Universidad del Turabo

General Studies

Course: English 331: Oral Communication (3 Credits)

Prof. Doris Rivera Benitez

Email: dorisriverabenitez@gmail.com

Office Hours: By Appointment

Text: Dale, P. & Wolf, J. (2006). Speech communication made simple (3^rd. ed.) .New York: Prentice Hall.

Course Description: 

This is a course designed to develop public speaking strategies and skills in English.  Students will learn to prepare and present speeches from concept to delivery.  Emphasis will be given on adequate topics, researching information, organizing ideas, and the appropriate use of technology as well as other aides. In addition, students will understand a speech’s purpose, style, audience, and tone. Focus will also be given to verbal communication, non-verbal communication, organization, and quality of content.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course students will be expected to: 

·          Understand and apply the process of designing a speech

·          Organize materials for a specific type of speech 

·          Understand the nature of speech, and the functions of oral communication in today’s world 

·          Develop appropriate attitudes towards speeches, and active listening 

·          Exercise care in the preparation and delivery of speeches and other assignments

·          Create and deliver several types of speeches

Procedures: 

Characteristics, demonstrations and models of a good speech will be discussed, observed, and critiqued.  Students in this course will actually present five (5) speeches.  While speech topics will vary, the objectives of the speeches are to be informative or persuasive in nature.  Guided practice with the professor will help develop the process of speech preparation, writing, and execution.  In addition to the speeches, there will be a written exam, quizzes and assignments.

Evaluation:

20%         Exam, Attendance, Participation & Class Assignments

20%         Speech 1 –Informative Speech

20%         Speech 2 –Informative Speech 

20%         Speech 4 –Persuasive Speech

20%         Speech 5 –Persuasive Speech

Grading:

A= 90-100%

B= 80-89%

C= 70-79%

D= 60-69%

F= 0-59%

Additional Information

        

• Academic Honesty:Academic dishonesty / plagiarism will receive an “F”.All references must also be properly cited

• Absences:  Attendance affects your grade.  More than three (3) unexcused absences may seriously impact your ability to pass this course.
• Lateness:  Please be on time for class.  Arriving very late to class, will be considered an absence.
• Cell-Phone:  Please turn off your cell-phone or place it on vibrate.  If you have an emergency and have to answer it, quietly go outside of the class.
• Missed Assignments/Quizzes/Exams:  Missed assignments will receive a reduction of one letter grade for each class it is late. (Example: One class late, an “A” becomes a “B”.  Two classes late an “A” becomes a “C”).  You will only be allowed to make up any missed quiz or exam if you have a legitimate excuse which can be documented.