Lamar State College - Port Arthur

House Bill 2504

Fall 2016 Course Syllabus

SPCH-1315-02 - Public Speaking

 
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Faculty Information
SemesterFall 2016
InstructorStafford, Laura Johnson
Phone(409) 984-6331
E-mailstaffolj@lamarpa.edu
Department
Liberal Arts
Chair:Barbara Huval
Phone:(409) 984-6330
E-mail:huvalbj@lamarpa.edu
Office
Hours:10-11am &1:30-3:30pm MWF, and 8-9am TR or by appointment
Building:Student Center (SC)
Room:417
MyLamarPA Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you’ve logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the “My Courses” tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Course Information
Course Number90076
Course Description Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity, and speech organizational techniques to develop studentsďż˝ speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations.
Course Prerequisites Basic skills competency in reading and writing required.
Required Textbooks 2 Textbook Requirements:
* O’Hair, Dan. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s , 2016. ISBN: 978-1-319-055349 with Launchpad code. Campus Bookstore has it at a discount.
*Working Guide to Communication Success. Dr. Laura Stafford, 13th ed. 2016.
( Lecture packet on the Lamarpa.edu Blackboard course site on Content Link) I will provide a copy on the first day of class.  
The lecture packet has all the required format guidelines and critique sheets that are necessary for each assignment. Bring a 3 –Ring binder to put your Lecture packet pages in because you use in class each day and have it in front of you when listening to online lectures.
Attendance Policy Attendance & Make-Up Policy: Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. Each student is allowed three hours of excused absence. To be excused requires a doctor’s excuse or return to work letter. Each absence in excess of this ration will result in the loss of 1 point per day from this category for each day missed. Tardiness will have .5 points taken out of your Audience Etiquette points. After a student has missed 5 hours of class the professor may drop the student officially from the class with the grade you have earned, which may be an “F”. This may affect your financial aid status and if this instructor initiated drop occurs after the first two weeks you can receive an “F” for insufficient work. Attendance is a required aspect of this course and the student is responsible for the work that is due on the specific dates, which appear on the agenda calendar. This course recognizes court appearance and personal hospitalization as excused absences, not work, or doctor’s appointments, Or waking up feeling “under the weather”or the Internet went down, so use your two hours of possible excused absence wisely. Course work is still due on assigned dates. If you miss a performance date – no guaranteed make up available. (Use computers on campus or at local shops with WiFi service.) There are 90 pts assigned to your Audience Etiquette Attendance/Participation and when you violate the expectations of the approved behavior in class you will lose points at the discretion of the Professor. Attendance / Participation = 90 points of your total grade. class days @ 20 points; Late to class you lose .5 point for that day; 3 Quizzes total 20 points; ID speech Video worth 10; S-5 worth 10 points (both of these speeches are video uploads onto LaunchPad): and 2 Surveys on LaunchPad 6pts. Participatory points from participation on 6 discussion board Forums are worth 24 points.
Course Grading Scale 900-1000=A 800-899=B 700-799=C 600-699=D below 599=F
Determination of Final Grade Oral: There will be 4 major in class opportunities for you to experience different public speaking situations including: special occasion/informative (100), informative group with visual support (200), persuasive (150), and persuasive to motivate to take action (200). Typed analytical outlines will be required for all of the presentations and are due the 1st day of presentations (5) points will be deducted if the outline is not turned in on the 1st day of the round on 100pts projects and (10) points deducted on the 200 point projects. Specific instructions will be given before each assignment.
Written: There will be 3 written exercises to be completed. These are designed to demonstrate your knowledge of listening skills and self-evaluation skills through critical thinking reflection. (20 pts. each) 2 Self-Critique Forms that are filled out when you observe your recorded speeches and 1 outside of class Listening Observations Reports over live speaking events. 2nd Listening is Optional Bonus (10)
Exams: There will be 2 exams, a mid-term and a final. Both will be objective tests using Scantron Form 882-ES It is a requirement to take both exams.
In Dr. Stafford's class you will be graded with actual points not percentages. Punctual completion of each assignment earns you a number of real points which you will add up to total your final grade. There will be no curving. There will be no make up exam given in class time, in extreme cases it may be possible to take the mid-term exam in the Student Learning Center, but that must be arranged with Dr. Stafford in advance.
There are NO RE-TESTS.
If you know in advance that you will miss a performance day then discuss arrangements with Dr. Stafford to fit your performance within the schedule. As a performance class it is vital that you are prepared to give your presentation on the 1st day of the assigned round. There are limited days for the completion of the performance and everyone must be ready to present on the 1st day of the round.
The order of presentation is up to the Professor so you must be in attendance and ready to perform on performance days. There is no guarantee that there will be any class time available to present a speech outside of the assigned days on the agenda calendar. It is your responsibility to follow the agenda calendar and be ready to present. All typed outlines are due on the 1st day of the round or a loss of points will occur on that assignment. No SHOW means NO SCORE!!!
If there is any student in this class who has need for test-taking accommodations, please contact me with the appropriate documentation from Special Populations Office (984- 6241)
Oral Assignments     650 points
900-1000 A     Written Assignments 60 points
800-899 B     Exams              200 points
700-799 C     Attendance/Participation/Quiz     90 points
600-699 D             1000 points total
less than 600 F No Incompletes
Final Exam Date December 5, 2016 - 10:00 AM
Major Assignments See Below
Calendar of Lecture Topics and Major Assignment Due Dates Speech 1315 –02 (11:00-11:50) MWF with On-Line Lecture/Assignment Homework
(Yes, We stay for the whole time and Test material is covered in class. It is your responsibility to get material you miss from other students and turn in required papers on the due dates listed below.) Doctor’s appointments are not excused absences, make appointments outside of class time.

