Tennessee Technological University

Department of Communication
SPCH 2410 Introduction Speech to Communication
James Monroe Stewart
Spring 2014 - 2015

Section
Days
Time
Meets

Course Section Information 3 Credit Hours

10858 001
10859 002
10860 003
10861 004
Tue & Thu
Tue & Thu
Tue & Thu
Tue & Thu
8:00 9:20 9:30 10:50 12:00 1:20
1:30 2:50
HH 106B
HH 106B
HH 106B
HH 106B

Disability Services
Students with disabilities, requiring accommodations, should contact the Office of Disability
Services (ODS). An Accommodation Request (AR) should be completed during the first
week of the semester. The ODS is located in the Roaden University Center, Room 112;
phone 1.931.372.6119
Instructor Information
Professor:

James Monroe Stewart, Professor, Speech Communication

Web Site:

http://iweb.tntech.edu/jmstewart

E-mail:

jmstewart@tntech.edu

Office Location:

102A Henderson Hall (5 William L. Jones Drive; 38505-0001)

Office Hours:

M, W, and F: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; AND Daily BY Appointment

Office Phones:

Office -- 1.931.372.3889 Fax -- 1.931.372.6225

Department (RUC 376) -- 1.931.372.3060

Required Texts and Readings (Additional Syllabus Material on Website):

Course Foundations -- Syllabus Supplement
SUCCESS (SPECIAL) NOTES

Brydon, Steven R. & Scott, Michael D. (2011). Between One and Many The Art
and Science of Public Speaking, 7th Edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
English Handbook or Writing Style Manual (Your choice).

Spring 2015__SPCH 2410 Syllabus

Supplementary Materials (REQUIRED:

DVD or CD and Case (NOT RETURNED)

Personal Timer (watch, stopwatch, cell phone, web-based timer, or other);
Note Cards 4 x 6 (are REQUIRED)

TTU Catalog Course Description:

Lec. 3. Credit 3. Prerequisites : None
Introduction to the communication process, interpersonal communication, group
discussion, and public speaking. Students are required to prepare and deliver speeches.
Communication Learning Outcomes (and Objectives):
Students will demonstrate the ability to. . . .
(https://www.tntech.edu/cas/gened/learnoutcomes-comm )
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.

Analyze and evaluate oral and/or written expression by listening and reading
critically for elements that reflect an awareness of situation, audience, purpose,
and diverse points of view.
Distill a primary purpose into a single, compelling statement and order and
develop major points in a reasonable and convincing manner based on that
purpose.
Develop appropriate rhetorical patterns (i.e., narration, example, process,
comparison/contrast, classification, cause/effect, definition, argumentation) and
other special functions (i.e., analysis or research), while demonstrating writing
and/or speaking skills from process to product.
Understand that the writing and/or speaking processes include procedures such
as planning, organizing, composing, revising, and editing.
Make written and/or oral presentation employing correct diction, syntax,
usage, grammar, and mechanics.
Manage and coordinate basic information gathered from multiple sources for
the purposes of problem solving and decision-making.
Recognize the use of evidence, anlaysis, and persuasive strategies,
including basic distinctions among opinions, facts, and inferences.

The learning outcomes for communication will be achieved through a variety of

instructional methods, including:
Lecture presentations Readings in the text Other related readings
Video presentations Small group activities Student Speeches
Research projects
Analytical papers
Tests, pop quizzes

Spring 2015__SPCH 2410 Syllabus

Instructional / Learning Expectations:

