, Communication Studies Department
COMS 101 Public Speaking Syllabus | M/W SCHEDULE WINTER 2019
SPECIAL NEEDS
Prof. M. Mehl is committed to providing equal access to the educational experience for all students in compliance
with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with Disabilities Act and to providing all reasonable
academic accommodations, aids and adjustments. Students with Disabilities who have not previously done so should
provide documentation to and schedule an appointment with the appropriate office for students with disabilities at
Cal Poly and obtain appropriate services:
Disability Resource Center Office Hours: http://drc.calpoly.edu
1 Grand Ave, Bldg 124 805.756.1395/Front Office 805.756.1399/TTY
805.756.6087/Testing 805.756.5796/Alternative Media
Note: If you have a documented hearing disability, please contact the instructor to receive captioning of the video
feedback, or to opt out of the DCG and receive written feedback instead.
EVALUATIONS
Students final grade in this course will be determined by their performance on analysis and research papers,
interviews, speeches, two exams, (potential quizzes,) daily work and participation.
Guideline: The grade C indicates average work and will be awarded to students who simply complete the instructions
of assignments given in class. The grade B will be used to identify above average work and will be reserved for those
who demonstrate a genuine breadth and depth of understanding for work assigned in class. The grade A will identify
outstanding work and will be awarded to students who demonstrate a genuine insight and mastery of the skills
required. On average, students should study two hours for every one hour of class they attend.
Final grades in the course will be determined by student’s performance on the following assignments * p. 7
NOTE: According to the Executive Order 1100 students admitted Fall 2017 and after must earn a C- or higher in each
of the three GE Area A subareas, and in one of their GE B1 courses.
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION TIME VALUE
variable 05%
ASSIGNMENTS
A#1 Introduction Speech 3 min. 05%
A#2 Critical Thinking Paper 3-4 pages 05%
A#3 Impromptu Pitch (Paper) 3 min. 10%
A#4 Informative Speech 5-7 min. 15%
A#5 Persuasive Speech 5-7 min. 20%
Prep 5%
Speech 15%
EXAMS
Midterm Chapters 1-6 20%
Final Chapters 7-11 20%
Note: Depending on the term and assignments the actual point distribution value may fluctuate as much as 5%
CHART: Grading will be executed on a points basis, only. A letter grade will only be assigned for the final course grade
to eliminate conversion issues. Grades can be estimated throughout the term (points earned/points possible) and
reviewed via the course management tool, based on the following table:
Grade Range % Final Grade
>93 A
>90 A-
>87 B+
>83 B
>80 B-
>77 C+
>73 C
>70 C-
>60 D
F
JUSTIFICATIONS: Graded scores (points) are not merely suggestions. They are not negotiable. Drawing from decades of lecturing
and general academic experience, they have been carefully weighed and are therefore final. Clerical & administrative errors are not
desired, but can happen accidentally, please verify grades on PolyLearn portal and calculations. You are required to address an error
of this type within 24h. Any attempt to receive favoritism, including, but not limited to bribery will be academically, and if applicable
judicially prosecuted.
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