COMMUNICATION AND DEMOCRACY (SPCH 545)
Dr. Tim Steffensmeier
Course Description
This course is a sample of how communication, specifically speechmaking, has shaped notions of
being a citizen in US democracy from the Declaration of Independence to current times. We are
concerned with the question: What does it mean to be a citizen in US democracy? In this class,
we explore conceptual possibilities of the changing notions of “citizen” and “civic leader” by
employing a student-led facilitation process. This deliberative process develops an important
skill-set for students who choose to nourish and sustain democracies.
Course Objectives
1. Introduce rhetorical tools to critically analyze texts
2. Explore conceptual possibilities of what it means to be a citizen and civic leader
3. Learn facilitation perspectives and techniques
4. Develop facilitation skills through group-based deliberations
5. Create, plan, and host a public forum
Required Reading Materials
• Course Packet: Arts & Sciences Copy Center, Eisenhower Room 11 (This packet of
selected speeches is required reading for this course. The speeches range in length from
1-20 pages)
• Peters, John Durham. Courting the Abyss: Free Speech and the Liberal Tradition.
Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press, 2005.
• Byrd, Jack Jr. Facilitation Guidebook. Parkersburg, WV: Interactivity Foundation,
August 2005 (Provided by Instructor compliments of Interactivity Foundation)
Assignments & Grading:
• What is a citizen/civic leader (Individual Paper – Group Grade) - 15 points
• Group Written Report (Policy Possibilities) - 50 points
• Group Presentation (Policy Possibilities) - 60 points
• Exams-3 (covering speeches, rhetorical techniques, facilitation skills) - 50, 100, 125 pts.
• Participation (facilitations, class dialogue, quiz)- 100 points
Facilitations: Groups consisting of five students will participate in student-lead facilitations
throughout the semester. These facilitated discussions will revolve around the questions: What is
a citizen & what is a civic leader? Your involvement in the facilitated discussions will count
toward your participation grade.
Group Presentation: Each group is responsible for presenting their policy possibilities on
the issue of what it means to be a citizen.
Group Written Report: Each group writes a report detailing the discussions during their
group’s facilitated sessions. This report includes the weekly notes and policy possibilities
generated by the group throughout the semester.
Exams: Three exams are given covering the chapters and class discussions. The exam format
combines multiple choice and essay questions.
Participation: Participation is required for discussions and group work. You are expected to read
the assigned readings and engage the class with comments/questions. Pop quizzes may be given
to evaluate your retention of the course material; these will count toward your participation grade.
Public Discussion Project: We will be partnering with the K-State Volunteer Center of
Manhattan to host public forums assessing the needs and assets of Manhattan and surrounding
communities. These forums are supported by a grant from the Center for Engagement and
Community Development. Everyone will play some role in planning, conducting, and attending
these forums. Your active participation and attendance in this discussion will count toward your
participation grade.
Attendance: I expect you to be in class for every meeting. Because we engage in facilitated
discussions, successful completion of this course demands your presence. If you must miss class
for a school sanctioned event, illness, or emergency please notify me by e-mail (before you return
to class). Bottom Line: I aim to keep your attention. With a generous effort on your readings and
presentations, I am guessing you will come to this class because it is interesting. Unexcused
absences: After the first week of class, students will be placed in facilitation groups. Each group
will be allocated 5 absences. Each absence beyond the maximum will result in a 5 point reduction
on each group member’s final participation grade.
Academic Dishonesty: Kansas State University has an Honor System based on personal integrity
which is presumed to be sufficient assurance in academic matters one's work is performed
honestly and without unauthorized assistance. This honor code serves as the guide for this course
on issues related to plagiarism and cheating. A grade of “XF” can result from a breach of
academic honesty. The “F” indicates failure in the course; the “X” indicates the reason is an
Honor Pledge violation. For more information visit the Honor System home web page at:
http://www.ksu.edu/honor
Definition of plagiarism: http://www.ksu.edu/academicservices/fhbook/fhxf.html
Disability Policy
Any student with a disability who needs an accommodation or other assistance in this course
should make an appointment to speak with me as soon as possible.
Office Visits: I encourage you to come speak with me during “office hours.” These short
conversations are fine opportunities to better understand my expectations. Furthermore, I enjoy
hearing and learning about your given path through this university experience. While I check the
e-mail account listed above, I prefer questions, criticisms, and compliments face-to-face.