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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "COM 365"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Public Speaking"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Thomas Govero
EMAIL: [email protected]; [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 6:00 PM 7:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: COM 101
OFFICE HOURS: By arrangement including weekends; after class
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
SCOPE AND AIMS OF THE COURSE                                                       

"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 texts 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, negotiation  argumentation, impromptu speaking, , 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, conclusions, and enrichmen tof diction and phrasing through figures of speech and thought.  In addition, various styles of speaking will be examined, critiqued and incorporated into the speeches.  

AIMS OF THE COURSE.  Improve public speaking skills both in individual speeches and in group presentations.  Adaptation of these skills to different audiences and situations..  Examine and analyze theories and construction of argumentation, rhetoric,  errors in speech and propoganda. .  Introduction to various classical and modern theories and applications of oral rhetoric..  Development of immaginative narrative and storytelling. Developing skills in conflict  negotiations.  Capacity to work in a group to develop a convincing and persuasive presentation .  Increase research  skills for speech preparation .  Hone critical skills in listening and critiquing  speeches and presentations..  Increase self-confidence .  Be aware of and a practitioner of ethical values in speech composition and delivery.                                                                                      
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" and other videos and speeches ,  Analysis of advanced theories of rhetoric and forms of argumention.    Small-group sessions to develop arguments. (Invention) and conduct conflict negotiations.  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   the ethics of speech composition and delivery. Review of great speakers and speeches from the Greeks to contemporary speakers and orators.
Peer critiques of all speeches and sessions.



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Highly recommended film:  "The King's Speech" (2008)

This film deals with a speech coach who tried to cure King George VI of his
deep fear of speaking in public and stuttering when he had to speak before
groups.  Outstanding acting, amusing and tense scenes.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The ability to present a 10 - 15 minute speech investing the audience   with a conviction for transformation and change of offering them choices for making decisions. ..  Understanding and acceptance of the risks and responsibilities of "Free Speech". Ability to conduct win/win negotiations.   Invention, elaboration and delivery of stories appropriate and relevant to 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.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Winning ArgumentsJay HeinrichsPenguin Books978-0-141-03258-0 Will order through Almost Corner   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Two, two-page, written critiques of outside speeches. 10% each  20
General participation in class such as peer critiques, comments and quips. 10
Four ten - 15 minute, prepared speechs 40%
Eight to ten résumés summarizing readings or lectures 20&
Active, effective participation in Negotiation unit 10%

-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 cours
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:
There are no strict attendance requirements. 
However, as this course has a highdegree 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 allowedto make-up that class. 
Finally, if you miss more than 3 classes, you should dropthe course.
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

"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



Week 1: Monday, Jan 13- Wednesday, Jan. 15 . 

Introductions:  Self-introductions, "Me and My Homeland" (non-graded).   .  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 

Reading Assignment:  Winning Arguments  chaps. 1 - 4;  Handout: "Oratory and Rhetoric";  Articles:  "Only Connect"                                       

Week 2:  Monday, Jan.20  - Wednesday Jan 22 . 

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)


Week 3:  Monday, Jan. 27 - Wed., Jan. 29 

  Impromptu speeches of rebuttal, agreement, judgement .  Assignment:  Speech 1:  "Speaking my Mind" .  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".

Reading assignment: 
Roland Barthes,"The Old  Rhetoic"
.

Week 4:  Monday, Feb. 3 - Wednesday, Feb. 5 . 
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:  Elijah Misel  

Reading assignment:  M. Foucault, "" 

                                                                                             
Week 5:  Monday, Feb. 10 - Wednesday, Feb. 12 .
 
Continued presentation of speeches .  Resume no. 3.  Assignment:  Speech 2:  "Pro/Con" Speech (Criteria and Guidelines to be handed out ) .  Antithesis, paired developments of argumentation and rebuttals.  Invention..  Film:   Julian Castro, 1012 Democratic National
Convention Speech 

Reading assignment:  WA, Chapters 6- 13 
                                 

Week 7:  Monday, Feb. 17 - Wednesday Feb. 19                                                                       

Midterm Week.  Midterm review .  Presentations, Speech 2:  "Pro/Con" Speeches.  Resume no. 4

Reading Assignment: WA, chapters 14 - 17                      

 Week 8:  Monday Feb 24  - Wednesday, Feb. 26 . 

Resume no. 5.  Presentations (con't): Speech 2:  . .  Impromptu speeches (5 mins)  Prompt/topic to be announced. 

Reading assignment:  Frankfurt,  On Bullshit.  Due:  Wednesday, March 14

Week 9:  Monday, March  3- Wednesday, March 5 . 

Resume no. 6.  Review of Frankfurt .  Assignment: Speech 3:  Conflict Negotiation Unit:  Group assignments and casses.  Criteria and Guidelines to be distributed.  Due: Monday,    March 27.

Reading assignment:  WA, Chapters 18 - 22                                               

Week 10:  Monday March 10  - Wednesday, March 12  

Review and discussion of conflict negotiation process. 
Handouts


Week 11:  Monday, March 17 - Friday, March 10                                                                  

Spring Break 



Week 12:  Monday, March 24 - Wednesday, March 26 

Resume No. 7.  Presentation:  Conflict Negotiation Presentations.

                                         
Week 13:  Monday, March 31 - Wednesday, April 2

Negotiation presentations continue.    Impromptu speeches 2

Reading assignment:  WA, chaps. 18 - 22


Week 14:  Monday, April 7 - Wednesday, April 9. 

Resume No. 8.  Imagining and elaborating the story.


Week 15:  Monday, April 14 - Wednesday, April 16. 

Film on narrating the story..  Narrating the story:  Speech 4

Week 16:  Monday,  April 21 - Wednesday, April 23 (Last day of classes)

Final Speeches



 Final Exam Session:  Class will meet to finish Speech 4, Story Telling presentations.



Speaking manifests the being of the world,                                                        
the being of man, and the being of though   

                                                                                       
Georges Gusdo                                                                                           
Speaking (La Parole) p. 39