California State University San Marcos

College of Humanities, Arts Behavioral and Social

Sciences
GEO 102, Oral Communication, Semester

Instructor(s): Mike Sperla

Office Location: SBSB 2212

Class Info: Section 37 (41206)

Email: Mjguitar@sbcglobal.net

Office Hours: T/TH 4:00-5:30 PM by appointment

Meeting times: Wednesday 7:00 – 9:50 PM

Classroom: SBSB 2109

Course Description
Introduction to the form and content of communication. Includes: the linguistic, psychological,
and cultural bases of communication; various types of communication ranging from basic speech
acts to forms of persuasion and conflict resolution; the social and political significance of
communication; how communication operates within and across a wide range of social contexts.
Students become actively acquainted with some of the potential proficiencies that may be
brought into various social contexts. Requires active participation in classroom exercises
(mandatory attendance), collaborating on a group research project, which is presented orally to
the class, and practicing public speaking. Students are expected to spend six hours each week
working on this course beyond attending the class meetings. Out-of-class work includes
readings, homework exercises, writing outlines, academic research and practicing speeches.

General Education Learning Outcomes for Oral Communication

The following goals are the campus-wide expectations for what a student will be able to
do after successfully completing the course:

 Find and evaluate a variety of source materials in order to plan, develop and craft
extemporaneous public presentations. You will compose and deliver speeches that
incorporate source material on topics of social relevance.
 Deliver extemporaneous, in-person presentations in English that contain logically
coherent and adequately supported assertions, organized to intentionally affect the
specific listening audience. You will create and deliver organized extemporaneous
speeches demonstrating audience analysis and adaptation.
 Speak with confidence to a live audience in ways that reflect her or his distinct
 perspective and identity. You will develop better control of nervous mannerisms
through familiarity with the speech making process and delivery techniques.
 Apply communication theory, concepts, principles to make rhetorical choices
(regarding language, organization, content/support, and delivery) to be effective with
a variety of audiences and purposes (i.e., inform, persuade, entertain, commemorate).
You will apply ethical speaking and listening practices defined in the text, as well as
knowledge of the social and political significance of communication in a free society.
 Actively listen, critically evaluate and thoughtfully respond to the diverse
perspectives of all members of the community. You will analyze your own and others
speeches, demonstrating respect for the diverse speaking styles and perspectives of
others.

Textbook
Before you can improve as a public speaker, you must know what to do; the text provides
important information. Several quizzes will be based on the reading and your presentations
should demonstrate application of the concepts. The required text for this class is Public
Speaking: Choices and Responsibility: 2nd Edition by William Keith and Christian O. Lundberg.

Course requirements (number of exams, assignments, etc)

Written Assignments
There are several written assignments throughout the course that satisfy the University writing
requirement. It is expected that all assignments will be turned in at the beginning of class on the
due date, will be typed or word-processed, and will demonstrate your best work. Assignments
that are submitted late take significant deductions or earn no credit.

Speeches
To receive a passing grade in this class, all presentations must be given. If you miss an assigned
speaking day, you must give the speech but you will lose significant points toward your final
grade. If you were absent due to an urgent, serious, unavoidable emergency and have supporting
documentation, you may earn credit for your speech.

To better facilitate the research and composition process, the instructor prior to beginning work
on the assignment must approve speech topics. I will be happy to help you choose a topic
appropriate to your interests and your audience. I want you to succeed--if I feel your topic is
inappropriate in subject or difficulty, I will ask you to choose another.

Exams
Two major exams from the text and from instructor lecture material will be given, which results
in 30% of the total grade. It is highly advised that each student take written notes since electric
online capable devices are forbidden in class unless cleared by your instructor. Old school
people…Written notes. “They listen well who take good notes…and we remember more of what
we write. You can always transfer your info electronically anytime after class.
Grading Standards
All course work is graded using a point system. I recommend that you keep a record of the points
you have earned, and any assignments handed back so you know at any time what grade you are
earning. Cougars Courses (CC) is only updated periodically throughout the semester as your
instructor keeps his own Excel records. When CC is updated, your instructor will let you know.
When calculating your progress, add up the total number of points you have earned and divide
by the number of points possible to date. The result is a percentage.

Grading breakdown: 1,000 total points (extra credit points can surpass this total…it’s been done)
Assignment POINTS SCORE
Delivery Exercise (item must be cleared in advance in writing) 30
Simple Informative Presentation + outline + evaluations 160
Informative speech—Country of impact 200
Persuasive Presentation + Outline 200
Extra Credit 25 + additional opportunities
Participation— ATTENDANCE! CELL PHONES OUT!!! in class 100
activities, punctuality etc.
Midterm + two quizzes (lowest score will be dropped) 190
Final Exam 120

Final grade scale

A 930-1000
A- 900-929
B+ 870-899
B 830-869
B- 800-829
C+ 770-799
C 730-769
C- 700-729
D+ 670-699
D 630-669
D- 600-629
F 599 or below

