Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

How to get started in our course.

  1. First Read this syllabus.  
  2. At the bottom of the page, click "Next" to move forward in the course and begin the first Module where you will take an open-book syllabus quiz.

 

Course Overview and Introduction

download-1.jpeg 

Welcome from Dr. Sunny

Department: Humanities and Foreign Languages, Santa Fe College

Sunny Skye Hughes, Ph.D. was raised on the Gulf Coast of Texas by a mom who loved to surf!  When she earned her degree in Journalism from Texas A&M in 1997, she was the first college graduate in her family.  While a student, Dr. Hughes took first place in the TAMU Debate Society Public Speaking Contest in the Fall of 1996. After working in television and radio, Dr. Sunny attended graduate school at the University of Florida earning her M.S. in Telecommunications in 2005 and her Ph.D. in Mass Communications in 2008.  Hughes has taught at the University of Maine, Husson University, the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.  Dr. Sunny lives in Gainesville with her husband, her teenagers, her poodles--Jackson, Judith and Juniper.  Click here to follow the adventures of Dr. Sunny and her poodles on Instagram. 

Dr. Sunny on Youtube

Dr. Sunny on Twitter

Dr. Sunny on Facebook

Communications

If you have a personal issue to report or document with Dr. Hughes, submit a REPORT.

If you have a personal issue, post to the FAQ.

If you need help on technology or how-to's, check the TOOLBOX.

 

Welcome to our Class

In online public speaking, we're a community.  Here is a welcome message prepared for you by my former student Mackenzie:

 

Course Description

SPC 2608 introduces students to the art and practice of public speaking as it has emerged through history to its present status today. Students complete extemporaneous speeches with a variety of rhetorical purposes, and emphasis is placed on methods of adapting messages to heterogeneous audiences. In essence, the course offers the rhetorical analysis and performance skills components to ensure that students can both critically analyze and orally present thoughts.

Credit: 3   Prerequisites:   None.

 

Critical Dates in the Course Calendar

  • May 8:             First Day of Classes
  • May 9:             Last day to add
  • May 12:           Last day to drop with refund
  • July 11:           Last day to withdraw with "W"
  • August 8:         Last Day of Classes
  • August 14:       Grades Due

 

Our course is 100% Online

This course is 100% online and will never require you to physically attend classes in person.

How does Online Public Speaking work?  Here's advice from a former student:

Here's a great endorsement of our class from Lindsey:

Kaitlyn also found this course worked well for her:

 

Public Speaking Online Purpose and Structure:

Why take Public Speaking?  According to Forbes' 2015 survey of employers , the third most important skill they look for in new hires is the ability to communicate verbally with people inside and outside and organization. 

Here's Rachel on why taking public speaking online was one of the best decisions she's ever made:

This course is structured to help you improve your oral communication skills while working at your own pace, and without having to attend classes on campus. This ONLINE course structure works well for students with other obligations such as employment, family, or students who are not able to travel to campus.

To be successful in this class, it is important that you have the characteristics necessary for success as an online student.  Review this short checklist from Santa Fe College to see if online learning is right for you.  

Public Speaking also requires A LOT of time compared to other survey-type classes. This is a professional skills course, so you need to plan to spend enough time on your work preparing speeches.  

Online Time Management

Here's some advice from former students on time management in public speaking:

Hailey has some sound advice on speech preparation: Don't wait until the last minute.

Eddie has some good advice on time management:

 

Now, I know what you're thinking....public speaking online?  How does that work?

Here's some sound advice from my fabulous former students:

 

 

 

Instructional Materials

Yes! It's free!  Woohoo!  It's also online and works well on smartphones so you can read while you're on the go.  Here's what my former students have to say about the textbook:

 

Other Instructional Materials 

  • Notecards (any size of your choosing: 3x5, 4x6, 5x7) You will use these to write brief notes when you present your speech. (This is REQUIRED)
  • Clothing for casual, business casual and professional dress in speeches.  Alternately, you can wear all black. (This is REQUIRED)
  • Clamp light you can use to light your video.  This helps remove shadows and make you look more credible.  You can find one at a hardware store or order one on Amazon. (This is OPTIONAL)
  • Device to record video such as phone, laptop, tablet or video camera. If you use your smartphone, use the back camera because it has higher resolution. If you don't have one, there are over 5000 computers for student use at various college campuses.  Here is a list. (This is REQUIRED)
  • Videos in course module lessons (This is REQUIRED--If a video is linked or embedded, it is expected you will watch the entire video.)