Course Orientation and Basis:
Application and demonstration of prior educational learning;
WRITING SKILLS are assumed. Written presentations (outlines and other
assignments) must be in complete, simple sentences, with appropriate
subordination. This can be the basis for assignment and / or course failure.
POORLY WRITTEN AND PRESENTED (STRUCTURED) ASSIGNMENTS
ADVERSELY AFFECT ORAL PRESENTATION GRADES.
This course emphasizes all dimensions of oral communication. Specifically,
this means that verbal communication is one component of communication. You
are expected to function equally as well in listening, reading, and writing.
Application and synthesis of LECTURES, assigned textbook chapters, and other
assignments as appropriate;
Mastery of speech composition and delivery, with emphasis primarily on
informative and persuasive speaking.
Drop Class / Withdrawal Dates
It is my desire that you complete this course with the highest possible grade. However,
circumstances may arise in which you may need or desire to drop this course.
Please know that withdrawing from class is a formal process. You must complete the
necessary university paperwork in order to withdraw. See the official college catalog for
the current withdrawal policies. Important semester drop and withdrawal dates can be
found on the Universitys Web site at
https://www.tntech.edu/em/records/generalinfo/dropaddwithdrawl .
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a guiding principle in this course. It goes beyond the Tennessee
Technological Universitys Academic Misconduct Policy in the Faculty Handbook (see
https://www.tntech.edu/handbooks/facultyhandbook/misconductpolicy ) and the
Student Conduct and Disciplinary Policies (see
https://www.tntech.edu/engineering/departments/me/to-be-sorted/misconduct ).
Your academic integrity extends to such matters as your obligations, responsibilities, and
preparedness in this course. When assignments are due have them ready. Do not depend
on others to cover for you because you have met your previous assignment in a timely
manner. When assignments are due, always assume you are the sole speaker or writer.
Spring 2015__SPCH 2410 Syllabus

Academic Misconduct
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. A student
guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly, through participation or
assistance, is immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. The instructor has the
authority to assign an F grade or a zero for the exercise or examination, or to assign an
F for the course. University sanctions for academic misconduct may include suspension
or dismissal from the University. Please see the section in the current Catalog on
Academic Misconduct. (See also Academic Integrity Section above.)
ATTENDANDCE and ATTENDANCE-RELATED ISSUES
Attendance is required (IN THIS COURSE). Class participation counts toward grading.
You cannot make-up class participation activities outside of class.
The issue of attendance is important because it will affect your individual final grading
scheme directly, indirectly, or both. There are two attendance components, absence and
tardiness. Each component can adversely affect your individual, graded assignments and
final course grade.
For each absence, 0.3 points (based on a 10 point scale) are deducted from your earned,
final, computed grade. Documentation for valid or unavoidable absences relieves you
from losing points. Or, you may attend another section on the same day, as your
schedule permits; this privilege is not to be abused.
Roll will be called at the beginning of the class period; therefore, if you are not present to
answer, you will be marked absent. The issue of tardiness is important because I usually
make my announcements at the beginning of class, which may affect classroom
administration, your individual classroom participation, and/or your assignment
obligations. You can always ask whether I have made any announcements, but it is your
responsibility. The same is true for letting me know you were late coming to class, but
you were in attendance. And, do not assume I know who you are; tell me.
Lack of class attendance can be a factor in course failure. It is a factor in final
grading.
ASSESSMENT and GRADING
Assignments are due on time, whether absent or present. In cases of absence, turn
assignments in early. Religious holidays or University sanctioned activities are
examples herein.
Spring 2015__SPCH 2410 Syllabus

