Objectives

Course Objectives

By the end of this course you should be able to:

1.) Develop an awareness and appreciation of the complexities of the speech communication process;

2.) Understand the principles of human communication theory by identifying the elements and interrelationship of the elements in a communication model;

3.) Understand and manage speech apprehension;

4.) Identify and use ethical public speaking guidelines;

5.) Develop an appreciation for the importance of public speaking in the growth of world freedom, and an awareness of and the ability to recognize propaganda.

6.) Develop gracious and critical listening skills.

7.) Prepare and deliver informative, persuasive and impromptu speeches in diverse venues and situations.

8.) Analyze audiences in order to adapt material and delivery of a speech effectively and with cultural sensitivity.

9.) Refine information literacy and critical thinking skills by determining information needs for public speeches and accessing, researching and evaluating the needed information.

10.) Use a variety of support materials that serve to clarify, create interest in, and/or prove speech points;

11.) Effectively and smoothly use electronic presentation tools in a public speech.

12.) Demonstrate the proper use of language, nonverbal cues and the ability to deliver a speech extemporaneously;

13.) Refine writing skills in the ability to present information in various organizational patterns.

Course Requirements

Your accomplishment of the course objectives will be determined by:

1.) Reading, understanding, and complying with the specific standards and directives listed in this course syllabus and any other addenda presented by Mr. Peterson;

2.) Attending class regularly, actively participating in classroom and online discussions, structured activities, and developing good listening habits when not speaking;

3.) Reading the course textbook and supplemental material as directed;

4.) Successfully completing all oral and written exercises and assignments as directed; and,

5.) Taking the initiative in obtaining whatever information missed if absent.

Study time: Most college courses require that students spend a significant amount of time outside of class in individual study time. An often used guideline is to spend two hours per week for every class hour. This means, in a three credit course, six hours of outside study per week would be expected. The actual in-class meeting time is short in college courses because it is expected that students can and will work independently outside of class in order to meet the requirements of the course.

MCCCD Course Competencies