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ORAL  COMMUNICATION  COST1600-Section GB-- MW: 2:30-3:45

COURSE SYLLABUS   

  updated 12/2/02  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 -------   DR. E. PLUMMER  -------- Department of Communication {office: FH-51}   /  {mailbox: FH-49} / {office/voicemail: 973-275-2791} {e-mail: plummeev@shu.edu }  { Faculty web page: http://pirate.shu.edu/~plummeev} **************************************************************************************  

REQUIRED TEXT: Communicate! (10th edition) - Verderber & Verderber

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: (from University Bulletin) A broad study of the speaking and listening experience. Students perform and evaluate their skills. Voice and articulation and the organization and presentation of ideas are covered.     

As you are probably aware, this is a "Core" course, required by most  major departments at the University. It is planned that this course will make use of a variety of computer technologies, including :

  • E-mail- including submission of certain assignments
  • Group Editing of Speech Outlines 
  • Word Processing of ALL "hardcopy" submissions
  •  Assignments posted via the Course web page (tent: also via Blackboard
  • Presentation Graphics (e.g. PowerPoint)
  • (Credible) Electronic research on Speech Topics 
  •  Submission & Annotation of preliminary Presentation  Outlines 
  • Intraclass/Interclass  focused discussions (tent:  via Blackboard)

  **Your laptops will not be required in class for each session. Specific dates will be assigned, but it's a good idea to have them with you whenever possible.   

 

                                                       

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES FOR ORAL COMM:

 1. To increase your skill in areas of communication which are particularly influential to leadership effectiveness: e.g. clear and audience-centered organization , active listening , understanding of nonverbals , interaction dynamics

2. To be able to organize and present material for effective communication --- in both presentational & interpersonal contexts

3. To develop greater ease and confidence in all types of oral situations

4. To improve skills of voice and diction: particularly clearer articulation and increased vocal variety

5. To better understand the entire communication process (i.e. the underlying components , models and patterns and cultural influences)

6. Also refer to the document: "Oral Communication: Course Rationale & FAQ's "

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:  

1. Submission of some, but not all, of the course's written work via the use of e-mail.

2.  Completion of all presentations and speeches (including Hardcopy outlines for each Major presentation)

3 Understanding and application of the material covered in the text & distributed materials

4. Regular attendance and participation in class {no more than 3 hrs of absence/ 3 tardies}

5. Completion of "outside" reading/research/observational assignments (some done via your Laptops)

6.  Use of the Laptop for both intragroup contact and class-wide communication

7. Use of blank audio AND video [VHS format] cassette tapes

8. Testing/Assessment: via Quizzes (1-2; announced)

                                     Midterm Exam (written)

                                   "The Final" (written + oral)

9 Attendance at one performance of a Theater-in-the-Round production ( there will be 12 performances this semester. Click here for additional information: T-I-T-R & dates: 

      Also…BE AWARE OF ASSIGNMENTS’ DATES AND DEADLINES;   
                    there will be little or no opportunity for make up work.


 

 

EVALUATION PROCEDURES:
The student will be evaluated in consideration of his/her growth in, and mastery of , both public and interpersonal communication skills. Consideration will also be given to the completeness and quality exhibited in all course activities -- both written and oral.

ATTENDANCE AFFECTS GRADE. (In general, the grade will be lowered one
denomination in proportion to the number of additional absences beyond the course limit.)
 

    Grade Computation:   
   Major Oral Presentations (incl revised outlines)  40%
   Group Discussion Presentation [topic disc.]  5%
  Classwork (incl attendance, participation, homework, Blackboard activities,  T-I-T-R attendance)  15%
   Online Quizzes  10% 
   Midterm Exam  15%
   " Final" (all parts)  15%

    i.e. roughly 55% for "oral work"  &  45% for "written" work

* Department of Communication: Policy on Academic Honesty

* Explanation of my Criteria used for assigning Letter Grades

 

 

RE: COURSE CALENDAR - (some hints and guidelines)

<A> The incorporation of the laptop computer into Oral Communication is being done as a supplement to-- NOT as a replacement of-- regular oral communication, classroom activities. Although some additional computer applications may be devised as we go along, this course primarily consists of in-class, interactive/face-to-face learning contexts.
  - Currently, the course calendar below contains some of the specifications for computer usage, but mostly, it lists the  SUBJECT AREAS , SPEAKING ACTIVITIES , ASSIGNMENT TOPICS , & READINGS IN THE TEXT.

