Contra Costa College
Course Outline
Department &Number
Course Title
Prerequisite
Co-requisite
Challenge Policy
Advisory
Speech 142
Performance of Literature
N/A
N/A
Number of Weeks
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Hours By Arrangement
Activity Hours
Units
18
0-36
0-126
0.5-4
COURSE/CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about oral interpretation, the art of presenting literature in a
creative and enlightening way. Students will learn how to interpret and present literary material that encompasses the
author’s perspective, bring literature (poetry, prose and drama) alive for an audience, and help to make it relevant for them
in today’s world.
COURSE OBJECTIVE
At the completion of the course the student will be able to:
Define oral interpretation
Demonstrate knowledge of the history of oral interpretation
Research & identify effective pieces of literature; analyze, practice & present selections for an audience
Present multi-faceted characters when performing an oral interpretation of literature
COURSE CONTENT: (In detail; attach additional information as needed and include percentage breakdown)
33
% The Importance, Nature and Function of Oral Reading
Basic considerations
Goals of voice training
The relationship of mind, body, and voice
33
% Voice and Body as Instruments of Oral Communication
Voice
The respiratory and vocal mechanisms
Phonation, articulation, resonance
The application of inflection, variety of pitch, tempo, force and quality to oral reading
Body
Poise
Posture
Controlled movement and gestures
Eye contact
34
% Getting the Meaning
The thought content – recognition and use
Logical elements
Rhetorical elements
The emotional content – recognition and use of the elements pertaining to mood, and their
application to oral reading
Techniques of analysis applied to the reading of specific types of literature
%
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
A. Methods to achieve course objectives:
1. Lectures, discussions, reading, writing
2. Video tapes, films, audio tapes, records, CDs and handouts to supplement lecture, discussion
and reading
3. Performance exercises used to illustrate styles and approaches to the performance of literature
4. Guest lectures and/or workshops by interpretation experts
B. Methods used in achieving learner independence and critical thinking:
1. Written assignments emphasizing support of a thesis from a critical perspective, using
examples and formulating judgmental conclusions
2. Prepared oral performances applying critical interpretation principles
3. Oral reports critically evaluating student performances
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Oral Interpretation of Literature
Textbook
Author:
Title:
Publisher:
Edition/Date:
Charlotte Lee and
& T.T.Gura
Gura
Houghton Mifflin Company, 1997
Houghton Mifflin Co
10th edition
12th edition/2007
COURSE EXPECTATIONS (Use applicable expectations)
Outside of Class Weekly Assignments
Hours per week
Weekly Reading Assignments
0-2
Weekly Writing Assignments
0-2
Weekly Math Problems
Lab or Software Application Assignments
Other Performance Assignments
0-4
STUDENT EVALUATION: (Show percentage breakdown for evaluation instruments)
50
20
20
10
%
%
%
%
Speaking assignments
Speech night and response paper
Analysis check charts
Participation
GRADING POLICY (Choose LG, CR/NC, or SC)
Letter Grade
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
Credit / No Credit
70% and above = Credit
Below 70% = No Credit
Prepared by: Dr. Connie Anderson
Content Review Date: Spring 2009
Revised 11/07
X
Student Choice
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
or
70% and above = Credit
Below 70% = No Credit