Overview Objective Materials grading Exam ELI Policies and Procedures Contacting the Instructor Beginning the Course
CST 100: Principles of Public Speaking (3 Credits)

Overview

In this course, you will learn how public speakers plan and deliver presentations. You will also learn how to make critical judgments as an audience member to public discourse.

You will learn by reflecting on some of the concepts in our textbook with discussion board contributions, small-group interactions and by presenting speeches.  In order to work together as a class, everyone will follow the same schedule for completing assignments, with weekly (and mid-week) due dates.

Note: All sections of this course require attending some in-person and online class meetings, but sections may vary in the number of each type. Check the NovaConnect notes for specifics about the meetings for each section.

What you learn in this course will benefit you by helping you become a more confident and effective speaker and listener.

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Objectives

 

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

  1. Increase your understanding and appreciation of the communication process as it relates to speaker and listener interactions
  2. Develop your speaking and listening competencies for effective speech composition and delivery
  3. Exercise critical insight in judging spoken discourse
  4. Appreciate how spoken communication is used to critically examine facts, values and policies
  5. Respect ethical codes that govern spoken discourse:
    • Tolerance for differences of opinion
    • Preference for civility
    • Willingness to test rationally evidence and arguments
    • Development of interpersonal values that open and maintain channels of communication
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Materials

 

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Grading
 

Possible Assignments Include: (Subject to change each semester. The actual assignments are available in the Syllabus in the Blackboard course site on the first day of classes.)

Assignment
Points
Percent
3 speeches
400
40
16 class or group discussions
400
40
5 individual assignments
50
5
annotated bibliography
50
5
4 quizzes
100
10

Your final grade may be based on the following scale.

Grading Scale
Grade
Points
Percent
A
900-1000
90-100 %
B
800-899
80-89 %
C
700-799
70 - 79 %
D
600-699
60 - 69 %
F
0-599
Below 60 %
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Exams

 

There are no proctored exams in this course, but you are required to present three speeches during class meetings.

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ELI Policies and Procedures

  This is an Extended Learning Institute (ELI) course. ELI courses differ from campus courses in several important ways, including enrollment dates, communication with faculty, assignment completion requirements, and exams. You must follow ELI's policies and procedures if you take this course. Read (or review) ELI's Policies and Procedures before you begin the course. If you have questions, call ELI at (703) 323-3347 or (888) 435-6822.
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Beginning the Course
 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.