COMS 105 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking - Larry Alva

Course:	Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Professor:	Larry Alva
Email:	larry.alva@canyons.edu
Format:	Online OnlineLive
Course Length:	Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

Hello COMS 105 students. My name is Larry Alva and I will be your COMS 105 instructor for the Fall of 2021. I have been teaching at College of the Canyons since 2013. Like all of you, I completed course work at College of the Canyons and am a very proud alumnus. I completed my undergraduate work at the University Center at College of the Canyons and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice studies. I have also earned a Master of Arts degree in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University. I currently teach part-time and work as a mid-level executive in a local government agency.

This course is designed to provide you with an intensive introduction to the fundamentals of public speaking. The course will examine the process of interactive communication and present students with best practices for delivering speeches in a public setting. I look forward to working with all of you this semester.

Course Description

Examines the principles and practices of public speaking, communication theory, and techniques for public speaking. Includes speech organization, development, research, audience analysis, reasoning, and presentation skills for the development of informative and persuasive speeches.

What to Expect in this Course

For this course students will need a reliable internet connect. A device with a webcam, microphone and access to specific web browsers compatible with Canvas and Zoom are required. Recommended web browsers include Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Students should expect to post weekly via video discussion boards. In addition, the student will be required to complete weekly quizzes, complete a mid-term and final exam and complete written assignments including an essay regarding plagiarism, and multiple written assignments providing constructive feedback to peer students regarding informative and descriptive speeches.

Students will be required to deliver an informative and persuasive speech, Mandatory meeting dates regarding speeches are scheduled for October 18, October 25, November 1, November 22, November 29 and December 6, 2021.

Types of Assessments

Textbook Information

The link to OER will be found in the files section of Canvas

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: 06/20/2021 Sub#: 298