Speech & Rhetoric

Description

Speech & Rhetoric is a year-long, 1 credit class that counts toward required high school level language arts. This is a fantastic introduction to High School level written and spoken communication and will set your student up for future success as an excellent communicator.

Speech and Rhetoric has variously been defined as ‘beautiful speech’ and ‘persuasive speech’.  When properly done, it is both. The study of Speech & Rhetoric will allow students to:

1. Perceive the difference between truth and falsehood
2. Understand how people are moved to action
3. See both sides of an issue
4. Defend ourselves against the arguments of others

Students will learn about the historical development of Rhetoric and the elements it began to employ and use them to construct and present arguments that are:

• Well-reasoned
• Persuasive
• Winsome

all while avoiding being manipulative.

In Speech and Rhetoric, students will learn and utilize the 5 Canons of Rhetoric to develop their speaking as well as writing skills. 

1. Invention
2. Arrangement
3. Style
4. Memory
5. Delivery

Students will present their arguments orally to their classmates, and learn to respond to counter arguments. Additionally, they will read and respond in writing to each others’ arguments. Students will learn how to employ each of the main rhetorical forms constructing arguments of varying length on both assigned topics, and topics of their choice.

Students will learn that in rhetoric, it is easy to be mechanical – thinking that if you follow all the rules and you will be successful.  However, in our class the focus will be on the ‘Philosophy of Communication’ – the students will learn to communicate effectively, not artificially. Rhetoric is an art that requires practice – to know the tools, and to learn how to use them properly. In doing so, students will cultivate intellectual abilities enabling them to be intellectually virtuous in their efforts to communicate truth.

Grades will be based on class participation, quizzes that will cover the various tools of rhetorical argument and tests over longer, formally developed arguments.

Full Year Course – 1 Credit: The class will be taught and graded by your True North Homeschool Academy teacher. The coursework your child will complete in this high school level course is equal to one credit hour which may be awarded by your homeschool upon completion of the course. If you need help determining your students’ credits or creating a transcript, check out our Academic Advising.

Pair this class with Biology, World History, Geography, Story of Christianity, and a Foreign Language for a robust year of dynamic learning. Purchase a Bundle for greater savings!