Palm Beach State College
Course Syllabus - Classroom Course
General Class and Course Information:
Course Number: SPC 1017
Course Title: Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Reference Number: 202741 Credit Hours: 3
Clock Hours:
Term/Dates:
Fall 2015
Days:
Tuesday/ Thursday
Time: 11:00-12:15
Room:
TL 103
Course Description: This course will introduce the student to the basic principles of effective speech communication. Topics will
include intrapersonal communication, intercultural communication, listening, verbal communication, nonverbal communication,
small group dynamics, mass communication, and public communication. Students will complete oral and written projects designed
to demonstrate an understanding of the communication process and an ability to analyze and think critically about communication
in today's dynamic and diverse global marketplace. (*)
Gordon Rule Class:
This class has been designated as a Gordon Rule class for writing. This means that the course has significant writing
requirements. Please see the web page at
http://www.palmbeachstate.edu/learningoutcomes/Documents/Gordon_Rule_Statement_Student.pdf
Professor’s Information:
Name:
Lori Crane
Telephone:
561.868.3791 office
561.386.9096 cell (call or text)
Faculty Web Page:
http://www.palmbeachstate.edu/faculty/index.asp?id=cranel
Office Location:
TL 102
Email: [email protected]
(hint: it is crane and the letter L not a number one)
Office Hours:
Are Posted outside of office
Information on REQUIRED Textbook:
Title
Comm3
Edition
third
Author
Verderber/ Sellnow/ Verderber
Publisher
Cengage
ISBN
ISBN:
9781285445595
Other Information on Textbooks and Materials needed for class:
Students need to purchase:
 A textbook- see above
 A notebook for class notes
 Two pocket style folders
 Index cards (3X5)
Course Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking this course, the student will be able to:
Demonstrate comfortable and poised delivery when speaking to an audience, group, or dyad.
Describe the subjective nature of perception and its effect on intra and interpersonal communication.
Describe and demonstrate effective nonverbal communication skills.
Demonstrate effective listening skills.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills.
Describe the dynamics of small group communication and demonstrate them in small group interactions.
Demonstrate effective audience analysis, audience adaptation, research, organization, speech writing and speech delivery
skills.
Demonstrate effective self-monitoring by adapting verbal and nonverbal behaviors so they are appropriate in interpersonal,
group, and public communication situations.
Describe the skills associated with effective business communication.
Demonstrate how to effectively manage communication anxiety.
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Template Date – July 2013
Palm Beach State College
Course Syllabus - Classroom Course
Full Course Outline - Click on the following link: Course Outlines and enter the course number (no space between
the prefix and the number).
Class Information:
Academic Dishonesty Policy and Penalty for Violation:
Academic dishonesty includes the following actions, as well as other similar conduct aimed at making false
representation with respect to the student's academic performance: (1) Cheating on an exam, (2) Collaborating with
others on work to be presented, if contrary to the stated rules of the course,(3) Submitting, if contrary to the rules of the
course, work previously submitted in another course, (4) Knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of
the above actions, including assistance in an arrangement whereby work, classroom performance, examination, or other
activity is submitted or performed by a person other that the student under whose name the work is submitted or
performed, (5) Plagiarism.
Please refer to the Palm Beach State College Student Handbook (www.palmbeachstate.edu/current for link to the
student handbook).
Academic dishonesty is a serious issue and typically includes falsely representing oneself and one’s academic
performance. Cheating on an exam, plagiarizing, presenting work completed in another course to fulfill the requirements
of this course, or having knowledge of another student’s violation are some of the ways that one can commit academic
dishonesty. Students found guilty of such actions are subject to a failing grade in the class or a failing grade in the course
and could ultimately face expulsion from the College. The instructor will decide the severity of the penalty based upon
the infraction committed. The college policy shall be maintained in all instances of academic dishonesty. Please refer to
the Palm Beach State College 2015-2016 Student Handbook for a detailed discussion Academic Dishonesty.
William Howard Taft (twenty-seventh President) once said,
“Failure to accord credit to anyone for what he may have done is a great weakness in any man”
Assignments, Tests, Quizzes and Final Exam Schedule, with percentage/points of grade:
Each student must present two major speeches and several minor speeches, complete a group presentation,
complete two exams, and write three critiques. The instructor will determine the times for the assignments.
