Fundamentals of Speech

FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH

COMMUNICATION 1113

Fall 2008

Department of Mass Communication

University of Central Oklahoma

Professor: Kathryne Roden, Ph.D.

Office Number: CB 207F

Contact Number: 974-5587 (office)

Fax Number: 974-5125
Email: First Choice: UCONNECT Course email function

Second Choice: kroden@ucok.edu

Office Hours: T TH 10:30-12:30; W 5:30-7:30 PM

Best form of communication if you need to visit with me is to first contact me by email. You may then leave a cell number for me to contact you. You are welcome to stop by during office hours. Other appointments can be arranged as needed.

COMM 1113 CRN: 12317 Location COMMUNICATION RM 203

Text: Nelson, Titsworth, & Pearson (2008). iSpeak: Public Speaking for Contemporary Life. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

CPS Clickers. A CPS clicker and course access code are required for this course. CPS clickers may be purchased in the bookstore. New text books include the access code for this course. If you purchase a used book you will need to purchase an access code. Access codes for this class are available in the book store or can be purchased on-line at e-instruction.com.

Other Resources and Supplies

VHS-C - Compact Videocassette for a Camcorder
VHS Play-Pak Adapter
- In lieu of purchasing the VHS-C tape and Play-Pak Adapter, you may also bring your own personal video camera to record yourself.
Regular access to computer and printer

Course Goal: To enhance students’ competence in preparing, delivering, and evaluating public speeches responsibly and ethically in a culturally diverse society.

Course Description: This course introduces elements of speech and principles of effective speaking in public. Emphasis is placed on performance and skills in preparing and presenting a public speech.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of Communication 1113, you will be able to:

· Explore elements of communication and their role in effective communication

· Analyze the audience and adapt the speech to fit the audience

· Use appropriate criteria for selecting topics for speeches

· Recognize and use different types of supporting materials

· Develop and utilize creditable research skills

· Organize speeches effectively with a well developed introduction, body, and conclusion

· Demonstrate the elements of effective speech delivery

· Evaluate the effectiveness of his/her speaking experiences

· Develop and build a stronger sense of self-confidence and self-reliance in speaking situations

· Develop insights and abilities with respect to effective communication and presentation skills

· Develop the ability to effectively integrate multimedia to enhance public speaking

· Develop effective use of online communication including use of WebCT

Course Policies for Communication 1113

► Participation Policy:

Your participation is vital to the success of the teaching and learning environment. If you are not in class, you cannot participate; therefore, you are expected to participate in all classes. It is essential that you commit to active participation in class. Each student is expected to actively engage in note taking, discussions, group activities and in-class assignments as well as both giving assigned speeches and listening to others’ speeches.

► Attendance Policy:

Regular attendance in Communication 1113 is expected. Being absent deprives you of valuable classroom discussions and experiences. Absences prevent you from effectively fulfilling course assignments. Therefore, you are "entitled" to only two absences during the semester. These absences should be reserved for circumstances beyond your control, such as illness, family emergencies, unexpected conflicts with work schedule etc. No matter what the reason for your absence, you are still responsible for all information presented in class during your absence. Each absence after the 3th will result in a 10 point deduction from your final point total. The exception to this policy is a military or school-sponsored activity. In such an event, you must present official documentation of the military or school-sponsored activities that require your absence from class. Any other exception is considered on an individual basis with timely and appropriate communication with the professor. Note: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class and during the 2^nd half of each class. Attendance records will be maintained and closely monitored.

► Tardy Policy:

Class begins at the assigned time; please be on time for all classes. Everyone is expected to be professional and be on time. Since the beginning of class as well as the end often includes important information coming late or leaving early will result in point deduction or may result in an absence. Attendance will be taken with the clickers at the beginning of each class period. After the first tardy, each additional tardy will result in at least a 5-point deduction from your total point accumulation. If you are late, slip in quietly and take the seat nearest the door. If a student is giving a presentation, please stay outside until the student is finished. Advise me immediately after class or you will not receive attendance credit for that period. This is your responsibility!