 

<B> Unless otherwise noted, the reading and speaking assignments are listed for the day that they are DUE.   Read carefully. Some assignment are to be emailed [ +] ; ;  some are to be submitted in  hardcopy:  [4] ;  some are to be submitted in class via a file you created on your laptop: [:],, and some will be completed orally as classwork. * Please note:  for emailed assignments, the subject line should use the EXACT wording as indicated in the course calendar. Also, BECAUSE OF SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, attachments SHOULD  be saved as  "HTML", "RTF" or "text" before being sent to mE IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT I CAN READ IT FROM A VARIETY OF COMPUTERS.  

>Also, please be aware that any email you send me is usually "filed" before I actually open & respond to it and this filing is based on what is written in the subject line area.  Therefore it is very important that any email you send to me clearly indicates your actual name, your course section, and the specific assignment title  (or if appropriate, an indication of your reason for emailing.)  Without this appropriate subject line information, you email may not be read in a timely way. 

 

<C> Whenever possible, the details of the listed assignments also will be clarified in class; however, it is the student's responsibility to anticipate, to look for "posted" updates {done via e-mail or web page}, and to be prepared.

 

<D> All speaking activities are indicated by a box. Of these, the MAJOR presentations are indicated by capitals.  Throughout the semester, MAJOR oral presentations will require the submission of:

 (1) a preliminary outline [to the instructor - via computer]               
(2) a final/revised outline [to the instructor - via a "hard copy"] including bibliography, when required

(3) the use of presentation notes/outline [for the speaker].

 

<E> *** Internet source citations must list the [1] URL,[2] the Title of the particular             Webpage you used, [3] the Date that you accessed the page & [4] (If available) the last date that the page itself was updated. It would also be wise to refer to the guidelines in the Department of Communication's Policy on Academic Honesty

 

<F> As mentioned above, there will be few, if any, opportunities for "make-up" presentations; therefore, the MAJOR presentations will proceed according to a specific Presentation Schedule . This schedule will list the assigned dates for speakers, evaluators, and recorder operators. The schedule will be "published" on the web page  at least one session before the presentations begin and, if   possible, also posted on my office door. Consequently, students always are expected to be prepared to speak on their assigned date-- --NO EXCEPTIONS.   **mISSED PRESENTATIONS WILL automatically DEFAULT TO THE:  FINALS WEEK / BRING-YOUR-OWN-AUDIENCE/ APPOINTMENT-ONLY  PROCEDURE and  the opportunity to make up such missed presentations cannot be guaranteed.**                  

 

<G> Also, refer to the key of symbols at the end of the calendar.

WB01432_.gif (3228 bytes) 

      TA - COURSE CALENDAR                     Updates & links will be added as the semester progresses / Stay Tuned!

 

DATE MW:2:30-3:45

UNIT

         ASSIGNMENTS & SPEECHES DUE 
 
         W  9/4

1

 Intro to Course; Interview Session; 
 		  
         M   9/9 

                                   2
Interview speech  (Q) 
speech-of-introduction

- Begin discussion: What IS Communication?  What IS Oral Communication? What  ARE the Techniques of Effective Oral Commuication?  [i.e. Introduction to Basic Comm. Principles & Theory]

  > Prepare Interview Speech for delivery [approx 1 min long]

>optional: [+] "T.V.Watching Comments";  via e-mail:  submit  Analysis: Effective & Ineffective TV Communicators  [can submit ASAP - but due no later than Weds. 9/11  -4:00pm]         &  be sure to use the specific title for your e-mail submission
     

         W  9/11  

3

continue: Communication Theory: Principles & Perspectives

-Slide Show Overview: Communication  Theory: Principles  & Perspectives;  

 - Communication Apprehension (it's a GOOD thing!);

- Breathing & Relaxation 

 

