Speech Communication ~~ Reedley College

Fall 2003

Speech 12: Fundamentals of Interpretation

Instructor: Linda Carvalho

Office Phone: 278-7086

(Although I do not have office hours on this campus I will be in my office at Fresno State and can be reached during my office hours listed below)

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 11 am – 12 pm, and Wednesdays 1 – 2 pm

E-mail address: lindacarvalho@csufresno.edu

I will be available before and after class or you may call me for an appointment

Required Materials:

Textbook: Yordon, J.E. (2002). Roles in Interpretation (5^th ed.). New York, NY. McGraw Hill.

For Performances: Two 1” binder notebook with dividers (One for you and one for submission)

For Exams 1, 2,  & the final: Three scan-tron forms (882)

Course Description

This course engages the student in analyzing prose, poetry and drama, preparing the material for presentation, and giving stimulating oral readings to an audience. The student can expect to develop a critical appreciation of literature, enhanced skills in the use of voice and gesture, and skill in critiquing others’ performances.

Specific Objectives

1. To learn to identify the three different genres of literature
2. To list and discuss the elements of "good" literature
3. To be able to demonstrate effective presentation skills of literature, including character development, focus, vocal variety, posture, gestures, and others
4. To be able to discuss the basic elements of literature analysis
5. To demonstrate how to be an appreciative audience member
6. To provide you with practical assignments and exercises that will reinforce the theoretical concepts studied in class.
7. To develop the ability to give and receive constructive criticism
8. To be able to combine different types of literature in order to create a complete program
9. The ability to create introductions and transitions so presentations flow.
10. The ability to research and select materials.

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This schedule and syllabus are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor – it is the responsibility of the student to check on announcements made during any absence.

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Assignments

The following numerical guidelines will be used in the assignment of final grades.

900-1000   =    A

800-899     =    B

700-799     =    C

600-699     =    D

599- 0        =    F

Attendance

Due to the nature of this course attendance is important. Roll will be taken at each class session.  Speeches, audience evaluations and participation have been calculated and the result is that students who have 4 or more unexcused absences will lose enough points that equal one letter grade reduction. Students with more than eight unexcused absences cannot earn enough points to pass this course. Arriving late to class and leaving early are unacceptable and will result in a participation point reduction. Four tardies or early departures are considered the equivalent of one absence. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of their absences. Excused absences are verifiable, documented and only occur under unavoidable circumstances. Exceptions are only made for school-sponsored functions (e.g. forensics tournaments, school sports). Please note that all excused absences MUST have verifiable documentation by a reputable source. All documentation must be submitted to the instructor no later than one week following the absence. Please note that work schedules, lost keys or vacations are not excused absences. Also please inform the instructor in advance for any scheduled absences, but understand that this will not excuse them.

Acceptance of Assignments

I will not accept any emailed or handwritten papers.

I have a very strict policy on late work.

Performances: I do not allow any late performances. If you are unable to present on your assigned date you will be given a 0 on that assignment. Under rare circumstances I may allow a make up solo performance for severe medical excuses, but that will be at my discretion. I will not allow any make up group performances (Readers Theater) and groups must “go on” in spite of missing members.

Notebooks: (Scripts, introductions, transitions, conclusions, literature analysis, citations and personal perspectives are to be included in notebook for each performance.) The notebooks must be submitted to me one class day prior to the first assigned performance. (See dates on syllabus)  I will accept them on the day of your performance but it will reduce your Notebook grade by one letter. No one will be allowed to give their speech without giving the instructor their notebook. So without a notebook you will receive a 0 on both your notebook and performance grade. (See Notebook Submission for further information).

Reflection papers: All reflection papers must be turned in one week after each performance and will not be accepted late.  (See video requirements)

Classroom Deportment

Each student is expected to respect the rights of the other students in the class and the instructor.  The exploration of controversial ideas is an essential component of this class. Students who do not behave in a respectful manner will be asked to drop the class.  When presentations are in progress students arriving late are to stay outside until the presentation is complete. Interrupting a presentation for any reason other than a severe emergency is inconsiderate and will not be tolerated. Cell phones, and pagers should be turned off before coming to class. If a student interrupts two presentations (cumulative) for any reason other than a severe emergency they will be confronted by the instructor and their most current performance grade will be lowered one letter grade.

Student Rights

So that students are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities they are encouraged to become familiar with the “Campus Policies” section of the Schedule of Courses.  This material includes information regarding cheating and plagiarism, disruptive classroom behavior, and other instructional issues. Students with disabilities should identify themselves so that appropriate accommodations can be made.     

Calendar for Fall 2003

FINAL SCHEDULE

(Finals are held in the same room as your class but at different times)

Final exam will cover chapters 4, 5, 9, 10

Speech 12 T/Th 9:30 am ~~ Tuesday December 16, 8 am to 10 am

Notebook Submission

I require a notebook submission for all performances. A one inch binder with dividers works well. I suggest that you purchase two, one for submission and one for yourself. You are allowed to use your notebook during your performance as a guide but try not to read everything as this will detract from your eye contact and limit your ability to convey the appropriate emotions.

Notebook requirements will vary for each performance so review each assignment form for complete details. The list below is just a summation.

Personal Storytelling: A complete introduction, rough body and a complete conclusion. 

Children’s Literature, Poetry or Prose, and Readers Theater: An introduction, theme or author, text of the material being performed including any transitions, conclusion, literary analysis, rationale of why you chose this particular piece and what it means to you.

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