Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EXP 1066"
COURSE NAME: "Storytelling for Social Change"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2026

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Mattia Maglione
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: FRI 9:00AM 1:00PM Course meets on: February 20, March 6, March 20 and April 3.
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 15
CREDITS: 1
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to the crucial role of public speaking in activism. This course is designed to help students develop effective public speaking skills while learning how to use their voices for change. The course will work on two fronts. First, students will be able to analyze, critique and understand the key features of great activist speeches. Secondly, by merging rhetorical techniques, storytelling, and advocacy strategies, students will be asked to deliver powerful speeches and messages that inspire action.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course will concentrate on the analysis of historical examples of activist speeches over the 20th

and 21st century to have students engage with origins and genealogies of public speaking and

performance for social change. Firstly, drawing from pivotal moments in the oral history of

activism, students will learn about structures, methods, and key strategies of public speaking for

social change. Secondly, students will be invited to design, perform, and record their own speeches.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Critically assess the rhetorical techniques used in famous activist speeches.

2. Analyze the impact of such speeches on social movements, policy changes, and public

opinion.

3. Reflect on the role of speeches in shaping the activism landscape today.

4. Develop a critical understanding of how language can be a tool for resistance and change.

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Cae Study Analysis	Guidelines will be given in class.	25%
Speech Workshop	Gudelines will be given in class.	25%
Final Speech Performance	Guidelines will be given in class.	25%
Participation	Silent attendance does not count as participation.	25%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

WEEK 1: INTRO TO RHETORICAL MAPPING + KEY PILLARS OF ACTIVISM AND STORYTELLING

WEEK 2: STUDENT WORKSHOP I -- WRITING

WEEK 3: STUDENT WORKSHOP II -- REHEARSING

WEEK 4: STUDENT WORKSHOP III -- PERFORMANCE