Swampscott High School

Speech & Debate2011-2012

Swampscott High School

Speech and Debate Syllabus

2011-2012

Mr. Franklin

Structure of the Course

Speech and Debate is a semester and/or full-year class for grades 9-12. For those who choose to compete in National Forensic League (NFL) tournaments, additional time will be necessary for preparation.

The Swampscott High School Debate team is a registered chapter of the National Forensics League, the nation’s leading honor society for speech, debate, and leadership.

Summary of Curriculum and Course Requirements

Speech and Debate at SHS is divided up into two components each semester. Term I activities will focus on the theory of oral communication, and the primary tenets of good, effective public speaking. Term II activities will focus on debate theory, effective research, and debate strategies.

Course Requirements:

Students are expected to respect each other at all times, as the communication process is a two-way street.

Homework assignments are comprised of assigned readings from the text, as well as other assignments on an as-needed basis.

Students are responsible for all assignments; in-class discussions may or may not parallel text assignments.

Periodic quizzes will be given, as deemed necessary. Generally, advance notice will be given one class period prior.

All speeches will be given per the schedule drawn up for that particular round of presentations. Late speeches, if allowed, will be docked one full grade. Allowable excuses for missed speeches are rare.

Term I Goals and Objectives

Course Goals:

To develop a positive attitude toward sharing ideas with others;
To develop an awareness and understanding of all parts of the communication process;
To increase awareness of the self as a communicating person;
To develop critical listening skills;
To learn appropriate emotional and logical supports;
To develop skill in dealing with various communication situations;

Specific Objectives:

To develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of communication skills in life;
To increase self-awareness: physical, intellectual, emotional;
To increase one’s sensitivity towards others;
To learn specific techniques to make interactions with others more productive, effective and meaningful; and
To learn to fully enjoy communicating!

Introductory Speeches will be 2-4 minutes in length. Timing is important, as speeches under or over the time target will be penalized.

Information Speeches will be 3-5 minutes in length, and will follow the guidelines distributed by the instructor. Please note syllabus for general schedule.

Small Group Communication presentations will be 15-20 minutes in length, and again will follow distributed guidelines. Please note syllabus for general schedule.

Final Persuasive Speeches will be 6-8 minutes in length. Details supra.

From time to time there may be impromptu speaking opportunities for extra credit.

Term I Attendance:

Attendance is required. Participation is required. Not communicating (if that is possible) is not allowable. You are expected to sign in at the beginning of each class period. To benefit from this class, you, the student, must participate in it every day. Any missed speeches, assignments, quizzes, or other class work without PRIOR permission will result in a ZERO for that assignment. You are responsible for making up any work missed, any classes missed, regardless of whether you were in class or not.

Term I Grading:

Students will be graded on their overall class participation, formal speeches, small group project, and attendance. Specifically, grading will be done as follows:

Attendance & Participation:20%

Introductory Speech: 10%

Informative Speech:20%

Group Presentation:10%

Final Persuasive Speech:40%

Term II Goals:

Speech and Debate begins with a basic overview of the events for

competition, those that are individual and debate related. The aspects of logical reasoning and argumentation are studied as well as the basics of good communication.

To understand and practice effective, thorough academic research;
To develop an awareness and understanding of all parts of the argumentation process;
To increase awareness of the self as a communicating person;
To develop critical listening, research and argumentation skills;
To learn appropriate emotional and logical supports;
To develop skill in dealing with various communication/argumentation situations;
To develop skill in arguing either/both sides of an issue

Term II will focus on these four categories:

Public-Forum Debate requires partnership among two-person team as they discuss issues in a more relaxed format, that promotes conversation, along with some argumentation and evidence. The format is similar to the original CNN news program “Crossfire” in which the four debaters in each round must directly address one another with questions and arguments. Because the topic changes every month, debaters must be able to quickly synthesize information about contemporary issues and translate that research into persuasive arguments. Each speaker must master skills of research, argumentation, persuasive speaking, cross-examination, and refutation.

Extemporaneous Speaking necessitates a broad knowledge of current events and preparation for a speech on an undisclosed topic without prior knowledge. Students draw three topics chosen from hundreds of potential current event topics. After the draw, students select one of those topics and, thirty minutes later, present a 7 to 10 minute speech, without notes, on the topic. Students must master expository speaking, research, synthesis, on-the-spot analysis. During final rounds, students must be able to respond to questions from judges and fellow competitors about their speech.

Humorous and Dramatic Interpretation requires the selection and development of a humorous or dramatic published piece of work/literature that is approximately ten minutes in length. Focus is on the student’s ability to interpret and deliver the speech in keeping with the author’s humorous or dramatic intent.

Original Oratory requires the development of a persuasive speech of approximately ten minutes. The speech is completely memorized and typically includes evidence, arguments, illustrations, emotive stories designed to make both a logical and emotional appeal to the judges.

All four activities promote logical expression, preparation, critical thinking, and familiarity with current issues. Other events will be added as interest warrants.

Course Resources:

Course resources and readings are available at:

Additional materials will be provided to augment the above.

Grading Policy

Students will be graded on their overall class participation, formal speeches, small group project, and attendance. Specifically, grading will be done as follows:

Attendance & Participation: 20%

Research Portfolio: 20%

Projects and Activities:40%

Final Debate/IE Activity:20%

Academic Honesty

All students are expected to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner at all times. A first offense of cheating (plagiarizing, copying another student’s work, etc.) will result in zero credit for the given assignment/test/quiz/paper. Any subsequent offense will result in a failing grade for the entire term. The student will also be dealt with according to the SHS Blue Card. By signing our class contract, you fully accept the class policy on Academic Honesty.

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I have read the Speech and Debate requirements and policies and agree to fulfill them.

Student name [printed]______

Student signature ______Date ______

I have read the class requirements and policies and agree to support these expectations.

Parent/Guardian name [printed]______

Parent/Guardian signature ______Date ______