This class is enhanced with some online work required; you must be able to access your MyLamarpa account. Online: Must have lecture packet to follow the Audio lecture to make notes for the test and projects. You must complete the entire Online Assignment before the next class period. I will NOT re-teach what is covered on the Online Lectures in class. TB = Textbook; LP = Lecture Packet; Bb = Blackboard Learn. DB=Discussion Board. Must have access code to textbook website LaunchPad.

Week 1    (Read TB Chapters 1 & 2) [PRINT PAGES 7-86 OF Lecture Packet at Library on Friday]
Aug. 22    Intro. / Syllabus / Pre Test / Online Must have access to Lamarpa.edu Bb. (ex.6150 password) (ex. 6141 blackboard problems) /collect signed Etiquette Page        
    
W    24    LP Unit 1: Communication Concepts/ handout LP p. 3-6. Bring 3-Ring Binder!!

Online Homework: Bb menu > Content > Unit 1 Folder - Finish Listening to the Rest of LP p. 3 &4 (complete your notes to show me Monday in class) > return to Bb Menu > Open the Discussion Board link > click on the forum: Lecture Packet Pages 3 & 4.
    Create a Thread identifying what are the Top 3 concepts or ideas that stood out to you from these notes and how each one will help you in your communication with others. (5 sentences in Thread & at least 3 sentences in the Reply to one other Student) Discussion Board (DB) due Friday, Aug. 26th 11:59. (4 pts)

* Friday    26    Mandatory Class Meeting in the Computer Lab of the Gates Library-
            Be on time! Bring EAR BUDS !!! (Rest of Lecture Packet printed)

In Class On Bb> Content > Take Practice Syllabus Quiz; Online Initial Bonus Questionnaire; /
Bb Menu > Access LaunchPad > Watch My ID Video Example > Enter LaunchPad by URL & complete log in with Access Code > Complete Getting Started Assignment tab with all the tasks listed. (These are done in class) Pick up the Task Completion Sheet before leaving the Library.
Upload ID video speech on LaunchPad by Friday, Sept. 2nd, 10:55, part of participatory points.
Online Homework: On Bb> Read “Classical Roots” from TB Chapter 1: on Bb Discussions>Complete the Chapter 1: Classical Roots Top 2 Forum – Thread of 5 sentences and Reply to another Student with at least 3 sentences for full points. (2 pts) Due complete by Monday 11:59.


