University System of Georgia Independent and Distance Learning -> Courses and Registration -> Course Offerings -> Speech -> SPCM 2400 - Course Overview
SPCM 2400 (UGA)
Oral Decision Making (3 semester hours)
This course can be taken
-> as a print course
Lessons for this course can be submitted and/or be returned
-> via U.S. mail
-> via fax return from IDL
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The theory and practice of democratic decision making, from researching a topic systematically in specialized library sources to reaching a workable solution through group discussion. Second phase will involve theory and practice of debating and implementing decisions through parliamentary procedure.
Requirements: Nine lessons and one examination.
Instructor: Charles R. Gruner, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, The University of Georgia.
Text: Sturgis, Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, 4th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2001.
SPCM 2400
Oral Decision Making
Instructor: Charles R. Gruner, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus
Course OverviewIntroduction
Humans are governed in one of two ways: by force or by decisions reached through talking.
In authoritarian governments, businesses, or organizations, decisions are reached by one or a few people in charge, and these decisions are forced upon their followers. Democratic institutions reach decisions through the processes detailed in this course: people recognize a problem, discuss it until they reach a decision as to how to solve it, and then get that decision accepted by a majority vote. Generally, Americans feel that decisions reached in this manner are the best kinds of decisions (this course is designed to help you solve problems in this manner).
This course guide introduces you to the discussion process, including the gathering and use of necessary information, and your textbook emphasizes the democratic methods for reaching solutions.
Written Assignments
Written assignments should be submitted on separate sheets of standard size (8½" x 11") paper. Be sure to number your paper appropriately. For true/false statements, please write a legible T or F. If you think the statement needs clarification or justification, print your comment after your answer. Explain all "F" items and why they are false. In case of a short-answer item, either type or print legibly. Keep a copy of your assignment for study and review. Graded lessons will contribute 50 percent of your total grade for the course.
Final Examination and Course Evaluation
The final examination, which counts for 50 percent of the total course grade, will be objective, consisting of true/false, multiple choice (including matching), and "practicum" items. The practicum part will describe a group meeting situation and a scenario: you will then answer true/false and/or multiple-choice questions about what happened in the scenario. Then another scenario will be detailed, and you will answer further questions about that one, and so on until the adjournment of the "meeting." The final exam will also ask questions about group discussion and leadership therein.
You must pass the final to pass the course, regardless of grades earned on lessons. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by Independent Study policies and procedures. See your Student Handbook for detailed information.
