COMM 1110

Public Speaking
January Mini Term 2019
CRN 20104, SECT 16

Instructor: Dr. Bruce Getz, Assistant Professor of Integrated Media, Department of Communication
Office: Carpenters Hall #105
Jan Term Office hours: Each day after class, or by appointment scheduled via email
Office Phone: 706-507-8648
Email: getz_bruce1@columbusstate.edu

Course Description
An introduction to the basic principles of public speaking. Students will deliver a variety of speeches
using library research services. Computer laboratory assignments require students to conduct online
research, generate word processing documentation and graphic support for their presentations.
Satisfies the core curriculum requirement in area B.

Class Schedule
January 2nd – 19th
Monday – Friday, 10:45am – 1:26pm
Location: Main Campus, Howard Hall #102

Required Text
Columbus State University COMM 1110: Public Speaking: Custom 2nd Edition: 2018: Sage
Publications (Sold only in campus bookstore)

Course Materials
Students must have access to a computer with presentation software and a reliable internet
connection in order to conduct research and create presentation materials.

Course Fee
Fees associated with this course are used for the design and implementation of course elements
including technology and assessment.

Prerequisites
COMM 1110 requires a high level of verbal and written expression, and you must have a command of
the English Language, both written and verbal, including fluency, diction, and articulation. Completion
of the Technological Solutions course is highly recommended for students deficient in computer
literacy, i.e., creating, editing, saving, formatting, and printing documents; spell checking; and
document enhancements such as underlining, boldface, and italics. Knowing how to use specialized
library resources facilitates the research necessary for such preparation.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this course you will have acquired a knowledge and understanding of
• How the process of oral human communication works
• How to respect other people’s values, beliefs, and attitudes
• How to become a better listener and critical thinker
• How to analyze an audience
• How to use computerized research services
• How to organize and outline a public presentation (talk to an audience)
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• How to organize, prepare and effectively communicate with an audience in order to inform and
persuade the audience
• How to use computer-generated presentation software
• How to present effective visual messages to support communication with an audience

General Course Objectives

A. Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally in various contexts
B. To develop the three primary areas of speaking (oral communication): presentation construction,
presentation delivery, and critical thinking and listening
C. To instill an understanding of the societal value of oral communication skills
D. To encourage students to engage effectively, confidently, and actively in the communication
process

Student Learning Objectives

During this course, you will engage in the process of:
A. Identifying an issue/cause or organization for civic engagement, identifying a problem (a
community need) and developing a solution
B. Recognizing your position and the position of others on this issue (understanding why the
cause/organization is not getting the attention it deserves)
C. Tailoring the way you voice your position to your audience
D. Ethically and professionally presenting your position in a conversational manner to your audience
E. Demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally in various contexts.
F. At semester’s end, discovering that you have become a resident expert on your cause/organization
and have grown considerably knowledgeable on those of your classmates.

Grading
Assignment rubrics and/or directions will be made available in CougarVIEW and will be discussed in
detail in class. Grades will be assessed in the following areas:

Introductory Speech, 1/4/19

Topic Introduction Speech, 1/8/19
Topic Introduction Feedback, 1/8/19
Narrative Speech, 1/10/19
Assignments – 70% Narrative Speech Feedback, 1/10/19
Informative Speech, 1/15-or-16/19
Arguments & Counter Arguments, 1/15-or-16/19
Informative/Arguments Feedback, 1/15-or-16/19
Persuasive Speech, 1/18/19

Midterm Exam, 1/9/19

Exams – 10%
Final Exam, 1/19/19

Quiz 1, 1/4/19
Quizzes – 10% Quiz 2, 1/11/19
Quiz 3, 1/16/19

Attendance, Punctuality, and Participation will be assessed at the end of

Attendance – 10%
the semester.
Total – 100%

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Grading Scale
90 pts or higher = A Grades will only be rounded to the next whole point.
89 – 80 pts = B For example, at the end of the semester, if the student has
79 – 70 pts = C earned 88.75 points the final course grade would be an 89 “B”.
69 – 60 pts = D
59 pts or below = F

Attendance Policy
Attendance is critical to success in this course. Attendance will be taken during each class meeting.
Students are allowed one absence. Each additional absence will result in a four-point reduction of
the student’s final grade for each occurrence. Students with more than 2 unexcused absences will be
dropped from the course roster. Students are allowed one tardy. Each additional late arrival will
result in a two-point reduction of the student’s final grade.

