MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Summer 2016
SPC 120 ONLN Public Speaking (3 credits)
Meets: Online
INSTRUCTOR:

Dr. Amanda Davis Gatchet

EMAIL:

agatchet@mc3.edu

SKYPE USERNAME:

amandadavisgatchet

OFFICE HOURS:

MTW 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. via Skype

No appointment necessary for Skype meetings during office hours. Calls will be
answered on a first come, first served basis. Skype or phone conversations during
other times may be made by appointment.

COURSE OVERVIEW
A human performance course which focuses upon the theory, practice, and criticism of different types of
informative and persuasive speeches. Emphasis will be placed on strategies of audience analysis,
organizational methods, and the use of ethical principles in speech preparation and delivery. Presentation
of speeches that identify and analyze current societal needs will lead to student action that will help
alleviate at least one of those needs. This course meets General Education Core Goal 1b: Oral
Communication Skills; Core Goal 2: Analytic Skills; Core Goal 5: Information Literacy; and Core Goal
11: Civic Responsibility.
Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed or tested out of ENG 011, REA 011 or
REA 017 and ESL 011. Successful completion of ESL 009 is required for students who place into
ESL courses.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Select speech topics and deliver speeches according to the occasion, audience, and speaker.
Identify and analyze the elements of informative and persuasive speeches.
Employ research information and evaluate evidence.
Show expanded facility in constructing arguments.
Explain and use Aristotelian models of proof (ethos, pathos, logos) in a basic manner.
Demonstrate the elements of oral style and effective platform techniques.
Demonstrate ability in rhetorical criticism.
Demonstrate analytic listening and informed decision making.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
Lucas, S. A. (2015). The art of public speaking CONNECTPLUS (12th ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill.
Please note that this course uses a digital version of the textbook with access to Connect, the
companion website for the book that will allow you to record, upload, and view speeches. Access
codes are sold at the register of the MCCC Bookstore. The access code will allow you to access
the digital version of the course as well as the Connect companion website.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
1. An official MCCC email account (all correspondence from me will be sent to this account only)
2. Access to a computer, a webcam, a printer, and a reliable Internet connection
3. Daily access to the SPC 120 ONLN Blackboard course shell
a. Class announcements and assignments will be available through Blackboard
b. Grades will be made available through the Blackboard Grade Center (My Grades)
4. Daily access to our course website in Connect, the companion website for our textbook
a. You will access the digital version of our textbook through the website
b. You will record, upload, and view speeches through this website.
CONTACTING YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Because this is an online course, you wont see me on a daily basis in class. However, to ensure your
success in the course it is absolutely essential that you contact me with any questions or concerns you
have about the class and about topics covered in the class. To make contacting me as easy as possible, I
have provided you with multiple routes for reaching me. These include:
1. Video chat through Skype
a. I will always be available to video chat through Skype during my posted office hours (if I
dont answer your call during those times, it means that I am meeting with another
student; try me back in a few minutes). If you need an alternative time (other than my
office hours) to set up a video chat session, just email me and we can arrange an
alternative time to talk.
b. My Skype username is amandadavisgatchet.
c. If you have never used Skype before, the following tutorial can help you get started:
Web Video Tutorial for the Basics on How to Use Skype
2. Email me at agatchet@mc3.edu.
3. Arrange a phone conversation. If you would prefer a phone conversation to a Skype call, let me
know via email, and we can arrange a phone conversation.
COLLEGE POLICIES
All College policies must be followed and are a binding part of this syllabus. Students are expected to
review, understand, and follow academic-related College Policies. The current policies are located in the
Policies tab on the top of the students Blackboard page or at www.mc3.edu/syllabuspolicies
Services for Students with Disabilities
Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) welcomes qualified students with disabilities and
endorses the principles of nondiscrimination and reasonable accommodation as described in Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). To see
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if you are eligible for services and reasonable accommodations in this course please review the policy on
the Disabilities website at: http://www.mc3.edu/campusLife/student-resources/disabilities
Services for our Veterans
Student veterans may be eligible for benefits and services related to military service. For the veterans
resources available at the College please go to the Veterans Affairs Office website at:
http://www.mc3.edu/campusLife/student-resources/veterans
Title IX Statement