>Chaps 1  &  pp. 410-416 [ nrvsness]  & p.399

   

       M  9/16

  4
Show & Tell  (Q)

Continue as necessary: Communication Theory/ Apprehension-Relaxation 

  >Prepare Show & Tell talk for delivery [approx. 2 min. long]; 
also, Bring blank audiocassette tape   

  - - - - - - - - - -& - - - - - - - - - - -                               > Skim Chap 2 [percp&comm]
 
 

        W  9/18

 

 

 

 

5

 

-Your Voice & how to use it: Intro to vocal effectiveness;

Vocal Exercises--{the sounds you make}  

 

Chap 16 (pp. 400-410) 
NOTE - Review all of Chap 16 each time you prepare for a presentation 
 - - - - - - - - - -& - - - - - - - - - - - 
 [+] GB: My First General Self Assessment: via e-mail; [due no later than today-4:00pm] ;  including Wednesday’s  audiorecording.  This assessment's contents = 3 paragraphs:   ¶1 = evaluation of  your current effectiveness as a speaker,  and ¶2 =  your current effectiveness as a listener,  and  ¶3 =  a voice self assessment using the criteria from Chap 16 & class notes & slide show. 
& be sure to use the specific title for your e-mail submission /

       M   9/23

6

  
 Children's story telling (Q)

Vocal Effectiveness-cont. ("Stretching" your vocal  & physical technique)  

<< Oral Interp presentation preview>>

> Prepare for a story telling session  {= a 1 min. original, impromptu segment to add to the ongoing spontaneous storytelling } 

> Bring  a flexible voice 

 

       W  9/25

 

 

7 

   Language Workshop I : Giving Meaning to the Sounds you Make (aka Verbal Coding systems; if Koko can do it so can you)
   

if nec.:  Relaxation, cont. 

>Chap 3 
- - - - -- - - - - - & - - - -- - - - - - - 
  Bring in example clippings {h.c. or Internet}of the specifically  assigned Language Techniques which were given  to you via  this posted document: "Language Workshop Assignment"

- - - - -- - - - - - & - - - - - - - - - - -

[+]"GB- Oral Interp. Preliminary Analysis"  via e-mail:  [due no later than Fri 9/27 - 4:00pm] Submit  prelim. analysis paper accd'g to the Oral Interp Presentation assignment sheet    & be sure to use the specific title for your e-mail submission /                           

>>>Online Quiz #1 due today<<<   / click to go to the  Blackboard log in page/ Quiz available on 9/20-9/25

     M  9/30 

8

 Language Workshop II:  Using audience-centered language /   Language-as-culture  /  tentative: [:] :  Bring laptops & network cables for in-class  activities : "Targeting your Audience & Tailoring your Language: strategies & eloquence" 

  

     W  10/2
  

9
MAJOR PRESENTATION #1    {Oral Interp}  [manuscript rdg]

  [4]  Prepare presentation acc'dg to  assigned specifications [see link at left]  [; also review pp.  400=410   and apply all relevant guidelines
Bring audiocassette tape  

see: Oral Interp Presentation Schedule   page to be updated by T10/1
  

       M  10/7

 

10
MAJOR PRESENTATION #1 cont        { "   "   }    

 - - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - - 

 Slide Show Preview:"Organizing Oral Messages"; 

.

 

         W  10/9

    

11

 

 Slide Show & Workshop: "Organizing Oral Messages"; 
 (Incl.: Choosing & Limiting Topics  //  Basic Speech  Org)    

Chapter 12 & 13

- - - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - - -                                         [:] via computer* - but for classroom use : Complete “Brainstorming for Topics” [ OBSERVE& ANALYZE Activity] in margin of p. 292 [NOTE: you need only 10 items per each of the 3 columns] 
  * be sure your laptop battery is charged & that everything you need is on hard drive or a floppy disk

 
 

 

 M  10/14

[Columbus Day]

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

Workshop, cont: "Organizing Oral Messages"; 
(Incl. Styles  & Techniques of Delivery , "Instant Composite Speeches")  
 - - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - -       

Intro. to  Informative  Speaking:  Formats & Techniques 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 -  if time, Review of standard outlining technique; 

Chapters 14 & 15 & 17 

- - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - -                                        
[:] via computer - but for   
classroom use: your "Outline-In-Progress" : For today, you should have your revised thesis statement completed.   

- - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - -                                        

tent/if time: [: ] AND bring your laptops with the "practice document" that  I have recently e-mailed to you. You will be editing this document in class- as well as completing other speech organization activities 
  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[+]"GB- Preliminary Informative Outline"  via e-mail:  [due no later than today-4:00pm] Only complete this assignment IF your prelim outline was not approved during the in-class workshop. If it wasn't, prepare a presentation outline accd'g to the Informative Presentation assignment sheet  & be sure to use the specific title for your e-mail submission /

 

>>Online Quiz #2 due today<<<

/ click to go to the  Blackboard log in page/Quiz available on _10/10-10/14

 

  

       W  10/16

 

 

 

13

  
MAJOR PRESENTATION #2 {Informative} [extemporaneous]

 

 [4 ]   Prepare for a 4-5 min extemporaneous. 
 presentation with notecards  & your (HARDCOPY) revised outline ( also review Chap 15& 16 ( esp. pp. 378-381  [see link at left]

Bring audiocassette tape 

also see:  Informative Speech Presentation Schedule-page to be updated by 10/15

NB: THEATER-IN-THE-ROUND:    10/18,19,20,24,25,26 / Uncle Vanya 
    M  10/21

 14

  
MAJOR PRESENTATION #2  cont   {  "   "   } 

 

[[+] GB-Self Critique#1] via e-mail:  [due no later than one week after your presentation] submit Self Critique on Informative Pres   = 2  paragraphs [click link for assignment sheet]   & be sure to use the specific title for your e-mail
 

     W  10/23

 

15


  Midterm   Exam  
Including  these  advance ques: *****
     I.  "Test your Competence..."  p.134- Questions & Paraphrases- Complete # 2->5
 
    II.  3  hypothetical examples of Citations  - (see top of p.328 for descriptions) 
   III. "Test your Competence..." p.146  Complete # 1->3 {3 situations/2 responses each}     

   IV. "Testing your Competence..." p.139: Evaluating Inferences 
Evaluate any 4 out of the 8 examples. Specifically explain WHY it is an inference & WHETHER it is faulty or valid.  

    10e

 [4]  ***** These 4 Midterm questions are to be done in advance & hardcopies submitted in class on this date along w/ the paper-&-pen written  exam

See the link at left for other details about the Midterm 

 
  

     M  10/28

 

                                  16
 

 Intro. to Listening  - (via Listening Test);(Steps in the process) (if time, exercises in skills building) 

if time: continue Post Mortem disc.
(re: Inf.  presentations & O.L.Q.Z.’s) 

Skim Chap 6

       W  10/30

 

17

 

Listening - part II  (via Listening Quiz) (discuss worst habits), 
- - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - -       Listening  - part III (Critical Listening, Interactive Listening activities)

Chapters 5 & 6& 7  & skim Chap 8

- - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - -

Be aware of today's Interactive Listening activity (the Art of the Paraphrase} procedure 

     M  11/4

 

 

18

 

"Communicating Face-to-Face" (Intro to Interpersonal & Group Communication) ;  Self Disclosure; 

Interpersonal Comm. Dynamics : 

- - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - -

if  time: Intro to Group Comm.; Types of Group Discussions/ Presentations  Presentations                                             - - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - -

Groups meet briefly to plan & choose topic 

  Chapter 10; Skim Chap 18 

- - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - -

 tentative: 4Johari window activity    

- - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - -      

Also be sure to have read the GB GROUP PRESENTATION ACTIVITIES     

   W  11/6

 

 

 

19

 
MAJOR PRESENTATION #3  {"Combo"}       [manu + extemp]
&  (groups "meet" & plan). prepare  preliminary Agenda/Outline  -due via email ASAP-no later than Tues. 11/12- 4:00 pm.  Also, You can email me your questions/problems & I will try to reply before your next group meeting