 

Technology Requirements

 Youtube Account.  You can learn about creating one in this tutorial. If you already have one, you can use it.  Also, if you have a Google account, you can log in with those credentials. Here is the Youtube Privacy Policy.

 Canvas Account through eSanta Fe (Canvas Privacy Policy)

You need a computer for work in Canvas.  The computer should easily stream video as many lessons require this ability.  There are computer labs at SF Campus.

Canvas Instructure App (Optional)

Although MOST of our course material is available through the Canvas application on Mobile Devices, SOME information doesn't show up.  I recommend using a desktop or laptop computer in conjunction with your phone app.  The phone app is nice for reading the syllabus, reading the chapters, reviewing materials, etc. You can even take quizzes and post to discussion boards.  To my knowledge, you cannot submit assignments.

Here's Hailey explaining how you can use the mobile app:

Mackenzie is also a big fan of the app:

Here's Mikayla, another former student explaining how she uses the mobile app:

Heather is another former student who strongly suggests the Canvas App:

 

Here's Laeyah explaining how she uses the Canvas Mobile App:

THIS CLASS requires a fast video connection to upload many videos.  Make sure your technology works! High Speed Internet Service. I use Cox and you can read their privacy policy here.  You may wish to request or do a search for your ISP's privacy policy, as well. Test your video upload time by completing your first speech before drop/add ends.  THE LATE POLICY APPLIES TO VIDEOS WHICH ARE NOT UPLOADED BY DEADLINE DUE TO LONG OR STALLED UPLOADS...PLAN AHEAD... RECORD AND UPLOAD EARLY.

You need a device to record video such as smartphone camera, laptop camera, webcam, digital camera or camcorder.  This class assumes you know how to record video on your device.  This course will require you to video speeches using a smartphone, laptop or digital camera. You should record your speech, then upload it to Canvas for evaluation.

Minimum Technical Skills

Ability to use Canvas Learning Management System 

Ability to use eSanta Fe System

Ability to upload a video to Youtube (Course tutorial available)

Ability to embed a link to a Youtube video in Canvas (Course tutorial available)

Ability to embed an image in a Canvas LMS discussion

Ability to record video on computer, smartphone or camera 

Ability to download and install software

Ability to access pdf files on the Internet

Ability to create and submit a file in a word processing program

 

Technology Accessibility and Usability

Canvas This course uses the Canvas Learning Management System for communications, quizzes, assignment instructions and submissions, as well as discussion posts. You can learn more about accessibility in Canvas here at the Canvas Community Forums.

Youtube In this course, you will upload your video speeches to Youtube and embed them in our Canvas LMS. You may also use Youtube for closed captioning in some extra credit activities. Youtube is an accessible player with screenreading and captioning features. You can learn more about Youtube (Google)'s accessibility here (it's at the bottom of the page). For example, those with visual impairments may find the Youtube Screenreader helpful.

You may use any web browser, computer, phone, recording device, or word processing software of your choosing to further course accessibility.

If something doesn't work for your learning style, please submit a REPORT and let me know so we can try to find a work around.

Technical Difficulties?

If you have technical difficulties, you may wish to contact Santa Fe College Information Technology Services. 

They have a web help desk, too.  

ITS Help Desk: (352)-395-5999

  

Learning Objectives

These learning objectives align with Santa Fe College's General Education Learning Outcomes, which identify skills each student must master to pass the course:

1) Deliver subject matter/content through the use of voice and body language;

2) Present information and evidence in an accurate, appropriate and integrated manner;

3) Articulate (orally) ideas and concepts;

4) Listen to and/or receive information without bias and verify through critiques, feedback forms.