Late Assignment Policy

Due to the importance of student attendance for both delivering presentations, and attending
presentations in order to give feedback, late assignments will not be accepted. Quizzes and Exams
must be completed on time – late attempts will not be accepted.

Backup of Student Computer Digital Files and Assignments

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure their presentation materials are stored and backed up
on more than one digital storage device. It is recommended that each student backup (copy) all digital
presentation materials onto a Flash Thumb Drive, Cloud Storage, and/or CSU H Drive. Any loss of
presentation files will not be a valid excuse for incomplete class assignments.

Course Etiquette
Classroom etiquette includes maintaining a positive attitude, being respectful of others’ opinions,
being prepared to engage in discussion, and working together in a spirit of cooperation. Collectively,
we are a team working to improve and learn. Each student must be productive and contributing
member of our team. Please follow the expectations of our learning community:
- Attend all class meetings. Be on time. Your classmates are counting on you to be as
knowledgeable and involved as they are.
- Put your phone away, limit use of your laptop. Please don’t let your phone distract you
from learning the foundational skills taught in this course. Class presentations will be
posted to Canvas, please limit taking notes on your laptop/tablet/phone. This course
requires and audience – your participation is a priority!
- Eat before class. Please do not bring food into class. If you must have a drink, it should
have a secure lid.
- Guests (individuals not registered for the course) are not allowed to attend class without
specific prior permission from the instructor.

Academic Honesty
The university recognizes honesty and integrity as central virtues of academic life and as fully
necessary to its very existence. The university also recognizes and accepts that cooperation,
discussion, and group studying outside of the classroom are essential elements of the academic
experience, and that students may seek assistance in their studies, such as tutoring and peer review.
However, while such practices are acceptable and even encouraged, students must understand the
parameters of accountability in their academic performance and need to respect the academic
freedom of the faculty. Students are responsible for adhering to the regulations pertaining to
academic misconduct published under Student Rights and Responsibilities in the Student Handbook
available in the Student Life Office and on the Web at http://students.columbusstate.edu/.
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Academic Honesty – Public Speaking
Students are responsible for producing their own, original work this semester. Reusing presentations
from other courses, sharing presentations, or using the presentations of others will be considered an
act of academic dishonesty. All work is to be original and must reflect careful preparation. In all
assignments the viewpoint, style, and wording must be your own. The only exception to this is a
citation or direct quote that is directly credited and acknowledged. Failure to acknowledge use of
others’ materials is considered plagiarism and will result, at minimum in a “0” for that assignment and
may result in an “F” for the course. All instances of plagiarism will be referred to the Dean of
Students.

Course Evaluation
Students are asked to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing
online evaluations at the end of the semester.

ADA and 504 Statement

If you have a documented disability as described by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, you may be eligible to receive accommodations to assist
in programmatic and/or physical accessibility. We recommend that you contact the Center for
Accommodation and Access located in Schuster Student Success Center, Room 221, 706-507-8755
as soon as possible. The Center for Accommodation and Access can assist you in formulating a
reasonable accommodation plan and in providing support. Course requirements will not be waived
but accommodations may be able to assist you to meet the requirements. Technical support may also
be available to meet your specific need.

Resources

CSU Counseling Center – For students in crisis, the counseling center is available at 706-507-8740
during the day, and also can be reached via University Police at 706-507-8911 at night.
https://counsel.columbusstate.edu/

Center for Accommodation and Access – Students requesting class accommodations must first
register with the Center for Accommodation and Access. You will receive documentation to give to
each of your instructors. https://disability.columbusstate.edu/

CSU’s Schwob Memorial Library offers many services to aid you in creating your presentations
including research assistance and access to technology: https://library.columbusstate.edu/index.php

Computer Labs – https://uits.columbusstate.edu/helpdesk/students/computerlabs.php

HelpDesk & Repair Shop – Call 706-507-8199 or visit https://uits.columbusstate.edu/

Student Health Services – Call 706-507-8620 or visit https://healthservices.columbusstate.edu/

Military & Veteran Students – CSU assists military, family members, and veterans by aiding them in
understanding and using their tuition assistance and veterans benefits. Call 706-507-8866 or visit
https://military.columbusstate.edu/

Career Development – Located in the Schuster Student Success Center (Room #102), the mission
of The Center for Career Development is to enhance student success through the development and
implementation of experiential learning opportunities aimed at career preparation and life skills
competencies. https://career.columbusstate.edu/
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