City College of San Francisco
English Department
50 Phelan Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94112

 
Frequently Asked Questions
last updated 12/01/03
 

How do I register for an online speech course?
If you are a new student at CCSF (not enrolled last semester), follow these steps for enrollment. If you are a continuing student, use the normal procedures for class enrollment.

IMPORTANT: After you enroll in the class, you must send an email informing your instructor of your enrollment.

Why do I have to email the instructor after I enroll in an online speech course?
In order to confirm and hold your place in the class you must email the instructor by noon the day before the mandatory orientation. If the instructor does not receive your email by noon the day before the orientation, you will be dropped and replaced by a student wanting to add at the mandatory orientation. In addition sending an email to your instructor, you will receive an email from the instructor confirming you place in the class and containing information about your course.

The online speech course I want to add is full can I still add it?
All speech courses have a student cap of 26. Online speech courses generally are full within a week after open registration. Add codes will not be given out until the day of the mandatory orientation. Even then, however, unless space is available, add codes will not be given out.

If you are interested in adding an online speech course plan to attend the mandatory orientation with your registration ticket. Class begins at 5:10 PM. Adds will be completed by approximately 5:30 PM. If you are added to the course you must attend the entire class session from 5-8:30 PM.

Registration priority dates will be used to add students to online speech courses. You must bring your registration ticket to class. Your priority is based on the date and time printed on the front of your registration ticket. If you do not bring your registration ticket to class you will not be considered to add the course. Again, students will be added if there is space in the course.

Is there a waiting list for online speech courses?
No. As is school policy, the online speech courses do not have waiting lists before the mandatory orientation. If someone happens to drop, a space becomes available in the CCSF computer registration system. If a student is lucky enough to be trying to register for the course at that time, he/she gets in--even over someone else who's been trying for weeks. It's just the luck of being in the right place at the right time.

When is the mandatory orientation for Speech 1A?
The mandatory orientation for Elements of Public Speaking, Speech 1A-online will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2004 in the Rosenberg Library, Room 209, from 5:00-8:30 pm, on the Ocean/Phelan Campus.

Speech 1A-online is a very popular class! If you do not attend the mandatory orientation on time and stay for the entire class, you will be dropped and another student added in your place.

When is the mandatory orientation for Speech 12?
The mandatory orientation for Fundamentals of Oral Communication, Speech 12-online will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 in the Rosenberg Library, Room 209, from 5:00-8:30 pm, on the Ocean/Phelan Campus.

Speech 12-online is a very popular class! If you do not attend the mandatory orientation on time and stay for the entire class, you will be dropped and another student added in your place.

What do speech online mandatory orientations cover?
The orientations will cover:
1. How to use the WebCT platform to access the course and work online.
2. The course content
3. What will be expected of you as an online student.
4. Course policies and procedures.
5. A speaking assignment.

Do I have to attend the mandatory orientation?
Yes. If you are enrolled or want to add an online speech course you must attend the mandatory orientation for that course. In order to remain actively enrolled in the course you must attend the mandatory orientation for the online speech course you are enrolled in. If you do not attend you will be dropped and another student added in your place at the mandatory orientation. It is vital that you are on time and attend the entire orientation. In order to attempt to add the course you must be present with your registration ticket.

What if I cannot attend the mandatory orientation?
If you are enrolled and cannot or do not attend the mandatory orientation on time and stay for the entire class, you will be dropped and another student added in your place. Students who are trying to add and do not attend the mandatory orientation will not be added.

Can I come late to the mandatory orientation?
No. You must attend the orientation on time. It is vital that all students enrolled in the course attend the orientation on time. Online Speech courses are very popular. Adds and drops will be processed in approximately the first 15 minutes of class.

Can I leave the mandatory orientation early?
No. You will deliver your first speech in the last half of the mandatory orientation. The online speech courses require students to deliver five speeches throughout the semester.