Montgomery County Community College and its faculty are committed to assuring a safe and productive
educational environment for all students. In order to meet this commitment and to comply with the
provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681, et. seq.,
which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the course of any federally funded educational
program or activity, and to further comply with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of
2013 (VAWA) and its attendant Campus SaVE Act provisions (Campus SaVE), anyone who believes
that s/he or any other member of the College community has encountered sex discrimination, sexual
harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking as prohibited by this policy,
whether by a supervisor, a co-worker, faculty member, student, vendor, contractor or any other person
with whom s/he comes in contact at the College, in the course of any educational program or activity at
the College, should report the incident directly to the Title IX Coordinator for the College. A complete
explanation of this policy may be found at: http://www.mc3.edu/component/content/article/92-aboutus/policies/hr-6/8147-dis-har-vio
The Title IX Coordinator for the College is the Director of Equity and Diversity Initiatives and may be
reached at College Hall on the Central Campus, by phone at 215-619-7383, or by email:
TitleIXCoordinator@mc3.edu.
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
All classroom policies must be followed and are a binding part of this syllabus. Students are expected to
review, understand, and follow all classroom policies.
Absences
Because this is an online course with no required face-to-face meetings, I will not be taking attendance in
the traditional sense. That being said, students are expected to be present in the virtual sense by making
a habit of checking their MCCC email on a daily basis. Students are also expected to log on to Connect
and the course Blackboard page regularly. This will help you keep track of announcements, important
deadlines, and class activities taking place in the virtual environment.
Although the nature of online courses allows you greater flexibility in how you schedule your work and
study time, please remember that virtual attendance and participation is expected.
Civility
You are free to speak your mind in this course. As such, you may be exposed to opinions and viewpoints
that are contrary to yours. Please keep an open mind during online interactions and be respectful of your
instructor and fellow classmates. If you feel uncomfortable because of a course interaction, you may
speak with me at any time. Course lectures and discussions are intended to instruct, not to persuade you to
support a particular point of view.
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This course is a Safe Space. No discrimination on the basis of gender, race, sexual orientation, class
affiliation, age, religious, or spiritual beliefs will be tolerated.
Assignments and Deadlines
Although the online nature of this course allows you some degree of flexibility, please note that you are
expected to complete assignments on time.
Assignments are due at 11:59 p.m. on the dates they are assigned. Rare exceptions to this rule will be
determined on a case-by-case basis. You are always welcome to complete work in advance of the
deadline.
Please keep backup copies of your work, as you are solely responsible for all lost or misplaced
assignments.
Missing a speech is considered a serious breach of course expectations. You may make up one missed
speech over the course of this term with a late penalty, with the exception of the group presentation
assignment. If you miss the group presentation assignment, you will receive a zero on that assignment. No
exceptions.
In order to receive a make up opportunity for any other speech, you must notify me at least 12 hours
before the speech deadline. This means that I must be notified by noon (Eastern Time) the day that your
speech is due. If you do not notify me a minimum of 12 hours before the deadline, you lose your
opportunity to make up your missed speech, and you will receive a zero on that assignment.
The late penalty for speeches (one per student, per summer session) is 20% of the possible points on that
assignment. This is equivalent to two letter grades.
Please keep backup copies of your work, as you are solely responsible for all lost or misplaced
assignments.
Comprehensive Grading Policy
Students are expected to review, understand, and follow the Colleges Comprehensive Grading Policy and
associated procedures, which include the Grading System, Attendance, Administrative Deregistration,
Academic Progression, Course Repetition, Course Withdrawal, Incomplete Grades, Audit, and Academic
Dishonesty.
Instructor Feedback
Feedback on Quizzes will be generated automatically. I will try my very best to provide feedback on all
other assignments within five business days of the assignments deadline.

Email
You are expected to check your MCCC email and Blackboard accounts regularly for course
announcements, possible schedule changes, etc. When you email me or send a Blackboard message,
please allow a 24-hour response time (although, I will probably get back to you sooner). In addition, every
email should follow the following guidelines:

Put the purpose of your email and your class section number (120 ONLN) in the subject line
Use correct grammar and spelling (no text speak!)
Use formalities such as Dr. Gatchet
Make sure to sign your email with your first and last name.

