Speech and Debate Syllabus
2015-2016
Instructor
Jonathan Dorn
Room C116 jdorn@greenville.K12.sc.us
School – 864.355.2539
Teacher Schedule
1 st Period: Planning
2 nd Period: English 1 CP
3 rd Period: Planning
4 th Period: Speech and Debate
5 th Period: English 1 CP Advanced
6 th Period: English 1 CP
7 th Period: English 1 CP Advanced
Course Overview
Speech and Debate is an elective that provides a judgment-free arena in which students can practice and gain confidence in their ability to communicate in a public setting. Students will be expected to participate in all classroom presentations as well as reflect on their performance in order to improve throughout the year. The class will cover a broad range of oratorical purposes from comedy to persuasive speeches to bill presentations before a mock Congress. Students will also develop research skills, synthesize information, and engage in argumentation. Additionally, guest speakers from the community will share their thoughts about the art and craft of public speaking. By the end of the year, students will better be able to think critically, write clearly, and speak effectively.
Course Objectives
Students will…
1.
Learn and practice delivery techniques that enhance communication
2.
Develop an awareness of posture, voice, gestures, and pacing
3.
Write and speak for a variety of purposes (humorous, persuasive, informational, interpretive, extemporaneous/prepared, and occasional)
4.
Memorize selections to convey authenticity
5.
Reflect on and evaluate their performances throughout the year
6.
Understand and take part in the structure of classic debate
7.
Think critically and formulate persuasive arguments
8.
Evaluate and select facts for inclusion in oral arguments
9.
Organize and synthesize evidence that supports a claim
10.
Anticipate and refute opposing arguments
11.
Expand their awareness of current events and issues
Course Schedule
Unit Essential Question Assignments
1.
Public Speaking Basics
2.
Oral Interpretation /
Children’s Literature
What is effective communication?
How do you read out loud?
Choose Your Topic Speech
Literary Reading
3.
Dramatic / Humorous
Interpretation
4.
Poetry Recitation
5.
Impromptu Speaking
How do you develop a character from a play?
How do you create a persona for a poem?
What are some techniques to talk
Monologue
Poetry Out Loud Contest
Impromptu Speech

9.
Lincoln – Douglas Debate
10.
Presentations extemporaneously?
6.
Persuasive Speech How can you use language to persuade an audience?
Persuasive Speech
7.
Youth in Government – Model
Congress
How do you draft and get a bill passed in Congress?
Student-Drafted Bill
8.
Mock Trial How do you construct a case to prosecute or defend a client?
Lawyer/Witness Role-Playing
How do you win a debate?
How do you create a clean, seamless presentation without death by
PowerPoint?
Partnered Student Debate
Pecha Kucha
11.
Public Forum Debate How do you win a debate? Partnered Student Debate
12.
Chautauqua How can you develop and bring to life an historical figure?
Historical Figure Performance
13.
Original Oratory How well do you understand the tenets of effective communication?
Final Speech
Grades
Major – 60% - Major grades will consist of class speeches and performances. Each unit will conclude with an in-class speech as well as a reflective paper in which students evaluate their performance.
Minor – 40% - Minor grades will consist of quizzes, in-class assignments, and any daily homework that may be assigned.
Attendance Policy
If you miss class unexpectedly, either ask me about what you missed via email or get with me as soon as you come back to school. Check the daily folders on the table to get any handouts. You have five days to complete the assignments.
If you are here on Monday and hear about a quiz or test on Friday but you were not here on Thursday, Wednesday, or
Tuesday, you are still expected to take the test on Friday – unless too much material has been covered in your absence that would result in a lower grade.
Major projects or essays are due on the day of the deadline, regardless of whether or not you are at school. You should turn in the assignment early, arrange for a friend to bring in the assignment, or email it to me at my school address, which is jdorn@greenville.k12.sc.us
.
If you know that you are going to miss class, please talk to me after class so I can tell you what you will miss and, if possible, give you assignments. We will work out the specifics of when your assignments are due.
As long as you communicate with me, we will not have a problem.
Rules for Classroom Behavior
1.
Be respectful. Respect. It’s a big word. Perhaps even bigger than Aretha Franklin who gave the word such soul. So what is it? Respect means having a positive feeling of esteem for self and others. But the better question is: how do you show it? Here are some ways that respect is shown: a.
Use titles when referring to teachers (Mr. Dorn instead of Dorn). b.
Listen to other people and encourage their ideas.

c.
Dress with decorum. d.
Arrive to class on time. e.
Leave your desk area clean. f.
Appear interested even when you are bored. g.
Keep calm even when you are upset. h.
Do your best work. i.
Be honest. j.
Leave other students’ possessions alone. k.
Keep cell phones out of sight and out of use. l.
Drink only water in the class. m.
Remain in your seats at the end of class.
2.
Be responsible. It’s hard to say at what age people start becoming responsible. Typically, it’s during high school. For some, it’s natural, while others never seem to acquire the trait. Here are some ways to know if you are acting responsibly: a.
You accept the consequences of your actions instead of making excuses for your failures. b.
You perform tasks that you may not like. c.
You are accountable for who you are and what you will become. d.
You finish what you start. e.
You accept circumstances instead of whine and complain. f.
You solve problems on your own. g.
You do what you say you will do. h.
You can be trusted with various tasks.
Homework Policy
I will either instruct you to turn in your homework in the appropriate area or I will come around to check for completion.
Late homework will result in half credit.
Discipline Policy
1.) Verbal Warning
2.) Student-Teacher Conference/Chance for self-correction
3.) Parental Involvement / Detention
4.) See Handbook for Further Actions