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Comm 09 | Oral Communication & Argument

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.