California State University, Fullerton

Department of Human Communication Studies

HCOM 102, Dr. Page

 

OUTSIDE-THE-CLASS ASSIGNMENT

 

            SERVICE LEARNING OPTION

[Due:  December 4th]

 

ASSIGNMENT:  The goal of this assignment is to have you prepare and deliver a 7-10 minute speech for the benefit of

persons in the community.  Such options are:

·        Speak to students at an alternative high school  (explain the benefits of going to college)

·        Speak to high school or college students on issues facing them (e.g., rape, drinking, drugs, time-management)

·         Speak to high school students to inform them about your major, the values of going to college, etc.

Note:  Several students may opt to construct a symposium (i.e., a sequence

of short speeches on various aspects of a topic followed by a question and

answer session)

 

In addition, you will be required to submit a 3-5 page (double-spaced) reflection paper about your experience. 

The paper must have the following characteristics:

 

·        Description of your involvement

·        Use of public speaking principles.  Specific references must be made to lecture material and the Zarefsky text.

·        Insights you gained about speech-making gained from the experience

·        Overall evaluation of the experience.

 

                                    Note:  Your written expression will be a factor in evaluation.  Please check

                                    your writing against the “Page's Gig List.” (available on the class website)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                        What to do

 

• Select a site that will provide you with an audience for your speech. 

 

• Complete your service learning at least one week before the due date (see above) in order to

      allow time for effective writing to take place.

  

• Generate a working outline of your paper.  Plan an introduction, body, conclusion, and

transitions (or subheadings).

 

• Based on your outline, write a rough draft of the paper. 

 

• After two days, revise it and write a second draft.

 

• Have a friend read your second draft and comment on it.  Note: Listen to your friend's

      comments and impressions without interrupting.  Take notes on what he/she says; do not

      argue or justify.

 

• Revise and rewrite.

 

• Read the paper aloud.

 

• Write a penultimate (next to the last) draft.  Edit for correctness (check against Page's Gig List). 

       Your paper must be double-spaced with one-inch margins, and should not exceed five pages.

 

• Write a final draft.  Staple your pages together.  Please do not place it in a plastic binder.

 

• Submit it and expect a high grade.

 

 

Criteria for Grading

 

• Have the expectations of the assignment been fulfilled?

 

• Are speech-making principles clearly identified and explained?

 

• Does the paper contain your insights (something new you learned) about speech-making? 

 

• Is the paper written so and intelligent person could easily read and understand it?

 

• Is the paper logical, coherent, and well organized?

 

• Has the paper been carefully proofread and free from mechanical errors?