► E-mail Account and Internet Access:

All students have a UCO e-mail account and must check it on a regular basis for class communication purposes. All UCO students have a UCO e-mail account provided through UCONNECT. All class e-mail will be sent using UCONNECT to your UCO e-mail

The following information was taken from http://uconnect.ucok.edu

A. What is UCONNECT?

The University of Central Oklahoma News and Networking Educational Communication Tool is a secure web site providing UCO student, faculty and administrative staff with up-to-the minute campus communications, single logon connections to check grades, check schedules, add or drop classes, and access online course information. In a nutshell, UCONNECT is UCO's campus portal.

B. Where is UCONNECT? http://ucok.edu

C. How do I get a UCONNECT account? Admission to the university automatically generates your account.

D. How do I get assistance if I am unable to log in? On-line support is found in the

Frequently Asked Questions or you may contact the Technology Support office at 974-CALL (x2255) or by e-mail at support@ucok.edu.

If the UCONNECT server is down, you may still enter the course at http://webct.ucok.edu:8090/webct/public/home.pl You may use your UCONNECT username and password.

Ø All students must use the WebCt for this course on a regular basis prior to each class to obtain course updates, materials, assignments & other information as determined by the instructor. Printing materials such as handouts, study questions, and assignments from WebCT will be necessary. Assignments will often be received and submitted via the assignment link on WebCT. Grades and feedback on assignments will also be provided in WebCT.

► CLICKER Policy:

CPS clickers are required and will be used in this course on a daily basis. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase a CPS clicker and the course access code for the clicker for this class. Access codes are bundled with the new texts. However, if you purchase a used book you will need to purchase the access code separately. They can be purchased from the bookstore or directly from e-instruction.com. Registration of your clicker is required the first week of class. Information to register your clicker will be provided on WebCt and in class. It is your responsibility to register your clicker within the first week of class.

ü Clickers will be used each day; therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to bring the clicker to each class. Attendance will be taken with the clickers for each class. In addition. quizzes, exams, and class participation will also require use of the clickers. BRING YOUR CLICKER.

ü If students are discovered using or have others use clickers for purpose of attendance, quizzes, class participation ETC… BOTH STUDENTS INVOLVED WILL BE PENALIZED FOR ATTENDANCE, CLASS PARTICIPATION, and CLASS ACTIVITIES. In other words, all students are expected to use only their own clicker and are not to use other students’ clickers for any reason. Any instance will be recognized as an act of cheating and will be treated as such.

► Late Speech, Examinations, and Assigned Work:

All assignments, written and oral, are due on specified dates. You are responsible for meeting these deadlines and for making arrangements to complete the late work. Assignments not completed on schedule, including exams taken late, will result at least a 15% reduction regardless of the reason for the assignment not being completed on time.

ü Late written work: This involves any work not submitted on the day of the assignment. If the assignment is due in class "On Time" is defined as the beginning of class; "Late" is defined as anything after the beginning of the class period. For assignments submitted on WebCT “on time” is the stated due time. Anything after that time is considered late. Submission of all speech outlines, PowerPoints, speech evaluations, and papers must be turned in to receive a passing grade regardless of number of points accumulated.. After one week late will receive a 30 % penalty. Late work will not be accepted after two weeks.

ü Late Presentations or missed exams: It is departmental policy that students must complete all speeches and exams before a passing grade in Communication 1113 will be issued, regardless of how many points are accumulated. If you miss your assigned day to to present, you must make arrangements with the instructor.

► Written Assignments:

Except for work completed in class, all written assignments in Communication 1113 must be typed. In addition, all written assignments are expected to meet college level standards of proficiency. Hand written work will not be accepted. If you do not have access to computer equipment, or if you need help with your writing, please notify your instructor who will advise you of the appropriate campus services and facilities. In addition, all work with multiple pages must be turned in stabled. DO NOT paper clip, fold corner or turn in loose. Invest in a stapler. Many of your assignments will also be submitted on-line in WebCt under the Assignment link. All assignments submitted on-line must be attached as rtf.file , pdf file, or a Word 2003 file.

