COMM 1000: Introduction to Public Speaking
Citrus College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2025 |
| Credits: | 3 |
| Total Contact Hours: | 54 |
| Lecture Hours : | 54 |
| Lab Hours: | 0 |
| Hours Arranged: | 0 |
| Outside of Class Hours: | 108 |
| Total Student Learning Hours: | 162 |
| District General Education: | A2. Communication & Analytical Thinking |
| Transferable to CSU: | Yes |
| Transferable to UC: | Yes - Approved |
| Grading Method: | Standard Letter |
Catalog Course Description
Course Objectives
- Part 1: Objectives/Outcomes (Identical and Required): \\n\\nApply rhetorical theories to create and analyze public speeches in a variety of contexts including historical and/or contemporary. \\n
- Formulate and implement effective research strategies to gather information and ideas from primary and secondary sources, evaluating them for credibility, accuracy, and relevancy.
- Employ sound reasoning and construct compelling arguments in support of a guiding thesis and organizational pattern appropriate for the audience, occasion, and purpose.
- Demonstrate rhetorical sensitivity to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging and adhere to ethical communication practices which include truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason.
- Compose and deliver a variety of speeches, including Informative and Persuasive speeches, to a live audience (one to many) using effective delivery practices.
- Employ effective listening practices.
Major Course Content
Course Content: Part 1: Required Topics:
1. Foundational rhetorical theories, including the canons of rhetoric and Aristotelian proofs, as well as relevant principles of human communication.
2. Critical analysis of historical and contemporary public discourse.
3. Ethical communication practices as senders and receivers.
4. Effective listening and principles of constructive feedback.
5. Rhetorical sensitivity to diverse audiences.
6. Adaptation to audiences, rhetorical situations, and purposes.
7. Types of speeches (for example, speeches to inform, persuade, entertain).
8. Outline and compose effective speeches based on purpose and appropriate subject matter, topic, thesis, and organizational patterns.
9. Research strategies for locating and critically evaluating ideas and information from primary and secondary sources.
10. Use of credible evidence and sound reasoning to support a variety of claims, including appropriate written and oral citations.
11. Effective practice and delivery skills using various modes of delivery.
12. Effective verbal and nonverbal practices while delivering a speech.
13. Techniques for managing communication apprehension.
14. Delivery of a variety of student-composed speeches, including Informative and Persuasive speeches.
Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook
Examples of Required Writing Assignments
Examples of Outside Assignments
1. Prepare a speech of introduction 2. Prepare an informative topic speech 3. Prepare a speech using technology and visual aids 4. Prepare a persuasive speech on a policy 5. Study for a midterm exam or quizzes 6. Prepare a special occasion speech