Thursday, June 7, 2012

Speech and Drama for High School Course Description


Speech and Drama for High School

Description

High school speech and drama provide students various opportunities to prepare and perform three categories of speeches: original (written by the student), interpretive (written by someone else), and limited preparation (impromptu), while developing the essential skill of giving constructive feedback. Speech is a broad field allowing students to explore various topics and material empowering them to utilize their communication skills throughout their lives.
Drama for high school will provide students the opportunity to increase their individual acting skills, prepare to perform in the fine arts production "A Medieval Night” and auditions, and create in-class exhibition events. Students will work on class, small group and individual dramatic and humorous pieces.

This course will focus on speech first semester and drama second semester.

Students taking this course will explore

·      Verbal and non-verbal communication
·      Creation, preparation and delivery of public speeches
·      Developing a personal rhetorical style
·      Refining topics and theses
·      Vocal and physical delivery techniques including
o   Voice production
o   Diction
o   Intonation

o   Articulation 

o   Projection

·      Analysis of political speeches from both history and the modern era
·      Observation, and evaluation of other speeches
·      Memorization techniques
·         Verbal and non-verbal communication
·         Playwriting
·         Acting skills including
o   Character development
o   Character Analysis
o   Blocking
o   Timing
o   Posture
o   Focus

Upon completion of this two-semester course, motivated students should be able to take the college credit earning DSST Principles of Public Speaking exam. 


      
Objectives 
Gain skill, confidence and fluency in public 
speaking
·      Prepare students to perform speeches for various audiences
·      Write speeches on various topics while gathering 
accurate, appropriate, clear, well documented and unbiased support
·      Explore the craft of acting and speaking through various games, exercises, personal projects, and feedback
·      Perform for both in-class exhibitions and for “A Medieval Night”
·      Find, cut, and interpret dramatic and humorous pieces
·      Learn the basics of scriptwriting
·      Recognize weak areas and improve personal skills 

·      Learn the audition process


Class work (1 hour per week)

Students will practice, block, and prepare both individual events and group selections in class and learn the skills of acting through various games, drills, and activities

Homework (allow 3-5 hours per week)
·      Read, listen to, watch, and critique selected performances
·      Find, prepare, and memorize interpretive speeches from literature or plays
·      Research, write, and memorize original speeches

Grading Policy
Grades will be calculated and reported to parents to be used as a tool for measuring progress, motivating, and determining mastery and understanding. Class presentations will be graded including

·             Homework (some online assignments are turned in via email; some by printing and returning to class)
·      Class Participation (includes student presentations, discussions, and behavior)

Required materials
·      All materials will be provided by the teacher

·      Students may be required to furnish limited costumes or props
·      Optional material for those interested in taking the college credit earning DSST Principles of Public Speaking exam The Art of Public Speaking

Course Requirements
·
  •      These include some typing, sending email, attaching documents, formatting Word documents (not advanced)
    •       Word processing software (for turning in assignments) 
    •        3-ring binder for scripts  
    •        At-home access to a computer       
    •       Email account (parent or student; checked regularly)
    •        Internet access (for research and checking assignments on the class blog)
    •        Basic computer skills

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