Course Syllabus
Welcome to CAS 100B: Effective Speech
Overview
| CATEGORY | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| Credits | 3 |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Delivery | Web (Canvas, https://psu.instructure.com) |
| Dates | See the Calendar. |
| Instructor | See the Orientation module under the Modules tab. |
Description
CAS 100B, Effective Speech, is a course exploring communication within the context of small groups. Unlike a traditional “speech” course, you will study and perform collaborative, adaptive, and conversation-driven communication; while you will deliver one speech this semester, this is not a course on public speaking or oratory.
The course is divided into four units:
- Working in Groups: We will begin the course by examining the theories of small group interaction, as developed by communication scholars and social psychologists over the past century. This includes considering the role of norms and expectations in groups, the needs and behaviors of individual group members, the benefits and tensions inherent in diverse groups, and the effects communication and communication contexts have social presence and group climate.
- Thinking and Speaking in Groups: After exploring the foundations of group interaction, we next turn to considering how groups can collaboratively think through topics together—via critical thinking, argumentation, and feedback processes—as well as how group members can share their ideas or research in planned contributions, either conversationally or in more formal speeches.
- Deliberating in Groups: The third unit considers how groups can deliberate together—the collaborative thinking that occurs when values need to be carefully weighed before decisions can be reached. Building upon the critical reasoning of the prior unit, we’ll explore key topics related to navigating the relational elements of complex decisions, including effective listening, empathy for others’ positions, and managing conflict.
- Problem Solving in Groups: We’ll conclude the semester with a holistic consideration of problem solving, including ways to strategically tackle larger, more complex problems. We’ll explore how to select among and implement the skills developed in the other three units when tackling problems as a group.
Objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
- manage the complex task and social processes inherent to groups
- collaboratively deliberate on issues of public concern
- select and implement optimal problem-solving strategies
- manage conflict in small groups effectively
Organization
This course is made up of thirteen lessons divided into four units.
For a typical lesson, you will complete the following activities and assignments:
- First, read one or two chapters in the online textbook
- Then, read through the lesson material within Canvas
- Finally, complete the lesson activities, such as a writing assignment, quiz, or group discussion
For two lessons later in the semester, you also will engage in a synchronous video conference discussion with an assigned group.
Online Learning
Many of the assignments in this course involve asynchronous learning, where you will either work on your own, or will work on your own and then discuss your work with group members. However, other lessons are synchronous, where you will meet with your group at a specific time--usually during the regular class period--for a video conference. Your group will be responsible for confirming a time for these meetings, and group members will be held accountable for meeting at that time once the group has agreed upon it.
Most lessons allow one or two weeks to complete all activities and assignments, although some lessons require submissions halfway through so that the group can discuss them in the second half of the lesson. Courses meeting in summer will have an accelerated schedule. In all cases, you must adhere to the due dates outlined on the Calendar. (Due dates can also be viewed under the Syllabus tab.)
You should plan to log into the course daily to check for announcements, review lessons, and participate in activities such as group discussions. Because of the collaborative nature of many assignments, you will NOT be able to successfully complete the course if you only log in once a week.
Materials
Texts
The following text is required:
Engleberg and Wynn, “Working in Groups,” REVEL edition (8th). ISBN: 9780138276188
Note that you will need access to the online REVEL version of the text, rather than a paper or standard digital version. The REVEL version contains activities and is different than the standard digital (eBook) version of the text, which is a PDF without online activities.
If you have not yet acquired the REVEL version of the text, you will have the opportunity to purchase it via a link within the course. This has the advantage of allowing for a 14-day free trial if you’re unsure of your course schedule this semester, or if you are waiting for financial aid to come in.
You will need access to the REVEL text beginning the first week of the semester.
Webcam
You will need access to a webcam for video conferencing with your assigned group in the class.
Library Services
Penn State Libraries provides a wide variety of services and resources. To learn how to take advantage, refer to the Online Student Library Guide. This guide serves as your starting point for access to all that Penn State Libraries can offer you as an online student. Use this guide if you have questions on library services offered to you, how the library can help you, how to use the library, or what resources you can access via the library! The guide will connect you to important pages and resources within Penn State Libraries and save time from you searching for the information you need.
Grading
Final letter grades will be assigned based on the scale below.
