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Communications Room # 203 Ms. Downing ”Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel. It is to bring another out of his bad sense into your good sense.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson Course Description: Communications is an elective course offered to any student in 9th-12th grade. The class is a practical course designed to offer the novice speaker a number of opportunities to organize and prepare public speaking assignments. In addition to public speaking, further performance opportunities may be included in the area of public oral reading. Students will learn about the role of communication in our lives, the communication model, delivery styles, and the effectiveness of language, gestures, and organization techniques.

Objectives: 1. To introduce students to the basics of writing and performing public speeches. 2. To provide speaking opportunities in order to reduce the fear of public speaking, and to gain personal self-confidence. 3. To provide opportunities to improve public speaking skills. 4. Students will be able to select an appropriate speech topic. 5. Students will conduct research to gather data that is accurate, appropriate, clear, well documented, and unbiased. 6. Students will organize and write speeches with an effective introduction and conclusion, a well-structured body, clear transitions, and oral footnotes. 7. Students will write and deliver speeches using correct grammar, Standard English, and well-chosen language. 8. Students will deliver speeches with physical and vocal effectiveness. 9. Students will evaluate their own speeches and the speeches of others, recognizing strengths and weaknesses.

Grade Scale: 100-92 A : 91-83 B : 82-74 C : 73-65 D : 64-below F

Rules and Procedures:
 * 1) Homework—Homework may be assigned at least 3-5 times a week. These assignments should be completed in its entirety and will **__NOT__** be accepted late.
 * 2) Projects & Papers—Projects and papers will be lowered one full letter grade each day past the due date.
 * 3) Absences—Homework, papers, projects and tests will be collected and administered on the first day of return. Extended absences—Student will have as many days as missed to make up any missed work or tests.
 * 4) Extra Credit—Extra credit opportunities will be given throughout each nine weeks. Requests for extra credit will **__NOT__** be granted.
 * 5) Students and parents may use edline to view grades. Grades are updated each Friday.
 * 6) Academic Detention--any student who completes half or less than half of the assignments/week will be issued 1 hour of detention.
 * 7) It is the responsibility of the student to schedule a day to make up tests/quizzes. Student names are listed on the front board for each missing test/quiz until made up or due date has passed.
 * 8) Speeches will be given on tentatively on Thursday and Friday of each week. Make up speeches must be completed on Monday or rescheduled with Ms. Downing.

Units of Study: Wikispace: Class wikispace is [|www.lhscommunications.com]
 * 1) Elements of Communication
 * 2) Process of Communication
 * 3) Listening
 * 4) Building an Effective Speech for Any Occasion
 * 5) Using Media and Props Effectively
 * 6) Speeches
 * 7) Informative
 * 8) Persuasive
 * 9) Special Events
 * 10) Competition
 * 11) Business
 * 12) Mass Media
 * 13) Evaluating Speech
 * Anti-Bullying:** Any type of bullying or harassment will NOT be tolerated in any form. Please alert Ms. Downing if you are experiencing any type of negative behavior from others or if you have knowledge of someone who is being bullied.
 * Academic Integrity:** The LaurelSchool District encourages honest and responsible behavior; it requires that all students engage in academic integrity. No form of cheating will be tolerated. Any students who violate this academic integrity policy will receive a 0 for that assignment.