communication

2

Description/Rationale

One of the objectives of COMS 130, as noted on the syllabus, is to foster your ability “to critically evaluate speeches—your own, those of your peers, and those outside the classroom—according to the rhetorical principles covered in this course.” To foster this goal, you will write a self-reflection paper evaluating your performance and progress throughout the course.

Assignment

In 1-2 pages (typed, double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman or Cambria font, 1 inch margins all around), assess your progress thus far this semester. Describe your improvement (or struggles to improve). What evidence, besides just your grades, indicates your progress (or lack thereof)? What strategies have helped you strengthen your skills? In your assessment, be sure to include specific details from the speeches you’ve prepared and delivered, and make reference to relevant concepts and principles discussed in class and in the course readings. Address at least one skill or behavior related to each of the following: speech preparation (topic selection, research, outlining), organization, content, and delivery. Additionally, discuss at least one skill or behavior you can continue working to improve for future speaking situations. Finally, concluding by discussing how the skills you have learned in this class will be useful for you in the future. Be specific! Think about specific career goals or other settings/occasions that may require you to speak publically.

Your paper should NOT have a complete introduction or intro and instead simply offer a brief synopsis at the beginning. 1-2 pages is not enough for a full intro and conclusion so do not bother. The quality of your writing will be evaluated, in addition to content. (See evaluation criteria below.)

Evaluation

18-20 The A paper meets all requirements of the B paper and additionally shows careful thought about subject, as well as keen attention to detail, both with respect to the subject of the paper and applicable rhetorical principles. Evaluative insights stand out for their perceptiveness. The paper reads easily, thanks to excellent structure and clarity of expression. Few, if any, grammatical/typographical errors.

16-17 The B paper meets all basic requirements and additionally is well focused and includes specific examples to illustrate claims. Discussion of the subject in relation to relevant concepts and principles is sound but could be more perceptive and insightful. The paper is generally well-structured and is competently written and proofed.

14-15 The C paper meets all basic requirements (1-2 pages, typed and double-spaced; evaluative in nature; appropriate subject chosen) but might lack the strong focus or detail of the B paper.

12-13 The D paper falls short of basic requirements. May not be long enough, may lack specific or well-chosen supporting evidence for claims, may simply describe rather than evaluate according to recognized standards. The paper may be marred by poor style or excessive grammatical errors.

11-0 The F paper disregards basic requirements (e.g., analyzes a 5-minute comedy sketch; makes no mention of relevant rhetorical concepts; is only half a page; etc.).

Late Penalties:

A 20% deduction will be taken for each day the assignment is late.

Tips for formal writing:

· Do NOT use contractions.

· Your first paragraph needs a clear thesis!

· Be concise and clear. Do not use long phrases and complex words just to sound smarter. You will not.

· Read your paper out loud before turning it in. You will be surprised how many mistakes you catch!

· Double-check to make sure all sentences are complete and subjects and verbs agree.

· Never start a sentence with “It is”

· No passive voice.