Presentations and Discussion
Instructors
Singh FAYE
Credits / Language / Semester
2Credits / English / Summer
Objectives/Overview
Course Abstract
The objective is this course is to assist develop skills in public speaking and discussions. Students will learn to write, analyze, and deliver speeches of a persuasive, expository and impromptu nature. Students will also develop skills in argumentation and critical questioning. Beyond providing students the opportunity to improve presentations skills, this course will also encourage students to develop interpersonal communication skills as they work through problem solving, negotiation and simulation exercises. In addition to regular coursework, students will be expected to follow current events closely, and will use these events to hone their skills in speaking and argumentation.
Keywords
Presentations, discussion, communication, negotiation, simulation,argumentation, problem-solving, exercise, debate,informative,persuasive, convincing,expository, impromptu, extemporaneous, group project, deliberations,politics, history, global conflicts,exeptionalism, public speaking, democracy, non-partisan, cooperation, policy
Schedule
LIST OF CORE READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Date Readings and Presentation Preparation Prior to Class
April Course Introduction and Core Traits
4 Devito * Unit 1 The Nature of Public Speaking (pp. 2-19)
* Unit 2 Preparing a Presentation: An Overview (pp. 20-40)
11 * Unit 5 Presentation Criticism in the Classroom (pp. 77-95)
* Reading for Group Discussion on April 18th: Seymour Martin Lipset
"American Exceptionalism - Japanese Uniqueness" (pp. 211-63)
18 * Group Discussion Based on Reading: Seymour Martin Lipset "American Exceptionalism - Japanese Uniqueness" (pp. 211-68)
Devito * Unit 6 Topic, Purpose, and thesis (pp. 98-119)
* Unit 8 Amplifying materials + Audiovisuals Aids (pp. 147-63)
* Unit 10 The Audience: Sociological Analysis and Adaptation (pp. 177-94)
* Reading for 5 min. Presentations based on Study Questions Joseph S. Nye, Jr. & David A. Welch: "Is There an Enduring Logic of Conflicts in World Politics" (pp. 1-31)
25 Elements of Organization
* Do Presentations followed by Peer Evaluations
Devito * Unit 12 The body of the Presentation (pp. 210-28)
* Unit 13 Introductions, Transitions and Conclusions
* Reading for 5 min. Presentations based on Study Questions Joseph S. Nye, Jr. & David A. Welch "Explaining Conflict and Cooperation: Tools and Techniques of Trade (pp. 33-68)
May
2 * Do Individual Presentations followed by my Evaluations
Devito * Unit 19 The Informative Presentation (322-34)
- The presentation of Definition
- The presentation of Description
- The Presentation of Demonstration
* Reading for May 9th Group Presentation Project 1: Seymour Martin Lipset " Socialism and Unionism in the United States and Canada" (pp. 77-109)
9 Group Presentation Project
* Reading for May 16th with Study Questions: Joseph S. Nye, Jr. & David A. Welch " Globalization and Interdependence" (pp. 239-66)
* Reading: Devito Unit 19 "The Informative Presentation" (pp. 177-93)
16 Group Problem-Solving Project : Preparation
* Group Formation and Brainstorming
* Group Scenario and Roles Submission at End of Class
Devito * Reading Unit 20 "The Persuasive Speech" (pp. 341-54)
23 Group Problem-Solving Project Deliberations
* Reading: Joseph S. Nye, Jr. & David A. Welch "The Information Revolution and Transnational Actors" (pp. 268-93)
Devito * Unit 25 "Speaking in Small Groups" (pp. 429-47)
30 Observed Discussions
* Groups take turns discussing the reading "The Information Revolution and Transnational Actors"
* Reading: Joseph S. Nye, Jr. & David A. Welch "What Can We Expect in the Future?" (pp. 297-325)
* Discuss Study Questions
* Select Topic and Draft Outline for "Informative Presentation" due on June 6
June * Discussion Individual Topics and Outlines and Provide Guidance
6 * Discuss Specific Criteria for Presentation Evaluations
13 * First Half of the Class Gives "Informative Presentation" (Collect Drafts and Give Written Comments )
20 * Second Half of the Class Gives "Informative Presentation" (Collect Drafts and Give Written Comments)
27 * General Remarks on Strong and Weak Points of Presentations
* Select Topic and Draft Outline for "Persuasive Presentation" due on July 4th
July 4 * First Half of the Class Gives "Persuasive Presentation" (Collect Drafts and Give Written Comments )
11 * Second Half the Class Gives "Persuasive Presentation" (Collect Drafts and Give Written Comments)
18 * Final Exam: in Class.
Teaching Methods
Class Delivery
The course consists of 14 meetings. Because this class is a group communication class, active participation is vital, and will represent a substantial portion of the course grade. In other words, students should come fully prepared to take part in class activities. The class will comprise:
? Quizzes ? each class meeting will start with the “Study Questions” related to the readings.
? Presentations ? all classes will include short individual prepared and/or impromptu presentations and discussions.
? Some classes will feature group project deliberations on topics of interests and peer evaluations.
? The final classes will be slated for formal presentations “Informative Presentation” and “Persuasive Presentation” using Power Point followed by questions and answers to put into practice the skills learned.
Grading
Assessment
This class meets 14times during the semester, and you will receive 14 points per class meeting for participating actively in the class activities. If you are absent from class or are not actively participating, you will lose all of the points for that day’s in-class activities. (worth 14% of grade). Observed Discussion (10%), Peer Evaluation (10%), Problem-Solving Discussion (10%), Impromptu Presentation (10%), Informative: 15%, Persuasive (20%) and final exam 11%. Details are as follows:
Class: Active participation (14%)
Observed Discussion: As part of a group, you will participate in a discussion held in front of the class. This discussion will focus on your communication skills as a group member (e.g., listening, maintaining a positive climate, managing conflict… 10% ).
Peer Evaluation: You will critique 2-3 classmates’ performances on the Observed Discussion assignment. These peer evaluations will be calculated as a part of the Observed Discussion assignment grade, and you will receive a separate grade for the quality of your peer evaluations (10%).
Group Problem-Solving Discussion: This assignment demonstrates your appropriate group problem-solving skills. Together with several members of your class, you will research and conduct a problem-solving meeting (10%).
Impromptu Presentation: Give an impromptu also known as extemporaneous (unrehearsed) presentation on a topic to be decided on the spot (10%).
Informative Presentation: Give a presentation to inform with the aid of visual materials. This presentation will be based on a topic from one of the core textbooks (Nye, Conrad or Lipset). But (10minutes: 4 sources (15%).
Persuasive presentation to move to action: Choose a topic that is timely and important?something you feel represents a problem that needs collective action. This is a 12-minute presentation (6 sources:20%).
Final Exam: Based on materials covered (11%)
Required Textbooks
DeVito, Joseph A. (1997). The Elements of Public Speaking. New York, USA: Addison-Wesley Educational Services Inc.
Nye, Joseph S. Jr. (2007). Understanding Global Conflict and Cooperation: An Introduction to
Theory and History. New York, USA: Pearson Education Inc.
Reference Books
Conrad, Jessamin (2008). What you should know about politics…but don’t: a non partisan guide to
issues. New York, USA: Arcade Publishing, Inc.,
Liptset, Seymour M. (1996). American Exceptionalism: A Double-Edged Sword. New York, USA:
W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.