38 - COMM 111: Student Learning Outcomes
This is primarily a course providing you with practical training in speech preparation and delivery. The course also includes introductory speech communication theory and concepts. It meets the University’s general education requirements and the mission of the Department of Communication.
University Cardinal Core Requirements
Oral Communication (OC)
Oral Communication is the ability to convey ideas, emotions, and information through speech. Students who satisfy this requirement will demonstrate that they are able to do all of the following:
Speak publicly, in both formal and informal contexts, demonstrating skills such as appropriate selection of topic and materials, clear organization, effective presentation, and the ability to adapt to audience, setting, and occasion;
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to understand the intricate link between audience, speaker, and occasion;
Evaluate and synthesize materials from diverse sources and integrate multiple perspectives into oral presentations;
Analyze and critique the oral communication of oneself and others;
Listen effectively, using critical and reflective thinking when responding to communication events.
Detailed/matching OC Learning Outcomes Assessment:
To enhance understanding of the communication process in general, and the processes of interpersonal and interpersonal communication in particular.
LO #1:
You will speak publicly, in both formal and informal contexts
Students are required to give at least four formal oral presentations and participate in topic discussions throughout the semester.
LO #2:
To be able to listen, think, and write critically about issues pertinent to the study of public speaking.
You will demonstrate skills such as appropriate selection of topics and materials, clear organization, effective presentational elements, effective delivery, and the ability to adapt to audience, setting, and occasion.
LO #3:
The four presentations and topic discussions demonstrate that the students can appropriately choose a class-related (audience related) topic and choose fitting materials to best illustrate their main ideas.
The four presentations are: Two informative presentations (an introductory, and a broad/open topic), and two persuasive presentations (one based on a claim Fact or Value, and one based on a claim of policy with a call to action).
The students are assessed on the clarity of their presentations including topic selection, organization, message effectiveness, use of supporting materials, delivery and the ability to adapt to audience, setting, and occasion.
Each student prepares a full complete sentence preparation outline and a set of brief key word speaking notes including a bibliography, when appropriate, for each presentation. Within the outline, the student will have an introduction and conclusion, use an appropriate organizational pattern, use transitions, signposts, internal summaries, and use research to support their presentation.
LO #4
Analyze and critique the oral communication of oneself and others:
Students are required to write a self-critique following each presentation. Analyzing and examining the elements of good speaking being discussed throughout the semester.
The students are required to evaluate a peer’s presentation as they present their speech. This consists of a “real time” evaluation on the peer evaluation forma. Recognizing the speaker’s strengths, weaknesses, and what they should improve upon for their next speeches.
The students are required to do an “outside” speaker critique of a speaker not in the class. It can be various speaker types: a boss, seminar, a speaking event, most anywhere where a person is presenting a message to an audience. They need to analyze the speaker using the concepts and practices covered throughout the class
These three evaluations types enable the students to analyze more effectively their own and others public speaking styles, approaches, and effectiveness.
LO #5:
Students may be placed in small discussion groups throughout the semester. The tasks and discussions in these groups range from in-class writing/presentation workshops to discussions based on class material to various speaking based exercises. They informally talk and present their educated opinion in order to help the small group and class discussion. Their performance in these groups is assessed through observation by the instructor and will be taken into account in awarding “participation/professionalism” points at the end of the semester.
Students are also required to read their textbook and watch a variety of video speeches during class or outside of class. They then are able to discuss these items in class as they relate to public speaking. Watching video’s of well known speeches enhances their understanding of topics, strengthens their ability to analyze speeches in different formats, and increases their knowledge of topics that may be new to them. They hone their listening skills by focusing on different messages and approaches strengthening their own listening skills.
These skills will be assessed by the following assignments:
Graded presentations
Written outlines to accompany the presentations; written analyses of several assignments
Quizzes/tests
Impromptu speeches and other in-class activities
Self, peer and “outside” speaker evaluations
Active participation in the class
Other course learning outcomes include demonstrated knowledge of:
Persuasive and informative strategies
Appropriate Audience Analysis and adaptation strategies
Appropriate verbal and non-verbal delivery skills
A complete sentence preparation outline, speaking notes and bibliography page
Appropriate and effective supporting material choice and use
Effective Visual aids (both development and use)
Appropriate organizational pattern choice and use
Appropriate transitions and summaries
Effective introductions and conclusions
The assignments in this course are designed to achieve these outcomes. Textbook readings, class lectures, class activities, tests/quizzes, and presentations will provide you with information about major concepts of oral presentational communication and the opportunity to experience and practice these concepts.
Department of Communication Mission Statement
Adopted 4/18/1995
“To develop oral, written, and computer mediated communication competency.”
Course Description
In this course you will prepare and deliver the required speeches. Since this is an oral communication (speaking) course most of your grade will be based on these speeches. The classes will also include various activities, impromptu speeches, and applications/extensions of the lecture materials covered in class.
Your performance in this course is improved by your active participation. By participation we mean regular attendance, reading the text, test taking, and of course, presenting your speeches. Also included is a level of professionalism both as a listener and as a speaker. You will be provided informational material on public speaking in which we teach and offer examples of basic concepts that are necessary for becoming competent and improved speakers.
Course Content
Speeches
Speeches can be one or more of the following:
introductory speech
informative speech
persuasive speech
impromptu speech
Please note: You are expected to deliver your speech on your assigned day. There are no exceptions! If you fail to deliver your speech on the assigned day you will receive a zero on that speech unless…
other arrangements have previously been made with your professor.
there is some type of emergency and you have spoken to your professor prior to or within 24 hours of your speaking date.
Your professor will determine how and if these situations will impact your grade. Documentation will be required.
“I’m not ready,” ”I haven’t fully prepared,” and “I didn’t know it was due today” are not viable reasons to not present your speech on your assigned day.
Final decisions pertaining to this course will be at the discretion and convenience of the individual instructor.
Activity Points
Activity points come from activities assigned in class. They may include but are not limited to a variety of different assignments such as: short projects, group work, activities, exercises, impromptu speeches, additional speeches, library assignments, outside speaker opportunities, etc.
You must be in class physically and mentally to earn the points.
Oftentimes, it can be the activity points that will make a difference between an “A” and a “B” for a student.
Unless there is an extenuating circumstance (prolonged absence due to a hospital stay or a University-sanctioned obligation) professors do not usually allow students to make up activity points. Please ask your individual professor for his/her specific details.
You will need to provide documentation to your instructor in the case of extenuating circumstances and contact the Dean of Students as early as possible for severe extenuating circumstances.
Activity points may also, but not always, be assigned to the following. Your professor will give you further directions.
Self and Peer Evaluations: You will record yourself as you present your speech to the class and then evaluate your presentation. You will also have the opportunity to evaluate your peers’ presentations when they speak. Your instructor will have the specific requirements for this assignment.
Outside Speaker Evaluations: Write an evaluation of a speaker you hear at your place of work, at a team meeting, at your sorority/ fraternity, church/temple, etc.
Professionalism: Both as a listener (audience member) and as a speaker.
Tests/Quizzes
There will be two hundred (200) points allotted for testing type of materials.
The tests are not open book or open notes.
It is up to you to get access to the REVEL online aspect of the textbook, to be aware of test/quiz deadlines as established by your instructor, and to complete them as required.
Extra Credit
There are limited opportunities for extra credit.
Focus on doing the above assignments well, to the best of your ability, and work to improve as a speaker.
