COMS-105 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking - David Stevenson
| Course: | Fundamentals of Public Speaking |
|---|---|
| Professor: | David Stevenson |
| Email: | David.Stevenson@canyons.edu |
| Format: |
|
| Course Length: |
|
Introduction
Welcome to public speaking. The most important class you will take as an undergraduate college student!
This fall begins my 34th year of teaching human communication studies courses in college. I have taught over 13,000 students in my career. This begins my 23rd year as a full-time faculty member here at COC. I have taught at 7 institutions of higher learning, including the California State University, Chico and multiple community colleges across northern (I taught in northern California for 11 years) and southern California. I have experience teaching across the communication studies discipline. My focus in recent years is public speaking and argumentation.
Like you, I attended two community colleges. Pasadena City College and Butte Community College. I finished all of my GE transfer at the community college.
I hold a B.A. in Mass Communication with a major in Radio and Television Broadcasting. I have a minor in psychology.
I hold an M.A. in Human Communication Studies with an emphasis in Rhetoric and Public Address. I am a graduate of a master's teaching program in public speaking. Both degrees are from California State University, Chico.
I love my work, my institution, my colleagues, but most importantly, my students. I have high expectations of you and expect you to give your best effort while being in my classes.
We always achieve great things in theses courses. You will learn, share, grow, and keep moving forward. Set high goals for yourselves. With hard work and perseverance you will achieve those goals. We also have a lot of fun.
Course Description
See syllabus and course catalog for the course description.
What to Expect in this Course
You will learn/achieve myriad things in this course:
1. Public speaking
2. Human communication
3. Communication structure(s)
4. Speech and college paper writing skills
5. Informative and Persuasive speaking and writing
6. Research and source citations
7. Power point visual creation/presentations
8. Outlining
9. How to become a better college student
10. Personal growth
Types of Assessments
Informative Speech/Persuasive Speech/Multiple choice midterm and final exams. Required outside speaker critique (short paper). Outlines required for the speeches Participation required. Attendance is required.
Textbook Information
Textbook Title: Stephen Lucas Art of Public Speaking 13th Ed. *** Find a used copy of the book online Editions 10-13 are acceptable (there is a free pdf version on the internet). There is no need to spend a lot of money on this book.
You will need the textbook for tests and other supplemental materials. You will need a strong internet connection and be camera ready.
Try to find a used copy of the book. There are also free pdf versions of the book online.
Other Relevant Course Information
Since this is an Online LIVE course we will using Canvas and Zoom. I will create Zoom meetings daily. This is a synchronous course, meaning we will meet every day in the Zoom format. I will need to see you, and on your speech days, we will all need to see you deliver your speeches. Therefore, if you have tech issues you will need to address that. Our tech people are here to help you. Please take advantage of that.
I need you to communicate with me either in canvas or via email. These are very unusual times and circumstances. Keep me informed as to what is going on if issues or problems arise.
I expect you to be in class every day. If you miss a day, you are probably missing out on test questions/answers and important aspects of completing your projects. Keep me informed!. The workload is not that heavy, but for you it is backloaded. Your speeches will be in the second half of the semester. The persuasive speech is harder and more time consuming than you may think. So time management is a must, especially in a 16 week course.
Your speeches are research based. I highly recommend you become familiar with our online databases in the library. You will more than likely be using several of them. Stay focused and positive. This is a great way to finish one of the big 4 transfer course needed to get you into the University.
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 08/05/2021 Sub#: 465