Week 2        (Read TB Chapters 3, 5 & 25)
*Aug.     29    Show me Your Notes LPp. 3-4 / Start Unit 2 – LP p. 5 & 6
            The Listening Process
Online Homework: Read TB Chapter 3 > on Bb> Discussions > Complete Managing Speech Anxiety Top 3 Forum –Thread of 5 sentences and Reply to another Student with at least 3 sentences for full points. (4 pts)

*    31    dyadic interviews (LP p. 12-13) /S-1 outline instructions (LP p. 14)/ DB Ch. 3 due!
Sept.      2    Complete LP p. 5 &6 Lecture in Unit 3-instructions for listening reports (LP p.8-9
Online Homework: ID Video is due on LaunchPad. Make sure I can view it! (10 pts)
On LaunchPad complete the PRCA & PRPSA surveys & bring copy of the score page to class Wed.

Week 3        (Read TB Chapters 7, 16, 17, & 18)
*M    5     Labor Day - off
W    7    bring S-1 outlines for check / Warm-up & Delivery tips /2 Score pages Due!!
*F    9    S-1 Special Occasion( 1-2 min.) & Typed Outline Due or 5pts off!    
Online Homework: Bb>Content>Unit 4 Folder >LP p. 27 – Listen & Complete Topic selection for S-2 >Modes of Communication (LP p.28)>General & Specific Purpose (LP p.29)
Bb>Content>Take Audio Quiz 1 in Unit 4 Folder (10pts) covers LP p. 5, 6, 28, 29. Open Fri-Monday till 11:59.

Week 4    (Read TB Chapters 6, 8, 13, & 14) Handout /Read Group Charts before Group Meeting
* M 12     S-1 cont. / Listening Report #1 Due! /Assign Self Critique #1 (LPp. 22-23)
Online Homework: Bb> Student Folders> Find your name &Watch your film in your folder to complete the Self-Critique #1. (LPp. 22-23) If you do this at the Library or Student Success Center you must bring your own ear buds.
*W    14    Audience analysis LP p. 30 / Topic choices due LP p. 27 Handout Teamwork
        Charts
*F    16    Group selection- / Self-critique #1 Due. LP p. 22-23 / Motivational Sequence             Outline LP p. 32
Online Homework: Bb>Content> Unit 4 Folder> Listen to & take notes on LPp.31 - Support Material / LPp. 34 Beginning & Endings & be ready to show me your notes Monday. Listening Report #1 LP p. 8-9 due Monday!!!!!

Week 5     (Read TB Chapters 11, 12, 15 & 22) and TB P. 263+ on Q/A
*M    19    Show notes on LP p. 34/ Outline LP p.40; 41-42 /LR#1 Due! LP p. 8-9
*W    21    Panel instructions / Group Meeting Day (must be in class - 50pt analysis)
F    23     Use of Visual Support Lec. LPp. 38 / Bring textbook to Class!!!
Online Homework: Bb>Content> Unit 4 Folder> Listen to & take notes on LP p. 33 Organizational patterns / LP. 39 Factors of Re-Focus / LP p. 37 Language


Week 6    (Read TB Chapters 19, 20, & 21) (drop date Q no grade) Sept. 28th
* M    26    Visuals cont. /show notes LP p. 39        
W    28     Creating speaker note cards /Run through panel pattern 4 /sample speech open on LaunchPad.
F    30    check typed analysis outlines/ Run through panel pattern 3

3 Online Homework: Bb> LaunchPad > Log in & View on LaunchPad Student Sample Speeches Box: Kim, Nonmonetary Uses of Gold- Open Wed.

Bb>Discussions> Respond in Discussion Board on Kim’s speech for participatory points by Monday, Oct. 3rd at 11:59.

