Course Syllabus

COMM 1020 Public Speaking

Course Description

This is a practical and general course designed for students who desire to improve their speech efficiency, poise and self-confidence in public address situations. Special emphasis is placed on preparing, selecting, researching, organizing and delivering oral messages as well as on analyzing and evaluating the speaking-listening process.

Justification

Public Speaking is designed to fulfill the general education requirement for Fine Arts and as a support course for various majors. The importance of public speaking effectiveness for occupational success has become widely accepted in recent years. Many studies link professional success with communication skills. The ability to effectively communicate orally is frequently considered a top skill that employers are looking for in prospective employees. The ability to give effective presentations is an essential building block that students need in order to be successful as they continue their education and as they transition into the workforce. Public Speaking (COMM 1020) is taught at most Utah colleges and universities.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will demonstrate that they understand the presentation of ideas is not fixed and is continually progressing. They will learn the nature of public speaking and will be able to understand the aspects that influence one's ability to read an audience and present a variety of ideas. An important goal for this course is to foster an appreciation for and understanding of public speaking in a variety of settings, cultures and audiences. Through class discussions, presentation, verbal and oral feedback and essay exams students will demonstrate that they have internalized the material presented.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will write at least two formal, full-detail, full-sentence outlines corresponding with an informative and persuasive speech. Students are also required to write up to three speech critiques, at least one on their own performance and one on a speech outside of the classroom. Each outline and critique will be returned with suggestions for improving the student's writing skills. Students will demonstrate an ability to read, retrieve, evaluate, interpret, and deliver information through assignments, personal presentations, group presentations, and exams.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Students will be encouraged to participate in a variety of activities used to enhance social relations and define roles within teams, often involving collaborative tasks. These activities are intended to improve performance in a team-based environment. Through classroom discussions, observations, and at least one group presentation students will demonstrate their ability to understand and manage conflict as part of a team.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Public Speaking requires students to think and communicate critically by creating strong argumentation through the use of pathos, ethos and logos. Students will be instructed on how to create effective arguments and ideas through the use of evidence, credibility and emotion by writing and presenting speeches to audience.
5. A student who completes the GE curriculum can communicate effectively through writing and speaking. Students will be encouraged to participate in a variety of activities used to respond to artistic work and performance in a sensitive and educated manner. One required element will be to attend and evaluate a speech presentation outside of the classroom. These activities are intended to improve artistic understanding and appreciation. This outcome will be assessed through classroom discussions, performance observations, and written assignments.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will explore human cultures and the natural world, with a particular emphasis on the fine arts. Students will demonstrate their understanding of performance and the creative process of the various public speaking aspects through oral performances as well as evaluation on famous public speeches. Students will be more enlightened observers of the fine arts with the ability to artistically and analytically respond to both content and a live performance aspect. This course is similar to a theater course in the emphasis on oral performance, body language and performers ability to read the audience. This outcome will be assess through oral performances, readings, written responses, and audience feedback.  Students will explore human cultures and the natural world, with a particular emphasis on the fine arts. Students will demonstrate their understanding of performance and the creative process of the various public speaking aspects through oral performances as well as evaluation on famous public speeches. Students will be more enlightened observers of the fine arts with the ability to artistically and analytically respond to both content and a live performance aspect. This course is similar to a theater course in the emphasis on oral performance, body language and performers ability to read the audience. This outcome will be assess through oral performances, readings, written responses, and audience feedback.
2. Provide an informed synopsis of the performing and/or visual arts in the contexts of culture and history through reading and interpreting pertinent information using a variety of traditional and electronic media. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the scope of public speaking as a performance piece through reading and interpreting pertinent information using tradition and electronic media. Students will be asked to critically analyze the history of public speaking as an artform, and how public speaking has gained popularity as an artistic outlet through many channels including Tedtalks and other performance venues. This will be assessed through written assignments, discussions and performances.
   
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the conceptual and elemental principles fundamental to the creation of various forms of artistic expression. One of the focuses of Public Speaking is to gain an appreciation for research and performance as an art-form. As students become more aware of communication fundamentals and performances requirements they will be introduced to public speaking as a form of artistic expression. Students will be able to self analyze and critique public speaking as a form of artistic expression. Students will be asked to evaluate speeches on a scholarly and professional level. They will be encouraged to view the creation of these performance as an artistic expression. Students will critically analyze speeches for both content and artistic aspects. Students will demonstrate an understanding of artistic expression through personal presentations, group presentations, class discussions, self-evaluations and peer evaluations.
4. Exhibit an ability to critically analyze artistic works using appropriate techniques, vocabulary, and methodologies. Students will exhibit their ability to analyze artistic works by participating in group presentations on specific topics relating to public speaking as an artform. Through group presentations, and performance critiques students will demonstrate and apply relevant vocabulary and knowledge of performance history and performance practices.
   This outcome will be assess through oral performances, readings, written responses, and audience feedback.
   

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze and critique the oral communication of oneself and others.
2. Develop appropriate rhetorical patterns (i.e. narration, example, process, comparison/contrast, classification, cause/effect, definition, argumentation) to influence attitudes, beliefs and actions, while demonstrating speaking skills from process to product.
3. Communicate orally in ways that are appropriate to the goal, communication channel, context of the communication episode while employing effective use of organizational strategies, communication ethics, verbal and nonverbal language, vocalics, and communication apprehension techniques.
4. Manage and coordinate credible/relevant information gathered from multiple sources for the purposes of problem solving, decision-making, speech building, and supporting an argument.
   Communicate effectively interpersonally with others in conversation, interview, and group/team contexts.
   
5. Understand and manage conflict in a variety of communication contexts with an emphasis on team building.
6. Explain the role human communication plays in the development and maintenance of societies including academic, social, and professional endeavors; communicate an understanding of vocabulary, concepts, materials, techniques, and methods of intellectual inquiry in communication.

Course Content

Through a lecture and discussion format, this course will cover many types of speaking styles. Each student has an opportunity to present a combination of introductory, informative, impromptu, persuasive and group speeches. A strong emphasis is placed on writing detailed outlines and research. Emphasis is also placed on ethical reasoning and behaviors as a speaker.Emphasis is placed on performance and artistic elements of that performance.Each student will learn to read the audience and ways to adjust to audience reactions.Nonverbal communication through delivery is addressed as an important aspect of performance.