Course Syllabus

Full Syllabus

REQUIRED TEXT: Course pack to be distributed by instructor.

REQUIREMENTS: All written and oral assignments must be done in order to complete the course. Public speaking is a participation course - presenting, listening, observing, giving feedback and learning from the content and delivery of others. Attendance is therefore critical.

SPEECHES:                                 

  1. Introduction speech (2 min.)

1. Informative speech (5 min.)
2. Persuasive speech (5-7 min.)
3. Impromptu speech (2-3 min.)
4. Final speech (8-10 min.)

• Each videotaped speech must be followed up by a self-evaluation (minimum one page double spaced). This is to be completed after watching your video and should include what you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses.

** The first draft of your speech outline must be submitted one week before your presentation and the final copy of your outline must be submitted immediately after you deliver your speech. It should include the following:

1. Cover page with:
2. Name
3. Date
4. Speech pattern used
5. General purpose
6. Specific purpose
7. Central idea (if topical pattern is used)
8. The outline you use when delivering your speech.           

EXAMS:      There will be a take-home, written, final exam.

GRADING:                          1. Informative speech                                                    15%

                                                            Outline                                                            5%

1. Persuasive speech 20%

                                                            Outline                                                            5%

1. Final speech 25%

                                                            Outline                                                            5%

1. Examination 15%
2. Class attendance & participation 10%

You are responsible for understanding Harvard Extension School policies on academic integrity (www.extension.harvard.edu/resources-policies/student-conduct/academic-integrity) and how to use sources responsibly. Not knowing the rules, misunderstanding the rules, running out of time, submitting "the wrong draft", or being overwhelmed with multiple demands are not acceptable excuses. There are no excuses for failure to uphold academic integrity. To support your learning about academic citation rules, please visit the Harvard Extension School Tips to Avoid Plagiarism (www.extension.harvard.edu/resources-policies/resources/tips-avoid-plagiarism), where you'll find links to the Harvard Guide to Using Sources and two, free, online 15-minute tutorials to test your knowledge of academic citation policy. The tutorials are anonymous open-learning tools.

The Extension School is committed to providing an accessible academic community. The Disability Services Office offers a variety of accommodations and services to students with documented disabilities. Please visit www.extension.harvard.edu/resources-policies/resources/disability-services-accessibility for more information.