Bb>Content> Unit 4 Folder> Scroll down files in Unit 4 to Take Audio Quiz 2 (5pts.) over LP p. 33, 37, 39. Open Fri. – Mon. 11:59

Week 7     (Read TB Chapters 27 &28)
Oct. M     3    S-2 Group ( 2-3 min. ind. – total 15-20 min. for group) with Visual Support
All Typed Outlines, Group Analysis Sheets Due TODAY or 10pts. off                
W     5    S-2 Group cont.    
F     7    S-2 Group cont.
Online Homework: Bb>Content> Unit 4 Folder> Listen to /take notes on LP p. 35-36 Delivery Terms /Review for Midterm Lecture Exam LP p. 43-44) Textbook Quiz review given in class on first day (pink sheet, first 20 questions).

Complete your 2nd Outside of class Listening Report #2 LP 10-11 due in Week 9!! For optional Bonus points (10)

Week 8 ( Read TB Chapters 29, 9, 10)
*Oct M10    S-2 Group cont.
*W    12     S-2 Group cont.
* F    14    S-2 cont. / Persuasive Topics Selection for S-3

(Online Homework:     Midterm Exam (over Lecture notes 3-43) Pink sheet from Textbook Review is Textbook Quiz Part of Midterm– NOT AN OPEN BOOK TEST! STUDY! Take both tests! Will be available from Wednesday to Sunday so if you need to take it in the Library Lab or Student Success Center you can. Don’t wait till Sunday night – the power may go off. NO RESETS.

Week 9    (Read TB Chapter 4 & 23, and P. 256+ MLA Citations) Bring Text Book!!!    
*Oct. M 17    Bibliography instructions / Oral Citations /sample articles/
        Optional Listening Report #2

Online Homework: Find your 2 Bibliographic Sources for your Persuasive speech (1 has to be an Internet article and the 2nd can be of any type).

W    19     Motivational Appeals (LP p. 60-62)

Online Homework: Read TB Chapter 4 > on Bb > Discussions > Complete Ethical Public Speaking Top 3 Forum –Thread of 5 sentences and Reply to another Student with at least 3 sentences for full points. (4 pts) Open Wednesday to Sunday!

F    21    Visualization Step (LP p. 63)    
Week 10    (Read TB Chapter 24)        
Oct. M 24     S-3 outline instructions / samples outlines
W    26     Handout Ethics Analysis sheet (Video at the end of Content on Bb)
F    38    Unit 6 – LP Ways to Persuade (LP p.58-59) Check typed analysis outlines/ Final             Exam Review sheet reminder /

Online Homework: On Bb > Content>Scroll to the very bottom > Video Collection Folder > Watch Ethics Analysis Instructions Video with green sheet to take notes.    

Week 11 Last day to drop with grade earned Nov. 2nd              
*M     31    S-3 Persuasion (4-5 min.), All Typed Outlines Due TODAY or lose 10 pts with             Ethics Analysis Essay & Bibliography Documents! (under 4 min grade penalty             over 5 min grade penalty)
Nov. W 2    S-3 cont. (sample speeches open on LaunchPad)
F    4    S-3 cont. / instructions for Self-critique #2 for S-3 (p.24-25)

Online Homework: Bb> LaunchPad > Log in & View on LaunchPad Student Sample Speeches Box: View 2 speeches 1)Child Slavery and the Production of Chocolate & 2)Extra Credit You Can Live Without – Open Wed. Nov. 2nd & respond on the discussion board for participatory points by Monday at 11:59 on Blackboard with 2 posts for each video.

Online Homework: Bb> Student Folders> Find your name &Watch your film in your folder to complete the Self-Critique #1. (LPp. 24-25) If you do this at the Library or Student Success Center you must bring your own ear buds. Due next Friday.

Week 12            
*Nov. M 7    Lecture for S-4 / Satisfaction step changes
Online Homework: On Bb > Content> Unit 7 - LP Refutation (LP p. 74) take notes

W    9    Action step Speech Outline (LP p.75) cont./Audio Quiz 3 open/
*F    11    Need Step Development / Self-critique #2 Due!

