Welcome to Communication 201

Fall 2024

CRN 73645

Joshua J. Lyman

Department of Languages and Communication
Email: jlyman@cuesta.edu
Online Office Hours: NA
Contact Number: Phone: 805-546-3100 ex.2856

Hi All,

Welcome to Comm 201, Fall 2024.  Please read through this course overview and make sure it fits with your schedule, needs, and life.  This course goes very fast, so be ready to tighten your seatbelt, hold onto your hat, and get ready for a quick paced approach to learning and performing public address.

Description and Objectives: This is an introductory course in public speaking designed to provide the opportunity for improvement in both theoretical understanding and practical performance of oral communication. This class satisfies the general education requirement in oral communication and is acceptable for UC and CSU transfer credit.

Important Note: This class will be taught in as a Synchronous online style,  This means there are mandatory Synchronous class meetings on Zoom to accommodate course content and speech presentations, in addition, there will be course content, tests, discussions and activities done online.

Synchronous Meeting Times: W-6:00PM-8:50PM

 Course Objectives:

1. To learn the basic principles of human communication.
2. To become a more effective communicator. This involves an analysis of your communication situation, audience, occasion, and purpose; selection of subject matter; research, analysis, and organization of material; presentation of the message, and evaluation of the effectiveness of your communication.
3. To become a more careful and critical thinker and communicator, both as a speaker and a listener.
4. To understand your relationship and ethical responsibilities to others involved in the communication transaction.
5. To understand the impact of recent technology on oral communication.

Major Speech Activities:

Informative Speech--in a five-minute speech, you will teach your classmates about some process or subject that will be useful and meaningful to them. Significance of topic will be important in assigning a grade. Outside research (at least three sources) and a formal outline will be required.

Persuasive Speech--in a five-minute speech, you will attempt to persuade your audience to agree with your position on a significant, controversial issue. In addition, you will answer questions from the audience about your speech topic and position. Outside research (at least three sources) and a formal outline are required.

Critiques and Discussions: Both the instructor and members of the class will provide written critiques and oral critiques to all speakers. Online discussions will be a regular part of this course. They will be a part of your class participation grade and are essential in helping your classmates improve.

Examinations: There will be three (3) exams and based on readings and material from the textbook.

Outlines and Self-Evaluation:  There will be two Formal Outlines and a Self-Evaluation paper.