Grading Scale:
A= 9.3 10 B = 8.5 9.2

C = 7.5 8.4

D = 6.5 7.4

F = below 6.5

Overview
Be clear on your understanding of each individual assignment requirements and
weighting. Understand the evaluation process and grading for these assignments.
Know that each assignment builds a foundation for subsequent ones. Further, the
greater the weighting on an assignment the more effort and resources is expected to
be put in it.
You are encouraged to discuss your individual assignment grade, as appropriate, in
a timely manner. However, I will not discuss grades in class. You must visit with me
during office hours, or you may also engage me on campus in other environments. I
will not discuss any assigned grades after the last day of class. This does not apply
to the final exam and the specific reasons for the final course grade.
FAILURE is applied to assignments turned in late; this applies to both speech and written
assignments. Absences do not suspend the clock on assignments due; provision must be
put in place to meet deadlines. This strategy is consistent with the world of work
experience and the team approach herein. Documented excuses or my personal
judgment may ease this penalty.
Speech (Oral) Assignment Issues
FAILURE (F = 0) is the penalty FOR EACH of the following infractions. They are: (1)
READING, (2) MEMORIZING speeches, (3) TIMING of speeches below or beyond the
set time limits, and (4) speaking from a sentence outline or manuscript. The use of note
cards is expected / required, but reading from them is not. Reading is allowable for
quotes, statistics, and other materials for accuracy.
Oral assignments (speeches) are due for all students on the date scheduled. Each
speech assignment takes multiple days to complete. You must (ALL) be ready to
present on the first day of the assignment. It is your individual responsibility to be
prepared to speak. The order of speaking is voluntary. If there are no volunteers,
the assignment is terminated. The non-presenters are each awarded an F = 0.
Your final course grade is lowered by one letter if you fail to present one of your
three individual speeches on the first day due. This policy is an attempt to minimize
any unfair advantage associated with additional preparation time across the
semester for any one student.
Spring 2015__SPCH 2410 Syllabus

Written Assignment Issues

Your knowledge and use of the English language and your written presentational skills
are expected; it is assumed you have mastered writing for college level challenges. The
essential point is that written work and its presentation are integral components of the
speech-making process. The course textbooks provide the necessary models for written
assignments in this course.
Models for submitting your outlines are found on the website and in the textbook
associated with this course. The website provides the necessary, required labels and
overall structures; the textbook supplies the associated structures and details.
FAILURE (F=0) is applied to any written assignments (research, outlines,
compilations, and the like) not presented in a quality and aesthetic manner. This
applies also to documents /assignments without proper identification and labeling of
the assignment.
FAILURE (F=0) is applied to any written assignments turned in late.
POINT and BONUS Systems
Your active participation is vital to your success. You may earn a maximum of 0.5 points
for perfect attendance in your registered section. Perfect attendance is defined herein, as
zero absences. Excused absences are absences within the scope of this definition. This
scheme should net you about one-half of a letter grade toward your earned final,
computed grade.
Each absence carries a penalty of 0.3 points; it is subtracted from your earned final,
computed grade. You may attend another section if you have an unexpected situation
during your normal class time. Three absences equate to approximately one-letter grade.
For each acceptable, documented absence, there is no penalty. Or, you may attend
another section on the same day, as your schedule permits; this privilege is not to be
abused.
Finally, besides the course textbook, the two documents listed in the section entitled
Required Texts and Readings are considered syllabus documents. They are a must read
for course success.

Spring 2015__SPCH 2410 Syllabus

Graded Class Assignments

You are to address the audience extemporaneously and personally. Your note cards will reflect
your delivery outline. In addition, be clear on your understanding of each individual assignment
requirements and weighting. Understand the evaluation process and grading for these
assignments. LATE ASSIGNMENSTS DEFAULT TO F=0.
Activity
Weight /
Assignment
Time
ORAL
FINAL PROJECT
25%
Listening (ALL In-class activities) is the FINAL PROJECT on
on CD or DVD
On-going CD or DVD (Specify Media). CONTAINS ALL CLASS AND
LISTENING ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE SEMESTER.
(Specify Media)
SPEECHES
ASSIGNMENTS (Hand-outs are not allowed)
Speech 1
10%
INFORMATIVE: Focus on introducing yourself to the class.
5-7 Min Single theme is expected.
Speech 2
15%
INFORMATIVE: RESEARCHED CONCEPT, PERSON,
7-9 Min OBJECT / THING, EVENT, OR INSIGHT. VISUAL AID IS
REQUIRED. Single theme is expected
Speech 3
25%
PERSUASIVE: Student chooses topic. VISUAL AID(S)
(with DATA &
10-12
REQUIRED. SINGLE THEME IS REQUIRED.
MEDIA)
Min
You are to PRESENT your DATA and CITE SOURCES for your
data. The data must be SHOWN or DEMONSTRATED.
Speech 4
25%
PERSUASIVE (GROUP): Group members decide on the topic. It
(Group Speech with
20-25
must be approved. VISUAL AID(S) REQUIRED. SINGLE
DATA & MEDIA)
Min
THEME IS REQUIRED
You are to PRESENT your DATA and CITE SOURCES for your
data. The data must be SHOWN or DEMONSTRATED.
100%
Averaged and computed with WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS.
WRITTEN
Outline -- Speech 4
50%
Detailed Sentence Outline (including BODY) Speech 4.
Speech 3 Citations
20%
15 Reference citations for Speech 3.
Speech 4 Citations
30%
25 Reference citations for (Group) Speech 4.
100%
Averaged and computed with ORAL ASSIGNMENTS.
EARNED
200% /2 In order to pass this course, students must complete all
SEMESTER
assignments. Extra credit does not compensate for MISSING
GRADE
ASSIGNMENTS or ABSENCES.
OTHER FACTORS
Extra Credit
???
PROJECTS MUST BE APPROVED. .
???
Points subtracted for each missed class.
ATTENDANCE
FINAL GRADE
ORAL + WRITTEN / 2 + EXTRA CREDIT ATTENDANCE.