Online Homework: Bb>Content> Unit 7 Folder> Take Audio Quiz 3 (5pts.) covering LP p. 58-59, 74. (open Wed. to Sun. only)

Week 13            
*M    14    Unit 7 - LP sample outlines for S-4 p. 76-77 Check Typed analysis outline
*W    16    Practice speech to peer review / rating rubric
F    18     S-4 Speech to Actuate ( 5-7min.) –All Typed Outlines Due Today or lose 10 pts.!

Week 14    (S-5 Exit Speech to be Uploaded onto LaunchPad!!!)        
*M    21     S-4 cont.
W    23    S-4 cont. (Protect your grade: perform today!!!)
F    25    Thanksgiving Holiday (Thurs. & Friday only )

Online Homework: Submit S-5 Exit Speech Video on LaunchPad on Video Assignment by Monday at 10:55pm. No typed outline required. It is part of your participatory points.

Week 15
Nov. 28    Last Day for Speech 4 or any other written work to be turned in.
        (S-5 due on LaunchPad 10:55pm)    
    30    Grade check


Week 16
Dec. 5    Final Exam: Monday Dec. 5th at 10am. Be on time!!!! Need Scantron.

Audience Etiquette/Participation 90 pts– disrupting a speaker can lose your points and it can go into the negative numbers. !!!!! Tardy to class lose .5 pt from A/P! Submission of discussion board posts, viewing of sample videos and other LaunchPad assignments are all part of this category (30 ).Quizzes total (20) & ID (10) & Exit video speech (10) & Attendance (20) points in this category.

All speakers must be ready to perform on the First Day of the assigned round.!!!!!!
If you are absent the day an outline is due, send it on to campus as an attachment to the email message that day or with someone else, or lose points!!!
TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES, PLEASE!!!
General Education/Core Curriculum Student Learning Outcomes
Communication skills:Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication.

Critical Thinking Skills:Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.

Empirical and Quantitative Skills:Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.

Teamwork:Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.

Social Responsibility:Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.

Personal Responsibility:Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Program Student Learning Outcomes PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material.
Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading.
PSLO 1: Critical Thinking Skills ďż˝ Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.
Creatively identifies problem, argument, or issue (to determine extent of information needed); differentiates the facts from opinions as relates to situation; constructs possible solutions or prediction or consequences; uses logical, sound reasoning to justify conclusion.
PSLO 2: Communication Skills ďż˝ Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication.
Expresses a strong thesis; organizes information with effective transitions & sequencing of ideas; uses substantial, logical & specific development of ideas; details are relevant, original, credible and correctly documented when appropriate to show an effective development and interpretation of ideas; and presents ideas in appropriate mode of expression for the task.
PSLO 4: Teamwork Skills- Shows the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
Helps the team move forward by discussing merits of alternative ideas; Treats team members respectfully; uses positive facial, vocal or written tone, or language to convey a positive attitude; Motivates teammates by expressing confidence about the importance of the task; Provides assistance/encouragement to team members; Completes all assigned tasks by deadline; Addresses conflict constructively; or helps the group avoid conflict completely.
PSLO 6: Personal Responsibility Skills ďż˝ Integrates choices, actions and consequences in ethical decision-making.
Recognizes ethical issues when presented in a complex, multilayered (gray) context; recognizes cross- relationships among the issues; discusses in detail/ analyzes core beliefs; the discussion has greater depth and clarity showing the independent application of ethical perspectives/ concepts to an ethical question accurately; and is able to consider full implications of the application.
Course Student Learning Outcomes Course Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication.(PSLO Alpha) Measured by embedded test questions; Pre-test/post-test
2. Apply elements of audience analysis.(PSLO 2 & 6) Measured by Oral Presentation Rubric; Written Outlines or Speeches; Audience Ethics Statement on Written Outline or Speeches
3. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic.(PSLO 1,2, & 6) Measured by Audience Ethics Statement on Written Outline or Speeches
4. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques.(PSLO 1,2) Measured by Oral Presentation Rubric; Written Outlines or Speeches
5. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches.(PSLO 1 & 2) Measured by Oral Presentation Rubric; Written Outlines or Speeches
6. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication.(PSLO 6 & Alpha) Measured by Audience Ethics Statement on Written Outline or Speeches; Pre-test / Post- Test
7. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g. narrative, informative or persuasive).(PSLO 1,2, & 4) Measured by Measures: Oral Presentation Rubric; Written Outlines or Speeches; or Teamwork Rubric
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies
  • No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

  • Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.

  • Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, MP3 players, and laptop computers) shall not be used during examinations unless specifically allowed by the instructor.

  • Use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions.

  • Turn your cellphones to vibrate when you enter the classroom.

  • Class Honesty Policy: Plagiarism in presentations will not be acceptable. The oral or written work will not be accepted and the points for that assignment will be forfeited. Protect yourself by documenting and giving credit to the source of your material. Do not use other studentsďż˝ outlines or observation reports, they are recognizable. Do not read internet articles as your speech. That earns a zero. Cheating on exams will result in a grade of zero for that exam.

  • There are NO RE-TESTS.

    If you know in advance that you will miss a performance day then discuss arrangements with Dr. Stafford to fit your performance within the schedule. As a performance class it is vital that you are prepared to give your presentation on the 1st day of the assigned round. There are limited days for the completion of the performance and everyone must be ready to present on the 1st day of the round.

    The order of presentation is up to the Professor so you must be in attendance and ready to perform on performance days. There is no guarantee that there will be any class time available to present a speech outside of the assigned days on the agenda calendar. It is your responsibility to follow the agenda calendar and be ready to present. All typed outlines are due on the 1st day of the round or a loss of points will occur on that assignment. No SHOW means NO SCORE!!!

    If there is any student in this class who has need for test-taking accommodations, please contact me with the appropriate documentation from Special Populations Office(984- 6241)



Additional Information Check your Blackboard Class Announcements for messages from me about class materials.    Check your MyLamarpa email often for campus updates. You must be able to access the Lamarpa.edu site and Blackboard to complete this course. You must have access to a printer to complete assignments. The Gates Library Computer Lab is available to all students with current ID cards.
Important Information
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
Copyright Violations Some material in this course may be copyrighted. They may be used only for instructional purposes this semester, by students enrolled in this course. These materials are being used fairly and legally. No one may distribute or share these copyrighted materials in any medium or format with anyone outside this class, including publishing essays with copyrighted material, uploading copyrighted material to Facebook or YouTube, or painting or performing copyrighted material for public display.

Copyright violation is not the same thing as plagiarism. Plagiarism is intellectual dishonesty. Offenses of plagiarism result in lower grades or failing scores, and professors and the college strictly enforce plagiarism rules. There is never any acceptable use of plagiarism. Copyright violation is a legal offense, punishable by large fines and penalties.

Copyrighted material can be used if permission from the material’s creator is obtained, or if its use meets the standards of fair use in an educational setting. For example, a student can quote a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet in a report without violating copyright but still be guilty of plagiarism if the quotation is not properly documented.

If you are in doubt about what material can be freely used, ask your professor or contact the Dean of Library Services, at (409) 984-6216.
Assessment Statement Assessment is a process by which LSCPA can help you learn better and gauge the level of progress you have made to attain knowledge, skills, beliefs, and values. It also helps your professors understand how to improve teaching and testing methods in your classes, and it helps each department understand and improve degree and certificate programs.

Periodically LSC-PA will collect assessment data for research and reporting purposes, including statistical data and sometimes copies of your work. Be assured that all material the college uses for assessment purposes will be kept confidential. To ensure anonymity, your name will be removed from any material we use for assessment purposes, including video-recorded performances, speeches, and projects.

If you object to allowing LSC-PA to use your material for assessment purposes, submit a letter stating so to your professor by the 12th class day. You will still be required to participate in whatever assessments are being done; we just won’t use your data.

