Discourse 200
Fall 2014
Ferrel
Matter Speech: Cultural Action Project, Speaking for Change (Speech Project 2)
“Cultural action is always a systematic and deliberate form of action which operates upon the social structure,
either with the objective of preserving that structure or of transforming it.” (Freire, 1970/2006, p. 179)
This project will be a continuation of your Matter Paper (Writing Project 2), which as Freire
(1970/2006) would contend was already cultural action: “Thus, from the very beginning, thematic
investigation is expressed as an educational pursuit, as cultural action” (p. 111). For this project, your
goal is to facilitate positive change and action within the context of your Matter Paper topic.
Working from the research and thinking you did for your Matter Paper, you are to create a tenminute presentation that not only increases awareness about your topic but also prompts action. Thus, a
significant portion of your speech should provide specific and detailed discussion about ways your
audience can take action through a variety of discourses. Your presentation can be intended for a single
or mixed audience, and your speech should recognizably engage rhetorically with your intended
audience. Potential audiences might be children, colleagues (e.g., your classmates or coworkers),
community members, elders, or decision makers (e.g. school/business/program administrators; city,
state, or national politicians; community leaders; etc.). Your presentation should incorporate research
and effective visual aids (e.g., a handout, poster, PowerPoint, Prezi, etc.). If you include sound or video
clips, they cannot exceed more than a minute in length.
References
Freire, P. (1970/2006). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York, Continuum.
Created by: Thomas Ferrel