COURSE TITLE:                                  Speech                    

TEACHER:                                           James Smith

ROOM:                                                 E1.1

E-MAIL:                                                james_smith@eu.odedodea.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The speech course is designed to prepare students to create speeches that reflect careful thought in planning, organization, and delivery.  The content includes identifying the purpose and audience for the speech; selecting the general topic and refining to a specific topic; making a statement of the thesis; selecting appropriate resources and information; outlining; creating a bibliography; selecting main points and supporting information; preparing the appropriate visual aids; modifying information for a particular audience; writing introductions and conclusions; using appropriate delivery techniques; evaluating delivery, content, and pattern of organization using specified guidelines; delivering oral or written critiques; and evaluating a speech according to established criteria. 

COURSE GOALS/OBJECTIVES/STANDARDS.  Students will recognize the various ways of organizing and verbalizing logical thought processes.  They will participate in many kinds of speech presentations.  Students will improve articulation and enunciation skills.  Students will identify and eliminate distracting physical mannerisms, and they will learn to avoid repetitive expressions that distract from effective communication.  Students will participate in evaluations and critiques that focus on distinct, effective, and correct speech.

SCOPE AND SEQUENCE:  This course emphasizes providing students with opportunities to speak to an audience with the intention of increasing the student’s experience and building confidence and skills.  Each class meeting involves at least one speaking activity.  The material content of these activities is not important in itself for it only serves as a vehicle for a speaking opportunity.  In the event of absence, it is not necessary to make up these activities.  There is one long-term assignment each nine weeks.  In the event of absence, students should be prepared to complete the assignment prior to the end of that nine weeks period.  Each of these assignments involves a delivered speech and a written component.  The sequence of these assignments is as follows: (1) first nine weeks:  a “how to speech” with visual aids and a physical demonstration; (2) second nine weeks: an informative speech; (3) third nine weeks: a commemorative speech; (4) fourth nine weeks and as part of the first semester exam: a persuasive speech.  Each of these speeches should last a minimum of three minutes.  A complete written copy of the speech must be handed in before the speech can be given for credit. 

    AFNORTH International Middle/High School’s CSP (Continuous School Progress) goal is “All students will improve their written communication skills across the curriculum.”  The 6+1 Trait is the model selected to improve school-wide writing in all subject areas.  The 6+1 Trait writing framework is a powerful way to learn common vision of what “strong” writing looks like.  Teachers and students will use the 6+1 Trait model to identify areas of strength and weakness as they continue to strive towards continued writing improvement.  Success of all students requires that the 6+1 Trait become a consistent and integral component of each course taught at AFNORTH International Middle/High School.  In this course students will follow the 6+1 model when engaging in the process of preparing an effective speech. 

COURSE GRADING/ASSESSMENT:

    Quarter:

                Participation in classroom speaking activities                                                50%

                Classroom written work                                                                                      10%

                Long-term speech assignments

                                Written component                                                                            20%

                                Speaking component                                                                         20%

    Semester:

                1st Quarter Grade                                                                                                       40%

                2nd Quarter Grade                                                                                                       40%

                Semester Exam                                                                                                       20%

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/CONSEQUENCES:  (1) Pay attention to the morning warning bell and be on time.  (2) The music equipment in this classroom is off-limits.  (3) Respect other students and their possessions.  (4) When evaluating other speakers, offer constructive criticism.  (5) Be aware of deadlines for long-term assignments and prepare for unforeseen absences.

TEXTBOOK AND STUDY MATERIALS:  The textbook for this class is the revised edition of Speech for Effective Communication.  This text will be used as a resource and will not be studied in sequence.  Students will have access to all resource materials in the School Information Center.