Course Goals:  The goals of this course include the following:

1. to provide students with a general framework for understanding and practicing human communication;

2. to introduce students to the variety of forms and purposes of communication and language in various contexts; 

3. TO DEVELOP STUDENT ABILITIES IN MESSAGE PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION;

4. to increase student rhetorical sensitivity through appropriate and effective design and adaptation of messages based on audience analysis;

5. To develop student critical thinking and listening skills; · 

6. To improve basic skills in listening, outlining, using verbal and visual supporting materials, language use, nonverbal cues, and other components of effective oral communication;

7. To increase skills in researching and evaluating information.

Course Policies: 

1. You should come prepared to be engaged in the class.

   • Complete the assigned reading and other assignments BEFORE class.

   • Come with your text book, materials for taking notes (e.g. pen, paper, etc.), and other needed materials for each class.  It is often helpful to print out web page materials for the day and bring those to class as well.

   • Be willing to participate.  Ask questions if you don't understand or if you see things differently from the instructor or other students.  But be polite.

   • Interact productively and civilly in class discussions and group activities.  Civility does not eliminate healthy debate and/or appropriate humor nor is it meant to stifle or restrict expression of opposing viewpoints.  However, there are certain basic standards of classroom civility that are particularly conducive to the creation of a safe and productive classroom climate.  These include:

   1.   Displaying respect for both your professor and fellow students;

   2.   Attentiveness to and participation in class discussion, group activities, etc.

   3.   Avoidance of unnecessary disruptions during class such as private conversations, reading the newspaper, and doing work for other classes:

   4.   Avoidance of racist, sexist, homophobic, or other exclusionary language that alienates members of our campus and classroom communities.  "Put downs," explicit or implicit, that demean individuals or suggest disrespect for the educational process are not acceptable.

2. Students are responsible for all assigned reading material whether or not it is discussed in class and all lecture material whether or not duplicated by readings.

3. Class attendance is expected. 

   • On days when in‑class activities are scheduled (e.g. speeches, group discussions) attendance is required of all students - no unexcused absences are permitted. 

   • Grade deductions will be made for unexcused absences, typically one-half letter grade for each absence after the second. 

   • For an absence to be excused, you must present acceptable documentation.

   • If you get to class after it has begun and someone is giving a speech, wait in the hall until s/he is done.  You may enter the classroom in between speeches.

   • NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES are to be used during class time.  Please leave iPods, cell phones, etc. in your room or book bag. Failure to do so may result in an unexcused absence.

4. During speech rounds our schedule is VERY tight; therefore, you must be prompt and prepared on those days.  Even excused absences may not result in "make‑ups" on those days. 

5. Do not enter the classroom if another student is speaking.  In general, if you arrive late for my class (or any class at Monmouth College) apologies are appropriate (at the end of class)

6. Except for medical or other emergency reasons, assignments will not necessarily be accepted late unless advance arrangements are made.  Severe penalties may be imposed for missed assignments.

7. In general, I prefer to be flexible as long as we can work toward accomplishing the goals of the course.  Most concerns and problems can be worked out if you meet with me, in advance if at all possible.Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  In general, the best way to get in touch with me is via e-mail. If office hours are not convenient for you, I will be more than happy to schedule a time to meet with you.

8. This syllabus is contractual in nature.  By registering for and remaining in this course, you agree to abide by the guidelines established herein.

 

In order for an academic community to thrive, members of that community must be able to trust the honesty and sincerity of communication between members.  The very integrity of a college is grounded in academic honesty.  ACADEMIC DISHONESTY CAN RESULT IN FAILING THIS COURSE and will be reported to the Academic Dean.  Enrollment in this course constitutes agreement by the student that the instructor may keep on file a copy of any assignments submitted. 
 

One form of academic dishonesty that can undermine this integrity is plagiarism, intentionally or unintentionally copying the words or ideas from another source without giving that source credit.  Because of the serious harm plagiarism causes an academic environment, I have zero tolerance for it: students who plagiarize will normally automatically fail the class. Do not hesitate to consult with me if you have questions about academic honesty.  (For more information, see also p. 24 "Academic Dishonesty" in the college's 2005-06 catalog.)  As part of the requirements for speeches, students are required to submit each speech outline to "turnitin.com."  Failure to submit any outline in the allotted time will result in an F grade for the assignment.  Failure to submit two outlines will result in failing the course.