RHETORIC 73-403: PUBLIC SPEAKING

Professor. Hariman

Spring 1998

ASSIGNMENTS: The formal course work consists of five speeches and a final essay exam. Each speech is a persuasive speech on a topic of your choice. Visual aids are not permitted. Attendance is required on those days when students are speaking. I expect you to attend all classes.

TEXT: Nine speeches which are available for copying at Cowles library.

GRADING: The first two speeches are not graded. Each of the three graded speeches counts 25% of the final grade. The final exam and class participation count for 15% and 10% of the final grade, respectively. I do not grade on a curve but my classes generally follow an average distribution of scores. I do not expect plagiarism but will follow the University's policy for its prosecution.

The speeches are graded according to the conventional A-F system. An "A" denotes work outstanding relative to the basic course requirements, a "B" denotes work significantly above the basic course requirements, a "C" denotes work that meets the basic course requirements in every respect, and a "D" denotes work that does not meet the basic requirements but is worthy of credit. A "CR" grade for the alternative system denotes work that is at least of "C" quality.

I will grant an Incomplete (I) if the student suffers a medical or familial emergency, requests the grade within an appropriate period of time, and agrees to a plan for completing the course.

MISCELLANEOUS: Don't avoid consulting with me or with your colleagues about your speech before you deliver it. My email address is robert.hariman@drake.edu. My office phone is 271-2840 and my home phone is 255-2283. My office is Medbury 105. I am available by appointment if you cannot use my posted office hours.

SCHEDULE:

January
20 TU Introduction; topic selection
22 TH Thesis construction; delivery; descriptive feedback
27 TU First speech
29 TH  First speech
February
03 TU Crucial issue analysis
05 TH Organization
10 TU Second speech
12 TH Second speech
17 TU Research
19 TH Evidence
24 TU Criticism: speeches by H.W. Beecher, "Woman Suffrage Man's Right"; W. J. Bryan, "Cross of Gold"; J.F. Kennedy, "Speech to Greater Houston Ministerial Association"
26 TH Third speech
March
03 TU Third speech
05 TH Third speech
10 TU Third speech
12 TH Forms of argument
17 TU Forms of argument
19 TH Criticism: speeches by E.C. Stanton, "A Slave's Appeal"; I.B. Wells, "Southern Horrors"; H.E. Fosdick, "My Account with the Unknown Soldier"
Spring Break
31 TU Fourth speech
April
02 TH Fourth speech
07 TU Fourth speech
09 TH Fourth speech
14 TU Fourth speech
16 TH Strategic case design
21 TU Criticism: speeches by F. Douglass, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"; Malcolm X, "The Ballot or the Bullet"; A. Lowenstein, "Democracy in the House?"
23 TH Fifth speech
28 TU Fifth speech
30 TH Fifth speech
May
05 TU Fifth speech
07 TH Fifth speech
12 TU Final examination

SPEAKING ASSIGNMENTS
1st Speech
Conditions
2 minutes and feedback
Videotape
No Grade 		Learning Goals
Suitable topic
Correct thesis
Effective delivery
2nd Speech
3 minutes and feedback
Videotape
No grade 		Above learning goals
Crucial issues
Correct organization
3rd Speech
5 minutes and feedback
Strategy paper
Grade 		Above learning goals
Adequate research
Clear arguements
Correct evidence
4th Speech
6 minutes and feedback
Strategy paper
Questions after speech
Grade 		Above learning goals
Cogent reasoning
5th Speech
8 minutes and feedback
Strategy paper
Grade 		Above learning goals
Strategic case

BASIC CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF UNIVERSITY WORK
C B A
ANALYSIS
Basic parts identified Basic Relations Identified Significant derivations
COMPREHENSION
Lesser elements ignored Major contentions addressed in a systematic way Sensitive attention to context
LOGIC
Minor Contradictions No contradictions, major conclusions argued Alternatives considered and rejected
EVIDENCE
Some evidence All major points supported Thorough use of strong evidence
ORGANIZATION
Ideas are connected Clear progression of ideas Compelling design
COMPOSITION
Some ambiguity Clear and direct Emphatic but with qualifications identified
STYLE
No confusion of voices Strong diction Eloquent