What’s the difference between assessment and grades? The grades you get on papers, projects, speeches, and assignments are specific types of focused assessment. LSC-PA’s assessment efforts include class grades, surveys, standardized tests, and other tools.
Privacy Notice Federal privacy laws apply to college students. This means that college employees, including instructors, cannot divulge information to third parties, including parents and legal guardians of students. Even if the students are minors, information about their college work cannot be shared with anyone except in very limited circumstances.

Anyone requesting information about a student should be referred to the Registrar. Instructors will be notified in writing by that Office about what information may be released and to whom.

Please remember that releasing private information about a student, however innocuous it may seem, can be a violation of federal law, with very serious consequences.

Circumstances under which information may be released:

An adult student may submit, to the Registrar, a handwritten, signed note granting permission for release of information. The note must specify what information may be divulged, and it must specify the name of the person to whom the information may be given.

A parent or guardian may be given access to information about a student by providing a copy of a filed tax return that shows that the student was listed as a dependent of that parent or guardian. The tax return must be for last complete tax year. Again, this documentation must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

A parent or guardian may be given access to information about a student if the student logs on to My.LamarPA.edu and sends an email to the Registrar granting permission. The email must specify what information may be given and the name of the person to whom it may be given.

Co-enrollment students are protected by the same privacy laws as adult students.

The Registrar’s office is located in the Student Center room 303B, and can be reached at (409) 984-6165.

College-Level Perspectives This course helps add to the students’ overall collegiate experience in the following ways:

  • Establishing broad and multiple perspectives on the individual in relationship to the larger society and world in which s/he lives, and to understand the responsibilities of living in a culturally and ethnically diversified world.

  • Stimulating a capacity to discuss and reflect upon individual, political, economic, and social aspects of life in order to understand ways in which to be a responsible member of society.

  • Developing a capacity to use knowledge of how technology and science affect their lives.

  • Developing personal values for ethical behavior.

  • Developing the ability to make aesthetic judgments.

  • Using logical reasoning in problem solving.

  • Integrating knowledge and understand the interrelationships of the scholarly disciplines.

Degree Plan Evaluation A Degree Plan Evaluation will help you determine which classes you need to complete your program.

  1. Sign in to your my.lamarpa.edu account.

  2. Click on the “My Services” tab.

  3. Click on the “Student” tab.

  4. Click on Student Records.

  5. Click on Degree Evaluation.

  6. Select the term you are planning on registering for (i.e. Summer I, Summer II, Fall, or Spring)

  7. Verify that the Curriculum Information (your MAJOR) is correct

  8. Click on “Generate New Evaluation” at the bottom of the screen.

  9. Click the radio button next to Program

  10. Click on the Generate Request button.

All of the classes that you have taken that apply to your declared major will be listed on the right. If you have a class that still needs to be completed, a “NO” will be listed on the right next to the required class.

HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA’s efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

Lamar State College - Port Arthur

Mission

Lamar State College - Port Arthur, a member of The Texas State University System, is an open-access, comprehensive public two-year college offering quality and affordable instruction leading to associate degrees and a variety of certificates. The College embraces the premise that education is an ongoing process that enhances career potential, broadens intellectual horizons, and enriches life.

Core Values

  • Shared commitment by faculty, staff and administration to a mission characterized by student learning, diversity, and community involvement

  • General education/core curriculum that develops the values and concepts that allow the student to make a meaningful contribution in the workplace or community

  • Academic and technical programs designed to fulfill our commitment to accommodate students with diverse goals and backgrounds, using a variety of delivery methods, on and off campus

  • Technical education programs that provide for the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and behavior necessary for initial and continued employment

  • Student achievement characterized by attainment of individual goals and measured by successful accomplishments and completion of curriculum

  • Co-curricular opportunities that develop social, financial and civic acuity

Principles

Lamar State College - Port Arthur operates in the belief that all individuals should be:

  • treated with dignity and respect;

  • afforded equal opportunity to acquire a complete educational experience;

  • given an opportunity to discover and develop their special aptitudes and insights; and,

  • provided an opportunity to equip themselves for a fulfilling life and responsible citizenship in a world characterized by change.

 
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