SF General Education Learning Outcomes will be evaluated through individual assignment rubrics.  Course assignments have also been designed to align with Santa Fe College Strategic Plans Goals of promoting Internationalization, Sustainability, Democratization and East Gainesville Instruction.

 

Course Map

This course is designed around a series of ten modules, which allow you to work progressively through the course in a progressive manner at your own pace. This is helpful for students who might have circumstances (foreseen or not) that interfere with their regular participation in the course.  Although you must meet all deadlines, you are able to work ahead to prevent missing deadlines when unforeseen circumstances arrive.

You must complete the first module before moving on to the second.  For this reason, you might not be able to see future module content since you have not completed prerequisite modules.  

Be sure to click MODULES in the left menu bar to work through the course materials.  DO NOT seek out lists of assignments or rely solely on the course calendar because you will miss the instructional materials that are contained in the modules.

Within each modules, you will find a series of objectives.  First, you will complete the lesson. Next, you will read the assigned textbook chapter and complete the reading quiz.  Then, you will post to the discussion board(s).  Next, you will record and present your speech and complete your self evaluation. Finally, you will complete your peer evaluations.

 

Assessment

25%     Quizzes: Cover assigned readings from The Public Speaking Project (www.publicspeakingproject.org)

Averaged, Lowest two quizzes dropped.  The text quizzes are meant to encourage you to read the textbook chapters because they are the most important tool you have in preparing your speeches.  The text quizzes over the readings are a prerequisite for completing speeches.  This policy ensures you do not begin work on a speech before you have the tools to be successful.  Video tutorials are also designed and included with this in mind.  

10%     Discussion Posts: Text or video discussion meant to facilitate student-driven learning & feedback.  GRADES FOR DISCUSSIONS WILL BE AVERAGED.

Here's an explanation from a former student on how discussions work:

50%     Speeches: Oral communication of ideas through verbal and nonverbal language. GRADES FOR SPEECHES WILL BE AVERAGED.                

 5%      Self Evaluation: Self reflection on speech presentations and ideas to improve in the future.  GRADES FOR SELF EVALUATIONS WILL BE AVERAGED.

10%     Peer Evaluations: Constructive criticism given without bias and in the spirit of support. GRADES FOR PEER EVALUATIONS WILL BE AVERAGED.

 

ASSIGNMENT TYPE PERCENT OF GRADE NUMBER  TOTAL POINTS EACH
QUIZZES 25%

11

(13 TOTAL-LOWEST 2 DROPPED)

 AVERAGED 2.27
DISCUSSIONS 10% 13 AVERAGED 0.77
SPEECHES 50% 10 AVERAGED 5.00
SELF EVALUATIONS 5% 10 AVERAGED 0.5
PEER EVALUATIONS 10% 10 AVERAGED

1.0

 

Final Exam

There is no final exam in this course.

Extra Credit

Extra credit will be assigned at the professor's discretion and will be announced on Canvas through modules.  Extra credit will not exceed 10% of total points available in the class.  If exceptions are made beyond late work deadlines due to health issues, work conflicts or other special circumstances, the points awarded will be considered extra credit for purpose of the 10% cap on extra credit.  All extra credit must be completed by due date, at which time the assignment locks.

 

Here is Karen's advice on extra credit in this class:

 

Please be aware that you are responsible for completing course content by deadline. Work ahead!

 

Course Grading

A = 90+

B+ = 87-89.999

B = 80-86.999

C+ = 77-79.999

C = 70-76.999

D+= 67-69.999

D = 60-66.999

F = BELOW 60

I = INCOMPLETE (But 85% of course work completed)

W = Withdraw

WF = Withdraw Failing 

 

Course Policies

Attendance & Participation

  • This course is ONLINE.  That means you will not need to come to a traditional course lecture or exam.  All work can be completed online.

  • If you never participate in class, you will be marked in this manner for SFC and it might affect your financial aid.

  • If you stop attending or participating in class, I will contact your academic advisor and contact you through your SFC e-mail, as well as through the Grades First system.

