Speech Syllabus
Speech I is a course that enhances the Reading/English Language Arts curriculum. Oral communication is fundamental to all other learning. By actively participating in a variety of speaking activities, students will gain the confidence and skills to overcome communication anxiety. A student who communicates well succeeds in social, economic and academic environments. Effective oral communication provides readiness for the workplace and/or post-secondary education and is, therefore, a recommended elective for students in all career majors.
Rationale
A successful, responsible, productive citizen must know how to read critically, how to write coherently, and how to speak effectively. Students in the speech class are expected to study and master public speaking principles. Through the course work, the students will increase their own effectiveness in communication, gain confidence in their abilities., increase their awareness of the world around them, and perhaps even be able to influence the decision-making process. In addition, students will be given an opportunity to explore and discover dramatic performance talents.
Course Composition
Speech will cover the West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives. The broad composition is reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. The major points are as follows:
Importance of speech communication in everyday life
Speech communication process including terms
Formal and informal communication
Verbal and non-verbal communication
Vocalization process
Compare and contrast hearing and listening
Barriers to effective listening and methods to overcome
Comprehension methods
Listen critically
Effects of cultural diversity on communication
Recognize colloquialisms, dialects, and slang
Identify and use rules of speech etiquette
Identify the characteristics of effective team leaders and responsible group members
Research
Organization and Delivery
Students are expected to complete all work in a timely manner. The only way to make up work is if the student is absent. Homework is not accepted late unless absent. Student then has one day for every day absent to make up the work. The burden for setting up dates and times for make up falls to the STUDENT. The student information sheet will be read to the student and then taken home by the student for the parent to read. The information sheet will be signed and returned for filing.
Textbook: Speech for Effective Communication by Rudolph F. Verderber
Materials: a 3-ring binder with straight-edged paper
3X3 cards
blue or black ink pen
poster board (as may be required for demonstration purposes)
Evaluation
The mid-term and term grades are determined by converting points to the following Kanawha County Schools scale: 93-100=A/ 85-92=B/84-75=C/ 74-65=D/ Below 65=F
*This is a uniform grading scale that was adopted by the WV State Board of Education and is required for all schools in the state of West Virginia.