texas a & m university-commerce commerce campus
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TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE
COMMERCE CAMPUS
Communication Studies
Department of Literature and Languages
COMS 1321 Section 01E CRN 81733
Business and Professional Speaking
COURSE SYLLABUS: Fall 2021
Please, click on the following link to access A&M-Commerce Covid 19 Information,
https://new.tamuc.edu/coronavirus/
Contact information
NAME ________________________
PHONE________________________
OTHER________________________
Communication Studies B.A./B.S. The Communication Studies program is designed as an area of study to apply scholarly communication research for
a variety of careers and personal goals in an interconnected world. Two general goals of the program for graduates are: 1. Each graduate will be the most communicatively informed person in every communication situation they
find themselves in, such as understanding others verbally and nonverbally in professional and personal situations. 2. Each graduate will be the most effective communicator verbally and nonverbally in each communication
situation they find themselves in, such as professional and personal contexts. Furthermore, an essential part of
effective communication is the ability to communicate strategically verbally and nonverbally to accomplish one’s
goals.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” Lou Holtz, Notre Dame Football Coach (Retired)
Required Text:
For this course, minimally you will need Sprague/Stuart/Bodary's The Speakers Handbook, 12th ISBN: 9781337558617 . Available through CENGAGE.
Sprague, J., Stuart, D., & Badary, D. (2019). The speaker's handbook (12th). USA: CENGAGE.
Catalog Description: Preparation and delivery of effective oral communication with emphasis on research,
organization and delivery. Course Rationale: In your life, no matter your occupation, at some time you will be asked to deliver a presentation.
In order for you to be an effective speaker, your communication, verbal, nonverbal and written, must be consistent.
Mastery of the skills used in public speaking will greatly enhance your chances of being understood. An effective
presentation includes good content, organization, delivery and audience analysis. These are the tools that you will
be evaluated on during the course. In addition, the information you learn will assist you in becoming a more critical
consumer of information. Students Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication. 2. Apply elements of audience analysis. 3. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic. 4. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques. 5. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches.
6. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication. 7. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g. narrative,
informative or persuasive). Course Objectives:
1. Students will become aware of the importance of communication in personal and professional
environments. 2. Students will gain experience in interpersonal, group and public communication. 3. Students will develop strategies for overcoming speech anxiety.
Course Requirements Minimal Technical Skills Needed
Using MyLeao DL2 Bright Space, Microsoft Word, Power Point Student Responsibilities
Checking TAMUC email account three times a week. Checking student grades in MyLeo DL2 Bright Space,
Submitting Assignments through MyLeo DL2 Bright Space in Doc Sharing Appropriate envelopes Required Facilities:
1. Computer access for use of Power Point: At least two of your speeches will be
enhanced by the use of visual aids. 2. Computer Labs on campus should facilitate these needs. You may use your own
computer or other labs if they provide access to the software identified above.
Required Materials: Jump Drive Methods of Instruction: The course involves guided lecture, performance and group discussion, on-line
programmed learning and independent research. Evaluation Policy: Your grade will be determined as follows:
Final grades in this course will be based on the following scale:
A = 89.5%-100% C = 69.5% - 79.4% F = 59.5 and Below
B = 79.5%-89.4% D = 59.5% - 69.4%
Application Assignments
65%
Speeches Introductory Speech 10% Cultural Diversity Speech 10% Informative Speech / VA 15% Persuasive minor 10% Persuasive VA 15% Participation/Attendance
5%
Research Speech Critique 5% Quizzes 30% * There will be 5 quizzes, one every three weeks. These cover material presented in the course text as well as lecture
material.
* You must take all five quizzes. You must average 60% on the quizzes to get at least a D in the course.
You can get no higher than a D if you average less than 60% on the quizzes. And you might even fail the course.