When and where are the five required meetings for Speech 1A online?
1. 1/22/04 - 5-8:00 PM, Ocean Campus, Rosenberg Library, Rm 209
2.
03/04/04 - 5-8:45 PM, Ocean Campus, TBA
3. 04/01/04 - 5-8:45 PM, Ocean Campus, TBA
4. 05/06/04 - 5-8:45 PM, Ocean Campus, TBA
5. 05/13/04 - 5-8:45 PM, Ocean Campus, TBA
Deadline to email instructor: on or before noon 1/21/04

What day of the week are the Speech 1A mandatory meetings scheduled?
Thursdays.

When and where are the five required meetings for Speech 12 online?
1. 1/20/04 - 5-8:30 PM, Ocean Campus, Rosenberg Library, Rm 209
2.
02/10/04 - 5-8:45 PM, Ocean Campus, TBA
3. 03/09/04 - 5-8:45 PM, Ocean Campus, TBA
4. 04/27/04 - 5-8:45 PM, Ocean Campus, TBA
5. 05/11/04 - 5-8:45 PM, Ocean Campus, TBA

Deadline to email instructor: on or before noon 1/19/04

What day of the week are the Speech 12 mandatory meetings scheduled?
Tuesdays

Are the required meetings for online speech courses mandatory?
Yes.

What is the attendance policy for online speech courses?
Given that Speech 1A and Speech 12 are"hybrid" online courses, they must have an attendance policy for when the courses meet during the five mandatory class sessions. In order to receive maximum benefit from a communication course that combines theory and practice, regular attendance at the mandatory meetings is absolutely essential. You will learn what skills and techniques are effective in communication situations and incorporate these skills into your own life. You will also serve as an audience for your classmates providing them with an authentic interpersonal, group and public speaking environment. You can learn from your classmates and in turn they can learn from you.

If you miss a mandatory meeting you may be dropped from the course. If you are late to a mandatory class you may be dropped from the course.

Can I come late to the required meetings?
No. During the required meetings we will listen to your classmates speeches. It is vital that you are present to serve as an audience member and to provide feedback.
If you are late to a mandatory class you may be dropped from the course.

Can I leave the required meetings early?
No. During the required meetings we will listen to your classmates speeches. It is vital that you are present to serve as an audience member and to provide feedback. If you leave a mandatory class meeting early you may be dropped from the course.

Can I miss a required meeting?
If you miss a mandatory meeting you may be dropped from the course. We have too many exciting speeches to listen to during our limited class meetings to afford unnecessary interruptions.

Can I deliver my speech in another online class?
No.

Can I attend the instructors face-to-face course?
No. As much as the instructor would like to have you join a face to face speech course, it is not possible. Face-to-face courses are designed differently and are on a different schedule.

Is there a prerequisite for Speech 1A?
Although there are no official prerequisites for Speech 1A, the English Department and the 2002/03 CCSF Catalogue advise that you have either completed, are currently enrolled in English 96; or achieved eligibility for English 1A before enrolling in Speech 1A. If you are unsure of your English eligibility, please see Joan Wilson in the English Eligibility Office, Batmale Hall - Room 514, or call 415-239-3574.

Is there a prerequisite for Speech 12?
No.

Does Speech 1A transfer?
Speech 1A is transferable as an elective to the UC System and it fulfills the Oral Communication, Area A, requirement for the CSU System.

Does Speech 12 transfer?
Speech 12 fulfills the Oral Communication, Area A, requirement for the CSU System.

Do online speech courses meet a graduation requirement?
Yes. Speech 1A and Speech 12 fulfill the Communication and Analytical Thinking graduation requirement for an Associates Degree from CCSF; As always, please double check your individual prerequisite, transfer and graduation requirements with your CCSF counselor.

Is Credit/No Credit available?
Yes. You may take online speech courses for credit or no credit. Students should be aware that credit/no credit courses are counted toward graduation and for transfer and that in an optional course a student must declare to the Office of Admissions and Records the intention to take the course on a credit/no credit basis no later than the deadline date established in the Calendar of Instruction. (See Calendar of Instruction for this date). Forms to exercise this option are available from the Office of Admissions and Records. In the absence of a "Petition for Credit/No Credit" students will be evaluated on a letter-grade basis. The "NC" symbol shall be used only in calculating units attempted for probation and dismissal.

