First-Year Speaking, Reasoning and Research [FS]

The FS course (1 course, minimum of 3 credits) teaches students how to construct sound arguments through strategic research, enhance their reasoning skills and present their findings through speeches. 

Knowledge area:

  • Discipline based knowledge.

Skills: Improve students' ability to:

a. develop clear and focused thesis statements that are appropriate for the time allocated, the audience, and the occasion,

b. outline a speech with a clear thesis statement, main points, and sub-points, 

c. identify demographic and situational factors that a speaker needs to know about an audience,

d. understand the role of evidence (facts, statistics, examples, testimony) in developing a logical argument,

e. understand the role of speaker credibility (ethos) and emotional/motivational appeals (pathos)  in building support for a speaker's ideas,

f. communicate in both verbal and nonverbal dimensions of delivery,

g. recognize the similarities and differences between informative and persuasive speaking,

h. recognize the similarities and differences between written and oral communication,

i. recognize and practice ethical oral communication (emphasizing intellectual integrity of ideas, their accurate presentation, and proper citation),

j. use the library catalog,

k. see Information Literacy Skills for First-Year Speaking Courses for specific outcomes and specific online tutorials to be completed.

Exercises:

        1. Two five-minute speeches to the class (one informative, one persuasive). Each speech should be based on a formal, preparatory outline with bibliography, and delivered using brief speaker notes. At least one of the speeches should require students to cite outside sources in support of their ideas and/or arguments.

        2. Annotated bibliography of at least two catalog sources used in their speech. 

        3. Faculty are encouraged to require additional graded or ungraded speaking experiences; to require a critical essay to help students understand the differences between oral and written communication; and to require students to incorporate presentational aids in at least one of their speeches.