Principles of Human Communication Syllabus 3 credits CNA 100

HU 319 MWF 10:00-10:50am Fall 2003
Instructor: Bryan Gahagan
Office: HU409A
Phone: 375-7421
E-mail: brgahag1@wsc.edu
Office Hours: MW 3-4pm/TTH 2-4pm and by appointment
Web site: http://www.wscspeech.n3.net

Textbook: Communications: Making Connections by Seiler and Beall

Course Description and Objectives

Principles of Human Communication is a practical and general course designed for students who desire to improve their speech efficiency, poise, and self-confidence in interpersonal, small group, and public situations. Special emphasis will be given to communication competency and communication ethics.

Students in this course will acquire knowledge of the elements and models of communication in a variety of situations. In particular, students will learn about the nature of interpersonal, small group, and public speaking communication. beyond this, the student will prepare and present speeches and presentations in interpersonal, small group, and public speaking settings and contexts. this course is a prerequisite to all other speech courses.

Students who complete the required work will be prepared to achieve two major objectives: First, understand the principles of effective oral communication; and second, apply these principles in actual speaking situations. Students will be graded primarily on performance and participation in classroom activities.

Course Purpose

This course is a general education requirement specifically designed to improve one’s communication competency in various communication settings. This course provides educational experiences that will contribute to one self-confidence, competency and poise in oral communication events.

Course Requirements and Expectations

1. Students must present their speeches when assigned.
2. Attendance is required and expected.
3. Four speeches are required--three informative and one persuasive presentation. Speeches must include:
* A minimum number of independent references depending upon the assignment
* Visual aids where appropriate
* A minimum time limit to be determined with each speech.
4. Detailed typed outlines with reference are required for all speeches. The outline and not cards will be turned in the day of the speech.
5. Students are expected to read the chapter assignments and will take a chapter quiz prior to discussion.
6. Academic Misconduct: Cheating on examinations or assignments in any form will result in failure for the course. Rude behavior in class will not be tolerated.


Grading System

Each assignment has a point value attached to the task. The assignments are divided up into five categories:

Small (S) is 30 points. This is used for quizzes and in-class assignments.
Medium (M) is 60 points. This is used for outlines and some out of class assignments
Large (L) is 100 points. This is used for exams and speeches.
Extra Large (XL) is 150 points. This is used for speeches.
Extra Extra large (XXL) is 200 points. This is used for the last persuasive speech.

There is also a discussion point bonus. Points will be deducted for unexcused absences.

the first informative speech will have a minimum of three outside references. The second informative speech will have a minimum of four outside references. The third informative speech will have a minimum of five outside references. The last speech, the persuasive speech, will have a minimum of seven outside references.

Tentative Weekly Schedule CNA 100 Fall 2003

Week 1 : Introductions, Chapter 1 Quiz and Discussion
Week 2: Chapter 7 and 8 Quizzes and Discussion
Week 3: Chapter 9 and 10 Quizzes and Discussion, Assign Speech Order
Week 4: Chapter 11 Quiz and Discussion, Informative Speech #1
Week 5: Informative Speech #1
Week 6: Chapters 2 and 3 Quizzes and Discussion, Midterm Review
Week 7: Informative Speech #2
Week 8: Informative Speech #2, Midterm Exam
Week 9: Individual Conferences, Discuss First Two Speeches
Week 10: Chapter 4 Quiz and Discussion, Informative Speech #3
Week 11: Informative Speech #3
Week 12: Chapters 12, and 5 Quizzes and Discussion
Week 13: Chapter 6 Quiz and Discussion, Assign Order of Persuasive Speech, Final Review
Week 14: Speech #4 Persuasive Speech
Week 15: Speech #4 Persuasive Speech
Week 16: Extra Credit Speeches, Final Exam

Schedule is subject to change and does not include in-class assignments. Please see the web site, http://www.wscspeech.n3.net, for a more complete, day-by-day schedule.

Faculty Expectations of CNA 100 Student Outcomes

Students who complete this course should:
A. be able to use principles of human communication taught in this class for future communication encounters interpersonal, small group, and public speaking situations.
B. be aware and tolerant of opposing viewpoints.
C. show improvement in communication competencies within interpersonal and public speaking contexts.
D. demonstrate, through class presentations, library research skills.
E. demonstrate, through class presentations, the formation of logical and coherent arguments.
F. demonstrate, through class presentations, a professional, conversational delivery style.
G. demonstrate, through class presentations, the basic organizational skills of speech making.
H. recognize individual speech anxiety or limitations and develop coping strategies.
Other Notes

Wayne State College provides an array of services to assist students, including the U.S. Conn Library and computer labs. The Learning Center, located in the Student Center, provides peer tutoring for most general education classes; the Counseling Center, also located in the Student Center, provides assistance in career planning, goal setting, personality assessment, stress management, and individual and group counseling. For further information phone extension 7213.

In order to assist each individual to perform to his/her potential, it is necessary for me to be made aware of any conditions which may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements/practices.