Public Speaking and Writing
Public Speaking and Writing
Module A, Semester 1, 2008-2009
Syllabus
Introduction
In this course we seek mastery of the fundamental skills of research, essay writing, and public speaking. At the same time, we will review – and continue to review throughout the quarter – the basics of English grammar, and we will continue to build vocabulary. Our objective is to achieve proficiency in writing and public speaking at the high school level.
Course Readings
We have one principal text for the course, Writers INC. In addition, we will read a number of example essays by high school and university students.
Focus Skills
The focus skills of this course are communicating effectively and persisting to achieve excellence. You are expected to master the writing and speech skills studied in this course and effectively integrate teacher/peer feedback into your work. Editing and rewriting are thus integral components of the course.
Assignments
Weekly Readings
Each weekly lesson is accompanied by one or more reading examples. For example, when studying the personal essay, we read a personal-style essay by a well-known author. You should be prepared to discuss the readings in class, specifically as they demonstrate the writing skills we work on and discuss in class. I will give you questions to help guide you in your readings. Note: If you are unprepared to discuss a reading, you will receive a zero for your participation grade that day.
Essays/Speeches (Portfolio Item)
You are responsible for roughly three short essays and three speeches/presentations. These essays and speeches are designed to help you with your writing assignments for your other classes and your morning and afternoon module exhibitions. Note: You may always rewrite an essay for a higher grade. Note too: You will not be allowed to turn in an assignment later than two days past the original due date. For each day the assignment is late, you will lose one letter grade (thus an “A” becomes a “B”, a “B” a “C”, etc.).
Participation and Discussion
Each class will include a discussion of some kind—of assigned readings, the lesson topic of the week, a student’s speech, etc. You will be graded on participation, quality of ideas, ability to reference the class readings/earlier discussions in explaining ideas, and courtesy (listening to others, giving others a chance to speak, respecting the viewpoints of others, talking in turn). It is absolutely critical that you participate, however minimally, in class discussions.
Class Portfolio
You will turn in a class portfolio at the end of the course. Your portfolio must include your final essays and their corresponding drafts, and must be organized (e.g., drafts attached to final writing).
Point Breakdown
The following gives the breakdown of points into percentages for this course:
Writings (Speeches and Essays)….40%
Participation and Discussion.…….30%
Final Essay and Final Speech…….25%
Portfolio…………………………..5%
Class Culture
I consider us colleagues in the common cause of learning. I therefore believe we have an obligation, as a class, not to tolerate any behavior that undermines our shared learning experience. Each of us has chosen to be here, and we want to maximize our class potential. (If you have not chosen to be here, please reconsider now your commitment to our class.) Certain behavior clearly undermines the quality of a class (e.g., arriving late, monopolizing a discussions, etc.). Other behavior, while not disruptive for some, may be for others (e.g., eating, putting feet on the desk, swearing, etc.). We need to be sensitive to these grayer areas, to one another’s peeves, and we should change our behavior accordingly if anyone in the class asks us to do so.
