SYLLABUS
COMMUNICATION
APPLICATIONS
Waxahachie
High School
Instructor
Mr. Steve Cross
Course
Objective
The objective of this course is to examine and
understand the basic theory and practice of oral communication for various
purposes in interpersonal, small group and public settings. Students will learn
and will apply the theory of public address by practicing public speaking before
an audience. Students will learn and apply specific theories and techniques
designed to reduce communication anxiety.
Grading
Students will earn a final course grade which will be an average,
computed according to WISD policy, of earned grades taken from the following
assignments:
8
In-class written examinations
3 Notebook grades (1 per six weeks)
15
Daily assignments
3
In-class public presentations
1
Assigned participation grade
1
Semester final exam
It should be noted that the grades for public presentations are, by
nature, subjective and reflect the instructors observations during the actual
presentation. The examinations and attendance grades are strictly objective.
Written
Work
All written work done outside of class, including
speech outlines, must be typed
on standard 8.5x11 inch white paper and must include the students name and
exclude a cover sheet.
All In-class written work must be done in black
or blue ink unless otherwise specified.
Materials
1 1 inch
indestructible notebook
1 3.5
inch floppy disc
2 black
ink ball point pens
1 set
4 x 6 index cards
Attendance
Students are expected to attend class each scheduled
class meeting and are expected to be on time. Class will begin promptly at the
scheduled time. Failure to attend class is a critical issue. Much of the
learning experience comes from lecture, class discussion, demonstrations and
observations of other speakers. Students who are unavoidably absent must contact me prior
to, or immediately following, the absence. Habitual failure to attend class will result in a substantial reduction of
the final course grade. Texas law requires all students to attend classes a
minimum of 90% of the time, which means you may not miss more than four (4)
classes each semester and still receive credit for the course.
Students are assigned speaking dates by the random
draw method. Failure to be present on the assigned selection date will result in
a date being drawn for the student. Failure to appear on the assigned speaking
date will result in a grade reduction, up to and including an F for that assignment.
Make-up Work
Work not
completed because of an excused absence will be given a deadline extension of 48
hours from the date the student returns to class or a grade of zero (0) will be
recorded for that assignment.
Originality of Work
All work for
this course, whether written or oral, must be the original work of the student.
When the work of others is utilized for reference purposes, the author will be
correctly cited. Plagiarism, whether written or oral, will not be tolerated.
Code of Conduct
The
code of conduct for this class will consist of very few concrete rules. It will,
however, be based upon an attitude of respect. I like to call these rules The Three Rs. They are as follows:
The Three Rs
Respect
for yourselves
Respect
for each other (including me)
Respect
for school property
Students violating any of these basic
rules will be dealt with swiftly and according to District policy.
I
have read, understand and will comply with the classroom rules as stated in this
syllabus and the rules of the Waxahachie Independent School District.
__________________________________
___________________
Student
Signature
Date
__________________________________
___________________
Parent
or Guardian Signature
Date