ü Use of proper APA format is required with all written work. If you are not familiar with APA style it is your responsibility to become familiar and proficient in using the APA format with all written assignments, including speech outlines and references. You will be provided with sample outlines, papers, and works cited for your reference. Your instructor will also be available for questions, but you are responsible for adapting your work to this format.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

http://www.liu.edu/CWIS/CWP/library/workshop/citapa.htm

Guidelines for Preparing Papers and Presentations:

Ø Clarity with respect to expression, grammar, meaning, sentence structure, and paragraph development

Ø Logic in the presentation of the central idea, specific purpose, introductions, main ideas, support of main points, and conclusions

Ø Organization that builds a coherent, structured, well developed outline and speech

Ø Evidence of supporting statements and opinions of the writer/speaker. Ask yourself, ‘on what basis am I making this statement’—on what experience, on what research, on what statistics, testimony, or illustrations? Cite sources in work cited, on the outline, and within the oral presentation.

Ø Bias free use of language particularly in regards to gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and individual disabilities.

Ø Authentic, original work that is free from any form of plagerism

► Textbook Readings:

You are responsible for reading designated textbook chapters prior to the class period for which they are listed on the syllabus. The textbook is required in Communication 1113 and will be the source of chapter quizzes and much of the testing. BRING YOUR BOOK TO CLASS. The books may be needed at anytime. Quizzes will be given over readings on a regular basis with the clickers

► Notebooks:

Organization is essential for successful participation and development in this course. Therefore, you are expected to maintain an organized notebook throughout this course. Materials located in the notebooks may be utilized at any point throughout the semester during class. Research for speeches need to be developed and organized and available upon request by instructor throughout the speech preparation process and may be requested at the time of the speech.

► Extemporaneous Presentations: All presentations must be delivered extemporaneously (from an outline). No full manuscripts will be permitted. Students must strive for the “90% Rule” - maintaining eye contact with the audience for approximately 90% of the speaking time. Presentations that are read from a full manuscript will not earn a passing grade. Students need to prepare a speaking outline to use in addition to the formal sentence outline.

► Recording Presentations: All presentations will be taped. Please bring a VHS-C compact videocassette tape to class on each day you are scheduled to perform or bring your own video camera. You will do your self-evaluation critiques after you have watched/analyzed your tape.

► Professional Conduct:

You are expected to exhibit professional behavior at all times in this class. Professionalism includes, but is not limited to, respecting others' rights to express opinions, maintaining a positive demeanor about your assignments, being prepared for discussion, speeches, and other assignments, being an active participant in group activities, and not being disruptive during class. Any non-professional behaviors will result in a loss of attendance and/or participation credit for the day.

Ø Appropriate class conduct: Active participation is expected. Be engaged in the lecture, discussion or activity. Use ethical speaking and listening. Do not disrupt class; do not work on homework for other classes; do not write notes; do not read the paper; do not text, and no private conversations with classmates during class. All electronic devices must be turned off during class. This includes cell phone, pagers, iPod, BlackBerry, laptop, etc.

Ø Cell Phones: Professional behavior includes appropriate use of cell phones. SHOW RESPECT TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR AND CLASSMATES. REMEMBER TO PLACE ALL CELL PHONES ON SILENT BEFORE CLASS BEGINS! Under all circumstances, cell phones must remain OFF and put away during exams and speeches. Sending and receiving text messages during class is prohibited.

Ø Use of Computers: Professional behavior also includes appropriate use of computers in class. Using laptops may be acceptable at times and may facilitate note taking and access to WebCt for certain assignments. However, checking emails, surfing the web, use of Skype, IM, My Space, Face Book and other activities not directly related to class activities are unacceptable and will result in an absence as well as loss of in-class use of computer.

Ø APA Guidelines to Reduce Bias in Language: In the discipline of Communication, the 2001 Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5^th edition (better known as the APA Manual) will be important as this is the documentation style used in the social sciences. For this particular class, students will be responsible for using language orally and in writing that is in keeping with the APA guidelines to reduce bias in language, particularly in regards to gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and individual disabilities.

Violations of these guidelines for appropriate classroom behavior may necessitate a private conference with consequences to be determined and put in writing, or the situation may be referred to UCO's Student Conduct Officer. Lack of professional courtesy may result in permanent dismissal from the class.

► Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is a serious offense. Students are expected to understand the issues related to plagiarism. Description of the various forms of plagiarism is provided in the textbook and will be discussed during the first week of class. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in any form and any instance of plagiarism will be managed according to departmental and university policy.

Ø Use of Turnitin.com:

o Turnitin.com Plagiarism Syllabus Statement: UCO subscribes to the Turnitin.com plagiarism prevention service. Students agree that by taking this course, all required assignments may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted assignments will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com restricted access reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such assignments. Use of the Turnitin.com service is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com website. Turnitin.com is just one of various plagiarism prevention tools and methods which may be utilized by your faculty instructor during the terms of the semesters. In the UCO Student Handbook, there is a process for contesting any plagiarism allegations against you.

► Special Accommodations:

For special accommodations it is important that you make contact with UCO’s Disability Support Services as soon as possible and then provide the professor with the proper documentation from Disability Support Services before any accommodations can be made.

Ø Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement regarding special accommodations:

Ø It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor as soon as possible after the DSS has verified the need for accommodations to ensure that such accommodations are implemented.

►Incomplete Grade

The grade “I” may only be given for work not completed because of circumstances beyond the student’s control and in which further class attendance is not required. The student must have a passing grade and must have satisfactorily completed a substantial portion of the required course work for the semester. An “I” may only be changed to a letter grade by the instructor when work has been successfully completed outside the classroom and no longer than one year after the “I” was assigned as determined by the instructor. An “I” is not given simply because a student wants extra time to complete assignments or wants to earn a higher grade. A formal written agreement must be signed by the instructor and the student and filed in the department/school office, clearly identifying what work is to be completed and the timeline within which the work is to be completed.

►Weather and/or emergency closing of campus

When weekday or weekend classes are canceled or a delayed opening is announced, local media are notified by the designated university official beginning at 6:00 a.m. for day classes and 3:30 p.m. for evening classes. The UCO closing information line (974-2002) and UCONNECT are also utilized for closing information. The closing or delayed opening of administrative offices will be announced separately from those related to classes. Faculty will determine any necessary adjustments to course content and schedule due to a university closing. The instructor may require that assignments be submitted and that Web CT discussions are necessary even when classes are closed. Check WebCT mail and announcements when classes are canceled.

►Major Assignments for Fundamentals of Communication --- COMM 1113

Transformative Learning and Communication: The core curriculum courses in Mass Communication supports UCO’s mission of transformative learning within the context of global and diverse perspectives, civic engagement, cultural awareness and leadership. As part of class activities and assignments this course will engage the students in experiences in leadership, service learning and civic engagement activities as well as global and cultural competencies. Communication is a critical aspect of each of these activities. How people communicate, the ways people communicate, to whom, and with what effects are fundamentals aspects of our democracy including our academic, professional and social relationships. As you develop an understanding and use of the communication process you will observe and participate in communication in action as you engage in these transformative learning activities on campus and in the community as part of this course. These activities will serve as a source for individual and group activities, speeches, and projects.

Speeches and outline (Total Point value: 450 points)

Introductory Speech: (Point Value: 50) (Outline: 25 Points)

This assignment is designed for three purposes (a) to have an initial speaking opportunity and (b) to get to know each other better and (c) reduce the tension and communication apprehension. It is suggested that you bring three items that represent your life: Past, present and future. Each item should be introduced and explained with detail in relation to your identity. Each student will be responsible for preparing a 2-3 minute speech. A written copy of the speech is not required; however, an outline of your speech is required.

Informative Multimedia Speech: (Point Value: 100) (Outline: 50 points)

Each student will select an informative topic and organize, develop and deliver a 4 to 7 minute informative speech that incorporates the use of a multi-medium to illustrate the information and to better inform the audience. A focus leadership, civic engagement or a cultural initiative required including personal experience and interviews as supporting material. T he delivery should reflect public speaking strategies. A complete preparation outline must be turned in prior to speech. Outside research is required and all sources must be referenced in the speech and the written outline. A work cited page should be included in APA format. Speech topics must be approved by professor.

