Speech & Rhetoric

Description

Should pineapple ever be found on pizza? Is a hotdog a sandwich? Is eighteen really a responsible age for driving a vehicle? What made Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech so moving to so many? Is school choice the answer for America’s educational woes?

Speech & Rhetoric is a year-long, one credit class that counts toward required high school-level Language Arts. This is a fantastic introduction to written and spoken communication through compelling rhetoric!

The Oxford Dictionary defines rhetoric as “the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.”  

This class will help students develop communication techniques and confidence in both effective spoken and written communication.

Speech & Rhetoric will set students up for future success as excellent communicators as they:

• Analyze critically to determine differences between truths and falsehoods
• Learn how people are moved to action
• Examine the many aspect of various issues
• Explore ways to defend opinions while considering other arguments 

Students will learn about the many aspects of rhetoric and persuasive techniques as they implement them to construct and present oral and written arguments. Students will learn the Five Canons of Rhetoric (Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, Delivery) to develop their speaking skills while exploring advanced composition techniques to master written expression.  Students will present arguments orally to their classmates while learning to respond to counter arguments. Additionally, they will read and respond in writing to various arguments we study. Becoming an effective communicator, prepared for many different interactions, requires sound reasoning and intellect, specialized tools, and much practice! Student assessments will include oral delivery, various compositions, quizzes, discussion boards, projects, and – of course – student participation!

Required Materials:

Textbook TBD

Many materials/handouts will be provided by the teacher

Internet access to search and explore topics 

Video capability for recording speeches to be shared within our class

Prerequisites:

Confident computer skills and abilities

Good command of English grammar

A previous Logic course might be helpful, but certainly not required

Pair this class with Biology, World History, Geography, Story of Christianity, and a Foreign Language for a robust year of dynamic learning. Purchase a Bundle for greater savings! If you need help determining your students’ credits or creating a transcript, check out our Academic Advising.