[4]  Prepare 3 min pres. w/ [HARDCOPY] outline & notecards  [see link at left].    Refer to all applicable chaps 

   - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
Bring blank videocassette[VHS]; 
     - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

 

 

"The Combo" Presentation Schedule-  to be finalized  by T 11/5 –approx 8pm

 

 

  

       M  11/11

 

 

 

20

MAJOR PRESENTATION #3 cont {  "   "  }

&  (groups "meet" & plan) Also, You can email me your questions/problems & I will try to reply before your next group meeting

[+] GB Self Critique-Vid] via e-mail:  [due no later than one week after your presentation]  Complete the
Video Self  Critique  on Pres #3 . Use the designated form accessible via this webpage link .-use the copy & paste function to create your reply.   
  & be sure to use the specific title for your e-mail submission/  .             - - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - - -

[+] [+]"GB Grp(#__) - Preliminary Agenda/Outline"  via e-mail:  ONE A/O per group. Refer to the distributed h.c. or Prelim A/O document This assignment deals with the panel discussion/presentation so it should also  include the group’s current bibliography,  plans for "visual" aids &  plans for physical setup. [due no later than Tues 11/12 -4:00pm] & be sure to use the specific title & group number for your e-mail submission /

     W  11/13

  

21

 

  
MAJOR PRESENTATION #3  cont {  "   "  }     

&  (grps "meet" & finalize plans)   Also, You can email me your questions/problems & I will try to reply before your next group meeting

 Begin reserving  Topics for Persuasive Presentations     .

- - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - -    

ALSO view Slide Show: "The Art of Persuasion" accessible via Blackboard
        

        M  11/18

 

22

REGULAR CLASS MEETINGS RESUME.

Intro to Persuasion via Persuasion Immersion: Influencing Others through words and strategy

- - - - - - - - & - - - - - - -

Reserve Topics for Persuasive Presentations 

<Preview Panel Presentation formats >

 Chapter 18

- - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - -    

[+]  GB-PPSP] via e-mail:  Prepare & submit your  Preliminary Persuasive Speech Plan :                i.e. p.478- Test Your Competence -  Item 2(a->d)  

 & be sure to use the specific title for your e-mail submission/\ {e-mail  ASAP --but no later than  F-11/29- 4:00pm}  (earlier submission is GREATLY recommended) Please note that this assignment  is NOT the same thing as a speech outline. Just follow the directions
        

       W  11/20

 

23

 

 
GROUP PRESENTATIONS (3-4)           

If time: Persuasion, cont  via: Language Workshop III :   Language as  LOGOS+ETHOS+PATHOS or Persuasion in Action (Gallery of Ads)

  

WB01626_.gif (272 bytes)]EXTRA CREDIT: [+]  Group Reaction Journal   (see the Group Disc/Pres assignment page linked at left for details )    {e-mail ASAP no later than Mon  11/25 at  5:00pm}

 

  

      M  11/25

 24

no class session on 11/25 because I will be out of town at a conference.  HOWEVER, you should use this time to : 

 1- Catch up on Readings & online slide shows [Interpersonal; Persuasion]

 2 - Complete  your "PPSP" persuasive strategy plan --->

 3 -Complete  online quiz #3 in BLACKBOARD

 4 - Complete your assigned NONVERBAL "experiments"

 5 - If appropriate, complete the extra credit  Group  Reaction Journal or Chapter 18 Outline. --->

 

   reminder: [+] [LS-PPSP] via e-mail:  Prepare & submit your   Preliminary Persuasive Speech Plan 
  (i.e. p.478- Test Your Competence -  Item 2(a->d) 
 {e-mail ASAP  but no later than Friday 11/29   Please note that this is NOT the same thing as a speech outline.

 - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - - 

WB01626_.gif (272 bytes)]EXTRA CREDIT: [+]  Group Reaction Journal  ( see the Group Disc/Pres assignment page linked at left for details )    {e-mail ASAP no later than Mon  11/25 at  5:00pm}

- - - - - - - & - - - - - - - - 

 >>>Online Quiz #3 due today<<<

 
to complete out-of-class Reminder: Individual Independent Work: Conduct Nonverbal Experiments -due 12/2 >{assignment of NV experiments- due by 12/2}  page to be updated
. *Thanksgiving Break* .

