In all communication, please include as a minimum your
1. first and last name
2. class name or number (e.g. JC327)
I am available to you on an ongoing basis throughout your time spent in this course. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions, concerns, issues, etc. I am here to assist you and mentor you to achieve your goals and experience success in this class.
I prefer that whenever possible you contact me by e-mail which is the quickest method. Generally, I will respond within 3 business days to emails.
If you would like to communicate via telephone or Internet chat, please e-mail me and we will arrange a day and time that is convenient for both of us.
Again, do not hesitate to contact me. I am here for you and look forward to working with you.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
I am happy to provide you with information and instructions regarding this online undergraduate Professional Speaking course. As you know, you have a time limit to complete this online class. This time limit is 8 weeks at Canyon College, School of Journalism and Communications. This course is part of the Public Relations emphasis, which is part of the degree Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communications. You may study at your own pace, and can progress through this course as quickly as you desire. JC327 is an exciting class and I am sure you will learn some of the most interesting principles related to speaking professionally. This is an elective course that focuses on a general understanding of Professional Speaking. After successful completion of the course, you will have a much greater understanding of professional speaking, as well as some of the most current and pressing issues facing the professional speaker.
It is formatted to be self-directed, along with one-on-one mentoring by your faculty. You and I (as your instructor) communicate throughout your time spent in this important study. Communication can be by e-mail and fax.
You must be prepared to operationalize the learned concepts into the reality of today's communication environment. The readings in the text, the analysis of speeches, our discussions, and your weekly assignments will assist in meeting this broad-based goal.
You will find the textbooks for this course to be of the best available for the study of Professional Communication. They are packed with information.
Some of the topics/ subjects covered include:
(1) Interviewing
(2) Small Group Communication
(3) Communication in Organizations
(4) Speaking at Special Occasions
Students are encouraged to submit questions, discuss issues, and discuss problems related to communication for the professional speaker. Reading assignments from the textbooks are assigned with supporting objectives. There may be weekly written responses to related assignments that are to be turned into the school instructor as detailed by the professor.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The objectives are to understand and use skills in professional communication and speaking.
Detailed objectives will be provided in your textbooks and on our WebTutor(tm) site.
Communication for Business and the Professions, Eighth Edition, by Patricia Hayes Andrews and John E. Baird, Jr. Waveland Press Inc., 2005. ISBN: 1577663799
The Challenge of Effective Speaking, Thirteenth Edition, by Rudolph F. Verderber and Kathleen S. Verderber. Wadsworth (Thomson Corporation), 2005/2006. Wadsworth/Thomson's Internal ISBN: 0495025151 This bundle includes the "WebTutor ToolBox for Blackboard" (Student Access Key) for free.
If you purchase the textbook only under ISBN: 0534646972 make certain your "WebTutor ToolBox for Blackboard" (Student Access Key) is included. If the bookstore you are ordering from is not sure what code you need, you may print and give them the following WebTutor™ requisition form to clarify. (You may wish to email this to the bookstore if you are ordering online.) To get the form, click on this link: Requisition Form.
If you purchased the textbook without the "WebTutor ToolBox for Blackboard" (Student Access Key), it can be purchased separately under ISBN: 0534274897
Please order your books as soon as possible.
EXAMINATIONS:
There are two examinations for this course. There is a mid-term examination and a final examination.
The examinations are of the subjective and objective type. The examinations are "open" book. They thoroughly test knowledge in key areas of course content. While open book, they require thought and knowledge of the related content for successful completion.
Both examinations are taken "online." The examinations are accessed through the WebTutor(tm) site and Canyon College site. When you are ready to take the examinations, please e-mail me directly and request authorization to take your exam. I will in turn notify you that you may have exam access.
When you are ready to take the examination, access the proper web site, and take the examination. Access each exam only once. The examinations are scored after completion.
Both the midterm and final exam may include a video section where your communication is recorded.
Please plan to take the midterm exam at the end of the 4th week of the course. The final examination must be taken by the end of the 8th week of the class.
GRADING:
You will receive a letter grade, based on your over all score achievement. The grading scale is as follows:
90% - 100%
= A
80% - 89%
= B
70% - 79%
= C
60% - 69%
= D
Below 60%
= F
You will receive a percentage score for the midterm exam and the final exam. I will e-mail these to you. You will receive a letter grade for the midterm period. I will e-mail this to you and the Administration will send you e-mail. Your final letter grade will be an average of the midterm exam and final exam scores you achieved. You will receive two e-mails about the final course grade, one from me and one from the Administration.
The Midterm exam is 50% of the Final course grade.
The Final exam is 50% of the Final course grade.
Required assignments are graded as Pass or Fail.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Order your textbook(s) prior to enrolling in this class. If you need assistance, click on the Bookstore link or contact me.
You will need your Student Access Key, which is bundled with your new text or sold separately. It is available at the bookstore.
When you enroll at Canyon College, you will receive a User Name and Password. I will supply you additional information to use with the WebTutor(tm).
During the first week of the course, please e-mail your instructor and provide some basic information about yourself, including:
your primary contact e-mail address
your goals for this course
your overall goals for a career in Journalism or Communications
your past and current work experiences
your past and current educational experiences
any experiences you have had in Journalism or Communications
During the first week, start your Assignments.
During the first half of this course;
Read "Communication for Business and the Professions"
When ready, request to take the Midterm exam
When instructed, proceed to take the Midterm exam
During the second half of this course;
Read "The Challenge of Effective Speaking"
When ready, request to take the Final exam
When instructed, proceed to take the Final exam
There may be other assignments for reading, analysis, and speaking throughout the class time.
Contact your instructor any time you would like to discuss the readings, have questions, require clarifications or further explanations, etc.
Share with your instructor current event issues related to the Professional Speaker that you identify in the news media, etc. In turn, your instructor may share such information with you for discussion and analysis.
