Missouri Western State College

Department of Communication Studies, Theatre, & Humanities

Instructor: Marilyn D. Hunt, Ph.D. Office Hours: MWF 11:00 – 12:00

Office: A 116 T Th 1:30- 2:30

Phone: 271-5660 By Appointment...

email: huntmd@griffon.mwsc.edu

TEXT: Pearson, J. & Nelson, P. (2000). An introduction to human communication: Understanding & sharing (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill: Boston.

OBJECTIVES: As a General Studies course at MWSC, all sections of Oral Communication strive to fulfill the following general course objectives:

1. To provide students with an understanding of communication theory to include:

a. communication process

b. role of language

c. listening

d. nonverbal codes

2. To provide students with an understanding of intra-personal communication to include:

a. reception, processing, and transmission of information

b. attitude formation

c. self-concept and its impact on communicative behavior

3. To provide students with an understanding of interpersonal communication to include:

a. types of interpersonal communication

b. communication barriers

c. discussion processes

4. To provide students with an understanding of public communication to include:

a. types of speaking situations

b. speech preparation

c. delivery techniques

d. audience analysis

5. To engage students in experiences which will enable them to develop skills in the above areas.

6. To prepare students to become active, critical citizens.

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CLASS POLICIES:

1. Class attendance is mandatory. Because of the emphasis upon presentation, feedback, class discussion, and participation, your attendance is important to all members of this learning community. Absence will result in loss of points. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate documentation for any college approved (excused) absences.

2. Speeches and all other assignments are due on the day assigned. Failure to deliver a speech on the assigned date will result in zero (0) points for that assignment. Late papers will drop one letter grade and may not be accepted at all (depending on date). Students must complete all major assignments (including all speeches) to receive a passing grade in the course.

3. Quizzes. You will be given unannounced quizzes over most chapters/units. Some quizzes will occur before the material is discussed. Missed quizzes may not be made up. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
4. Academic dishonesty will be dealt with following the policy established by MWSC. Do

your own work! See page 27 in your ’99-’00 Student Handbook.

5. Disability Policy: Any student who has a disability that prevents full expression of their abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so that we can discuss class requirements.

6. Grading practices will conform to the following normally accepted academic standard:

A = 90-100 % A = Superior - exceeds minimum criteria in all areas

B = 80- 89 % B = Very Good - exceeds minimum criteria

C = 70- 79 % C = Average - meets minimum criteria

D = 60- 69 % D = Poor - meets minimum criteria in some areas

F = 0- 59 % F = Failing - fails to meet minimum criteria

Attendance/Participation 10%

Concept Speech 5%

Informative Speech w/delivery aid 10%

Persuasive Speech w/delivery aid 15%

Chapter/Unit Quizzes 25%

Interpersonal Analysis Paper 15%

Group Assignment 10%

Final Exam (comprehensive) 10%

100%

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8/24-26 Introduction to Course (note-taking, reading

Basic Concepts & Principles Ch. 1

Communication Models/Perception Ch. 2

8/31-9/2 Self Awareness, Self Concept Ch. 2

Communication Apprehension Ch. 14 (pg. 366-373)

Outlining Basics – Parts of a Speech Ch. 13 (pg. 326-344)

Give out Introduction Speech assignment

9/7-9/9 Self Introduction/Concept Speeches

9/14 Speech Preparation: Topics, Audience Analysis Ch. 11

9/16 (Th) College Convocation

9/21-9/23 Speech Preparation: Formal Outlining Ch. 13 (all)

9/28-9/30 Receiving: Listening & Critical Thinking Ch. 5

Arguments, Message analysis

10/5-10/7 Communication Codes: Verbal Ch. 3

10/12-10/14 Interpersonal Communication Ch. 7

10/19-10/21 Interpersonal Communication Ch. 8

10/26-10/28 Informative Speeches

11/2 Speech Preparation: Persuasive Speaking Ch. 16

11/4 NCA Conference (student research assignments)

11/9-11/11 Speech Preparation: Persuasive Speaking Continued…

11/16-11/18 Group & Organizational Communication Continued…

11/23 Persuasive Speeches

11/24-11/28 Thanksgiving Holiday

11/30-12/2 Persuasive Speeches

12/7 (Tue) Final Exam (Inclusive) 11:30 – 1:20 p.m.