So, you hate public speaking, huh?
You are not alone. Public speaking is the most common fear in America today -- death is number two. This is unfortunate, because success in today's world often depends on effective communications skills. This speaking-intensive course will help you become more comfortable with speaking in front of people, both by yourself and with a group, through speeches, presentations, activities, and your own participation and initiative. You'll also learn skills beyond this, of course; you will learn what makes an effective argument, what kinds of arguments there are, and how to construct your own arguments and present them.
Learning goals for this course include but are not limited to:
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Interpret and evaluate argumentative discourse, including writing and speech
•
Construct cogent arguments
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Communicate those arguments clearly, coherently and effectively
•
Locate, synthesize, and evaluate relevant information
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Demonstrate an understanding of the aims and methods of intellectual discourse
•
Weigh evidence and evaluate the arguments of differing viewpoints
Required texts for this course:
• Everything's an Argument with Readings, ed. John J. Ruszkiewicz
•
The Pocket Style Manual by Diana Hacker
•
One novel for your book club
Class Requirements (in brief):
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Book club participation and presentation
•
One formal presentation to the class
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Participation as Writing Leader
•
Participation as Discussion Leader
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Daily participation in all class activities
•
One essay, roughly 4 pages in length
•
Writing Portfolio
•
Commonplace books
Class requirements (in detail):
1. Reading and short writing assignments: This class will be reading intensive
as much as writing intensive. You cannot expect to do well in class if you
do not read and you can expect regular reading quizzes if I sense that people
aren't reading. There will be many short writing pieces assigned throughout
the semester. Failure to complete these will result in a reduction of your
grade.
2. Formal Paper: You will write one papers, around 4 pages long. Specific guidelines
will be given at a later date. Late papers will not be accepted. Failure to
turn in a paper will result in a failing grade in the course.
3. Short Individual Presentations: Remember, this is a speaking intensive class.
At least once during the semester you will make a short, formal presentation
to the class. More information about these will be given at a later date.
4. Commonplace Book: Commonplace books have a long tradition in literate societies,
serving as sites for readers/writers to record significant passages from the
works they read and reflect on them. For this course, you will keep a commonplace
book of your own, including in it your in-class writings, your reading responses
done at home, and any other writings you feel are relevant. Feel free to include
passages, photos, newspaper or magazine clippings, or anything else you feel
is relevant or important to you. I will collect your commonplace books several
times during the semester, so be sure to keep up with your assignments.
5. Class Participation/Workshop Participation: Again, this is a speaking intensive
class, so make your voice heard. Tell us what you are thinking. This is one
way for me to know you are reading and doing the work. Just remember to be
respectful of your classmates’ opinions. Before each formal paper is
due we will devote an entire class period to reading each other’s drafts
and providing helpful advice. Do not miss these workshop days and do not show
up without a draft. A missed draft will result in a failing grade in the class.
6. Group Work/Presentations/Book Clubs: Throughout the semester, you will work
in groups since this is one of the best ways to learn from each other. I know
many students have strong feelings about group work, but it is an important
aspect of this class, and we will all work to make group time valuable and
enjoyable. For a large part of the semester, you will work in a book club group,
reading a novel together and presenting it to the class. All group members
will be held accountable for what goes on in their time together and I will
regularly monitor the groups’ progress.
7. Portfolio: At the end of the semester you will submit a writing portfolio
for evaluation. Your portfolio will include some final versions of your formal
essay, drafts of the essay in progress, selections from your commonplace book,
and excerpts from informal writings, as well as a reflective introductory letter.
To prepare for this, be sure to save all the drafts of your work. More specific
information on the portfolio will be given later in the semester.
8. Conferences: You will meet with me at least two times in the semester: at
midterm, and sometime toward end of the term. You will sign up for appointments
for these conferences. Please feel free, however, to see me anytime if you
feel you need some advice or assistance with course work. A missed conference
equals an absence.
9. Attendance: In this type of class, attendance and crucial and missed class
time cannot be made up. Therefore, you are allowed THREE absences. Any more
will reduce your grade. More than five absences and you will fail the class.
Additionally, being late to class is rude and disruptive. Don’t do it.
If you are more than 10 minutes late to class twice, that counts as one absence
(assuming I don't lock you out). Finally, if you miss class it is your responsibility
to contact me or a classmate to find out what you have missed. An absence is
not an excuse for being unprepared for the next class.
Other Items to Note:
Email/Internet Access: Make sure you have access to the internet and are using
your UNCG email account. Email is the best way to get into contact with me
and the rest of the class, and I will always email you at your UNCG email address.
Grading Breakdown: Final Portfolio – 30%
Book Club Work and Presentation – 25%
In-Writing Leadership – 5%
Discussion Leadership – 10%
Commonplace Book, Daily Assignments – 20%
Participation (Class Discussions, Group Work, Workshops), etc. – 10%
Academic Honor: Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Ever. Please see the section
on academic honor in the UNCG Student Handbook if you have any questions. If
you are still unsure about citing something, see me. Additional resources about
plagiarism and MLA citation are available in the Hacker manual, Everything's
an Argument, and at the Writing Center.
The Writing Center: This free resource is available to all UNCG students. At
the Center, you may make an appointment or just drop in to have a one-on-one
conference with a writing consultant. They can assist you on any stage of the
writing process, from brainstorming topics to revising a final paper. Also,
students who miss a workshop will be required to take a draft by the Writing
Center. Please take advantage of this unique resource located in 101 McIver
and open Mon.-Thurs. from 9-8, Fri. 9-3, and Sun. evenings 6-9.
The Speaking Center: This other free resource offers assistance in the preparation
and delivery of speeches, as well as development of knowledge and skills in
interpersonal communication, and overall success in group or team communication
situations. Call 256-1346 to make an appointment. Hours of operation: Mon.-Wed.
from 10-5, Thurs. 10-8, and Fri. 9 – noon. Location: 22 McIver Underground.
Books for Book clubs:
TBA
Sign up for a book you have not read before and are curious about. You are responsible for getting your own copy of the book and reading it in a timely fashion.
Course Schedule
August
15: Course introduction
17: Sign-up for activities; discussion of public speaking in general
19: Everything's an Argument 3-24
22: EAA pp.121-144 (structuring arguments)
24: EAA 37, 100-114 (to "Cultural Assumptions")
26: EAA 654-666
29: EAA 65-75, 528-530
31: EAA 262-276, 280-281
September
2: EAA 78-85, 778-9, 784-5
5: Labor Day; no class
7: Movie: "Super Size Me"
9: Movie, cont.
12: Movie & discussion
14: Workshop essay in book clubs
16: Workshop, cont.
19: Essay due to instructor; EAA 88-97, 867-870
21: EAA 700-717
23: Begin meeting with book clubs every Friday
26: EAA 384-399
28: EAA 806-811, 816-822 (find the fallacies)
30: Book clubs
October
3: Midterm conferences (10:00 class)
5: Midterm conferences (12:00 class)
7: Book clubs: last day to drop class without academic penalty
10: Fall Break
12: Fall Break
14: Book clubs
17: How to give a formal speech; précis of speech due to instructor
19: Prepare for speeches in groups
21: Book clubs
24: Formal speeches begin
26: Formal speeches
28: Book clubs
31: Formal speeches
November
2: Formal speeches
4: Book clubs meet with me in my office
7: Finish formal speeches