Policy on attendance:
Students who disrupt the class or refuse to treat others with respect and courtesy will be dropped
from this course. This instructor is firmly committed to providing serious students with a
supportive learning environment. Since this is a skill development course, your attendance and
participation is expected. Missing class will negatively influence your grade since there are no
“make-ups” for in-class work such as quizzes or important lectures. Do not enroll in this course
if you are unable to attend every class session, or are habitually late because of a job
commitment. If you do miss a class, you are responsible for all of the information covered, not
me. Office hours do not involve your instructor re-lecturing previous material covered in class.
Additionally, you must make prior arrangements to submit any assignments that were due. If you
arrive late, please be courteous and enter quietly. Instructor may drop any student who
accumulates the equivalent of 5 class sessions. A class meeting once a week = 2 class sessions.
Participation:
Participation accounts for 10% of your final grade. This grade is based on such things as
attendance, punctuation, contributions to class discussion and activities, ungraded assignments,
general attentiveness, and adherence to class policies (no cell phones or electronic devices
unless cleared by your instructor). Each class member has the right and obligation to
participate in discussions. Listen carefully with an open mind and ask for clarification if
necessary.

Policy on late work and/or missed exams

Late assignments will be penalized one grade for everyday it is submitted after the due date
(i.e. 100 point assignment = 10 point daily deduction). This includes Saturday & Sunday (you
can submit to Cougar’s Courses anytime, or e-mail we with a workable Word attachment). In the
event of an unavoidable scheduling conflict, it is your responsibility to make prior arrangements
with the instructor to resolve the problem.
Classroom conduct OR “how to be successful with this instructor”:
Do not engage in disruptive behavior. Any type cell phone usage is disruptive
behavior. PUT THEM AWAY! OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND! As is having
conversations with classmates when the instructor or another student is speaking, writing or
passing notes, arriving late, etc. Please turn electronic devices off when in class and no laptops
are acceptable unless it is cleared by your instructor. Your undivided attention in class is
important to the learning environment.
An atmosphere of mutual respect is in order. The instructor has the right to request that you leave
if you engage in disrespectful or disruptive conduct. If you are asked to leave, you remain
responsible for the information presented in class (be sure to get notes from a classmate) and you
must meet with the instructor during office hours before you will be allowed to return to class.

Academic Honesty
Students will be expected to adhere to standards of academic honesty and integrity, as outlined in
the Student Academic Honesty Policy. All assignments must be original work, clear and error-
free. All ideas/material that are borrowed from other sources must have appropriate references to
the original sources. Any quoted material should give credit to the source and be punctuated
accordingly.

Plagiarism of any sort is not acceptable. The consequences range from failing the assignment to
academic probation or expulsion. Simply put, make sure everything that you claim to be your
own work is exactly that. Cheating on assignments, exams, or projects will result in a failing
grade for the course as well as any other penalties determined by the University.

Academic Honesty and Integrity: Students are responsible for honest completion and
representation of their work. Your course catalog details the ethical standards and penalties for
infractions. There will be zero tolerance for infractions. Ignorance of the code is not an excuse!
The instructor reserves the right to discipline any student for academic dishonesty, in accordance
with the general rules and regulations of the university.
http://lynx.csusm.edu/policies/procedure_online.asp?ID=187
ADA Statement
Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations must be approved for services
by providing appropriate and recent documentation to the Office of Disabled Student Services
(DSS). This office is located in Craven Hall, and can be contacted by phone at (760) 750-4905,
or TTY (760) 750-4909. Students authorized by DSS to receive reasonable accommodations
should meet with me. Confidentiality is guaranteed.

Language Learning and Writing Center

The Language Learning Center (LLC) receives special funding to support students who speak – or even
hear! – a language other than English at home. Specialized tutors meet with students one-on-one to
discuss linguistic issues that affect comprehension, and the conveying of concepts in particular, as you go
over rough drafts together. Practice GEO presentations with a friendly, supportive student in a private
setting. They will not “tutor” you nor “correct” your accent; they will only tell you if there is a moment
they don’t understand you, since the focus in this is clear communication. This is an opportunity to build
confidence and comfort speaking in front of others. We recommend appointments. Contact Information:
Kellogg 1107, (760) 750-8058, llc@csusm.edu, www.csusm.edu/llc .

The Writing Center is a welcoming learning environment where certified student consultants offer
constructive guidance to all writers of all levels at all stages of the writing process. Consultants work with
students on any aspect of a piece of writing, offering strategies, advice, and resources to help the student
improve her/his writing abilities. One of the central goals of the Writing Center is to help make better
writers, not just better writing. We do this by focusing our feedback on the writing process, not just the
paper at hand. Appointments are recommended. Contact Information: Kellogg 1103, (760) 750-4168,
writing@csusm.edu, www.csusm.edu/writingcenter . Specialized tutors meet one-on-one to discuss

Assignment descriptions

Short Speech (worth 30 points)

Delivery Exercise--This is a 1-2 minute speech that focuses on basic delivery skills. This is the
first step toward effective public speaking. The presentation should focus on individual eye
contact and enthusiasm. Good eye contact will help presenter to relax, while enthusiasm will
enable the nervous energy to work in their favor. This will also help projection and voice
inflection. Each student will bring in an object of their choice, excluding anything of an
inappropriate nature, such as drugs, alcohol, paraphernalia, or anything of a violent nature.
Present the object to the class and tell a story behind it. The presentation must be a minimum of
1:00 or deductions will be the result. Have a short story to tell to ensure you make your time, but
long presentations can be cut off by your instructor.

