Oral and Written Communication

Oral and Written Communication Henry W. Grady HS, Mr. Mario Herrera Email: [email protected] http://herreraonline.yolasite.com School phone #: 404.802.3001 Tutorials: Mondays, 3:30pm-4:30pm, Room C324

Course Description This class examines the art of communication theory and its practical applications to classroom and real-world situations. Verbal, nonverbal and written communication is utilized to enhance interpersonal, educational, interpretative and argumentation skills. Students are given tools to think and respond critically to the world around them, organize and synthesize information regarding salient issues and to present information through informative and persuasive activities.

Course Objectives Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of appropriate application of convention and grammar in spoken and written formats; they will deliver speeches that are focused, coherent and offer a distinct perspective; demonstrate solid reasoning and combine traditional rhetorical strategies of extemporaneous, exposition, persuasion and descriptive communication.

Textbooks The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas (McGraw Hill); and Coming of Age in America: A Multicultural Anthology (The New Press). Both books will be utilized by students in class and not be checked out. Students may check out books with Mr. Herrera for a short period of time, if needed.

Required Materials By August 17, 2011, students should have: 1) A three-ring binder; 2) Loose-leaf paper; 3) Writing utensil (either pen or pencil); 4) folder for handouts/homework. Coming to class without these materials is unacceptable and will negatively impact the student’s conduct grade as well as the class participation grade.

Course Policies Several concepts guide class participation and behavior. First, diversity within the community is to be celebrated, not threatened or simply tolerated. Secondly, open and honest relationships are the only way to build a community, so creating and maintaining such interactions is vital for student success. Finally, the ultimate goal of the class should be the achievement of academic success and proficiency of skills. Remember, communication involves building and maintaining trust between individuals and group members. Students should be aware of Grady High School and Atlanta Public Schools policies and follow them accordingly. REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS VITAL FOR CLASSROOM SUCCESS. GRADY’S ATTENDANCE POLICIES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED, AS WILL THE PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE/CELL PHONE POLICY. Also, no cards, dice, inappropriate clothing, etc., are allowed at Grady High School or in this class.

1 Course Evaluation Tests 30% Projects 30% Quizzes 10% Homework 10% Classwork/Participation 20%

Grading rubrics are given to all students with exact expectations and grading systems for each presentation/project.

EXTRA CREDIT may be earned by participation in forensic competitions, the Atlanta Urban Debate League debate center, reviews of local or televised public speeches and/or for presentation of formal (non-class related) speeches at school or in the community. You must arrange for extra credit in advance, and provide documentation of the event.

Academic Dishonesty Plagiarism is the representation by a student of another’s ideas or writing as her/his own. Two types of plagiarism are common. The first, more serious of the two, involves a deliberate attempt on the part of a student to claim the written or spoken ideas of another (student, parent, published or unpublished author, etc). The second type of plagiarism results from the student’s lack of attention to proper procedures of source acknowledgements and use. The student in this case fails to acknowledge the use of outside material. Both types of plagiarism are serious violations of the principles of academic integrity. Neither will be tolerated and such actions will have negative impact on the grade of that particular assignment, including but not limited to a “0” as a grade for that infraction.

Additional Class Information Hall Passes: One hall pass is provided in the event of personal emergencies. It may be taken one student at a time on a first-come, first-served basis. It may not be used during the first 15 minutes of class or the last 15 minutes of class. I reserve the right to take the hall pass away from an individual or an entire class if this privilege is abused.

Late Work: Work submitted after deadline loses one letter grade potential per class period. In other words, if you submit work late, the HIGHEST grade you can make is a “B.” You are not guaranteed a “B.” Work will not be accepted after the related unit.

______Student Name (print) Student Signature

______Parent/Guardian Name (print) Parent/Guardian Signature