Speech and Communication
Course #:
RHET
4-545
Division:
Humanities
Department:
Rhetoric
Suggested Age:
13-18
Prerequisites:
none
Course Description:
This very practical high-school-level course is designed to help students acquire valuable communication skills in academic, workplace, and social settings. At the beginning of the school year, we will pay special attention to helping students overcome any fears of public speaking, the fundamentals of nonverbal communication, and the development of reasoning and listening skills. Students will have extensive opportunities to speak in class, including practicing communication for social interaction and interviews. Throughout the course, students will discuss the importance of ethics in communication, as well as how to effectively share a Biblical worldview in both formal and informal settings. Students will compose and deliver informative, persuasive, motivational, visual aid, Powerpoint, special occasion, and apologetic speeches. The goal is that this class would be enjoyable while also helping students acquire the crucial skills needed for great communication. Students will have weekly homework and deliver approximately two speeches per month.
Curriculum/Materials:
Exploring Public Speaking (4th edition) by Kris Barton and Barbara G. Tucker. This is a free open-source online textbook. It can be read online or downloaded and printed at the student’s expense.
Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln James C. Hume
Course supplement to be purchased from the ODA Bookstore