Only the three highest scores will be used to calculate your grade.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS Browser support
D2L is committed to performing key application testing when new browser versions are
released. New and updated functionality is also tested against the latest version of supported
browsers. However, due to the frequency of some browser releases, D2L cannot guarantee
that each browser version will perform as expected. If you encounter any issues with any of
the browser versions listed in the tables below, contact D2L Support, who will determine the
best course of action for resolution. Reported issues are prioritized by supported browsers and
then maintenance browsers.
Supported browsers are the latest or most recent browser versions that are tested against new
versions of D2L products. Customers can report problems and receive support for issues. For an
optimal experience, D2L recommends using supported browsers with D2L products.
Maintenance browsers are older browser versions that are not tested extensively against new
versions of D2L products. Customers can still report problems and receive support for critical
issues; however, D2L does not guarantee all issues will be addressed. A maintenance browser
becomes officially unsupported after one year.
Note the following:
• Ensure that your browser has JavaScript and Cookies enabled.
• For desktop systems, you must have Adobe Flash Player 10.1 or greater.
• The Brightspace Support features are now optimized for production environments when using the
Google Chrome browser, Apple Safari browser, Microsoft Edge browser, Microsoft Internet
Explorer browser, and Mozilla Firefox browsers.
Desktop Support
Browser Supported Browser
Version(s)
Maintenance Browser
Version(s)
Microsoft® Edge Latest N/A
Microsoft® Internet
Explorer®
N/A 11
Mozilla® Firefox® Latest, ESR N/A
Google® Chrome™ Latest N/A
Apple® Safari® Latest N/A
Tablet and Mobile Support
Device Operating System Browser Supported Browser Version(s)
Android™ Android 4.4+ Chrome Latest
Apple iOS® Safari, Chrome The current major version of iOS
(the latest minor or point release of that major version) and the previous major version of iOS (the latest minor or point release of
Device Operating System Browser Supported Browser Version(s)
that major version). For example, as of June 7, 2017, D2Lsupports iOS 10.3.2 and iOS 9.3.5, but not iOS 10.2.1, 9.0.2, or any other version.
Chrome: Latest version for the iOS browser.
Windows Windows 10 Edge,
Chrome,
Firefox
Latest of all browsers, and Firefox ESR.
• You will need regular access to a computer with a broadband Internet connection. The minimum
computer requirements are:
o 512 MB of RAM, 1 GB or more preferred
o Broadband connection required courses are heavily video intensive
o Video display capable of high-color 16-bit display 1024 x 768 or higher resolution
• You must have a:
o Sound card, which is usually integrated into your desktop or laptop computer o
Speakers or headphones.
o *For courses utilizing video-conferencing tools and/or an online proctoring solution, a
webcam and microphone are required.
• Both versions of Java (32 bit and 64 bit) must be installed and up to date on your machine. At a
minimum Java 7, update 51, is required to support the learning management system. The most
current version of Java can be downloaded at: JAVA web site
http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
• Current anti-virus software must be installed and kept up to date.
Running the browser check will ensure your internet browser is supported.
Pop-ups are allowed.
JavaScript is enabled.
Cookies are enabled.
• You will need some additional free software (plug-ins) for enhanced web browsing. Ensure that you
download the free versions of the following software: o Adobe Reader
https://get.adobe.com/reader/
o Adobe Flash Player (version 17 or later) https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
o Adobe Shockwave Player https://get.adobe.com/shockwave/ o Apple Quick Time
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
• At a minimum, you must have Microsoft Office 2013, 2010, 2007 or Open Office. Microsoft Office is
the standard office productivity software utilized by faculty, students, and staff. Microsoft Word is
the standard word processing software, Microsoft Excel is the standard spreadsheet software, and
Microsoft PowerPoint is the standard presentation software. Copying and pasting, along with
attaching/uploading documents for assignment submission, will also be required. If you do not have
Microsoft Office, you can check with the bookstore to see if they have any student copies.
ACCESS AND NAVIGATION
You will need your campus-wide ID (CWID) and password to log into the course. If you do not know your
CWID or have forgotten your password, contact the Center for IT Excellence (CITE) at 903.468.6000 or
Note: Personal computer and internet connection problems do not excuse the requirement to
complete all course work in a timely and satisfactory manner. Each student needs to have a backup
method to deal with these inevitable problems. These methods might include the availability of a
backup PC at home or work, the temporary use of a computer at a friend's home, the local library, office
service companies, Starbucks, a TAMUC campus open computer lab, etc.
COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT Brightspace Support
Need Help?
Student Support
If you have any questions or are having difficulties with the course material, please contact your
Instructor.
Technical Support
If you are having technical difficulty with any part of Brightspace, please
contact Brightspace Technical Support at 1-877-325-7778 or click on the
Live Chat or click on the words “click here” to submit an issue via email.
System Maintenance
Please note that on the 4th Sunday of each month there will be System Maintenance which
means the system will not be available 12 pm-6 am CST.
Interaction with Instructor Statement
Go to the following link Academic Success Center- focused on providing academic resources to help you achieve academic success.
Syllabus Change Policy
The syllabus is a guide. Circumstances and events, such as student progress, may
make it necessary for the instructor to modify the syllabus during the semester. Any
changes made to the syllabus will be announced in advance.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT ATTENDANCE POLICY If you know you will be absent for an extended period of time contact your Professor. If you are taking part in
University-sponsored activities notify your Professor well ahead of absence. If you are absent for evaluated
activities such as exams, papers, and speeches, you must have documentation for your absences. Documentation
is a written excuse. Not a verbal comment. (Undocumented excuses will not be accepted.) When your absence is
clearly beyond your control, and is documented, there is no penalty for make-ups. When your absence is not beyond
your control, or is not documented, or you are not prepared, your grade for that assignment will be reduced by 50
percent. NOTE: if you are absent for any reason, you are responsible for material covered and any announcements
made while you are gone. If you are absent on a day when speeches are presented there will be a 10 percent
reduction in your grade for that speech. You are allowed to miss class two times. The third absence will lower your
grade to a D. After the fourth absence you will have failed the course. The instructor may drop you from the
course. However, it is your responsibility to drop the course if you want too. If you do not drop the course and your
name appears on the grade page from the registrar you will receive an “F.” An attempt will be made to contact you
if you are dropped. If you have not completed 67% of the course work, at any given time, or if the instructor does
not believe you are making satisfactory progress toward the completion of the course you will be dropped from the
course
If you are participating in this class via YouSeeU Virtual Classroom, that is, not in person in the class, you must be
sitting in a chair and accessing a laptop or computer on a table top. This is required. I want to see you at all times
sitting and participating in lecture sessions that involve questions and answers. Lying in bed, on the floor or in chair
or on a couch is not sitting up and accessing a laptop or table top computer. If you are not sitting up and
participating with a laptop or table top computer and taking part in daily class activity you will be marked
absent. Please see absent policy in this syllabus.
TARDY POLICY You will be considered tardy if you are not in your seat when the professor starts calling roll. You will be
considered tardy if you are in your seat and talking while the professor is trying to call roll or begin class. If you are
not in the classroom when the professor closes the classroom door you are absent. Do not knock on the door. You
are allowed to be tardy three times on the fourth time your grade will be lowered to a D. After the fifth tardy you
have failed the course. The instructor may drop you from the course. However, it is your responsibility to drop the
course if you want too. An attempt will be made to contact you if you are dropped. Please note attendance policy
above. NOTE: Hats, Caps and Head Coverings of any type are not permitted on your head during class!!! Failure
to remove your head covering upon request of the instructor results in an absence for the class. Please note
attendance policy above. ELECTRONIC DEVICES Turn off all cellular phones, pagers, CD players, lap top computers, and any other electronic devices that
might in any way disrupt class or disturb others. Other than your pocket, purse, holder or holster, or belt
clip I do not want to know you even own any of the electronic devices mentioned above. If I see one of these
devices in your hands or being operated during class time or any time I am present in the room or hear one
you will immediately be dropped from the course. This is a classroom, not a cafeteria, restaurant, or fast food business. Therefore, no food or drink will be
permitted in the classroom during class.