Academic Support/Tutorial Services

Free subject-area tutoring, academic workshops, and study skills specialists are available at Central
Campus in College Hall 180, across from the Cafeteria. Tutorial Services helps students develop learning
strategies based on their unique learning styles with the goal of creating successful students and
independent learners. For more information, contact the Tutorial Services office at 215-641-6452 or log
into the portal and find them online at:
https://mymccc.mc3.edu/allcampusresources/academicaffairs/lal/Pages/Tutorial%20Services.aspx
Withdrawal Policy/ Audit Policy
Students are encouraged to consult with their instructor and/or an academic advisor when initiating a
Course Withdrawal. The instructors permission must be requested and received if requesting a
withdrawal after 60% and before 75% of the course is completed. After 75% of the course is completed,
students may apply for an Excused Withdrawal due to medical, catastrophic, or other circumstances
beyond the students control. Please refer to the College calendar for deadlines for withdrawal, and obtain
any necessary signatures from your instructor. Specific dates of deadlines for this semester may be found
at http://www.mc3.edu/adm-fin-aid/deadlines. The Colleges withdrawal policy, including the full Course
Withdrawal procedure, may be found at http://mc3.edu/component/content/article/89-aboutus/policies/aa-3/8582-grade-fall-2014.
NOTE: If you do not formally withdraw from the course you will receive an F for the course.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
This skills-based course will use the following assignments to measure students understanding of
communication theories as well as their demonstration of effective public communication skills.
Speaking Assignments
Autobiographical Speech (50 pts.): Students will give a short (2-3 minute) speech in which they speak
about themselves and their interests in a succinct and interesting manner. No formal research, outline, or
presentation aids are required for the extemporaneous delivery of this speech.
Informative Speech (150 pts.): Students will learn to organize, prepare, and deliver an informative speech
that will teach an audience new information, introduce a new concept, or enhance an audiences
understanding of a topic. The topic should concern a current important social or political issue. Students
are expected to complete outside research, utilize both preparation and speaking outlines, and create an
effective PowerPoint presentation to aid in the extemporaneous delivery of this speech. Informative
speeches should be 5-6 minutes in length.
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Persuasive Speech (200 pts.): Students will learn to organize, prepare, and deliver a speech that takes a
persuasive stance on some aspect of the topic used in the informative speech. Students are expected to
continue their outside research on this topic, utilize both preparation and speaking outlines, and create an
effective PowerPoint presentation to aid in the extemporaneous delivery of this speech. This speech
should be 7-8 minutes in length.
Group Presentation (100 pts.): This assignment asks you to work in a group to create a persuasive
campaign. Each group is expected to identify a non-profit organization whose mission is consistent with
some aspect of your topic. Your group will then create a persuasive campaign based on what youve
learned about this group and your topic. Students are expected to complete outside research on this topic,
identify and analyze a target audience, utilize both preparation and speaking outlines, and create an
effective PowerPoint presentation to aid in the extemporaneous delivery of this presentation. Groups will
have 16-18 minutes for their presentations.
Individual Delivery, Group Presentation (25 pts.): Although groups will receive the same grade on the
group presentation and audience analysis assignments, each group member will receive an individual
delivery score based on his/her performance during the presentation.
Writing Assignments
Peer-Critique Essay (50 pts.): This assignment asks you to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of a
classmates informative speech and provide feedback in a constructive and appropriate manner. You will
submit two copies of this assignment. The first copy must include your name and will be submitted to me
for grading. The second copy, which may be submitted without your name, will be shared with the
student for whom you have provided your critique. Your essay should be 2-3 pages. It should be typed,
double spaced, and should use 12 pt. font. Your writing should be professional, clear, and free from any
grammatical, formatting, or typographical errors.
Self-Critique Essay (50 pts.): This assignment asks you to reflect on the preparation and delivery of your
persuasive speech and analyze its strengths and weaknesses in terms of content and delivery. This essay
should incorporate audience feedback from your informative speech (provided by classmates and the
instructor) and should reflect on the ways in which you used this feedback to improve your performance
on the persuasive speech. Your essay should also outline detailed strategies for future improvement. Your
essay should be 2-3 pages. It should be typed, double spaced, and should use 12 pt. font. Your writing
should be professional, clear, and free from any grammatical, formatting, or typographical errors.
Audience Analysis (25 pts.): You will be required to identify, survey, and analyze your target audience
for the group presentation assignment. You are expected to submit a brief memo (one page, single spaced)
that outlines important data that pertains to your target audience and summarizes the appropriate steps you
have taken to appeal to this audience in your presentation. Your writing in this memo should be
professional, clear, and free from any grammatical, formatting, or typographical errors.
Group Membership Evaluation (20 pts.): Active, involved group members are essential for any group
project. Therefore, you will be asked to evaluate the performance of each of your groups members
including yourself. The average of all total scores will be used to calculate each individual group
members participation grade. If you do not submit this assignment, a zero will be calculated into the
average for your score. If you submit this assignment late, a late penalty will be deducted from your score.
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Knowledge Assessment Assignments

