Communication 1 -Public Speaking – SPRING 2025

Online: 57828, 57759, 57766

INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Jenny Peters

Office: SOC38 or Zoom https://scccd.zoom.us/my/j.peters

Office Hours: MW 12:15 - 1:15 pm, Th 11:00-11:30 online by appt - Fri 8:30-9:30 am, by appt (*If
office hours conflict with your schedule, message me to set an appt at another time)

Email address: jennifer.peters@reedleycollege.edu Office Phone: 638-0300 ext 3299

Last Drop Days: w/Refund: w/o a W: Final drop date:

TEXT: Open Educational Resources (OERs) provided on Canvas Commented [1]: important to know text and materials
to help me succeed
Additional Materials:
- Access to a computer/smart device with a reliable internet connection. Since this is an online
course, not having access to a computer or a good internet connection will not be an
acceptable excuse for missed work. Please choose a face-to-face course that will better meet
your needs if technology is a challenge or not available to you.
- A computer/smart device with the ability to record both video and audio.
- *Recommended: Notecards (4x6 or 3x5) to be used for “Speaking Notes” during delivery.
- *Recommended: A zoom account to listen to and record speeches.

*PLEASE TAKE NOTE: Since this course fulfills the Area A1 requirement for Oral
Communication, you should be aware you will be presenting several speeches (Signature
Assignments) which must be completed in order to pass the class. Commented [2]: this stuck out to me because i'm a
shy person and nervous for this class

COURSE DESCRIPTION, OUTCOMES, AND OBJECTIVES:

Fundamentals of public speaking, utilizing theories and techniques of communication to enhance public
speaking skills. Particular emphasis will be on the organization and criticism of public discourse. This
will be achieved through research, reasoning, presentations, and the evaluation of various types of
speeches which include informative and persuasive speeches

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
~Construct and deliver dynamic and competent presentations that are adapted to the purpose and
audience.
~Utilize organizational patterns and research materials that incorporate sufficient, credible, relevant
evidence.
~Explain principles of human communication by critically evaluating public speeches through
constructive critique and self-analysis.

Objectives:
In the process of completing this course, students will:
~Gain communicative competence and confidence as a result of the preparation, presentation, and
analysis of oral messages.
~Gain an understanding of the communicative process.
~Develop skill in informative, persuasive and ceremonial speaking.
~Recognize the need for clear and concise organization of ideas.
~Use supporting materials effectively.
~Analyze and adapt messages to address audience attitudes, needs and demographics. Commented [3]: excited to learn all of these skills and
~Recognize the role of culture in the production and management of spoken interaction. want to gain the confidence to achieve these skills
~Develop skill in extemporaneous speaking (present a minimum of 3 graded speeches in front of an
audience).
~Enhance vocal skills (projection, diction, inflection and volume).
~Improve listening skills.
~Critique and analyze their own and other speeches.
~Utilize practical assignments and exercises that will reinforce the theoretical concepts studied in class.
~Present a variety of speeches and be expected to present for approximately 25 minutes each during
the course of the semester.

WELCOME to Comm 1 – Public Speaking:

Just a few notes before you jump into the syllabus: I love teaching Communication! I am excited to get
to know you and help you be successful in this class. If you have questions regarding an upcoming
assignment or presentation, I recommend you read the syllabus/schedule first. If you still have a
question, contact me in Canvas Inbox. I am here to help you in any way I can, and my goal is for you to
have a rewarding experience in Communication 1.

This syllabus serves as a contract between you and me. By reading and discussing this
syllabus, you agree to knowing what it contains and abiding by the student “ABCs”: Commented [4]: interesting! never had a professor
use this method!
A-Ask questions about assignments or policies early on.
B-Be responsible for your grades, for knowing the syllabus, for attendance, etc.
C-Come to class (On Canvas/Zoom)

In addition, each of you are also expected to treat each other and the instructor with respect and
professionalism. You are responsible for reading, understanding, and adhering to the SCCCD Student
Standards of Conduct.
In Communication courses like Public Speaking, students often share personal and sometimes
controversial topics. As such, it is extremely important that our classroom is a safe place to explore
these ideas and that all students feel valued and comfortable sharing their ideas. In addition, many
students come to class with legitimate anxiety and apprehension about public speaking. Having a safe
place for this reason is also non negotiable. Any student who behaves inappropriately (face to face,
online or in writing) or violates any part of the student code of conduct will be asked to leave for the day
or may be dropped from the course.

