Course Description
This is a variable topic, debate-oriented course, with different themes in different semesters. Please contact the department, or see Banner, for information about a specific semester. Themes may include philosophical perspectives on: contemporary moral issues, ethical theory, topics in religion, political theory, the nature of free will, and so on. Prerequisite: None; Note: May be repeated twice for credit when topic varies.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
SLO #1: Demonstrate appropriate and ethical oral communication messages for give contexts and communicators to increase knowledge, foster understanding, and/or promote change.
SLO #2: Analyze and evaluate messages according to context, audience, intent, and other principles of oral communication, to contribute to the ongoing development of knowledge and relationships..
Course Grading Information:
Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
Attendance & Participation | 20% |
Homework | 20% |
Exams | 20% |
Presentation | 20% |
Peer Response | 20% |
Grading Scale
Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
93%+ | A |
90-92% | A- |
87-89% | B+ |
83-86% | B |
80-82% | B- |
77-79% | C+ |
73-76% | C |
70-72% | C- |
67-69% | D+ |
63-66% | D |
60-62% | D- |
< 60% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
You should be in class every day. In signing up for a course, you’re signaling a commitment to do the work for that class, and attendance is the most basic part of that work. Merely attending isn’t enough, though, and especially not for an oral communication course. You’re expected to be present, prepared, and participating in each class meeting. Attendance will be counted in the Roll Call feature in Canvas, and it’s your responsibility to ensure that the record is accurate. Contact me if there’s a discrepancy.
Your instructor reserves to right to reduce a student’s class participation grade by up to 50% for a day in which a student is noticeably unprepared, off-task, and/or not participating in class activities. I may also add points to a score for especially awesome contributions to the class.
Students are permitted three no-questions-asked absences from class which will not be counted against their participation score. Aside from this, an absence is an absence. There will be no excused or unexcused absences aside from extraordinary circumstances.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.