Quizzes (4 @ 50 pts. each): Students will take four quizzes over the course of the summer session.
Quizzes will consist of 25 multiple choice questions. Quizzes will be administered via Blackboard.
Each quiz will be timed. Once you access the exam you will have 35 minutes to take it. Once you begin
an exam, you must complete it. The exam is designed to allow students to take it only once. So, when you
sit down to take the exam, make sure you have 35 minutes to complete it. It is also advised that you study
for the exam as you would an exam given in a physical classroom. While you will have access to your
book and your notes (and I have no way to monitor that), the timing feature on the exam is designed to
give you enough time to take it without using outside resources. You may not collaborate with anyone
on an exam.
There is a practice exam in the Week 1 module under Course Materials. If you have never used the
testing feature on Blackboard and are anxious about how it works, please feel free to play around with the
practice exam. This exam is optional and worth no points. It will remain open throughout the semester,
and you can take it as many times as you would like. It is designed to give you a space to practice with the
technology in order to reduce your anxiety during actual exams.
Participation Assignments
Discussion Posts (10 @ 10 pts. each): One of the challenges of an online course is trying to simulate the
dynamic exchanges that occur in a physical classroom. To account for this, students are expected to
provide thoughtful, detailed answers to discussion prompts about course readings and speech assignments
via the Blackboard Discussion Board.
You will be required, as a minimum, to post one original response to the discussion topic and reply to at
least two other students responses. To receive full credit, discussion posts should fully address issues
introduced in the prompt, be well developed, grammatically correct, and should utilize course readings to
support claims. Responses should be substantive and engaging. Discussion posts (and responses) are due
by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the days they are assigned. No late posts will be accepted.
Chapter Readings (17 @ 1.77 pts. each): The online version of this textbook helps you track what you are
learning as you read. You will receive Chapter Readings points simply for completing course readings as
they are assigned.
GRADING
Grades are determined on a straight percentage scale based on the number of points earned out of a
maximum of 1000 points. There will be no further rounding or curving of grades.
Final Grades:
A=
A- =
B+ =
B=
B- =
C+ =
C=
D=
F=

930-1000 pts.
900-929 pts.
870-899 pts.
830-869 pts.
800-829 pts.
770-799 pts.
700-769 pts.
600-699 pts.
0-599
pts.

Assignments:

Points

Speaking Assignments
Autobiographical Speech
Informative Speech
Persuasive Speech
Group Presentation
Individual Delivery (Group)

% of Overall Score

Your Score

50 pts.
150 pts.
200 pts.
100 pts.
25 pts.

5.0%
15.0%
20.0%
10.0%
2.5%

__________
__________
__________
__________
__________

Writing Assignments
Peer-Critique Essay (Informative)
Self-Critique Essay (Persuasive)
Audience Analysis (Group)
Group Member Evaluation

50 pts.
50 pts.
25 pts.
20 pts.

5.0%
5.0%
2.5%
2.0%

__________
__________
__________
__________

Knowledge Assessment Assignments

Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Quiz 3
Quiz 4

50 pts.
50 pts.
50 pts.
50 pts.

