Speech II
Teacher: Donna Szumila
Grades: 9 - 12
Meets: M/W 1:30 - 2:30 Click link to see if class is full
Class Description:
Rhetoric, especially in a free
society, is the greatest form of enlightenment for citizens, yet can also cause
the greatest harm. Speech II encompasses
journalistic analysis, major historical philosophies which have an impact on our
world today, Lincoln/Douglas Debate, and Policy Debate.
This class begins with an in-depth study of rhetoric in mass
communication with an emphasis on basic journalism and understanding published
articles and their sources. Our study then continues with the history of Western
Civilization thought through the study of the major historical philosophers over
the last 2000 years and their impact on current political policy. Finally all
knowledge is brought together so the student can organize, research, write and
support their reasoning in Lincoln/Douglas and Policy Debates. The advanced
study of debate provides students with the ability to examine historical
backgrounds and societal norms as they weigh the implications of certain public
policies. Students then take their analysis to a higher level by writing and
crafting arguments directly linked to current world events.
This
class is designed for the self motivated student who desires to understand the
politics of the world around them. This class will help to make the student an
informed citizen ready to analyze public policy and become an active member of
their community and country. The Speech II class is considered an Honors Course,
though NOT an AP Course. Speech I, while not a prerequisite, would be beneficial
as this class will run on the Socratic Method of learning, asking lots of
questions and participation in class discussions is a must.
I will assume basic speech knowledge of
format, structure and audience adaptation has already been studied.
This class is open to 9-12 graders
and can provide one credit for History and English as well as .5 credit for
Speech II. The history credit is derived from the study of philosophy. An
English credit is gleaned as students learn extensive research capabilities and
written structure of their logic and evidence to support their arguments in
their debates. A .5 credit for Speech II is automatic in combination with the
above.
Prerequisites: None, but Speech I is beneficial
Maximum number of students: 12
Homework: Yes, 2 hours a week in general a little more during the preparation week for the debates.
Cost: $65 per month; $20 material fee
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