting Started Module for instructor contact information, virtual office hours, and other communication information. You can expect to receive a response from the instructor within 24-48 hours unless notified of extenuating circumstances.

Participation, Assessments, & Grading

Testing Procedures:

In the Orientation Module and Modules 1 & 2, timed multiple choices quizzes are used to assess understanding of the concepts in the course and in the text. Quizzes must be completed by the dates on the Calendar.

Grading Procedures:

The exercises and discussions in Modules 1 & 2 provide students an opportunity to apply concepts from the course to everyday situations. The exercises are graded on completeness and integration of the concepts.

In Module 3, students will complete a Self Improvement Project with components that are graded on completeness and thoroughness of research. I

n Modules 4 & 5, assignments and discussions are designed to help them prepare for the two speeches. Students are graded on completeness and ability to follow the formats provided. The evaluation forms provided in Modules 4 & 5 are used to provide feedback regarding the speeches. 

Grading Scale:

The grading scale for this course is as follows:         

Grades:Points 
A  90-100% 672-750 
B  80-89%  597-671 
C  70-79%522-596 
D  60-69% 447-521 
F  59% & below446 & below

                  

         

 

Assignments and Projects:

Assignments/Projects for this course are as follows

Assignment Title:Point value:
Orientation Module Exercise10 Points
Orientation Module Discussion10 Points
Orientation Module Quiz10 Points
Orientation Module Quiz 10 points Module 1 Exercises (A.,B.,C80 Points
Module 1 Discussion20 Points
Module 1 Quiz50 Points
Module 2 Exercises (A.,B.,C.& D. @ 20 points each)80 Points
Module 2 Discussion20 Points
Module 2 Quiz50 Points
Module 3 Topic Selection20 Points
Module 3 Research30 Points
Module 3 Self Improvement Project Report50 Points
Module 4 Informative Audience Analysis20 Points
Module 4 Informative Outline30 Points
Module 4 Discussion10 Points
Module 4 Informative Speech100 Points
Module 5 Persuasive Topic Selection20 Points
Module 5 Discussion10 Points
Module 5 Persuasive Outline30 Points
Module 5 Persuasive Speech100 Points
Total 750 Points

 

Class Participation:

You are expected to participate in Discussion forum. You must post at least twice for each question in order to be eligible to receive full credit. You must post once to answer the question yourself and again to respond to the postings of at least one classmate. You are expected to communicate with your instructor on a regular basis to ask for any needed assistance and check the course frequently for announcements. You will be responsible for meeting all deadlines as listed in the Calendar.

Late Policy:

Course Ground Rules

The following two statements (1., 2.) were derived from the TBR System-wide Student Rules document, released January 2012:

RULES OF THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS STATE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF TENNESSEE SYSTEMWIDE STUDENT RULES CHAPTER 0240-02-03 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Read the document in its entirety here.

1. Standards of Conduct:

  • Students are required to adhere to the same professional, legal and ethical standards of conduct online as on campus. In addition, students should conform to generally accepted standards of "netiquette" while sending e-mail, posting comments to the discussion board, and while participating in other means of communicating online. Specifically, students should refrain from inappropriate and/or offensive language, comments and actions.

2. Review the TN eCampus Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty Policy:

  • In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited.

Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam
  • to submit as one's own work, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person,
  • or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.

Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are subject to disciplinary action through the regular procedures of the student’s home institution.  Refer to the student handbook provided by your home institution to review the student conduct policy.

In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or zero for an activity or to assign an "F" for the course.

Other Course Rules:

Students are expected to:

  • Participate in all aspects of the course
  • Communicate with other students
  • Learn how to navigate in Brightspace
  • Keep abreast of course announcements
  • Use the assigned course management (Brightspace) email address rather than a personal email address
  • Address technical problems immediately:
  • Observe course netiquette at all times.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussions:

  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in TN eCampus programs and courses. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading will be included within the course modules. To access the Virtual Library, go to the course homepage and select the Virtual Library link under Course Resources.

Students with Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this syllabus is for general information purposes only. While we endeavor to keep this information up-to-date and accurate, there may be some discrepancies between this syllabus and the one found in your online course. The syllabus of record is the one found in your online course. Please make sure you read the syllabus in your course at the beginning of the semester. Questions regarding course content should be directed to your instructor.


Last Revised on May 15, 2017