  • If you must be absent from course participation for an extended amount of time, it is recommended that you contact your advisor about a withdrawal from the course or a medical withdrawal if appropriate.

  • You should plan to check in to our Canvas course several times a week to remain active and on-task with course assignments. Participation is important in all learning environments, but in public speaking, it is essential.

  • It is your responsibility to complete and submit course assignments, quizzes, speeches and discussions ON TIME in Canvas.

Communications with Dr. Hughes

You can expect a response to a message within 48 hours. Most assignments will be graded and feedback provided within one week of submission. I do not check Canvas from 5 p.m. on Friday to 9 a.m. on Monday.  Please plan accordingly.

For most issues, you should SUBMIT a REPORT.  This is an ungraded assignment where you can report any issues you're having in our class.

Mikayla explains it well with a song:

Communication by Students

Each week, you will be asked to post to a discussion board, reply to classmates' discussion posts, post a self evaluation and post peer evaluations for the week's speech.  These activities are required so you must regularly check in to our Canvas course so as not to fall behind.

Standards of Communication/Netiquette

Netiquette is etiquette on the Internet, or expectations for online communications. This is a college-level course, and your communication in this class should reflect this. When communicating with the instructor or your classmates, be sure that your messages are respectful, civil, and reflect college level writing. Here are some guidelines for your communications:

  1. Do not use shorthand expressions like you might do in texting. For example, "u" for you, "w/" for with, LOL, BTW, IMHO, etc.  The pronoun "I" is ALWAYS capitalized. The text editor in Canvas does not automatically capitalize "I" like your smart phone does.

  2. Be sure to use proper grammar and punctuation; note that typing IN ALL CAPS is the equivalent of shouting.

  3. Remember that body language and tone (such as a joking or sarcasm) may be difficult to perceive by others online, which may lead to misunderstandings.

  4. Discussion boards are visible to the entire class; if you have a private question for a classmate or the instructor, you should use the Canvas email system instead.

  5. Respect for everyone is paramount, even if you disagree with someone. Everyone's opinion is valid just as yours is. As outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, Santa Fe College prohibits harassment and discrimination.

 

Conflict Resolution: 

If you have concerns, questions or complaints with the course, you should make your opinions known to your Professor through a message on Canvas, where you identify your concerns, your ideas and your questions.  Dr. Hughes will then respond.  If you have not had a response from Dr. Hughes after 7 days, you should send another message to check in on the status of your resolution.  After Dr. Hughes responds to your e-mail, if you have still not found resolution, you can contact the Humanities and Foreign Languages Interim Department Chair Bill Stephenson, Room P-153, 352-395-5075 or bill.stephenson@sfcollege.edu

 

Late Work

Late work will be accepted at a 30% penalty up to one week from the due date.  After 7 days, the Canvas assignment will lock and you will no longer be able to submit the late work. The penalty will be applied after rubric mark up in Canvas Speedgrader.

You do not need to ask permission to submit late work, just submit it before the 7-day grace period ends--add a comment to your submission if you need to inform Dr. Hughes about any special circumstances.  Since our course is asynchronous, it is expected you will work ahead in anticipation of any interferences with your course performance.  In the event of an emergent situation that you cannot anticipate that has a long-term impact on your course involvement, you notify Dr. Hughes as soon as you are aware of the special circumstance.  Once an assignment locks for late submissions, IT WILL NOT BE REOPENED.

 

Extemporaneous Speaking

All speeches in this class are extemporaneous and presented from ONE AND ONLY ONE note card. You may not use a manuscript or read from the screen when you present. This policy is designed to promote extemporaneous speaking . It will be important that you practice several times before your speech.

