During this semester I expect each student to be an active, vocal participant in class and offer valuable contributions to our discussions. Articulating your thoughts helps clarify your ideas. I encourage thinking out loud. Be supportive of your classmates and respectful of different points of view. On certain occasions I will be evaluating your oral communication skills with particular assignments, such as
- Oral reports by study groups and responses to discussion questions
- Oral presentations of independent research and class readings
- Regular contributions to the seminar discussion, both in and outside of class
- Attendance to Speech Center workshop and consultation led by Speech Consultants
We will, as a group, establish the guidelines for what constitutes “valuable contributions” to the discussion. The points you earn on each of these assignments will go toward your oral communication grade (15% of your final course grade). While you will have a chance to blog and tweet, much of this work happens IN CLASS, so any absence will affect your grade.