GraSPP
東京大学公共政策大学院Presentations and Discussion
Instructors
FAYE Singh Stanislas
Term / Language / Credits
S1S2 / English / 2
Objectives
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
Refer to the SYLLABUS [http://www.pp.u-tokyo.ac.jp/courses/2015/documents/5130210-20150313.pdf]
Teaching Methods
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
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 Textbook
Conrad, Jessamin (2008). What you should know about politics…but don’t: a non-partisan guide to issues. New York, USA: Arcade Publishing, Inc.,
DeVito, Joseph A. (1997). The Elements of Public Speaking. New York, USA: Addison-Wesley Educational Services Inc.
Liptset, Seymour M. (1996). American Exceptionalism: A Double-Edged Sword. New York, USA: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
Nye, Joseph S. Jr. (2007). Understanding Global Conflict and Cooperation: An Introduction to Theory and History. New York, USA: Pearson Education Inc.