Scale
| LETTER GRADE |
MINIMUM PERCENT |
MINIMUM POINTS |
|---|---|---|
| A | 95 | 950 |
| A- | 90 | 900 |
| B+ | 87 | 870 |
| B | 83 | 830 |
| B- | 80 | 800 |
| C+ | 75 | 750 |
| C | 70 | 700 |
| D | 60 | 600 |
| F | 0 | 0 |
Due Dates
With the exception of the two Zoom conference call discussions with your group, all assignments are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the date indicated on the Calendar. (Due dates can be also be viewed under the Syllabus tab.) Please be aware that Canvas follows the Eastern Time (ET) time zone. Assignment due dates adhere to this time zone, and it is your responsibility to submit assignments accordingly. If you are outside of the ET time zone, you can set your Canvas account to sync to it. Refer to the Set a Time Zone article in the Canvas Guide.
As a general rule, you will NOT be able to go back and make up missed assignments. It is your responsibility to keep up with your assignments. Students with a legitimate absence (e.g. hospitalization, jury duty, family emergency, or military service) may be asked to produce proper documentation in order to make up graded work. Due to their collaborative nature, group interaction assignments cannot be made up, even in the case of legitimate absences. Any make-up work or extensions are at the sole discretion of the instructor, and a late penalty may apply.
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or spouses with unique circumstances (e.g. upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, disabilities, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these to the instructor, in advance when possible, to determine if special arrangements can be made.
Notes
- To Do List: Some assignments may not appear in the To Do list under the Home tab. Use the Calendar or Syllabus to ensure that you are fully aware of assignment due dates.
- Late Assignments: Late assignments are generally not accepted except in cases of legitimate emergencies. Group interaction assignments cannot be made up, even in the case of legitimate absences.
Assignments
Basic information about each assignment group is provided below. For detailed directions about an individual assignment, see the assignment information under the Modules tab.
| ASSIGNMENT GROUP |
POINTS |
|---|---|
| Written Assignments | 160 |
| Quizzes | 70 |
| Peer Feedback | 70 |
| Group Discussions | 140 |
| Individual Speech | 200 |
| Group Deliberation | 150 |
| Problem Solving Discussion | 150 |
| REVEL Readings | 60 |
| Total | 1000 |
University Policies
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity, an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic sanctions, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes (see ).
Unless your instructor tells you otherwise:
- Always include an in-text citation that includes the author(s) last name(s) and the year the source was published at the end of any sentence or below any image that includes words, images, or ideas you found in a source, always included quoted text within quotation marks, and always include a reference for any source at the end of your paper (ask your instructor about the format you should use).
- All of your graded coursework must be created by you without help from anyone in the course or otherwise. If you have questions about this, you should ask your instructor before submitting work for evaluation.
- All course materials you receive or access are protected by copyright laws. You may use course materials and make copies for your own use, but unauthorized distribution and/or uploading of materials without the instructor’s express permission is strictly prohibited. Students who engage in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials may be held in violation of the University’s Code of Conduct and/or liable under Federal and State laws.
Disability Access
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources website provides contact information for every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the Student Disability Resources website.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Penn State's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office offers residential and distance-based Penn State students non-emergency mental health services in the form of case management, community resource referrals, supportive listening, care giver support, and much more.
Students may request assistance from CAPS regarding a variety of common mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and stress. CAPS services are designed to enhance students' ability to fully benefit from the University environment and academic experience. Call CAPS at 814-863-0395 (8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday EST) or submit an inquiry online to schedule an appointment with a mental health advocate, who can help you address mental health concerns that may interfere with your academic progress or social development. This appointment will include a one-on-one session that can be conducted via telephone, teleconference (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.), or locally at Penn State University Park. For more information on services provided through CAPS, please visit the Penn State CAPS website. Students enrolled at the World Campus are also encouraged to visit its Mental Health Services page.
Reminder: These services are for non-emergencies only. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis situation, please call your local crisis center or 911.
Nondiscrimination
Penn State is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University's educational mission, and will not be tolerated. For further information, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access website.
Reporting a Bias Incident
Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.
TEACH Act
The materials on the course website are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.
University Emergency Procedure
In the event of a University-wide emergency, the course may be subject to changes. Exigent circumstances may require alternative delivery methods, class materials, and interactions with the instructor and/or classmates. In addition, there may be revisions to grading policies and the Calendar, including assignments and their due dates.
In the event of a University-wide emergency, please refer to the Canvas website for specific information related to the course. For more general information about the emergency situation, please refer to the Penn State website or Penn State News.
To register with PSUAlert, a service designed to alert the Penn State community when situations arise that affect the ability of a campus to function normally, please go to the PSU Alert website. Subscribers can receive alerts by text message to cell phones, and also can elect to have alerts sent to an email address.
Syllabus Subject to Change
The class will likely adhere to the information outlined in this Syllabus and the Calendar, but adjustments may be made based on what actually transpires during the semester. Remaining in the course after reading this Syllabus will signal that you accept the possibility of changes and responsibility for being aware of them.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|