Syllabus for Speech 234: Small Group and Team LeadershipSPCH 234—Small Group and Team Leadership Email: rmattson@greenriver.edu Office hours: M-Th 5:00-7:00PM
Small Group Leadership Fall 2002
"If you don’t learn to speak-up, there won’t be a place for you at the table." —Tom Pucket, Ph.D. Course Description Critical analysis of leadership in committees and conferences with emphasis on development of speech effectiveness in working with others. Leaders will gain practical experience on organizing a meeting, in developing strategies for involvement, in handling the language of leadership, in handling conflict, and in building group consensus. Good leadership skills are highly prized in business, technical, and professional careers, and in the community. In the controlled college classroom setting and online, under the guidance of your instructor and a supportive audience, you should gain confidence and experience by applying learned leadership theory. "Theory without practice is meaningless; Practice without theory is random." —E. Deming Required Texts Optional text Objectives
Attendance and Participation Material missed in a speech class cannot be studied in the textbook. There is a direct link between your regular attendance in class, your participation and your potential success; therefore, attendance is required. We only meet 6-8 times in the quarter. Make these classes your priority. A total of 30 points will be given for class participation, which requires one to be present, physically and mentally. One absence is allowed. A second absence will result in 0 points for class participation. A tardy will be recorded when 5 minutes late and when leaving class anytime early. Tardiness on every two occasions equal one absence. Conversely, a student may earn extra participation points by superior attendance and participation. A bonus will be awarded to each student for attending all six sessions. Grade Evaluation Grades are assigned on the basis of a point/percentage system. The total number of points earned times the weighted percentage determines the student’s grade. Most assignments will be based on 30 points. No late assignments will be accepted. . No late assignments will be accepted after 12:00 Noon on December 10, 2002 regardless of due date. Presentations usually can not be made up; however, in cases of bonafide emergency, it is up to you to make arrangements with the instructor for possible make up; make-ups may be subject to a penalty. Points will be translated into quarter grades according to the schedule in the back of this syllabus.
Final Course Grade Breakdown: Mini-assignments/Book Review/ Popular and Research Articles 30% Discussion Participation 10% Attendance 10% Group Projects 25% Major Class Project 15% Exams 10% The (+) or (-) Factor How does this work? You will receive a score based on the assignments. One hundred percent is the total possible for all work in the quarter. I reserve the right and have the responsibility for raising you above what you actually earned. I will do this to reward positive behavior such as extra effort, attitude, exceptional performance, etc. I also reserve the right or have the responsibility for sanctioning inappropriate behavior such as rudeness in class and online (not listening to others, continually showing up late, leaving early, interrupting presentations, cell phones or beepers going off, headphones, sleeping, etc), argumentativeness (ill designed or poorly delivered persuasive messages), sloppy work, and other obnoxious inappropriate behavior. Tentative Schedule, Spring 2002 (Instructor reserves the right to adjust this schedule during the quarter)
"A person who has the knowledge but lacks the power to express it clearly is no better off than if he never had any ideas at all."—Pericles, 5th Century BC Athens Grade Chart
Important Note: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with the instructor, or if you need special arrangement in case the building must be evacuated, please provide the instructor with the necessary information and paperwork. "Two things indicate weakness: To be silent when it is time to speak, and to speak when it is time to be silent." Author Unknown |