Here's a video describing extemporaneous speaking:

Here's Hailey explaining extemporaneous speaking in another way:

 

Using Notecards in Our Class

Put any quotes, citations, and statistics that are difficult to remember on the note card. If you use more than one note card, or do not use a notecard, your presentation will be penalized 20%.  Notecards should be shown on video to Dr. Hughes before starting the speech.  Each speech in this class has a time requirement.  If the time requirement is 1 minute, your speech must be at least one minute, but no longer than two minutes.  If your speech is 3 minutes, your speech must be at least three minutes and no more than 4 minutes.  To clarify, you must meet the time of the speech, and you have a 1 minute grace period beyond that time to complete your speech.  Submissions that exceed the grace period (even by one second) will NOT be graded and will require a new submission under the late work policy. 

 

Institutional Policies

Academic Integrity

All submitted work during the course, written or oral, will be the student's personal, original work, with credit being given to sources used. All documentation of absences whether written or oral will be honest representations. If a student violates this understanding, evaluations of work must be affected accordingly and if necessary, adjudication will be processed by procedures approved by Santa Fe College.  You can read more about the SFC Conduct Code if you would like more information.

Accommodation

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); If you are a student with a disability: In compliance with Santa Fe College policy and equal access laws I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that you may require as a student with a disability. Requests for academic accommodations need to be made during the first week of the semester (except for unusual circumstances) so arrangements can be made. You must be registered with Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) in S-229 for disability verification and determination of reasonable academic accommodations. 

*Please note that I am providing closed captioning through Youtube for all of my videos for those students who are hearing impaired.  This is also helpful for all students if you want to watch a video without sound.  Click the caption button on Youtube video and choose english.

 

Connectivity

SFC Information Technology Services at 395-5000.  

 

Discrimination

SF prohibits any form of discrimination or sexual harassment among students, faculty and staff. For further information, refer to College Rule 2.8.

 

Grading and your GPA

To learn more about how your grades influence your GPA  and other Grading Policies, visit the SFC Undergraduate Catalog and review Grading Policies.  Please note that course grades will NOT be rounded up... or down.

 

Incompletes

Incompletes will only be given in extreme circumstances that interfere with the student completing the course.  To be eligible for an incomplete, it is required that you have completed at least Eighty Percent (80%) of the coursework on the date you make the request.  In most cases, it is more prudent to take a grade lower than you wish, than to take an "I" for a course.  Incompletes will be converted to failing grades if the work is not completed by the end of the next term in which you are enrolled. Remember, an Incomplete is not a favor to you--most students never complete them and end up with a failing grade on their transcript.

Language

No foul language, harassment, or cursing is allowed during any speech presentations. Violation of this rule will result in a zero for your speech. Please review the Santa Fe College Notice of Equal Access/Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination. Take care to consider what might be offensive when learning to relate to the audience.  Casual stereotypes or attempts at crude humor can be offensive depending on your audience.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The purpose of this document is to provide students with a general overview of both their rights and responsibilities as members of the Santa Fe College community. 

Withdrawal

Students have the right to officially withdraw from one course or from the College prior to the late withdrawal deadline. Students are responsible for completing a Santa Fe College withdrawal form to avoid receiving a failing grade for a course that is no longer being attended. Students who wish to withdraw from a course and receive a W may do so via eSantaFe or in the Office of Records up until the official withdrawal date each term/session.

The deadline to withdraw from classes is published in every SF class schedule and is located on the registration dates webpage. A student may have only three attempts per course including original grade, repeat grades and withdrawals. As a result of the Higher Education Act of 1965, (as amended), a student who completely withdraws may be required to repay a percentage of Title IV Federal Financial Aid funds received. College refund policy dictates that fees will be refunded in full for course work dropped during the drop/add period or canceled by the college. However, the federal refund/repayment policy supersedes the college refund policy for students receiving financial aid and completely withdrawing from the college.

Students have the right to petition to adjust records regarding late withdrawal. The College Petitions Committee shall meet weekly and have responsibility for reviewing and making decisions on student petitions. A petition form may be secured from the Office of the Registrar or online, and must be submitted, with all appropriate documentation, at least five business days prior to the committee's scheduled weekly meeting.

 

*Dr. Hughes reserves the right to change the syllabus based on class performance and progress.

*This course strives to be FERPA compliant.  You can read more about your student privacy rights here.

 NEXT

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due