This course is designed to improve the students' interpersonal, intrapersonal and public communication abilities to analyze topics, support assertions with proof, amplify ideas, structure messages, use language in appropriate and imaginative ways, and deliver messages with effective vocal and physical behavior.

The content touches upon the history, theories, and professional practices of speech communication. Sensitivity to intercultural diversity is a part of the course.

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an improved ability to listen, think, read, write, speak, and communicate more effectively;

2. show a greater competence and confidence in intrapersonal, interpersonal and group situations;

3. identify the three basic forms of oral communication (intra, inter, group);

4. present a knowledge and skill in these forms through acceptable written and oral situations;

5. utilize media devices to enhance knowledge and skills; critically analyze and evaluate language;

6. select, access, and use information from a variety of sources proficiently;

7. utilize computer technology to create visual aids and to explain concepts clearly and effectively to listeners;

8. develop formal outlines for speeches;

9. score at least 70% on quizzes and exams;

10. record notes, write and edit extensive positive and nurturing critiques of all speakers; and

11. demonstrate an understanding of the textbook , by providing detailed chapter summaries.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Everyone must purchase a copy of the text:

1. Osborn, Michael and Suzanne Osborn. Public Speaking 4^th ed. Boston:Houghton Mifflin, 1997.

2. It is strongly recommended that you have a personal copy of a recent collegiate dictionary; it is also suggested that you have the latest copy of an English handbook.

3. Attend all classes unless excused for emergencies.

4. All assignments are due on the dates specified on the syllabus or in class.

5. All assignments must be typed or computer generated unless otherwise specified by the instructor.

6. Write, research, outline, polish, and confer with your professor and present at least two (2) major speeches (Informative and Persuasive), one memorized speech, one impromptu speech, and one video presentation.

7. Participate in group assignments.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

The class will follow Benedict's official attendance policy. Students should attend all classes unless excused for emergencies.

A. If the class meets (3) times per week, students are allowed up to (3) unexcused absences without penalty. An early warning will be issued after the student accumulates the maximum number of unexcused absences. Students are administratively withdrawn from the course if they accumulate seven (7) unexcused absences.

B. If this class meets two (2) times a week, students are allowed up to two (2) unexcused absences without penalty. An early warning will be issued after the student accumulates the maximum number of unexcused absences. Student are administratively withdrawn from the course if they accumulate five (5) unexcused absences.

CLASS PRESENTATIONS:

Although presentations may extend several class meetings, you must be prepared to speak the first day of scheduled presentations. If you are absent on a presentation day and your name is randomly selected to present your speech and you do not present a written excuse of absence; or if you are not prepared; or if you refuse to give a presentation, you will forfeit your opportunity to do so and will receive an "F". However, if you turned in your speech outline on the due date, once all students have been allowed an opportunity to speak, you may present your speech with a 20% reduction in grade (only if time permits).

If you miss a presentation and you have a valid excuse of absence (but the scheduled speech time has expired), you need to present your speech on video tape. You will receive full credit. However, if you miss a presentation and you do not have a valid excuse, you must present your presentation on video tape with a 50% reduction. Video tapes are due no later that one week past the originally scheduled presentation date.

EVALUATION PROCEDURE :

Everything you do in class will be evaluated.

Course Activity	Percent Weight	Grading Scale
Major Speeches (Informative/Persuasive)	20	90 - 100 = A
Other Oral Presentations	15	80 - 89 = B
Class Participation (*critiques, summaries, quizzes, homework, attendance, discussions)	50	70 - 79 = C
Midterm and Final Exams	15	60 - 69 = D Below 60 = F

*You receive a grade for speech critiques based upon the merit of the critique as well as class attendance. If you do not critique each speaker (even if you have a valid excuse of absence) you will not receive full credit for your critiques. This technique is used as an added incentive for you to attend class and provide constructive critiques of each student.

Late written assignments will not be accepted without a valid excuse. Late speech outlines will Not be accepted even with an excuse (except in extreme emergencies which will be decided by the instructor). You will receive a grade of "F" for these missing assignments.

• Plagiarism will result in an "F" for the given assignment. Deliberate, continued plagiarism will result in an "F" for the course.

REFERENCES:

Bormann, Ernest, and Nancy Bormann. Speech Communication. 2^nd ed. New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1993.

Fowler, H. Ramsey, et al. The Little, Brown Handbook. 7^th ed. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc. 1998.

Gamble, Teri, and Michael Gamble. Public Speaking In The Age Of Diversity. 2^nd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1998.

Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking. 6^th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill,Inc., 1997.

Metcalfe, Sheldon. Building Speech. 3^rd ed. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1998.

* Osborne, Michael, and Suzanne Osborne. Public Speaking. 4^th ed. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin Company, 1997.

South Carolina English Language Arts Framework, 1996.

Wood, Nancy. Perspective on Argument. 2^nd ed. New York: Prentice Hall, 1998.

* textbook