Principles of Communication

Duck, S. and MacMahan, D.T. (2009). The Basics of Communication: A Relational Perspective. Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage.
Web materials at cla.calpoly.edu/~smcdermo

Requirements:

Introductory Speech. This is a thematic speech on a stranger that you come to know. This is an introductory presentation, but one that is evaluated by the professor. It is mandatory and must be taken seriously and on time to continue with the course.

Informative speech. Here, you will inform the audience on a well known American person who is known for his/her communication skills. This may be an important public speaker, a strong leader in business or culture, or a religious figure. You will need at least three sources, two of which must come from the library. All graded presentations are accompanied by a full sentence outline and complete list of references in proper referencing form. Each presentation is worth 25% of your final grade.

Group Project. This is a group project, presentation, and paper that reviews from a list of topics that are selected by your professor and articulates your original research on the topic. The groups will consist of four members. The group will prepare a 30 minute presentation and hand in a 12 page, group paper.

Persuasive/Debate Speech. You complete a thorough library (and/or appropriate electronic) investigation of a significant, controversial topic (that has been an issue sometime since the beginning of this class as reported in a major national, credible news magazine or newspaper (e.g., NEWSWEEK, L.A. TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, WEB) and give a speech to persuade on a question of policy or action. Topics are to be original (not ones that are common to club files). Expanded details of this assignment appear in this website.

Writing: (1`) You are responsible for a two page; full sentence outline for each graded speech; (2) self-critiques for presentations, and (3) a group paper. All papers shall be typed, double-spaced, have one-inch margins, and use the preferred MLA, Chicago, or APA style and referencing. Details about the papers are given under the assignments link. Pay special attention to proper grammer, punctuation, spelling, and the organization and mechanics of writing.

Reading: You are responsible for all the material in your text as well as appropriate information from the web page.

Exams: Multiple choice exams will be given. The dates and readings to be covered are on the course schedule. Exams cover readings, lecture, website information, and class discussions.

Attendance: Attendance is REQUIRED. An important component of becoming a good communicator involves your critical observations of other communicators. Therefore, attendance in this class is very important. Each absence counts -2 overall course points. Presentations that are missed for nonmedIcal or unauthorized reasons ( travel, job interviews, weddings are some that are unauthorized) receive a score of zero which is then averaged with the presentation grade when it is given. All presenations must be made to pass the course. All excuses require written verification. Make-up speeches must be given at the next class meeting following the excused absence.

Procedures and Rules: Failure to complete any course assignment will result in an F for the course. If you miss more than two class meetings, your final course grade will be lowered by one half . letter grade. A third absence costs an additional half. grade. Tardiness counts as an absence. Electronic devices are not allowed to be turned on in the classroom except for prequalified disabilities. If your cell phone goes off in class, you will be deducted. one absence for each offense. Plagairism or cheating is not tolerated at Cal Poly. All of your work, including speeches must be original. Consult the college catalog for regulations and sanctions that can be taken.

Informative Speech =15 points, 2 of which are for the written outline
Self-critique of Informative Speech= 5 points

Persuasive Speech =15 points, 2 of which are for the written outline
Self-critique=5 points

Group Presentation= 15 points, 2 of which are for the written outine
Group Paper= 5 points

COMS 102	Dr. Steve McDermott	smcdermo@calpoly.edu
Principles of Oral Communication	Office: FOB 11 N	CAL POLY