Students will be required to complete all assignments to pass this class.
The following topics are inappropriate for this course: abortion, capital punishment, smoking, drinking and
driving, seat belts, recycling, and legalization of marijuana. In addition, all speech topics must receive
instructor approval.
Assignment
Points Possible
Informative Speech
Persuasive Speech
Exam One
Exam Two
Group Presentation
Critiques (three/ 20 points each)
Class Participation and other in
class activities
100
100
80
80
30
60
50
Total
500
Points Earned
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Palm Beach State College
Course Syllabus - Classroom Course
Grading Scale:
Letter Grade
Points
A
500-450
B
449-400
C
399-350
D
349-300
F
299 and below
Please Note: Successful completion of this course requires a “C” or better
Mid-Term Grade Reporting
Grades will be posted on Grade Book throughout the semester. Please periodically log into Black Board to check the
status of your grade.
Final Course Grade Appeal:
The evaluation of academic work is the responsibility of the faculty member/instructor. The method for assigning the
final course grade is established by the faculty member/instructor. Per Board Rule 6Hx-18-3.191, faculty/instructors shall
communicate the grading policy of the course to their students in writing. If this policy changes during the term,
students should be notified of any changes in writing. The method to determine final course grades must be given to
students in a course syllabus at the beginning of the class. Should a student have a question about a final course grade,
please follow the procedures as outlined in the student handbook: www.palmbeachstate.edu/current.
Class Policies
Attendance: According to the Palm Beach State College 2015-2016 Student Handbook, “Students are expected to attend
all of their scheduled classes…Any class session or activity missed, regardless of cause, reduces the opportunity for
learning and may adversely affect a student’s achievement in the course. Specific attendance and grading requirements
for each course are stated in the respective course syllabus. These requirements may vary from course to course, and it is
the student’s responsibility to read and adhere to the attendance policies set forth by each class faculty/instructor.
Students must read and adhere to the course syllabus requirements regarding class absences and examinations. Students
should seek any needed clarification from the class faculty/instructor.”
Commented [CLM1]: Changed the year and then updated the
subsequent material to reflect the current handbook.
With this in mind, students are expected to attend each class session and will note their attendance by signing the roll
sheet. It is the student's responsibility to sign an attendance sheet for each class session. Please be sure you have signed
in for each class session to receive the proper credit. There may be times when students may be unable to attend class
and, as such, students will be allowed Four unexcused absences provided that these absences do not occur on a date
when a major assignment is due (such as an exam, speech, etc.). Students who are absent beyond the four days will
receive a 20 point deduction for each additional day missed from their final participation grade.
Commented [CLM2]: We need to change to a percent so we
are consistent.
Students “when officially representing the College, such as on a field trip, shall not be counted absent, provided their
faculty/ instructors are given prior notification and any missed assignments are subsequently completed” (Handbook).
“Students will be granted excused absences in the case of a substantiated emergency such as a confining illness, a serious
accident, the death of an immediate relative, or religious observances… Faculty/instructors decide on the validity of the
excuses and provide opportunities for students to complete any required makeup work. Students are responsible for
immediately (emphasis added) informing their faculty/ instructors when they must miss class sessions for
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Palm Beach State College
Course Syllabus - Classroom Course
emergencies"(Handbook). Documentation will be required for all excused absences and must be communicated to the
Professor within twenty-four (24) hours of incurring the absence.
Commented [CLM3]: This section required some MINOR
wording revisions so we are consistent with the current handbook.
The guideline for determining tardies is as follows:
1. A person missing more than 1/3 of a class period will be considered absent.
2. Three tardies (arriving after the official start time of the class) will constitute one absence.
Please note that students who leave early are also subject to the attendance policy. Leaving early and missing more than
1/3 of the class period, the student will be considered absent for the class. Leaving early and missing less than 1/3 of a
class period will accrue to three early misses constituting one absence.
On days when students are presenting speeches, late students will not be admitted to class. Students arriving late to
class on these days will incur an absence and will not be allowed entry to the room. Signs will be posted outside of the
room and students will be given advance notification when these days occur during the term.