Persuasive Speech with Multimedia: (Point value: 100) (Outline: 25 points)

Each student is asked to identify, develop and deliver a 5-8 minute speech which is persuasive in nature. You will be asked to take a position on a controversial issue and present a speech that is designed to obtain acceptance from the audience. Use of video to support an aspect of the persuasive speech is required. Outside research is required and all sources must be identified in the oral presentation and the written outline. A work cited page should be included in APA format. Speech topics best be approved by professor.

Group Project: (Point value: 50 points total)

You will work in groups of 4-5 people to develop and participate in a small group problem solving process focused on service learning, leadership, and/or cultural engagement. You will be asked to identify a problem, work through possible solutions, and reach a decision. Research and will be required.

Special Occasion Speech (Point value: 50)

Special occasion speeches will be assigned. You will be asked to identify a person, organization, accomplishment, or service worthy of receiving an acknowledgment. You will make a 2-3 minute speech presenting the award, tribute, or toast. Topics must be approved.

Impromptu Speeches (Point value: 50)

Impromptu speeches will be conducted throughout the semester. Impromptu informative or persuasive speeches and will be 1 to 3 minutes depending upon nature of assignment.

v Completion of assigned speeches includes submission of all speech documents. Documents for all speeches will be submitted under assignments in WebCT. These documents may include a typed speaking outline, typed full-sentence outline, annotated bibliography, works cited page with all sources in APA format, PowerPoint, and link to video. Details for each assignment will be posted under ASSIGNMENTS

Student Speech Evaluations (Point Value: Cumulative 100)

This involves two parts. Part 1: all speeches will be video recorded. Each student will watch your speech and prepare an evaluation of your taped speech. Evaluations of each of your speeches will be submitted on-line under assignments within 48 hrs after giving the speech. Part 2: Each student will also observe, evaluate, and provide feedback to at least 2 other classmates’ regarding their speeches.

Exams: (Point value: 250)

This course will include three exams throughout the semester and a final exam. The exams will consist of multiple choice, true and false as well as short response questions. The syllabus provides a tentative listing of chapters covered in each exam. The exam s will focus on the comprehension and application of concepts and theories covered in the chapters and classroom discussions. The final exam will be a comprehensive exam and will involve 2 parts: Part 1 A multiple-choice questions and Part 2 critique of a speech.

Classroom activities, participation, and homework assignments: (Point Value: 200)

You will learn to apply the concepts covered in the course in terms of your daily communication encounters and opportunities by taking the concept(s) and reflecting upon how the particular phenomenon is enacted in your personal, professional, academic, and work life. This may include a variety of activities using WebCT, unannounced quizzes, in-class individual and group activities, and writing exercises. Each activity, assignment, or quiz will be valued at 5-50 points. For much of this you must attend class the day of these activities in order to receive credit for the work. If you are absent, YOU are responsible to check the WebCT course and determine if you missed a classroom activity. Please be aware that most activities require you to be present in class and may not be made up at a later time. Other activities include use of the assignment and discussion link on WebCT. This requires that you log onto the course on WebCt on a regular basis. *

Summary of Assignments and Points

Three Exams @ 50 points each = 150points (15 % of grade)
Final Exam @ 100 points (10 % of grade)

Speeches & outlines = 450 points (45% of grade)

· Introduction Speech = 50 points (Introduction speech and outline) (7.5% of grade)

· Introduction Outline = 25 Points

· Informative Multimedia Speech = 100 points (15%)

· Informative Outline = 50 points

· Persuasive Speech = 100 points (12.5%)

· Persuasive outline = 25

· Special occasion speeches = 50 (5%)

· Impromptu speeches = 50 points (5%)

Student Speech Evaluations – 100 points (10% of grade)
In-class activities, participation, discussion board, and homework assignments = 200 points (20%)

Tentative Grading Scale: **

A = 1000-900

B = 899-800

C = 799-700

D = 699-600

F = 599 – below

Total Course Points = 1000**

* If you are absent, YOU are responsible to check the WebCT course and determine if you missed a classroom activity or homework assignments. Some activities may require you to be present in class and may not be made up at a later time. Remember, that after the 3^rd absence there is a 10 point deduction for each class missed.

