Fundamentals of Communication
COM 114: Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Teaching Philosophy: As your instructor, I am committed to being there to guide and support you through your educational journey. I am here to discuss and engage with you and the material. I hope to teach you in a way that allows you to apply these concepts to real world situations and that you will continue learning from the information this class provides for the rest of your academic career. This class, and I, will use many methods of learning and teaching. I hope to learn from my students and be able to engage in hearty discussions that allow us all to learn more about ourselves and our world. I am here to help you learn the best you can. I hope my classroom environment brings you joy and comfort. I love to hear every voice, and my goal is to include all students in class discussions.
Lecturer: Sylvia Rust (you are welcome to just call me Sylvia)
Email: rustse01@pfw.edu or sylviarust37@gmail.com
(My response time for emails will be within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours over the weekend).
Catalogue Description:
A study of communication theories as applied to speech; practical communicative experiences ranging from interpersonal communication and small-group process through problem identification and solution in discussion to informative and persuasive speaking in standard speaker-audience situations.
Learning Outcomes for Speaking and Listening:
Upon completion of the Speaking and Listening competency, students will be able to:
1. Use appropriate organization or logical sequencing to deliver an oral message.
2. Adapt an oral message for diverse audiences, contexts, and communication channels.
3. Identify and demonstrate appropriate oral and nonverbal communication practices.
4. Advance an oral argument using logical reasoning.
5. Provide credible and relevant evidence to support an oral argument.
6. Demonstrate the ethical responsibilities of sending and receiving oral messages.
7. Summarize or paraphrase an oral message to demonstrate comprehension.
Optional Textbook: Duck, S. & McMahan, D.T. (2015). Communication In Everyday Life (Digital copy provided by PFW through course fees). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Cellphone/Media Policy: We are adults, so my cell phone policy is simply to have it on silent/vibrate and please stay off of them during class time. I understand that sometimes a phone call cannot wait; if that is the case, I trust that you will take the call outside of the classroom. Please use your computer appropriately for class time -- taking notes, reading along in the etextbook. I hope this class is engaging enough that you won’t want to check Pinterest or finish your assignments for other classes here!
Civility Statement: Due to the nature of this course, I expect that we will discuss taboo and uncomfortable topics. I understand that sometimes there are going to be differences of opinion, but I expect everyone in the class to remain kind, calm, and collected. I hope we can have healthy dialogues, are able to ask questions, and ask questions to challenge our critical thinking skills. Inappropriate laughing, sighing, mocking, interrupting, and carrying on other conversations during class discussion is prohibited. Students who engage in these activities and are continuously disruptive will be asked to leave the class.
Harassment & Discrimination Statement: The university prohibits discrimination against any member of the university community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and, expression, disability, or status as a veteran. (PFW Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.)
Purdue University Fort Wayne & Indiana University Fort Wayne Resources:
Students with Disabilities: If you have or acquire a disability – Disability Access Center (DAC) provides free and appropriate aids and services. To request services based on disability or to receive further information, call 260-481-6657 (voice/TTY) or visit the
director of SSD in Walb Student Union, Room 113. (Disability Access Center).
Writing Center: You can schedule a 45-minute appointment through TutorTrac, or ask the Writing Center consultant working at the first-floor library service desk if there are open same-day appointments. If you need to cancel an appointment, you may do so on TutorTrac up to 12 hours before the appointment. If it’s less than 12 hours until your appointment, please call us to cancel. (Writing Center, Speech and Presentation Service).
Tutoring Center: The Tutoring Center is able to help with any of your courses. Use TutorTrac to find tutors in your specific classes/course numbers. (Tutoring Center).
In this section — I will review the textbook listed above in video form and post them all here… I hope you follow along and learn about communication with me! :)
