Kara Martinez SPCH 1321-153: Business and Professional Communication Department of Communication Fall 2011SPCH 1321: BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SPEECH COURSE SYLLABUS Instructor Contact: Kara Martinez, Assistant Professor of Speech Communication [email protected] 806-716-4025 Reese Center, Building 2, Office #268B Office Hours: MW –10:30-11:00; 12:15-1:00 TR – 10:30-11:00; 12:15-1:00 F – 9:00-12:00 Course Purpose: The Business and Professional Speech course explores the basic principles of oral communication applied to the communication needs of the business or professional person. The course provides practice in the research, construction, and delivery of various types of oral presentations and in the application of interpersonal, interviewing, and small group skills that occur in business, organizational, or professional settings. Course Compliance: We will not be meeting on a regular basis in a classroom, but it is still important for you to “meet” regularly in our cyberspace classroom by checking assignments EVERYDAY, keeping up with the reading and activity assignments EVERYDAY, and checking your messages EVERYDAY. If you miss the equivalent of two weeks in this course, you will be administratively withdrawn from the course. Attendance is monitored through completion of assignments so just logging in does not keep you compliant. You must be turning in work. Since this is an interactive, distance learning class, academic integrity, “classroom” civility, and ethics are as important for cyberspace interactions as they are in a traditional classroom. Showing respect for your classmates and encouraging each other are requirements for this course. Please refer to the Student Handbook for college rules regarding plagiarism, cheating, etc. A student who enrolls in this class who may need classroom accommodations is strongly encouraged to schedule an intake interview with the student services department before enrolling in this class or prior to the add/drop date for this semester. Student Learning Outcomes/Competencies in the business and professional setting: 1. While learning about the Communication Process the student will be able to: 1.1 define communication. 1.2 discuss the importance of communication skills on the job.1.3 recognize, define and analyze the elements of the communication process. 2. While learning about Communication Systems and Cultures the student will be able to: 2.1 compare and assess the functions, problems, and guidelines for downward, upward, and horizontal communication. 2.2 identify the formal and informal communication networks within an organization. 2.3 develop an awareness of the types and dimensions of cultural diversity represented in the changing work force. 3. While learning about verbal communication the student will be able to: 3.1 identify and utilize appropriate language. 3.2 prepare and deliver clear instructions. 4. While learning about nonverbal communication the student will be able to: 4.1 explain the importance of nonverbal messages. 4.2 define, utilize and interpret different categories of nonverbal communication. 5. While learning to listen the student will be able to: 5.1 discuss the organizational and personal benefits of listening effectively. 5.2 understand causes of poor listening. 5.3 describe how to become a more effective listener. 6. While learning about the interviewing process the student will be able to: 6.1 define and identify the different types of interviews. 6.2 describe and evaluate effective interviewing skills. 6.3 define and recognize question types. 6.4 prepare a letter of application and résumé. 6.5 conduct a proper information-gathering interview. 7. While learning about working in small groups the student will be able to: 7.1 explain the characteristics and advantages of small groups. 7.2 identify the steps used for systematic problem solving. 7.3 understand leadership styles and team behaviors (task, maintenance and dysfunctional) in relation to cohesiveness. 7.4 list the steps involved in planning an effective meeting. 7.5 recognize, define and analyze conflict management. 8. While learning about public speaking the student will be able to: 8.1 define and identify the different type of public speeches. 8.2 prepare public presentations (analysis, research, organization, sensory aids). 8.3 deliver public presentations (notes, appropriate verbal, vocal, and nonverbal cues). 8.4 respond to public presentations (ask and answer questions, create constructive critiques). Required Materials: 1. Text The textbook for this course is Communicating at Work: Principles and Practices for Business and the Professions, 10/ed., by Adler and Elmhorst 2. One blank recording device for interview project 3. Choice of sensory aid materials for oral presentations.Grading Standards: Grade Distribution Test 1 100 A = 900 – 1000 points Test 2 100 B = 800 – 899 Test 3 100 C = 700 – 799 Informative Speech 100 D = 600 – 699 Persuasive Speech 100 F = <600 Impromptu Speech 100 Cover Letter\Resume 100 Interview 100 Participation* 200 * Quizzes, discussion boards, evaluations and other activities Course Work: 1. Exams – There will be 3 major assessments/exams during the semester. Each exam covers the information preceding the exam. There are no cumulative exams. Exams will generally be available and listed in Blackboard from Monday through Saturday at midnight. Each exam is timed and may only be completed once. Do not expect to be able to look up every question on the test, and you should study for the exam just as you would study for a face-to-face exam. Students may use their notes and/or textbook for the exam but may not ask for or receive help from other students or individuals. Exams will be available under the Assessment section in Blackboard on the Monday of the week the exam is due. A link to the exam can also be found on the chapter content page that is presented the week the exam is due. For example, Exam 1, covering chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4, will be listed under Assessments and on the Chapter 4 content page. 2. Speeches – Completion of the three speeches is a requirement for passing this class. On your scheduled speech dates, you will be presenting various types of speeches. You must be an attentive audience