**The final course points are subject to change as they will reflect the amount of classroom activities assigned during the semester. Therefore, the final grading scale will be determined by the total possible points. Consequently, a final grading scale near the end of the semester will be posted. Basically, 90% or better of total points constitute an A, 80% of total points is a B etc…

NCA Credo for Ethical Communication

(Approved by the NCA Legislative Council in 1999)

The National Communication Association is the national scholarly organization representing higher education and K-12 communication issues and concerns. They have published a Credo for Ethical Communication which will be a foundation for our class. This is a 1999 document, taken from their website, retrieved on May 27, 2008: http://www.natcom.org/nca/Template2.asp?bid=514

Questions of right and wrong arise whenever people communicate. Ethical communication is fundamental to responsible thinking, decision making, and the development of relationships and communities within and across contexts, cultures, channels, and media. Moreover, ethical communication enhances human worth and dignity by fostering truthfulness, fairness, responsibility, personal integrity, and respect for self and others. We believe that unethical communication threatens the quality of all communication and consequently the well-being of individuals and the society in which we live. Therefore we, the members of the National Communication Association, endorse and are committed to practicing the following principles of ethical communication:

We advocate that truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of communication.

We endorse freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent to achieve the informed and responsible decision making fundamental to a civil society.

We strive to understand and respect other communicators before evaluating and responding to their messages.

We promote access to communication resources and opportunities as necessary to fulfill human potential and contribute to the well-being of families, communities, and society.

We promote communication climates of caring and mutual understanding that respect the unique needs and characteristics of individual communicators.

We condemn communication that degrades individuals and humanity through distortion, intimidation, coercion, and violence, and through the expression of intolerance and hatred.

We are committed to the courageous expression of personal convictions in pursuit of fairness and justice.

We advocate sharing information, opinions, and feelings when facing significant choices while also respecting privacy and confidentiality.

We accept responsibility for the short- and long-term consequences for our own communication and expect the same of others.

Department of Mass Communication Policies – Fall 2008

Advisement:

Mass Communication classes held in the morning and early afternoon will be dismissed October 29-30 for pre-enrollment advisement by faculty (unless your instructor announces otherwise). All Mass Communication majors will be required to make and keep an appointment with a faculty member on one of those days. [Note: COMM 1113 Fundamentals of Speech and COMM 2023 Communication for Teachers will not be cancelled.]

UCO Student Code of Conduct 2008-2009: Students are responsible for all information in the Student Code of Conduct 2008-2009. This can be accessed on the Student Affairs Publications website at http://www.ucok.edu/student_affairs/publications.html.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND PLAGIARISM:

The UCO Student Code of Conduct describes Academic Dishonesty and outlines the steps for disciplinary action in the Guidelines for Alleged Academic Dishonesty. This information can be found in Section III, C, 3 & 4.

Academic dishonesty: Includes but is not limited to the “giving” and “taking” of improper assistance in examinations and assignments; not adhering to correct procedures for identification of sources in reports and essays and all creative endeavors; intentional misrepresentation; cheating; plagiarism; and unauthorized possession of examinations. The UCO Student Code of Conduct provides further details. Additionally, any work submitted as an assignment for one class may not be submitted for credit in another class, without prior permission of the professor. Any work so submitted will receive an automatic "0."

Plagiarism: When a student submits any assignment for a course (written, oral, videotape, audiotape, photograph or Web Site), the student will submit entirely original work or will properly cite all sources utilized in the preparation of the assignment. Without proper citation, the student is guilty of plagiarism, which is not tolerated at UCO.

As a student, you are responsible for understanding what constitutes plagiarism. You should talk to your professor to ensure that you can recognize and avoid all types of plagiarism. Plagiarism occurs in two primary ways:

1. Word-for-word copying, without acknowledgement, of the language or creative work of another person. Having another person complete all or part of your assignment is plagiarism and is clearly forbidden. But, in addition, the student should include NO written, video, audio, or photographic material from an existing source, no matter how brief, without acknowledging the source. When using the written words of an existing source in your assignment, either place the borrowed words in quotation marks or set the quotation aside as a block quotation. Additionally, you must include the citation for the material in your assignment. This applies to even the briefest of phrases if they are truly distinctive.

