Syllabus

Demonstration

Informative

Sales

Persuasive

Small Group

Andover Central High School

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor Name: jodee hobbs

Class Location: Room 402

Phone: 259-9861

E-Mail: hobbsj@usd385.org

Website:  http://hobbsachs.pbworks.com

COURSE INFORMATION

Prerequisite: none

Course description: The purpose of this course is to make you a more effective participant in human communication. You will have the opportunity to become familiar with the human communication contexts of interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public speaking. The goal of this course is to provide you with the skills needed to enhance the quality of human communication at home and in the work place. Along the way you can acquire the following skills: the ability to listen, the ability to research, the ability to organize thoughts, and the ability to adapt to people, places, and circumstances. If you are successful in learning these skills, you will be able to apply them to your other classes.

Course Objectives: Through this class, you will be able to:

1. understand the model of interpersonal communication
2. explain the theories of self-concept
3. learn critical listening skills
4. understand the process of perception and how it affects all of communication
5. learn to incorporate effective conflict management skills
6. examine the essential verbal and non–verbal components of communication
7. gain experience in public speaking by delivering speeches in a classroom setting
8. create effective organizational patterns for public speeches
9. develop efficient research skills through effective use of library and computer facilities by finding evidence for your speech
10. learn effective delivery styles
11. develop communication skills which emphasize fluency and persuasion
12. work more effectively within a group

Required Materials and Supplies: Students will be responsible for providing the necessary materials to learn. This includes a notebook (folder or binder with pockets) that will be used exclusively for this class. Paper for notes, as well as pens and/or pencils is a necessity. Other materials which might be needed include the materials necessary to create the students’ sensory aids. Students’ speech outlines must be typed.  I do allow and encourage students to bring in and use flash drives to save their work in my room.

Supplemental Reading Materials: The Art of Public Speaking, Stephen E. Lucas, and accompanying cds.

Method of Evaluation & Major Assignments / Projects:

Attend and participate in class activities. Class absences are excused in accordance with the Andover district and school regulations as stated in your student planner. 

Specific guidelines will be given for the assignments as they come up.

Grading Scale:

Your final grade will be determined by the number of points that you accumulate in completing the above requirements and assignments.

            A          900 - 1000

            B          800 - 899

            C          700 - 799

            D          600 - 699

            F          BELOW 600

This corresponds to the following percentages:

            A          90 – 100%

            B          80 – 89%

            C          70 – 79%

            D          60 - 69%

            F          below 60%

Homework: You will have homework for this class. You will need access to the internet and computers for some of it. The majority of your homework will involve writing and practicing the speeches that you will be giving in class.  You are responsible for reading the corresponding text materials as they are discussed in class.  Readings are listed in the class schedule.

Late Work: Assignments are due when they are due. If there is a problem, let me know beforehand. Late assignments without a prior okay from me may result in a “0” for your grade on the assignment.  This includes, but is not limited to major speech assignments and outlines.

Make-Up Work: It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up assignments from teachers following an excused absence. If a student misses an assignment due to a school sponsored event, it is their duty to make necessary arrangements with the teacher in advance.

Unexcused Absences: Students who have an unexcused absence will lose credit for all work missed during that class period.

All policies and guidelines from the Andover Central High School Student Handbook will be enforced.

INSTRUCTOR POLICIES

1. Come ready to work and learn.
2. Be responsible by keeping track of assignment due dates and test dates.
3. Be NICE! Show respect for classmates and teachers, especially during speeches and questionnaires.
4. Take notes when given.
5. Read the corresponding chapters in your book. It will aid in your understanding of course material. In addition, take advantage of the help provided in the disks that come with your book. 
6. Ask questions if you have them.
7. Remember to put your name on assignments. No name could mean a “0” for your grade on the assignment.
8. Assignments are due when they are due. If there is a problem, let me know beforehand. Late assignments without a prior okay from me may result in a “0” for your grade on the assignment.
9. Do not enter the classroom while another student is making a presentation.
10. Do your own work. Make sure you read the definition of plagiarism in your handbooks. Do not “create” evidence. This would result in a “0” on the assignment.
11. You may bring limited food and drink in the classroom as long as it does not disrupt the class.  Failure to clean up after yourself will result in a suspension of privileges for the entire class.
12. Check student planners for additional rules. You are responsible for them.
13. This is a communication class, and I want you to feel comfortable talking in the class room. You learn more by expressing yourself on the topics discussed. BUT, talking off task or distracting the class is not acceptable. I will let you know if you are talking inappropriately. If necessary, I will write you up and/or talk to your parents. Talking or interrupting during another student’s speech can result in a point deduction from your speech grade.
14. A one time bonus of 10 points is available to students who bring in a ream (500 sheets) of paper (suitable for printers) or 150 labels for file folders (ask if you are unsure of the size - 1/3 cut).
15. This syllabus is subject to change if the circumstances warrant it.
16. Other Distractions: All personal electronic devices should be turned off before entering the classroom (cell phones, ipods etc.,). I will confiscate and turn in to the office any device that in my opinion, distracts from the class.  You may use a laptop to take notes or work. You may not visually record the class in any way.