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Speech 78Special Topics in Speech - Speech and Debate
Optional Texts and Materials:
Knapp, T. G. & Galizio, L. A. (1999). Elements of Parliamentary Debate: A Guide to Public Argument. New York: Longman.
Course Description:
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and practice necessary to successfully compete in parliamentary debate and other competitive forensics events. Students will work collaboratively to improve debate and speaking skills and share knowledge of debate theory and current issues.
This course is offered with a variable unit option, with students selecting from 1 to 4 units of credit. To earn one unit of credit, students must complete at least two of the following options:
Attend four class/practice sessions. This includes participating in the activities, discussions, and practice speeches/debates at those practice sessions.
Research, develop, compose, and deliver an individual platform speech. This could include an informative, persuasive, or after dinner speech.
Research, develop, compose, and deliver an oral interpretation. This could include drama, prose, poetry, duo, or programmed oral interp.
Research a significant issue of current controversy and write a brief summary disclosing your findings, with an emphasis on their applicability to speech and debate.
Attend an off-campus speech and debate tournament as an audience member and write a brief response reflecting on what took place at the tournament.
Attend an off-campus speech and debate tournament as a competitor and compete in at least two rounds of debate, individual events, or both. (This option counts as 2 options due to the necessary extra preparation time and the intensity of the learning experience)
Become involved with the Speech and Debate Club in a governance capacity by becoming a club officer.
Attend Inter Club Council (ICC) meetings for an entire quarter.
Help organize and run any Speech and Debate Club sponsored events, such as fundraisers, club day, high school tournaments, etc.
Course Policies:
As with any skills-based activity, improvement in oral communication requires lots of dedication and practice. This is especially true for competitive debate, where success requires working closely in teams. Regular attendance and active participation are therefore essential ingredients for success in this course. Attendance requirements will naturally vary depending on how many units the student is enrolled in.
Travel to off-campus tournaments involves a high degree of preparation and coordination. Students will need to complete all necessary paperwork for such travel and all college policies regarding student travel will be strictly followed. Remember, you are not just competing for yourself, but also representing De Anza College, the Speech and Debate Club, and its advisor. In other words, don’t make me look bad!
Grades:
As this class is more of a skills clinic than a lecture class, no objective materials will be used to assess grades other than completion of the possible options. Grades will be assigned based on how successfully the student completes the required options, with an emphasis placed on effort, dedication, and a willingness to learn and improve.
An A grade will be given when the student demonstrates an exceptional level of effort; a B grade will be given when the student demonstrates above average effort, a C grade will be given for average effort; a D grade will be given for below average effort; an F grade will be given when the student fails to complete the necessary requirements.
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