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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "COM 365"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Public Speaking"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring Semester 2012
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Govero Thomas
EMAIL: [email protected]; [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 17:30-18:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisite: COM 101
OFFICE HOURS:
By arrangement including weekends; after class
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
SCOPE AND AIMS OF THE C
What we achieve inwardly will change outward reality.
Plutarch
The strength of a person is in his intelligence and his tongue.
Arab Proverb
Be a craftsman in speech, thou mayest be strong, the tongue is
sword to man, and speech is more valorous than any fighting
Instruction to King Mrifare, line 32
Egyptian, mid-twentieth century BCE
This course will progress on two fronts. there will be extensive readings and discussions of developments
in classical (Greek and Roman) rhetoric and its modern expressions and interpretations with emphasis on
the theme of Thought and Language. The text and numerous articles will be analyzed and discussed to
examine and critique classical and modern issues, arguments, theories and advances in oral rhetoric.
Secondly, the course will emphasis invention and enrichment in public speaking in several catagoires:
persuasion and argumentation, impromptu speaking, commemorative speeches, professional presentations,
and storytelling. Written critiques and resumes will be included to enhance listening and reporting skills.
On this front, the course will consider refinement of introductions, tansitions and conclusions, and enrichment
of diction and phrasing through figures of speech and thought. In addition, various styles of speaking will be
examined, critiqued and incorporated in the speeches.
AIMS OF THE COURSE
. Improve public speaking skills.
. Adaptation of these skills to different audiences and situations.
. Examine and analyze theories and construction of argumentation, errors in speech and propoganda.
. Introduction to various classical and modern theories and applications of oral rhetoric.
. Development of immaginative narrative and storytelling.
. Capacity to work in a group to develop a convincing and persuasive presentation
. Increase research and interview skills for speech preparation
. Hone critical skills in listening and responding to speeches and presentations.
. Increase self-confidence
. Be aware and a practitioner of ethical values in speech composition and delivery.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT
. Review of fundamentals in composition and delivery of the speech.
Types of speeches, divisions of the speech, style, diction and delivery
protocols. Impromptu speeches to express these elements.
Film: J.K. Rowling, "Harvard 2008 Commencement Speech"
, Analysis of advanced theories of rhetoric and forms of argumention.
Small-group sessions to develop arguments. (Invention)
. Development of narrative, introductions, transitions and conclusions.
. Storytelling skills as an element of successful, engaging speaking.
Inventing and elaborating the stories in speech presentations.
. Examination of Free Speech (Foucault) and "Bullshit" (H. Frankfort).
. The ethics of speech composition and delivery.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
LEARNING OUTCOMES
, The ability to present a 10 - 15 minute speech investing the audience
with a conviction for transformation and change.
. Understanding and acceptance of the risks and responsibilities of "Free Speech"
. Invention, elaboration and delivery of stories appropriate and relevant to the speech.
. Improvement of interviewing skills and incorporation of interview materials in the
speech.
. Knowledge of speech as a rhetorical act and its historical context.
. Awareness of various modern interpretations and issues in rhetoric.
. Practicing the process of logical, responsible argumentation as distinct from "Bullshit"
. Self-confidence and motivation to accept fulfill a responsible leadership role in speaking-up.
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TEXTBOOK:
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Four ten-minute speeches, 15 % each | | 60 |
| Two, two-page, written critiques of outside speeches. 10% each | | 20 |
| Five, in-class resumes to be handed-in with the final exam. | | 10 |
| General participation in class such as peer critiques, comments and quips. | | 10 |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.
A: Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge 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.
B: This 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.
C: This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
D: This 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.
F: This 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:
There are no strict attendance requirements. However, as this course has a high
degree of participation expected, if you are not present, you cannot participate.
Furthermore, if you are due to speak and you are absent, you will not be allowed
to make-up that class. Finally, if you miss more than 3 classes, you should drop
the course.
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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.
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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.
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SCHEDULE
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"Above all (in ancient Greece) the public discussion
of city policy and examination of those suspected of crimes,
became regularized into the practice of public speaking:
training was given by those who were particularly interested
in it, and the field of rhetoric was born, probably the most
influential, intellectual discipline in ancient Western history."