2. The unacknowledged paraphrasing of an author’s ideas. The student should no more take credit for another person’s thoughts than for another person’s words. Any distinctive, original idea taken from another writer should be credited to its author. If you are not sure whether or not an author’s idea is distinctive, you should assume that it is: no fault attaches to over-acknowledgement, but under-acknowledgement is plagiarism. Most style manuals (e.g., Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association) provide information concerning how to paraphrase and cite the ideas and writings of existing sources.

Students may be dismissed from the university for plagiarism. University guidelines provide a range of disciplinary action dependent upon the severity of the offense including but not limited to: requiring a substitute assignment, awarding a reduced grade, awarding a failing grade for the assignment, awarding a failing grade for the course, or expelling the student from the university. Acknowledging that instances of plagiarism may range from minor to severe, the Department of Mass Communication allows the course professor to determine the severity and the disciplinary action for the first instance of plagiarism committed by a student in the professor’s course. However, if that student commits plagiarism a second time in the course, departmental policy requires that the student receive both a failing grade (“F”) for the course and a referral to the UCO Student Conduct Officer. Students should make sure they understand professor expectations for sources and content to be cited.

College of Liberal Arts Policies

Tobacco products are prohibited from the classroom. All personal communication devices are to be turned off or put on silent mode in the classroom. This includes pagers, cell phones, etc.

University Policies

ADA Statement Regarding Special Accommodations:

The University of Central Oklahoma complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations must contact the assistant director of Disability Support Services, Kim Fields, in room 309 of the Nigh University Center, (405) 974-2549. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor as soon as possible after the DSS has verified the need for accommodations to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Additional policies for this course are included in the Fall 2008 UCO Student Information Sheet and Syllabus Attachment which can be accessed at

http://www.busn.ucok.edu/academicaffairs/StudentInfoSheet.pdf

Have a great semester!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

COMM 1113

The course syllabus is considered a contract between the course professor and the student regarding the information, policies, and procedures pertaining to the course. It is your responsibility as a student to read and be aware of all the information provided in the syllabus including project deadlines, reading assignments, exam information, grading procedures, absence penalties, use of WebCT in UCONNECT, and the need to complete all speeches and exams.

The tentative schedule may be updated as the semester progresses. Any changes to the schedule will be announced in class and will be posted under Announcements in WebCT.

To assure that you have read the syllabus and the tentative schedule and fully understand your responsibilities in this course, cut and paste this statement, and submit it into the submission box under assignments by Tuesday August 26^th . This assignment is worth 20 points if completed on time.

I ______________________________________ hereby acknowledge that I have read the course syllabus and the tentative schedule and acknowledge and understand the following:

I further acknowledge that I understand the course information, policies and procedures. If I have any questions regarding the information provided in the syllabus or schedule, I have the responsibility to ask my instructor for further clarification.

I understand that my professor has office hours and may be reached by phone and email. It is my responsibility to communicate with my professor throughout the semester regarding my progress, my questions, and my concerns concerning course content and assignments. It is also my responsibility to review my professors feedback that is directly provided or that is provided on-line, in emails, under grades or under the assignment or discussion links.

I understand that I have a UCO e-mail account provided through UCONNECT. All class e-mail will be sent using UCONNECT to my UCO e-mail I am must check it on a regular basis for class communication purposes. I also must submit my assignments under assignments in WebCT. I will find my grades and feedback on assignments and speeches through WebCT.

I understand that clickers are used in this class. It is my responsibility to bring my clicker to each class. I also understand that there are penalties for academic dishonesty if I am found to be using a clicker for another student and for having another student use my clicker.

I understand the attendance policy limits absences to two. Any absence after the 3rd absence results in penalty. Being on time to class and remaining through the end of class is also expected. Tardiness and leaving early may result in accrual of absences.

I understand that my speeches will be video recorded and must be reviewed by me in order to provide a self-evaluation for each of my speeches. My tape of speeches is to be turned in to the instructor upon request; therefore, I should not record over my speeches until final grades are recorded.

I understand that to receive a grade for this course all speeches and exams must be completed.

Furthermore, I understand that plagiarism is taken seriously, and any instance of plagiarism will result in penalty at the professor’s discretion, and may include receiving an F for the course and may be reported to university officials.