Student Conduct
All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment. (See Code of Student Conduct from Student Guide Handbook). Students should also consult the Rules of Netiquette for more information regarding how to interact with students in an online forum: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
Texas A&M University-Commerce will comply in the classroom, and in online courses, with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and related retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information or veteran status. Further, an environment free from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression will be maintained.
Academic Integrity Students at Texas A&M University-Commerce are expected to maintain high standards of integrity and
honesty in all of their scholastic work. For more details and the definition of academic dishonesty see
the following procedures:
Undergraduate Academic Dishonesty 13.99.99.R0.03
http://www.tamuc.edu/aboutUs/policiesProceduresStandardsStatements/rulesProcedures/13students
/ undergraduates/13.99.99.R0.03UndergraduateAcademicDishonesty.pdf Graduate Student Academic
Dishonesty 13.99.99.R0.10
http://www.tamuc.edu/aboutUs/policiesProceduresStandardsStatements/rulesProcedures/13students
/ graduate/13.99.99.R0.10GraduateStudentAcademicDishonesty.pdf
ADA Statement
Office of Student Disability Resources and Services
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Waters Library- Room 162
Phone (903) 886-5150 or (903) 886-5835
Fax (903) 468-8148
Email: [email protected]
Website: Office of Student Disability Resources and Services
http://www.tamuc.edu/campusLife/campusServices/studentDisabilityResourcesAndServices/
Nondiscrimination Notice
Texas A&M University-Commerce will comply in the classroom, and in online courses, with all federal
and state laws prohibiting discrimination and related retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability, age, genetic information or veteran status. Further, an environment free from
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression will be
maintained.
Campus Concealed Carry Statement
Texas Senate Bill - 11 (Government Code 411.2031, et al.) authorizes the carrying of a concealed
handgun in Texas A&M University-Commerce buildings only by persons who have been issued and are
in possession of a Texas License to Carry a Handgun. Qualified law enforcement officers or those who
are otherwise authorized to carry a concealed handgun in the State of Texas are also permitted to do
so. Pursuant to Penal Code (PC) 46.035 and A&M-Commerce Rule 34.06.02.R1, license holders may not
carry a concealed handgun in restricted locations.
For a list of locations, please refer to the Carrying Concealed Handguns On Campus
document and/or consult your event organizer.
Web url:
http://www.tamuc.edu/aboutUs/policiesProceduresStandardsStatements/rulesProcedures/34SafetyOf
E mployeesAndStudents/34.06.02.R1.pdf
Pursuant to PC 46.035, the open carrying of handguns is prohibited on all A&M-Commerce campuses.
Report violations to the University Police Department at 903-886-5868 or 9-1-1.
PREPARATION AND PERFORMANCE It is your responsibility to come to class and come to class prepared. If your computer or printer does not
work that is your problem not mine. If you are not ready to speak do not blame your computer or printer.
See attendance policy above. It is your responsibility to come to class prepared. If you need to go to the
library to print your outline then do that before class begins. If you need to use a printer of a friend then do
that before class begins. Failure to prepare for an assignment is not an option. I am interested in results not
excuses. See attendance policy above. Academic Honesty: Honesty is expected. Plagiarism, or representing the work of another as your own, is grounds
for failure for the assignment or for the course. Statements lifted verbatim from publications must be cited as
quotations. Ideas, summaries or paraphrased material, and other information taken from literature, must be properly
referenced. Special Accommodations for Disability: Students requiring special accommodations for learning are encouraged
to share their concerns or requests with the professor as soon as possible.
