Summary
of Requirements
Remember: This is a one
credit course experience. As such, there limited out-of-class preparation
and projects, as compared to your 3 credit hour courses. I work very
closely with the Oral Communications Director and other Comm 09 instructors
to assure that our assignments are not significantly more or less demanding
than those of other sections. The following required components acknowledge
the importance of on-going participation and process in the course (hence,
40% of your final course grade is based on participation, short in and
out of class writing assignments, and a short paper articulating your
early learning in this course). The requirements also reflect what you
are working towards in this course: a professional, polished group presentation
(30%) and a persuasive, engaging oral argument (debate) (30%). No late
papers, writing assignments or presentations will be accepted.
On-Going Requirements
Reading | You will
typically have 12 hours of reading to prepare for each workshop,
in addition to any specific group and individual project preparation.
Class Participation
(15%) | Comm 09 is heavily dependent on live, talking student
bodies in order to give all students ample opportunity to talk, listen,
evaluate, and learn by doing. As a class, we will come to consensus
on grading guidelines for participation.
Short In and Out of
Class Writing Assignments (15%, on a credit/no credit basis) |
For some meetings, you will be asked to bring written preparation;
in other meetings, you will complete a short writing assignment in
class. Often writing ideas down is a helpful foundation for developing
an oral presentation. Writing can also give you opportunities to reflect
and assess. These assignments may be hand-written or typed.
Demonstrate Computer
Literacy | I expect everyone to sign up for their free email account
from UNC. Please send me a note once you have your account (degitz@unc.edu).
You can stop by the Academic Technology & Networks Help Desk in the
basement of Wilson Library or request an account on-line (go to http://help.unc.edu).
You will find it easier to stay in touch with your fellow group members
with an email account. You will also be encouraged to use on-line
forums to share ideas with your group (I will show everyone how to
do this) and to check the course web site for additional resources.
You will use PowerPoint (a presentation software program), a web-site
or another approved computer presentation program to support your
group or individual presentation. Again, I will introduce this tool
in class and am happy to point you towards further resources. 
Part I
Short (3 pages) Everyday
Argument Paper (10%) | Due: Week 4 (you will receive the assignment
at Week 3šs meeting). This informal paper will be graded on a credit/no
credit basis. Typed papers are smiled upon, but are not required.
Part II
Group
Presentation (30% including both individual and group evaluation)
| Due: Week 8 or 9 (you will be assigned to a group by week 2 and
receive the assignment at Week 4šs meeting). This will be graded on
an A-F scale, according to criteria outlined here.
Part III
Debate
(30%, individual evaluation only) | Due: Nov. 17, December 1,
and December 15 (you will receive the assignment at Week 10šs meeting).
This will be graded on an A-F scale, according to criteria outlined
here. 