Summer Sessions 2025 Course Syllabus Course: SPCH-1315 (Section: 75, CRN: 61259) Public Speaking

Instructor Information
Instructor	Dr. Michelle Davis
Email	davisml1@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6341
Office	Educational I - Room: 133
Office Hours	Location: Virtual via TEAMS Office Hours: Tuesday 5:00p - 7:00p and Saturday 9:00a - 11:00a and by appointment. Email is my preferred method of contact.  davisml1@lamarpa.edu   I will respond within 24 hours. I am not available from 6:00pm on Saturdays thru Monday at 8:00am.
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
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 students' speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations.
Required Textbooks	Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. This course uses an OER Textbook which is provided for you in the Blackboard section.  The title of the textbook is Exploring Public Speaking.
Additional Materials/Resources	The ability to video record and upload to YouTube.  The ability to download and submit work via Blackboard.  A secure and reliable Wi-Fi connection and ability to access Blackboard on a computer (not just your phone). Materials to create Visual Aids.  Access to Microsoft Word 3-5 Audience members (Adults) for Speeches
Corequisites/Prerequisites	None
Learning Outcomes	Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication. Apply elements of audience analysis. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g. narrative, informative or persuasive).
Core Objectives	Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or 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. Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Lecture Topics Outline	The Basics of Public Speaking Audience Analysis and Listening Ethics in Public Speaking Developing Topics for your Speech How to Research for Speeches How to Organize, Outline, and Support Speech Ideas Informative Speaking APA Citation Presentation Aids Use of Language  How to Deliver a Speech Persuasive Speaking Logical Reasoning
Major Assignments Schedule	SPCH_1315_72_202560_P00339312.pdf
Final Exam Date	August 7, 2025 - 8:0 AM   Through  August 8, 2025 - 8:0 PM
Grading Scale	The grade in this class is based on a 1,000 point scale. At any time, divide the number of points earned by the number of points attempted.  This will give you a percentage number.  900 - 1000     = A 800 - 899       = B 700 - 799       = C 600 - 699       = D  599 -below     = F
Determination of Final Grade	Speeches      = 500 points or 50% Exams           = 150 points or 15% Reflections    = 150 points or 15% Papers          = 200 points or 20%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	I will not discuss your grades over the phone or by email. We can discuss grades or other 'big' issues via Teams meetings. With the speed of a 5 week summer class, there is not time to catch up if you get behind on your work. Therefore, all assignments must be submitted by the due date/time.  You are welcome to submit assignments early but note assignments will be graded after the due date.  Only work submitted in Blackboard will be graded.  All references/citations must be done according to APA style.   All work should be free of spelling and grammar errors.  Content must be appropriate for a college classroom.  Students should check LSCPA email daily.  I will only respond to email sent to davisml1@lamarpa.edu . Please do not email within the Blackboard course.  It is expected that students will display mature behavior when communicating with the instructor and classmates.   Plagiarism is not tolerated in this class.  The proper use of AI will be discussed with each assignment.  Improper use of AI or plagiarism will result first in a zero on the assignment, secondly, an F in the course.  FOLLOW DIRECTIONS: In this course, there will be written content and videos with instructions.  Be sure to read or watch ALL material in the course, plus check announcements/email daily.  Work completed not following directions will receive a grade of zero.  An example: you are provided with the outline template for this course, but you like a different one you saw online snd you choose to use it.   Ask questions. Ask questions. Ask questions. I am the best person to ask if you have a question about the class or assignments.
Attendance Policy	This course is 100% online.  It is recommended you check LSCPA emails daily and the course 3-4 times per week.
Additional Information	Public Speaking is known as the #1 fear of humankind.  As you start this class keep in mind you aren't supposed to know how to do everything already!  Public Speaking, although it looks effortless when done by a trained speaker, involves specific processes, research, and lots practice.  If you are up to the challenge, you will improve so much even in 5 short weeks.  I look forward to working with you!   Dr. Davis
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
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 Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect	As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct	LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting	For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern	If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information	Inmate Instruction Chair: Dr. Steven Zani Email: zanisj@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6431