Speech & Debate
2010 - 2011
Swampscott High School
Speech and Debate Syllabus
2010-2011
Mr. Franklin
Structure of the Course
Speech and Debate is a semester and/or full-year class for grades 9-12. For
those who choose to compete in National Forensic League (NFL) tournaments,
additional time will be necessary for preparation.
The Swampscott High School Debate team is a registered chapter of the
National Forensics League, the nation’s leading honor society for speech,
debate, and leadership.
Summary of Curriculum and Course Requirements
Speech and Debate at SHS is divided up into two components each semester.
Term I activities will focus on the theory of oral communication, and the primary
tenets of good, effective public speaking. Term II activities will focus on debate
theory, effective research, and debate strategies.
Course Requirements:
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Students are expected to respect each other at all times, as the
communication process is a two-way street.
Homework assignments are comprised of assigned readings from the
text, as well as other assignments on an as-needed basis.
Students are responsible for all assignments; in-class discussions may
or may not parallel text assignments.
Periodic quizzes will be given, as deemed necessary. Generally,
advance notice will be given one class period prior.
All speeches will be given per the schedule drawn up for that particular
round of presentations. Late speeches, if allowed, will be docked one
full grade. Allowable excuses for missed speeches are rare.
Term I Goals and Objectives
Course Goals:
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To develop a positive attitude toward sharing ideas with others;
To develop an awareness and understanding of all parts of the
communication process;
To increase awareness of the self as a communicating person;
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Speech & Debate
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2010 - 2011
To develop critical listening skills;
To learn appropriate emotional and logical supports;
To develop skill in dealing with various communication situations;
Specific Objectives:
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To develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of
communication skills in life;
To increase self-awareness: physical, intellectual, emotional;
To increase one’s sensitivity towards others;
To learn specific techniques to make interactions with others more
productive, effective and meaningful; and
To learn to fully enjoy communicating!
Introductory Speeches will be 2-4 minutes in length. Timing is important, as
speeches under or over the time target will be penalized.
Information Speeches will be 3-5 minutes in length, and will follow the
guidelines distributed by the instructor. Please note syllabus for general
schedule.
Small Group Communication presentations will be 15-20 minutes in length,
and again will follow distributed guidelines. Please note syllabus for general
schedule.
Final Persuasive Speeches will be 6-8 minutes in length. Details supra.
From time to time there may be impromptu speaking opportunities for extra
credit.
Term I Attendance:
Attendance is required. Participation is required. Not communicating (if that is
possible) is not allowable. You are expected to sign in at the beginning of each
class period. To benefit from this class, you, the student, must participate in it
every day. Any missed speeches, assignments, quizzes, or other class
work without PRIOR permission will result in a ZERO for that assignment.
You are responsible for making up any work missed, any classes missed,
regardless of whether you were in class or not.
Term I Grading:
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Speech & Debate
2010 - 2011
Students will be graded on their overall class participation, formal speeches,
small group project, and attendance. Specifically, grading will be done as
follows:
Attendance & Participation:
Introductory Speech
10%
Informative Speech
20%
Group Presentation:
10%
20%
Final Persuasive Speech: 40%
Term II Goals:
Speech and Debate begins with a basic overview of the events for
competition, those that are individual and debate related. The aspects of logical
reasoning and argumentation are studied as well as the basics of good
communication.
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To understand and practice effective, thorough academic research;
To develop an awareness and understanding of all parts of the
argumentation process;
To increase awareness of the self as a communicating person;
To develop critical listening, research and argumentation skills;
To learn appropriate emotional and logical supports;
To develop skill in dealing with various communication/argumentation
situations;
To develop skill in arguing either/both sides of an issue
Term II will focus on these four categories:
 Public-Forum Debate requires partnership among two-person team as
they discuss issues in a more relaxed format, that promotes conversation,
along with some argumentation and evidence. The format is similar to the
original CNN news program “Crossfire” in which the four debaters in each
round must directly address one another with questions and arguments.
Because the topic changes every month, debaters must be able to quickly
synthesize information about contemporary issues and translate that
research into persuasive arguments. Each speaker must master skills of
research, argumentation, persuasive speaking, cross-examination, and
refutation.
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Speech & Debate
2010 - 2011
 Extemporaneous Speaking necessitates a broad knowledge of current
events and preparation for a speech on an undisclosed topic without prior
knowledge. Students draw three topics chosen from hundreds of
potential current event topics. After the draw, students select one of those
topics and, thirty minutes later, present a 7 to 10 minute speech, without
notes, on the topic. Students must master expository speaking, research,
synthesis, on-the-spot analysis. During final rounds, students must be
able to respond to questions from judges and fellow competitors about
their speech.
 Humorous and Dramatic Interpretation requires the selection and
development of a humorous or dramatic published piece of work/literature
that is approximately ten minutes in length. Focus is on the student’s
ability to interpret and deliver the speech in keeping with the author’s
humorous or dramatic intent.
 Original Oratory requires the development of a persuasive speech of
approximately ten minutes. The speech is completely memorized and
typically includes evidence, arguments, illustrations, emotive stories
designed to make both a logical and emotional appeal to the judges.
All four activities promote logical expression, preparation, critical thinking, and
familiarity with current issues. Other events will be added as interest warrants.
Course Resources:
Course resources and readings are available at: www.BigBlueForensics.org
Additional materials will be provided to augment the above.
Grading Policy
Students will be graded on their overall class participation, formal speeches,
small group project, and attendance. Specifically, grading will be done as
follows:
Attendance & Participation:
20%
Research Portfolio:
20%
Projects and Activities:
40%
Final Debate/IE Activity:
20%
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Speech & Debate
2010 - 2011
Academic Honesty
All students are expected to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner
at all times. A first offense of cheating (plagiarizing, copying another student’s
work, etc.) will result in zero credit for the given assignment/test/quiz/paper. Any
subsequent offense will result in a failing grade for the entire term. The student
will also be dealt with according to the SHS Blue Card. By signing our class
contract, you fully accept the class policy on Academic Honesty.
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I have read the Speech and Debate requirements and policies and agree to
fulfill them.
Student name
[printed]__________________________________________________
Student signature _____________________________________ Date
____________
I have read the class requirements and policies and agree to support these
expectations.
Parent/Guardian name
[printed]___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian signature ___________________________ Date ___________
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