Oral and Written Communication Syllabus Overview Handout (full syllabus must be downloaded online)
Course Instructor: Mrs. Lynne Jenkins
Course textbook: The Art of Public Speaking,10th edition by Stephen E. Lucas
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to speech class! Learning to communicate well and speak with poise is among the most
beneficial skills with which you can leave high school.
Course Description:
Oral and Written Communication is designed to focus on understanding and applying the principles of speech as well as refining
and expanding skills in written and spoken self-expression. The course also focuses on creative thinking, writing, and
presentation. Students should expect to write every day and work on analysis and speaking projects each week. Assignments
are intended to provide practice with specific presentation techniques that can be applied to many genres. Additionally, students
will learn to speak and present in a variety of modes.
Textbook:
The Art of Public Speaking,10th edition
Speech for Effective Communication
Materials:
In order to stay organized for this class, the following materials are needed:
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Grading:
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2” binder
Notebook paper
Dividers
Pens (black/blue)
Pens (red/green)
Pencils
Highlighters
3”x5” notecards
Agenda book
USB disk
Assignments are graded on a total points system.
Assignments and their due dates will be posted on both the board and Edmodo. Students will also sign up with Remind
to receive class updates.
Assignments:
The vast majority of the student’s grade in this course is based on the speeches presented throughout the semester. The
following is a tentative list of the major assignments to be completed this year.
Speech Portfolio Practice Speeches Polished Speeches
Research paper
Group Presentations
Chapter tests, Midterm, and Final Exam
Late Work and Make-up Work:
Assignments that are late will be deducted 15% if they are turned in after 3:25 on the same day. I will accept them for one week at
a 25% reduction. After the one week period, any late work will receive a zero. This does not apply to polished speeches, group
presentations, or the research paper, which are treated like TMAs and extended time has already been given. Remember that
you cannot make up assignments or tests missed due to an unexcused absence unless/until you attend Academic
Saturday School.
Planned absences/field trips/ other school related absences: If you are in school but miss the class or have an unexcused absence,
your assignments are still due and will be considered late if not turned in on their due date or before. Plan accordingly to turn your
work in early if you will be missing class.
Classroom Conduct and Expectations:
In order to maintain a positive, productive classroom environment, students are expected to adhere to the following policies and
procedures:
 RESPECT your teacher, classmates, learning environment and yourself at all times.
 Come to class on time. Students who are late must bring a pass from authorized personnel. An unexcused absence
will result in teacher detention. Excessive tardies will result in administrative action.
 Sit in your assigned seat and remain there throughout the duration of class unless directed otherwise.
 Bring all materials to class every day. Don’t ask to borrow materials. Students will be allowed one pass to retrieve
necessary items without penalty. Anytime afterward, students will be assigned a teacher detention.
 Attend to personal needs before or after class. In case of emergency, discreetly ask for a pass, and I will give you one.
However, if you must leave immediately, do not wait!! When the situation has improved, you can explain.
 Have assignments ready to be submitted when you come to class. Work that needs to be printed because it’s saved to
email or a flash drive will not be considered submitted on time.
 Eating and drinking are not permitted; this also includes chewing gum. Water is allowed for those who have
permission.
Discipline Plan:
Violation of the policies and procedures outlined in this syllabus and/or the CHS Student Handbook will result in the following
disciplinary measures: verbal warnings, detention, parent contact, or office referral. **Serious infractions will be handled by the
administration.
POLICY: Technology Usage in the Classroom
Technology literacy is an increasingly important skill in the 21 st-century world. While technology offers numerous advantages in
the workplace and classroom, it is crucial that one demonstrates responsibility and integrity in the use of these resources. As part
of our learning environment, we will occasionally employ technology to research, write, or enhance our learning. While we have
school computers available for student use, many students prefer to use their personal devices in the classroom. The use of
personal technology devices within the classroom is regulated at the discretion of the teacher. Students will have the opportunity
to use personal electronic devices in Mrs. Jenkins’ room provided that the following conditions are met:
1) Students are bound to all stipulations of the MCSD/Columbus High Technology Usage contract.
2) Personal electronic devices acceptable for use in the classroom include laptops and tablets (including e-readers).
3) Students are to use approved devises under the supervision of the teacher. Your teacher must be able to see the
screen of the device at all times; students may not attempt to cover or conceal their device screens for any
reason.
4) Students may use approved devices as relevant to the lesson or activity at hand. Inappropriate usage of
technology will result in consequences. Inappropriate usage includes, but is not limited to, checking personal email, texting, instant messaging, Snapchatting, playing games, accessing Facebook or other social media, or
recording still images or video.
5) Students may only use approved devices at specified times, when all students have the opportunity to use
technology. Technology should not be used, for example, to take notes, but may be used when the class is
working on a research assignment.
6) Students may bring personal property to school at their own risk. MSCD, Columbus High School, and I are not
responsible for any lost, damages, or stolen devices.
7) Violation of the terms of this policy will result in progressive consequences for the student in accordance with the
CHS Student Handbook
Remind Login Info:
Option 1: Send a text to 81010 with the message: @orala
Edmodo.com Login Info:
Option 2: To receive messages via email, send an email to [email protected]
Course: Oral and Written Communication
Code to Join: gwmjav
Oral and Written Communication Syllabus, Procedures, and Policies Contract
I have downloaded a copy of the full syllabus from the school website. have read and understand all parts of
the policies and procedures handout for the Oral and Written Communication class. I have had the opportunity to
ask questions, and I understand that I can talk to my teacher about any further questions or problems I have in this
class. I will adhere to these policies and procedures, and I will accept the consequences of acting in conflict with
these standards. I understand that I am not entitled to an A in this class and I am responsible for my own work and
performance on assignments.
I have let my parent(s)/guardian(s) read the policies and procedures for this class and I have discussed the class
expectations with them.
___________________________ ___________________________
Student Name (Print)
_______
Student Signature
Date
I have downloaded a copy of the full syllabus from the school website. I have read and understand all parts of
the policies and procedures handout for the Oral and Written Communication class. I understand that I may contact
my child’s teacher regarding any questions that I may have about these standards after I have discussed them with
my child. I understand that my child must adhere to these policies and procedures in order to function in a safe and
productive educational environment. I will support my child in adhering to these standards, and I will encourage him
or her to accept the consequences when he or she strays from the established policies and procedures.
I have discussed these policies and procedures with my child and I believe that (s)he understands them as well.
__________________________
Parent Name (Print)
_______________________________
Parent Signature
_______
Date
Parent Email Address (please print clearly): _________________________________________