Electronic Device Use and Email Policy:
In accordance with P.B.S.C. policy students are asked to refrain from the use of personal communication devices (such as
cell phones) and the use of electronic recording devices. Students are asked to refrain using their cell phones unless given
“phone amnesty” by the professor. If students need to text/ email someone, they should leave class and take care of the
issue outside of class. Please turn off all devices prior to entering the classroom. If a cell phone is heard or if a student is
using the phone during class time, the donut policy will be implemented. Students with an emergency situation may be
granted permission by the instructor to utilize their phones during class time, please consult with your instructor if such
a situation arises.
Late Assignment Policy:
All assignments must be completed on the assigned day. If accepted, late work will be penalized by a significantly lower grade.
Make-up Exam Policy:
It is recommended that students share phone numbers with their classmates so that colleagues may be consulted about
missed information. It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor to make-up any assignments. In addition,
students are responsible for obtaining all notes and information from missed classes. If you need to phone the instructor,
a message may be left at 868.3791(office) or 386.9096(cell).
Absence for an announced examination will count as a failure on that examination unless it was for an emergency
excused by the faculty/ instructor and a make-up examination is taken later.
If the student has been granted an excused absence make-up work is permitted. The instructor must be contacted and
arrangements must be made to complete all missed work. A student who fails to make arrangements within five days
after returning to class loses make-up privileges, and the faculty/ instructor determines the resulting grade.
Withdrawal Policy:
Students who do not meet the above mentioned requirements for attendance are advised to withdraw themselves from
the course. I will not withdraw you from the class. Students who do not meet the attendance requirement and who do
not withdraw themselves will receive an “F” grade at the end of the term. If a student officially withdraws from a course,
the student would earn a grade of a “W” for the class.
The last day to withdraw from a College course with a "W" grade in this course is November 4, 2015. It is the
responsibility of the student to use the PantherWeb system or visit a campus Registrar’s office to withdraw. An official
withdrawal entitles the student to a grade of "W" in the class.
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Palm Beach State College
Course Syllabus - Classroom Course
Sustainability Statement:
Blue Bin: There is a blue paper recycling bin in this classroom. In an effort to minimize
the impact we have on the planet, I encourage everyone to use this bin to dispose of paper and
cardboard.
Green Bin: There is a green recycling bin in our classroom that accepts glass, plastic, and metal. Please
take the extra step to place empty drink bottles and other recyclable materials in the green bin.
Thanks for your help in making PBSC a more environmentally friendly campus!
Other College Policies and Web Information
Classroom Etiquette and Student Behavior Guidelines
Students will demonstrate respect for professors and fellow students. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Behavior that is
disruptive to a positive learning environment reported by the professor will result in a warning on the first instance; the second
instance the student will be removed and privately warned that the disruptive behavior must cease in order to continue attendance or
participation; the third instance will result in the student being permanently removed and reports to the dean of Student Services/
Security who may consider further disciplinary actions.
Computer Competency Component
Each student will, to the satisfaction of the professor, demonstrate a fundamental understanding of basic computer operations
through various professor-determined exercises and/or assignments.
Disability Support Services
Students with disabilities are advised, in compliance with federal and state laws, that accommodations and services are available
through the office of Disability Support Services (DSS). It is the student's responsibility to contact Disabled Student Services
Advisors and to submit appropriate documentation prior to receiving services. Please see the website at
www.palmbeachstate.edu/current for web address for Disability Support Services.
Eating, Drinking and Smoking
Students need to keep their energy level at peak performance; thus are encouraged to eat and drink in classroom when they feel it
necessary. Please note that smoking on Central Campus is only permitted in the parking lots.
Student Responsibility Policy
When a student attends the College, s/he becomes subject to its jurisdiction. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a
responsible manner, in all areas of campus life. By enrolling, they pledge to obey the rules and regulations of the College and are
responsible for observing all College policies and procedures as published in the student handbook, the College catalog and other
College publications. The student will be responsible for preparing for class, participating in class, and completing assignments on
time.
Palm Beach State Websites of Interest
Please see this web page (www.palmbeachstate.edu/current) for a list of web addresses for students.
Department Contact Information
Name:
Sheila Scott- Lubin
Office Location:
TE 109
Telephone:
561.868.4050
Email:
[email protected]
Job Title:
Associate Dean – Communication Division
Please Note: This document is tentative and is subject to change5
Template Date – July 2013