Spring 2015__SPCH 2410 Syllabus

Course Lecture and Assignment Schedule

The following schedule is to be considered a relative guide rather than an absolute one. It may (will) change or be modified,
depending on the depth of the material, current developments, and human circumstances. Please do not hesitate to ask where
we are in the lecture sequence. Further, my lectures are based on the chapters in the text, but I draw upon many other
sources. Lecture notes are not available for this course. SEE WEB SITE FOR MORE DETAILS.
Week 1:
Martin Luther King Holiday, No Classes
19 January 23 January
Class begin on 20 January 2015

Week 2:
26 January 30 January
Week 3:
2 February 6 February
Week 4:
9 February 13 February
Week 5:
16 February 20 February
Week 6:
23 February 27 February
Week 7:
2 March 6 March
Week 8:
9 March 13 March
Week 9:
16 March 20 March
Week 10:
23 March 27 March
Week 11:
30 March 3 April
Week 12:
6 April 10 April
Week 13:
13 April 17 April

Week 14:
20 April 24 April
Week 15:
27 April - 1 May

Week 16:
4 May 8 May

Introduction to the course, .syllabus and course policies.

ENTIRE TEXT ASSIGNED (YOU) READ ALL.
Focus on PART 1 (Chapters 1 & 2 & 3)
Define the scope of Communications
Lecture Focus PART 1 (Read all) and PART 4 (Read all)
Lecture Focus PART 1 and PART 4
Lectures and Discussions
Speech 1 with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 1 with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 1 continued; SPEECH 2 DUE
Lecture Focus PART 2 (Read all) and PART 3 (Read all)
Speech 2 with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 2 with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 2 with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 2 with complete sentence outline DUE

Spring Break, No Classes

Lecture Focus PART 3 and PART 4
Lecture Focus PART 3 and PART 4
15 Reference Citations for Speech 3 DUE. ALL STUDENTS
Written Proposal and Group Verbal Proposal DUE ALL GROUPS
Speech 3 with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 3 with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 3 with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 3 with complete sentence outline DUE
25 Reference Citations for Speech 4 DUE. EACH STUDENT
Master Reference Citations List for Speech 4 (compiled across all members)
ALL GROUPS. DUE
Speech 4 Outline and References. ALL GROUPS. DUE
Speech 4 (GROUP SPEECHES) with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 4 (GROUP SPEECHES) with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 4 (GROUP SPEECHES) with complete sentence outline DUE
Speech 4 (GROUP SPEECHES) with complete sentence outline DUE
FINAL PROJECT DVD / CD DUE (by last day of OUR class).
Last Day of Classes for semester, 1 May.
FINAL EXAMINATION WEEK:
8:00 - 9:20 TR 8:00 10:00
9:30 10:50 TR 10:30 12:30
12:00 1:20 TR 10:30 12:30
1:30 2:50 TR 1:00 3:00

Wednesday, 6 May
Monday, 4 May
Tuesday, 5 May
Tuesday, 5 May

Syllabus Update: Spring 2015

Syllabus Date:
12 January 2015

Spring 2015__SPCH 2410 Syllabus