 

     M 12/2

25

Overview of  Nonverbal Communication & Skills    (Via your experiments'  results) 

 Chapter 4

(Be prepared to present on your  experiments’ results - 2 minutes per person) 

 - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - -

WB01626_.gif (272 bytes)]EXTRA CREDIT :[ [+] GB Chap 18Outline]: Complete & submit  an outline  of Ch 18] {e-mail posting due today by 4:00pm} & be sure to use the specific title for your e-mail submission/ 

       W 12/4

 26

  
MAJOR PRESENTATION #4 {Persuasive}       [ extemp]

 

 4]Review all Chapters to prepare this 7-10 minute presentation w/ a [hardcopy] outline & notecards .                    - - - - - - - - & - - - - - - - - 

.also see: Persuasive Presentation Schedule-    page to be posted by   12/2 - 7pm

 

NB: THEATER-IN-THE-ROUND last :performances :this semester! The Last Night of Ballyhoo  12/6,7,8,13,14,15

  

     M 12/9

 

 

27

  
MAJOR PRESENTATION #4   { "  " }  [ extemp]
 

[WB01626_.gif (272 bytes) EXTRA CREDIT>> [[+] GB--Final Self Critique] Deadline for submitting your  Final Self Critique 
{e-mail posting due today by 4:00pm}& be sure to use the specific title for your e-mail submission /
 

        W 12/11

28
MAJOR PRESENTATION #4   { "  "  }   [ extemp]
 
Exam Session  -  12/17@ 8:45-10:25 in the usual classroom
 		 the "Final"  [= written Quiz  + Impromptu Speech]  ...
  KEY: 
   (Q)  = a short, less formal talk--usually prepared in  advance,  but no submitted outline  required 
   [4]  = a written assignment, w/ Printed, HARDCOPY  TO BE SUBMITTED  in class on that date. Also = h.c.
   [: ]   = a written assignment --prepared on advance & brought to class as a file on your Laptop. 

    [+]  = a written assignment TO BE E-MAILED  by the indicated date  & time

 ******  =  written-in-ADVANCE questions for  Midterm -Hardcopy to be submitted in  class on exam day, as part of the total exam.  
 
 

  
     
     

 

 
(c) 2002
 
 last updated  12/2/02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tentative/to be inserted where possible :

Chaps 2 & 5 & 7
Tent:  Construct a  Johari Window

  

   Article + Commentary
   mini  speech (Q)
 

  

Index card Impromptus (Q)

Transition Workshop/ Organization Order Workshop; [ WB01395_.gif (262 bytes) ] bring your computer* - 
* be sure your laptop battery is charged & that you have your network cable/wireless connection 

Workshop, cont: "Organizing Oral Messages",cont; 

tent [: ] :  Bring laptops & network cables for in-class  activities : "Targeting your Audience & Tailoring your Language: strategies & conversions"   

tent: [  WB01395_.gif (262 bytes) ] AND bring your laptops with the"practice document" that  I have recently e-mailed to you. You will be editing this document in class- as well as completing other speech organization  activities 

Persuasion in Action; language/opinion/persuasion   &  ETHOS/PATHOS/LOGOS[ WB01395_.gif (262 bytes) ] bring your computer* - 
* be sure your laptop battery is charged & that you have your network cable/wireless connection 


WB01518_.gif (392 bytes)  Bring in Persuasive Ad &/or Editorial (as assigned) 

 

WB01626_.gif (272 bytes) "AG-Grp(__) - Revised Agenda/Outline"  via e-mail:  ONE A/O per group. This one should indicate any outline revisions,current bibliography,  plans for "visual" aids, plans for physical setup. [due no later than            -2:00pm] & be sure to use the specific title for your e-mail submission /also/   attachments must be in "HTML", "rtf" or "text" before being sent to me.   

 

[WB01395_.gif (262 bytes) ] :  Bring laptops & network cables for in-class "Language Conversion" &/or "Extreme Audience Adaptation" activities          

 

Slide Show Preview: