Great Speeches, Debates and Essays

Course Details:

Throughout history there have been numerous speeches, debates and essays that have shaped our culture and history. In our Great Speeches, Debates and Essays Course students will not only learn about historical pieces of literature and oratory, but will also examine their use of language, how messages are communicated and delivered for the desired effect. By the end of this course, students will understand how to analyze and respond to speeches, debates and essays, how to write clear arguments and counterarguments and deliver with emotion and command of the English language.

Prerequisites:

• English II - Semester - 1 Recommended
• English II - Semester - 2 Recommended

Syllabus:

Section 1: Reading for Comprehension and Understanding

• Introduction
• Reading for Comprehension
• Theme
• Idea Development
• Interpreting Words and Phrases
• Understanding Language
• Structure of Text
• Point of View
• Content of Different Formats

Section 2: Communicate Effectively With your Writing

• Evaluating Arguments and Claims
• Churchill’s `Our Finest Hour`
• Kennedy’s Speech
• Analyzing a Queen’s Speech
• Addressing Counterarguments
• Using Evidence Effectively
• Using Language Effectively
• The Process of Writing and Publishing 

Section 3: Speaking

• Introduction to Speaking
• Your Audience
• Objective Evidence
• Using Emotion Effectively

Section 4: Listening

• Evaluating a Speaker
• Effective Listening Skills
• Using English Language
• Context Clues
• Nuance
• Acquiring Language Skills

Section 5: Language

• The Art of Persuasion
• Logos
• Ethos
• Pathos
• Practicing
• Conclusion