Nicholas Oestler, The Empire of Words, p. 237
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Week 1: Monday, Jan 16 - Wednesday, Jan. 18
. Introductions: Self-introductions, "Me and My Homeland" (non-graded)
. C. P. Cavafy, "Ithaka"
. Review of syllabus, scope of the course, content, requirements, assessment, resources, resumes.
. Paired interviews and speeches of introduction and presentation. (non-graded)
. Confession: "What I need to do to improve my speaking skills.
. Review of fundamentals: types of speeches, voice control, divisions of the speech. nervousness, poise,
and posture, introductions, transitions and conclusions
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Reading Assignment: Winning Arguments chaps. 1 - 4; Handout: "Oratory and Rhetoric"
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Week 2: Monday, Jan. 23 - Wednesday Jan 25
. Resume No. 1
. Review of WA chaps. 1 -4
. Preparation of the speech: topic selection, brainstorming, research, delivery, practice.
. Critiquing the speech: J.K. Rowling, "Harvard 2008 Commencement Speech"
. Resources for speech preparation, research and development (Invention)
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Week 3: Monday, Jan. 30 - Friday, Feb. 3
. The case of "Corax and Tisias": Impromptu speeches of rebuttal, agreement, judgement
. Assignment: Speech 1: Information and Clarification. Due: Monday, Feb. 6.
(Criteria and Guidelines to be distributed)
. Continued review of WA.
. Assignment: Critiquing the Outside Speech: Criteria and Guidelines.
. Assignment: Watch any video on TED.com Be prepared to critique in class.
. Economy and precision of speech: epigrams, quotes, proverbs. The example of
Nassim Taleb, The Bed of Procrustius
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Reading assignment: Roland Barthes, The Old Rhetoric
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Week 4: Monday, Feb. 6 - Wednesday, Feb. 8
. Resume no. 2
. Overview of the development of rhetoric from the Greeks to modern times
. Inductive and Deductive Thinking; "Observation/Perception, Description, Interpretation and Evaluation"
. Presentation of Speech 1
. Film: John F. Kennedy, Inauguration Speech (viewed for economy of language)
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Reading assignment: M. Foucault, "Parresia"
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Week 5: Monday, Feb. 13 - Wednesday, Feb. 15
. Continued presentation of speeches
. Resume no. 3
. Assignment: Speech 2: Great Speech Review (Criteria and Guidelines to be )
. Antithesis, paired developments of argumentation and rebuttals. Invention.
. Film: B. Obama, 2004 Democratic Convention Speech.
. Reading: "Obama and His Critics"
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Reading assignment: WA, Chapters 6- 13
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Week 7: Monday, Feb. 27 - Friday, March 2
Midterm Week
. Midterm review
. Presentations, Speech 2: Review of the Great Speech
. Resume no. 4
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Reading Assignment: WA, chapters 14 - 17
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Week 8: Monday, March 5 - Friday, March 9
. Resume no. 5
. Presentations (con't): Speech 2: Review of Great Speeches.
. Impromptu speeches (5 mins) Prompt/topic to be announced.
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Reading assignment: Frankfurt, On Bullshit. Due: Wednesday, March 14
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Week 9: Monday, March 12 - Wednesday, March 14
. Resume no. 6
. Review of Frankfurt
. Assignment: Speech 3: Pro/Con Speech. Criteria and Guidelines to be distributed. Due: Monday,
March 27.
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Reading assignment: WA, Chapters 18 - 22
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Week 10: Monday - Friday, March 21 - 25
Spring Break
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Week 11: Monday, March 27 - Wednesday, March 29
. Resume no. 7
. Presentation: Speech 3 Pro/Con
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Week 12: Monday, April 2 - Wednesday, April 4
Presentations: Speech 3(con't)
. Impromptu speeches 2
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Reading assignment: WA, chaps. 18 - 22
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Week 13: Monday, April 9 - Wednesday, April 11
. Resume no. 8
. Imagining and elaborating the story.
. Film on narrating the story.
. Assignment: Speech 4: Narrating the Story. Due: Monday, April 16
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Reading assignment: WA, Chapters 23 - 26
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Week 14: Monday, April 16 - Wednesday, April 18
. Presentations: Speech 4: Narrating the Story.
. Resume no. 9
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Week 15, Monday, April 23
. Presentations (con't)
. General review.
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Final Exam: TBA
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Speaking manifests the being of the world,
the being of man, and the being of thought.
Georges Gusdorf
Speaking (La Parole) p. 39
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