COURSE POLICIES:
Attendance/Drops:

Attendance is crucial in a communication course, but especially in an online course. You are required to
log in at least once a week, to watch the recorded lecture, participate in discussions, and/or participate
in the weekly assignments. If you do not log in and complete the weekly poll/assignment, you will be
marked absent.
You will also be required to log in “live” for the week one orientation and to present TWO
Speeches on Zoom as described in the Welcome Message.
Absences will be excused for extenuating circumstances only. Please send me a message in the Inbox
explaining the reason for your absence and together we will determine the best course of action. If you
are a member of a team or club on campus that will take you away from class, you must make
arrangements with me prior to your absence. Please plan in advance and sign up for a speech date you
know you are able to attend. A grade of “0” will be assigned if you miss a speech (without an
acceptable excuse) or miss a quiz, which may lead to you failing the class (see “Speeches” section). Commented [5]: what are speech days and are these
Knowing that sometimes “life happens,” you will receive one free absence. Each unexcused absence on zoom?
after that will result in a reduction of 5 participation points. More than two weeks of unexcused
absences may result in you being dropped from the course.
You will be considered a No Show if you do not complete week 1 activities and will be dropped from
the course to make room for students on the waitlist. You will be considered a Non-Participant if you
fail to complete all assignments in Modules 1 and 2 by week 2 and will be dropped from the
course. If there are extenuating circumstances for non participation, please contact me as soon as
possible.

Late Work:

Due dates are clearly indicated for each assignment. I understand that sometimes things happen and
will allow up to two late assignments for partial credit. You must fill out a late assignment request
form and submit in the comments section with your assignment. Points will be considered as
follows: 1-3 days late = up to 10% deduction. 4-7 days late = up to 20% deduction. NO late
assignments will be accepted after a week (unless related to a make up). In addition, no late work will
be accepted the last week of class.
Quizzes are the exception to the late policy. You are given 4-5 days to take a quiz online and they must
be completed by the assigned due dates. If you do not take the quiz by the due date, you will forfeit
your points. Plan ahead and be responsible.

Communicating With You:

Canvas Inbox – I will send you a direct message through the Canvas Inbox if I need to speak with you.
Please make sure your Canvas notification settings are set to send an email to your school account.
Announcements – I will be posting Announcements on Canvas often. Announcements will remind you
of what is due, what we are covering in the lecture discussions, and various other topics that are for the Commented [6]: are there any specific tools or
entire class. Make sure your settings are configured to notify you of new announcements. resources for citing properly that you would
Course Modules – There will be a course module for each week which contains everything you need recommend?
to know; links to assignments, quizzes, videos and more.

Communicating With Me:

Canvas Inbox – If you need to contact me directly, please use the Inbox first. I will respond to your
messages within 24 hours during the weekdays; but usually within the hour. I only check my Canvas
Inbox regularly during the weekdays between the hours of 7:00 am and 4:00 pm. If you message me
over the weekend, I may not get back to you until Monday. Please do not panic.
Canvas messages automatically forward to my email and I will be notified when you have sent a
message; you do not need to send a message through both Canvas and Email. When sending a
message, clearly state your question, and include your name and class section.
Email - If Canvas is down, you may send an email to jennifer.peters@reedleycollege.edu.
Canvas Cafe - Q & A – You can ask questions here that you think might be of interest to other
students. All students are encouraged to respond if they know the answer and can be of assistance. If a
student has not responded to you in 24 hours, I will reply here as well.
Office Hours – You can stop by my office or visit me on MW 12:15 - 1:15 pm, TuTh 11:00-11:30
online, or Fridays by appt, 8-9 am (*If office hours conflict with your schedule, please message
me and we can set an appt at another time) Commented [7]: key takeaways:
-stay on top of deadlines
Communicating With Each Other: -stay organized
-plan ahead

In “class”: you will have opportunities to connect with students on the discussion boards and while
giving feedback on Zoom speech days.
Canvas Cafe - Q & A - see comments above
Audience Evaluations - You will have the opportunity to help your classmates prepare and analyze
their speeches. More details to come.

Participation:

Even though this class is not face to face, you are expected to actively participate in zooms and
discussion boards. You will also be asked to give peer evaluations on speech days; both oral and
written. Therefore, plan on arriving to Zoom on time and remaining until all students have given their
speech. If you have a job or other commitment that will regularly keep you from participating, please
take this class at another time.
Please remember, when on Zoom, you are required to have your video on, give feedback and
participate in discussions for the class period as part of your participation and attendance for the day.
This means you should not be doing anything else during the zoom class time, like driving, working,
scrolling on social media, etc.

Cheating and Plagiarism:

Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class. ANY act of cheating or plagiarism, whether
large or small, will be treated the same. Using someone’s outline/speech as your own, using an online
app or AI site to create answers to a test or assignment, sharing answers to an online test with another
student, and not properly citing research are all examples that should be avoided. Students caught
cheating or plagiarizing will receive an “F” on the assignment in question, may fail the class, and will be
reported to the dean. This is a serious offense and could ruin your academic and/or athletic standing. If
you are struggling, please do not consider cheating/plagiarizing as an option. Contact me and I will do
my best to work something out with you.

