Creative Expressions/Practical English Expression
Course Outline
Ms. Donaugh
2013-2014
This course is designed for the junior and senior student. Students will improve communication skills. The emphasis is on developing formal speaking skills by preparing and presenting such speeches as informative, persuasive, debates, etc.
In this class, we will explore the importance of being well-spoken and able to deliver a well planned and developed speech. We will discuss communication and tips for speaking confidently. We will organize speeches then deliver them in front of classmates. We will also learn to adapt in a group situation and cope with issues typical in groups.
Assignments:
Speeches
Outlines
Self-Reflection Journals
Group Project Essay
Group Work Portfolio
Active Listening Points
Impromptus
Other classroom assignments
Types of Speeches:
Impromptu
Narrative
Demonstration - Visual
Informative - PowerPoint
Persuasive
Audience Analysis Speech
Oral Interpretation
Debate
Speeches/Outlines/Self-Reflections:
For each type of speech, you will be given instruction on what is required of that speech and what will be the primary focus. You will also see several examples of speeches and use the rubric to assess those speeches. Then you will plan and write your own speech over a topic of your choice. You will create an outline/note cards to use when you present your speech. Those notes will be turned in when you complete your speech. After you complete your speech, you will write a journal entry reflecting on your performance.
Audience Analysis Speech:
Because audience plays an important role in a speech, one of your speeches will be delivered to an audience other than your classmates. You will give one speech to my freshmen class. We will work out a time for you to come in during one of my freshmen classes and deliver a speech that would be relevant to that audience.
Small Group Project/Portfolio/Essay
One aspect of communication is in a group setting. Throughout the semester, you will be required to complete a project in a group situation. The project will need to have a fundraiser to raise money and a charity to donate the money OR a community service project to help someone in need. You will have meetings during class where you learn how to prepare an agenda and take minutes. You will create a portfolio as a group to highlight the project and how you coped with common group issues.Each individual will also write a reflective essay about the group process, discussing each member’s participation and difficulties encountered.
Proper Speech Etiquette
When there is a speaker delivering a speech, you must be a respectful audience. You are to listen attentively and make eye contact. No one is to speak at all during the speech except for the speaker. As an audience member you should actively listen. You will receive a grade based on your active listening skills. No one is permitted to get up or come in while a speech is in progress. Anyone who is disrespectful to the speaker will lose points on his/her own speech and be given a detention.
Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty:
I do not tolerate plagiarism or any cheating. If you are caught plagiarizing, you receive a zero on the assignment with no chance for a rewrite. Copying or other forms of cheating will be dealt with by case. Most often, copying result in a zero for the assignment/test.
Extra Credit Opportunity:
Each quarter, you can attend up to 2 speaking functions and analyze the speaker. A speech analysis form will be provided for you to fill out after viewing the speech. Only 1 of the speeches may be a sermon or other church affiliated speech and only 1 of the speeches may be viewed on TV (such as the State of the Union address). Each speech you view and analyze is worth 15 extra credit points.
For students taking the weighted option:
In addition to all of the above activities, students will complete an investigation project into some aspect of communication. Each student will formulate a question regarding some aspect of communication to explore in a study/experiment conducted by the student. The student will take notes on observations or generate data or any other documentation fitting to the investigation. After completing the investigation, each student will write a report explaining his/her findings and the answer to the question. Each student will also present findings to the rest of the class.
Plan:
Weeks 1-3: Narratives
Weeks 4-6: Demonstrations
Weeks 7-9: Informatives
Weeks 10-12: Persuasives
Weeks 13-15: Debates
Weeks 16-19: Oral Interpretations