Simple Informative Presentation (worth 160 points)

You will develop a 3:30-5:30 minute, organized presentation summarizing information on your
chosen topic. You should present the information following the structure and organization
discussed in class. An outline of the presentation is due (see schedule) before the assigned
speaking day. The purpose of the assignment is to organize information for a listening audience,
and to effectively present your message without calling attention to stylistic weaknesses.
Nervousness is normal, however.

Speech-analysis (40 of the 160 points total)-- Each student will critique two presentations of their
classmates’ presentations and analyze the presentation by answering questions provided by the
instructor. Grade will be based on attention to details, both in content and delivery and are very,
very strictly graded. Quality and quantity of content is highly advised to score high. Critiques are
expected to be turned in typed the following class session AND MUST BE TYPED.

Informative Research Presentation (worth 200 points)

You will select a country and an issue that this country has experienced or is currently
experiencing.

Country impact outline (100 points total)--You will provide an outline about a specific country
and an issue that impacted (Who is impacted? How severe is the impact?) Along with examples,
you should provide at least two statistics and one expert testimony that emphasize the
significance of the issue. Grade is based on organization, use of examples and statistics as
support, and effective academic writing style (see Rwanda outline example provided in class).

Country impact presentation (100 points total)--You will provide a presentation (5 minutes)
about a specific country and an issue that impacted the nation and its people (utilize notecards
based upon the preparation outline drafted for this assignment. Grade is based on organization,
use of examples and statistics as support, sufficient explanation/information, effective
communication style and the efficient utilization of visual aids.

Persuasive presentation (worth 200 points)

Students will incorporate research into an organizational form to present the strongest possible
arguments for a particular position. The presentation should demonstrate sensitivity to the
audience, strong use of evidence, a variety of evidence, persuasive strategies, and smooth
delivery skills. The presentation will be 4-6 minutes (not including question and answer session)
and at least three separate visual aid images are required.

Outline (70 of the 200 points total)--Each student will prepare an outline for their
presentation/contribution using at least four research sources and all four types of
evidence (example, statistic, expert testimony, illustration). The outline must be typed/
word-processed, proofread and meet basic college level expectations.

Midterm Exams and Three Quizzes (worth 190 points total)

The Midterm Exam is on your class schedule and covers readings and lectures up to that point.
Each quiz will be announced one to two class periods in advance with the lowest score being
dropped.
Final Exam (worth 120 points)
The Final Exam is on your class schedule and covers readings and lectures after the midterm and
will not cover previous material that was on the midterm.

Participation (worth 100 points)

Your points will be based on your attendance, punctuality, and positive contributions to the
learning environment. Participation in activities such as class discussions, peer assessments, and
ungraded work will be considered, along with the quality and quantity contributions to class
discussion.

Course Schedule

Day Date In class activities/Assignments due Readings

1-W 08/28/19  Syllabus and Class Expectations

 Introductory Icebreakers Presentations

2-W 09/04/19  Audience Analysis Keith Ch. #1 & #3

 Effective Delivery

 Delivery Exercise
 Simple Informative Topic Explained

3-W 09/11/19  Simple Informative Presentation Assigned Keith Ch. #7 & #9

 Outlining Workshop

 Simple Informative Topic due

4-W 09/18/19
 Simple Informative Outlines due!
Important!
 Notecards and Visual Aids!!!
 Speech Signups
 Simple Informative Demonstration with PowerPoint
Day Date In class activities/Assignments due Readings

5-W 09/25/19
 Simple Informative Presentations
 Student Critiques

6-W 10/02/19
 Simple Informative Presentations
 Student Critiques

7-W 10/09/19  MIDTERM EXAM (150 POINTS)

Important!  Countries of Impact
 Informative Topic Selected
 Initial Research Methods
(Computer lab location TBA)

8-W 10/16/19  Advanced Database Research Keith Ch. #11

Important!

9-W 10/23/19  Countries of Impact outlines due!

 Listening Activity
 Persuasive Presentations/Outlines Assigned
 Speech Signups

10- W 10/30/19  Countries of Impact Presentations

Keith Ch. #12
 Persuasive Groups selected (optional) & Group Breakouts
Day Date In class activities/Assignments due Readings

11- W 11/06/19  Countries of Impact Presentations

 Group Breakouts

12- W 11/13/19
 Countries of Impact Presentations
 Bring in Persuasive Research!

13- W 11/20/19
 Persuasive Outlines Due!
 Persuasive Presentations!

14- W 11/27/18  ENJOY AN EARLY THANKSGIVING!

 No class Wednesday the 27th
 You’re welcome 

15- W 12/04/19  Persuasive Presentations!

date of class
goal to  Final Exam (120 points)
complete all
course work

16- W 12/11/19  Persuasive Presentations!

8:30-10:30 PM
 Final Exam {only if class session needed to
if needed complete all class work}
to meet  (8:30 – 10:30 PM)