5.0%
5.0%
5.0%
5.0%

__________
__________
__________
__________

Participation Assignments
Chapter Readings (17)
Discussion Post 1
Discussion Post 2
Discussion Post 3
Discussion Post 3
Discussion Post 5
Discussion Post 6
Discussion Post 7
Discussion Post 8
Discussion Post 9
Discussion Post 10

30 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.

3.0%
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%
1.0%

__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________

1000 pts.

100.0%

__________

Total:

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. Check the course Blackboard website regularly for course announcements.
2. Participate fully in discussion board opportunities.
3. Be prepared. Read the assigned material and actively take notes.
4. Pay attention to you classmates online comments and posts.
5. Check your MCCC email account daily.
6. Email me at any time with questions about the readings or your assignments.
7. Submit your work on time.

TENTATIVE DAILY COURSE

Readings should be completed by the date assigned. Any changes to this schedule will be announced.
WK. DATE
TOPIC
READING ASSIGNMENTS & DUE DATES
MON. 5/23 Course introductions
Ch. 1
Speaking in public
TUES. 5/24 Ethics in public speaking
Ch. 2
Discussion Post 1 due 11:59 p.m.
1
WED. 5/25 Listening
Ch. 3
THU. 5/26 Giving your first speech
Ch. 4
FRI. 5/27
MON. 5/30 Memorial Day Holiday
No Class
2
TUES. 5/31
Quiz 1 (Chs. 1-4) due 11:59 p.m.
WED. 6/1
Autobiographical Speech due 11:59 p.m.
THU. 6/2
FRI.
6/3
MON. 6/6
Speaking to inform
Ch. 15
3
TUES. 6/7
Selecting a topic and purpose
Ch. 5
Discussion Post 2 due 11:59 p.m.
WED. 6/8
Analyzing your audience
Ch. 6
Discussion Post 3 due 11:59 p.m.
THU. 6/9
FRI. 6/10
MON. 6/13 Gathering materials
Ch. 7
4
TUES. 6/14 Supporting your ideas
Ch. 8
Discussion Post 4 due 11:59 p.m.
WED. 6/15
Quiz 2 (Chs. 5-8, & 15) due 11:59 p.m.
THU. 6/16 Organizing the body of the speech Ch. 9
FRI. 6/17 Beginning and ending the speech Ch. 10
MON. 6/20 Outlining the speech
Ch. 11
5
TUES. 6/21 Delivery
Ch. 13
Discussion Post 5 due 11:59 p.m.
WED. 6/22 Using visual aids
Ch. 14
Informative Speech due 11:59 p.m.
THU. 6/23
FRI. 6/24 Speaking to persuade
Ch. 16
MON. 6/27 Methods of persuasion
Ch. 17
6
TUES. 6/28 Summer Holiday
No Class
WED. 6/29 Summer Holiday
No Class
THU. 6/30 Summer Holiday
No Class
FRI. 7/1
Summer Holiday
No Class
MON. 7/4
Summer Holiday
No Class
7
TUES. 7/5
Discussion Post 6 due 11:59 p.m.
WED. 7/6
Quiz 3 (Chs. 9-11, 13 & 14) due 11:59 p.m.
THU. 7/7
FRI.
7/8
MON. 7/11
8
TUES. 7/12
Peer-Critique Essay due 11:59 p.m.
Discussion Post 7 due 11:59 p.m.
WED. 7/13
Persuasive Speech due 11:59 p.m.
THU. 7/14
FRI. 7/15

10

11

MON. 7/18
TUES. 7/19
WED. 7/20
THU. 7/21
FRI. 7/22
MON. 7/25
TUES. 7/26
WED. 7/27
THU. 7/28
FRI. 7/29
MON. 8/1
TUES. 8/2

Speaking in small groups

Discussion Post 8 due 11:59 p.m.

Quiz 4 (Chs. 16-17, & 19) due 11:59 p.m.

Discussion Post 9 due 11:59 p.m.

Self-Critique Essay due 11:59 p.m.

Group Presentation due 11:59 p.m.

Audience Analysis due 11:59 p.m.
Group Member Evaluation due 11:59 p.m.
Discussion Post 10 due 11:59 p.m.

WED. 8/3

12

THU. 8/4
FRI. 8/5
MON. 8/8

Ch. 19

Last Class Day

Course Wrap

10