SPE 101 – Course Syllabus
SPE 101 – Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Course Description
This course introduces students to the foundational principles of effective speech communication. Topics include intrapersonal communication, intercultural communication, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, small group dynamics, mass communication, and public speaking. Students will complete both oral and written assignments designed to demonstrate an understanding of the communication process and develop critical thinking skills within today’s dynamic and diverse global marketplace.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the foundations of business communication
- Apply the three-step writing process
- Craft clear and concise brief messages
- Prepare reports and deliver effective oral presentations
- Write employment messages and prepare for job interviews
Clock/Credit Hours
45 Clock Hours / 3 Credit Hours
Instructor
PLEASE INSERT HERE NAME/TITLE and CONTACT INFORMATION.
Outside Work & Study Expectations
Students should expect to complete up to 90 hours of outside coursework, including:
- Reading assignments
- Journal reflections
- Case studies
- Written responses
- Research projects
- Practice exercises
- Studying and preparing speeches
Students may need to study 2–4 hours per night.
Students are expected to:
- Come prepared and actively participate in discussions
- Complete all assignments on time
- Read the required material before each session
- Respect the opinions and values of others
- Maintain an open mind during class discussions
Course Prerequisites
None
Instructional Resources & Materials
Textbook: Mastering Public Speaking, 10th Edition, by George Grice
Library Access:
24/7 access to library resources and live librarian support.
Method of Evaluation
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Discussion Forums | 35% |
| Weekly Assignments (including speeches) | 55% |
| Participation, Compliance & Professionalism | 10% |
Grading Scale
| Grade | Percentage | GPA Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | 90%–100% | 4.0 |
| B | 80%–89% | 3.0 |
| C | 70%–79% | 2.0 |
| F | Below 70% | 0.0 |
Additional Grades:
- P – Pass
- W – Withdrawal
- I – Incomplete
Policies & Procedures
- Late Work: May be accepted at the instructor’s discretion. No assignments accepted after the course ends.
- Missed Exams: Exams must be completed within the assigned window. Plan accordingly.
- AI Usage: The use of AI-generated writing is prohibited unless otherwise stated. Violations may result in failure of the assignment or course.
- Attendance: Asynchronous attendance is based on submission of coursework. Missing a week in a 4-week course equals a 25% absence, which can result in a failing grade regardless of performance in other weeks.
- Plagiarism/Cheating: Not tolerated and may result in dismissal and disciplinary action.
Course Participation
You are not required to log in at a specific time, but timely completion of lessons, assignments, and discussions is expected. Instructors will evaluate your participation based on your engagement with required course activities.
Delivery Mode
This course is delivered via distance learning.
All student-instructor interaction takes place online.
System Requirements
Canvas Platform Compatibility
| Operating System | Supported Versions | Compatible Browsers |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10, 11 | Firefox 118, Edge 118, Chrome 118 |
| MacOS | 12 (Monterey), 13 (Ventura), 14 (Sonoma) | Safari 17.0, Firefox 118, Chrome 118, Opera 103 |