Speech Preparation and Presentation You will be required to deliver three minor speeches and two major speeches as well as a number of impromptu
speeches. You will be evaluated on your skills in selecting and researching a topic, organizing, and delivering your
speeches to an audience you have analyzed. Regardless of any grades or percentages to a final grade you may earn,
you must complete all assignments in order to pass the course. All speeches must be performed and assignments
turned in to earn credit for this course. For each speech, you will turn in an outline, as well as the grading sheet (s) available on D2L. Failure to provide
the proper grading information forfeits the speech. You will be evaluated on the criteria on the grading sheet (s),
your ability to adapt while presenting the information orally, and your adherence to time limits. If you do not
deliver your speech within the specified time frame, your grade will suffer. You are allowed a thirty-second window
of opportunity. Speeches may be thirty seconds under time or thirty seconds over time with no penalty. Five points
will be deducted for each thirty-second interval or partial interval under or over the window. (See attendance
section for policy on missed speeches). Written Assignments You must prepare an outline for each of the speeches presented. All written assignments are to be neatly and clearly
typed on 81/2 x 11 white paper with one (1) inch margins. Only typed assignments will be accepted. Incomplete
sentences and mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling will adversely affect your grade. Outlines are to be
stapled together with grade sheets. Turn in individual sheets that are only 81/2 x 11 inches wide. You should single
space within a point, double space between points. Keep a copy of the assignment for yourself. NO OUTLINE, NO SPEECH
The Counseling Center at A&M-Commerce, located in the Halladay Building, Room 203, offers counseling
services, educational programming, and connection to community resources for students. Students have 24/7
access to the Counseling Center’s crisis assessment services by calling 903-886-5145. For more information
regarding Counseling Center events and confidential services, please visit www.tamuc.edu/counsel
Tentative Schedule
Week Topic Chapter Assignment Due
1 Syllabus/Correct Outline Form 1, 2 10 Sentences/Practice
Understanding Speaking 10 Topics
Listening
2 Speaking Ethics 3, 4, 5 Practice:
Overcoming Fear of Speaking Introduction &
Planning Conclusion
3 Topic Selection and Analysis 6, 7, 8 Minor Speech 1:
Audience Analysis Narrative
Research Quiz #1
4 Transforming Ideas Into Speech 9, 10, 11
Points Tabs 1-7
Organizing Points Friday
Outlining
5 Connectives/References 12, 13, 14 Practice Introduction
Introduction & Conclusion &
Conclusion with Transitions
6 Groups Minor Speech #2
Cultural Diversity
Quiz #2
7 Supporting Materials 15, 16, 17 Practice Introduction
Reasoning &
Language and Style Conclusion with Transitions
Visual Aids Lecture
Tabs 8-14
Friday
8 Attention and Interest 18, 19, 20, 21 Major Speech #1 Informative
Credibility Speech/VA
Motivational Appeals
9 Presentational Aids 27
Informative Speaking Persuasion Lecture Persuasion Lecture
Persuasion Practice
Quiz #3
Tabs 15-21
Friday
10 Persuasion Persuasion Practice
Persuasive Strategies 22, 23, 24 Persuasion Practice
Modes Of Delivery
11 Vocal Delivery 25, 26, 28, 29 Minor Speech #3
Physical Delivery Persuasion
Adapting to the Speech Situation
Answering Questions
12 Persuasion Persuasion Practice
Analyzing Speech Contexts 30, 31, 32, 33
Educational Context
Workplace Context Quiz #4
Social and Ceremonial Context Tabs 22-29
Friday
13 Persuasion 34, 35
Civic and Political Context
Leadership Across Contexts
14 Persuasion Major Speech #2 Persuasive
Speech/VA
15 Any Persuasion Last Class Day 3 May Quiz #5
Make Up Tabs 29-35
Friday
16 Finals Week Undergraduate Graduation Saturday 1 May
Information Sheet
Name________________________________________
Phone #________________ Class Level___________ What are some other communication classes you have taken, and where have you taken them?
What are your career objectives, and what do you hope to gain from this course to meet those objectives?
Do you have any concerns about completing this course?
What grade will you be working towards?
Do you understand the policies set forth in the syllabus? If you do and you agree to abide by them, please sign
below. If you have any questions or concerns, please see your instructor as soon as possible.
_______________________ ____________________ Signature Date
Note: Complete this form and give it to your instructor during the first two weeks of classes. If your instructor does not have this sheet signed and in his files NO GRADE will be given for the course!