Although City College does not limit the number of units a student may take on a Credit/No Credit basis, students planning to transfer should inquire of the transfer institution its policy on credit/no-credit course work. Some institutions may require a letter grade in course work used to satisfy specific requirements for admission and/or major preparation.

How do I login to an online speech course?
To access Speech 1A and Speech 12 using WebCT, log on to: online.ccsf.edu. Do not use "www" at the beginning of this web address! You will not be able to log on if you do! You will be prompted to enter your login and password. Click on the link How to Login to a WebCT course for a detailed tutorial.

When will I receive my login, password, and instructions for the online speech course?
You will receive your login information during the mandatory orientation.

What if I cannot login to WebCT?
You will not be able to login to WebCT until after you attend the mandatory orientation.

What are the computer requirements for an online course?
Prior to enrolling in an online course at City College of San Francisco, we recommend that you review the following minimum system requirements .

Is an online class right for me?
Not all students are well suited for the online environment. A student in an online speech course needs to be a good problem solver, self-motivated, and be able to figure out most of their errors without any help. If you are the type of student who needs IMMEDIATE answers and/or feedback to your questions or problems, then the online environment will NOT address this need.

Online courses provide students an opportunity to learn in an environment that is physically remote from professors and fellow students, but often at the same time surprisingly close and personal. These courses will open the classroom to a world of dynamic, diverse content. However, you also should understand that online courses are not for everyone. To succeed, you have to be self-motivated, possess good study skills, and be an independent learner. Most students find that online courses are as challenging as on-campus courses.
Take a short self evaluation to help you decide if online courses are right for you.

Can I take an online speech course if I do not live in the Bay Area?
No. All online speech courses require that you attend five on-campus meetings at 50 Phelan Avenue.

What is the coursework for an online speech course?
For Speech 1A and Speech 12 the coursework is centered around weekly quizzes, a final examination, five speeches, written outlines, weekly participation including assignments and discussions.

How are online speech courses structured?
WebCT is used to support both Speech 1A and Speech 12. WebCT is easy to use, hopefully you will enjoy its simplicity.

The course Homepage is the first screen after you login. From the Homepage you can navigate to any point in the course quickly and easily. The Homepage acts as the doorway to all of the available WebCT tools and functions of our course and is the central location to all navigation. At the Homepage, there will be a Course Menu on the left margin of your screen. You will have a list of important links to various parts of the course. A new week is available each Tuesday by 11 am (PST). The week will end the following Monday at 11 pm (PST). Most coursework will be submitted using WebCT and is due no later then 11 PM (PST) on the Monday following the previous Tuesday that the coursework was "released". Anticipate technical difficulties and plan to complete your work by Friday. Speeches will be delivered and outlines submitted during scheduled mandatory meetings.


What is the required text for Speech 1A?
Lucas, Stephen E. (2004) The art of public speaking. Eighth edition. McGraw-Hill: Boston.
ISBN: 0-07-256296-X.

Make certain you are purchasing the eighth edition of the extbook. This a new edition.

The text comes packaged with a student CD-ROM 3.0. ISBN: 0-07-256413-X. You should not have to pay for the CD-ROM.

What is the required text for Speech 12?
Rothwell, J. Dan.. (2004) In the company of others. Second edition. McGraw-Hill: Boston. ISBN: 0-7674-3009-3.

Make certain you are purchasing the second edition of the textbook. This a new edition.

The text comes packaged with a student CD-ROM. You should not have to pay for the CD-ROM

Do I need the CD with the required textbook for Speech 1A or Speech 12?
Yes
. Make certain that the CD is packaged with the textbook. You will need the CD for the coursework.

Can I use an older edition of the required text?
Unfortunately, no. You will need to use the most recent edition of the required text.

Can I buy my book online?
The college bookstore will take orders and either mail books or hold for pickup. You cannot do this during the add/drop period. You may also want to search for your books online using a service such as AddALL.

After reading this list of questions, if you would still like to contact the instructor please do so at speech@ccsf.edu