Changes to the Syllabus:

I reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus throughout the course of the semester. Any
changes made to the course syllabus will be done in the best interest of the students. Changes will be
shared in the announcements. It is your responsibility to make sure you are informed about any
changes that occur.

Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSP&S) office:

If you have a verified need for an academic accommodation or materials in alternate media (Braille,
large print, electronic text, etc.) per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, please contact me as soon as possible so we can make sure that you have
everything you need to be successful in the class.

The Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSP&S) office is designed to provide specialized services
and accommodations that assist students with documented disabilities to reach their maximum
potential while achieving their educational goals. DSP&S staff interact with all areas of the campus to
eliminate physical, academic and attitudinal barriers. If supports like extended testing time in an
alternate location, audio books or note-taking assistance would be helpful to you, please contact the
DSP&S for an appointment. The DSP&S is located in Humanities 58 and can be reached by telephone
at (559) 494-3032 or by email at dsps@reedleycollege.edu. Contact should be initiated as soon as
possible to allow adequate time for accommodations to be arranged.

Tutoring Centers:

Reedley College offers face to face and online tutoring at each of the centers: Learning Center, Math
Center and Reading and Writing Center. For more information about enrolling in their Canvas Courses,
hours, and services, go to reedleycollege.edu/academics/tutoring-services/index.html

Health and Mental Health Services:

The Student Health and Mental Health offices are available to all enrolled Reedley College students.
They are located in Student Services Building #30 and are open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5pm.
Health Services offers in-person and telehealth appointments. Walk-in are also welcome. To schedule
an appointment to see the College Nurse, please contact the Health Office at (559) 494-3028, or email
the Health Office at healthservices@reedleycollege.edu.
Mental Health Services have options for both in-person and telehealth (phone/online) services. To
schedule appointments with a therapist, explore wellness programs, and get unlimited crisis support
at app.uwill.com (use your college email to register). If you are in a crisis situation please call one of
the Crisis Hotlines for immediate assistance. Contact the Mental Health Office at (559) 494-3028
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:

Introduction Speech-Me In A Bag: You will introduce yourself to the class in a fun way. There are NO
Make-Ups. More details to come.

Readings: Reading assignments are posted on the class schedule (and in the modules). The Text for
this class is an Open Educational Resource (OER) and will be provided for you for free on Canvas. As
you read, take notes on anything that stands out or is unclear. I would suggest reading the materials
before watching the lecture video and before taking the Reading Quizzes

Quizzes: You will take five true/false, multiple choice reading quizzes and a midterm and final that
have true/false, multiple choice, and short answer questions. Quizzes/exams will be taken on
Canvas and must be completed before the due date and in the time allotted. Each quiz/exam will
cover information from the readings and lectures.

Speeches: As with anything, “Practice may help you make perfect!” Therefore, you will be given
several opportunities to master your skills at public speaking
As a reminder: This class fulfills the oral component for general education requirements. Four
speeches are REQUIRED and you MUST pass the Informative and Persuasive speeches with a C
or better to pass the class.
I take this very seriously. Students who miss a speech (or fail the informative or persuasive
speech) will deplete ALL participation points and will receive a 0 on their ceremonial critique
and the final quiz; this means the highest grade you may possibly earn in the course is a D. In
addition, no student will receive points for any of the other assignments connected to the speech they
missed such as outlines, reference pages, or reflection papers. Mathematically students who miss a
speech would have a difficult time passing this course. I will offer a “Make Up” day at the end of the
semester for anyone who has been excused from missing a speech (or didn’t earn a C or higher on the
Informative or Persuasive speech). You must request to make up the speech and can only make up
one speech on that day. Further details will be shared in class.

Outlines/References: You are required to turn in an outline/including references for each speech
(unless otherwise noted) which MUST be submitted on the due date. If you fail to turn in an
outline with references on the due date you will not be allowed to give your speech and may
earn a 0 on that speech. If you earn a 0, you will fail the class. Plan ahead and be responsible
for your work.

Audience Evaluations: For each speech, you will be asked to give constructive, written feedback to
your classmates. More details to come.

Reflection papers: After each Speech you will spend some time reflecting on both the content and
delivery of your performance, including the comments from your audience evaluations and grading
rubric. Then you will type a 1-page self-evaluation discussing what you did well, what you could
improve upon, and specific ways you can make improvements.

Extra Credit: There may be opportunities to make up for missed points. Further details will be
provided. Remember, extra credit means “extra effort, extra work, and extra care.” Late assignments
will not be accepted for any reason.