• To create confidence in one's abilities as a public speaker.

• To foster an open environment for discussion in an atmosphere of intellectual exchange.

• To explore the use of rhetorical strategies in argumentation and controversy in a variety of contexts.

Given that this course is designed to discuss our own speaking, it is important to recognize that we all have to speak in front of one another and comment on each others’ speeches. You should know that your opinions are valid, and that you are invited to share any relevant opinions during class discussion. The class discussions may be very energetic, but all relevant political opinions are valued.

Your final grade will be based upon the following breakdown:

Formal Speech 1.....................................................10%

Formal Speech 2.....................................................15%

Formal Speech 3.....................................................20%

Formal Speech 4....................................................25%

Informal Assignments...........................................20%

Class Participation................................................10%

There is no textbook for this course. There are a number of speeches that we will be reading together.

1) Discussion of varying "Topics in Speech" – You will each be expected to discuss the tasks and skills we have done to learn about speaking and to help you improve our speaking skills.

2) Impromptu speeches – At varying times throughout the semester we will do impromptu speeches. These may be on any topic.

3) Speech Analyses – Throughout the semester we will discuss several types of speeches and examine famous examples of these forms to understand them. You will be expected to be able to speak about the example speeches.

4) Personal Speech Critique.—You will be required to review your formal speeches on your videotape and write an evaluation of your performance. You should include things you feel you have done well, areas you’ve improved upon, and areas that still need work. Evaluations should be typed, one half page long, double-spaced.

This is a 2-4 minute speech in which you address a special situation and a special audience.

This is a 3–5 minute speech in which you identify a particular problem that the audience should be aware of. In this speech your primary goal will be to inform your audience of the importance of a particular issue.

This is a 4-6 minute speech in which you develop a comprehensive argument identifying a serious argument and advocating a particular position. In this speech the primary goal is to develop logic and argumentation skills.

This is a 5-7 minute speech that is likely to be "controversial" to your audience. The goal is to develop the ability to speak to varied audiences, particularly hostile ones, in ways that are effective and may lead the audience to more openly consider your proposal. You may choose to do a speech of apologia (a speech of apology)for this assignment.

1. Disability Accommodation

The instructor will cooperate with the university's Office of Disability Accommodation to provide reasonable accommodation to students who need it. Students who wish to self-identify and request assistance under this policy should register in room 318A of the University Union by the second-class day.

2. Attendance

Much of your success in this course depends on your active participation in the daily class discussions. Consequently, you are expected to attend every class session and to be on time. Beginning with the third absence (and continuing with each subsequent absence) a student’s final grade will be lowered by ten points (the equivalent of one letter grade). Attendance is counted beginning with the first day of class in the semester. The term absence used in this policy does not apply to "authorized absences" as defined in the UNT Undergraduate Catalog.

3. Assignments and Requirements

All assignments are due on the date specified and must be submitted prior to or during class (not by the end of the day). Late assignments are not accepted, and, excepting authorized absences, make-up assignments will not be scheduled. When a reading assignment is listed in the syllabus for a given day, you should complete the reading assignment by that day.

4. Grading

The professor assumes that students in a 2000-level course have the ability to read, analyze, and participate intelligently in class discussion. The graded assignments are designed to allow the student to demonstrate proficiency in these areas. In this course, an "A" reflects clearly outstanding work, a "B" reflects above average work, a "C" reflects average work, a "D" reflects barely passing work, and an "F" reflects failing work.

5. Completing the Course

Students are expected to complete all assignments for this course during the semester. Assigning a grade of "incomplete" is rare, and in order to request an "I," the student must meet these requirements: a) The student must have completed at least 75% of the course assignments; b) The student must be passing the course; c) There must be an unforeseen and compelling reason why the course cannot be completed on time; and d) The student must present a plan for completing the assignments within the time period specified in the catalog.

6. Student Conduct and Academic Honesty

This syllabus is not a contract. It is a guide and may be changed by the professor at any time without prior notice.

The following is a tentative course outline. I will attempt to stick to the schedule, and will announce any changes in the course structure as soon as they are known to me.