Grades: 9-12
Credits: 5
Rhetoric I Eligibility: Students in any grade level may take this course. Students who have completed a full year or more of high school speech and debate competition are now allowed to take this course and should instead enroll in Rhetoric II.
Course Description: This semester-long course is an introduction to public speaking and argumentation. Students will be exposed to various written and oral techniques of persuasion, argumentation, exposition, discussion, and analysis of controversial current issues. Students will further develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, and learn how to research, analyze and organize materials for effective oral presentation and argument.
There will be a heavy emphasis on research and persuasion as well as elements of writing well. Students will be required to deliver speeches in interesting and creative methods.
Competitive opportunities will be available to students, but will not be required. Students will be responsible for creating both a Speech presentation and engaging in multiple debate simulations in class.