In order to successfully complete this course, you must demonstrate your understanding of the course materials by:
Here is an overview of all of the different types of assignments in the course. You can find detailed directions for the assignments and the grading rubrics in the module where they are assigned.
Please note that you should title the subject of your files and emails with the following format: LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_SUBJECT.
In this opening speech assignment students will briefly share a little bit about themselves and practice using their camera and Canvas Studio to record and post a video copy of their short speech for the instructor to see. This first speech also serves as verification of the student’s identity. Please note, only the instructor will view this speech; however, students should still aim to rehearse good eye contact and vocal delivery before recording their performance. Time Limit: 2-3 Minutes.
In this narrative speech assignment, students will utilize visual aids, storytelling and clear speech structure to expand on an aspect of their life or an interest or hobby they think is important. Using a visual aid, students will help the audience understand specific aspects about a hobby, favorite movie, or a moment in their life or possibly a career interest. The structure of the speech will be based on telling the audience a story and linking that story to the visual aid. This will be the first speech that other members of the course will also be able to view. Student vocal delivery and eye contact should be improved upon from the first speech and the organization of the speech should be more much more structured. Time Limit: 3-4 Minutes.
In this research based speech assignment, you will select a topic (object, concept, event, place, or person) and then gather substantive supporting materials (facts, statistics, expert testimony, definitions, etc.) about that topic and organize the information into a coherent and education speech that is meant to educate the class about the topic chosen. Your main goal should be to teach the class about the topic. You should refrain from organizing your speech in a manner that would come across as overly persuasive. This will be the first speech that requires you to work in small groups to gather feedback about your topic selection and the type of supporting materials you will use. An annotated bibliography is required for this speech along with a structured outline. A visual aid is also required to help teach the audience about the topic. Your delivery and eye contact in this speech should be improved upon from the personal narrative speech and the organization of this speech should be more structured. Time Limit: 6-8 Minutes.
In this research based speech assignment, you will identify a compelling argument that you want the audience to agree with and then gather substantive supporting materials (facts, statistics, expert testimony, definitions, etc.) you can use to persuade the audience that your position on the issue is correct. Your main goal should be to create a coherent speech that will encourage the audience to accept the argument you have presented to them. An annotated bibliography is required for this speech along with a structured outline. Students are required to use all the facets of public speaking delivery to improve the persuasive impact of this final speech. Your delivery and eye contact in this speech should be improved upon from the informative speech and the organization of this speech should be more structured. Time Limit: 7-9 Minutes
Throughout the course you will be responsible for responding critically to various thought questions that concern public speaking dynamics. The first set of Discussion Board posts will ask that you review examples of public speaking and discuss how certain concepts from the reading are applicable. The next set of Discussion Board posts occur in small group settings and require you interact with others as you work to choose topics and gather research for your other speeches. Finally, some discussion board posts require you review your speech and critique your own performance. In total there are ten discussion board assignments. You will be given credit for your own original post and also your responses to two other posts that were originally made by a classmate.
Please follow CST 100 General Instructions for Discussions [PDF] to compose your responses.
The chapter quizzes are required and scored automatically. They can help you prepare for the comprehensive exam.
In this assignment you will participate in a brief survey about audience analysis factors. Your individual score will not be shown to the class. Aggregate results may be reported.
The comprehensive exam is a proctored assessment. The exam is closed-book. Any electronic devices (cell phones, electronic translators, computers, iPads, and similar tools) during testing times are not to be used. It is to check your understanding of the concepts learned in the course. To prepare yourself for the comprehensive exam you may want to review the chapters, the video lectures, and the guided reading notes.
Please find the information on how to take a proctored assessment in the Taking Proctored Assessments section below.