Speaking and Arguing

Speaking and Arguing: The Rhetoric of Peace and War
Politics 112

Vincent Ferraro, 103 Skinner, x2669, vferraro@mtholyoke.edu
Sara R. Curtin, x 4350, srcurtin@mtholyoke.edu
Lioudmila Abramova, x4708, lmabramo@mtholyoke.edu

Purpose of the Course

This course has two principal objectives. The first is to examine the rhetoric of war and peace. Throughout history orators have rallied people to war or have advised them against resorting to arms. These moments are ones of great drama for humanity, and speeches have been powerful shapers of public opinion. We will analyze the techniques used by various speakers to promote values and policies on matters of war.

The second objective is to examine techniques of public speaking. Students will have three opportunities to prepare and present speeches. These speeches will be critiqued by the instructor and the members of the class. In addition, the speeches will be videotaped and each student will have the opportunity for self-critique. The objective here is not to produce orators, but rather to develop basic speaking skills.

Procedural Matters

All the materials for this course are online. To access this syllabus and the links to the reading materials, simply go to the site: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/speech/fall00.htm.

You will be expected to give four speeches during the term. The last half of the course is devoted to giving and critiquing speeches in class. We will work up the schedule of speeches in the second week of classes.

My Office Hours are Monday nights, 7-9 and Tuesday mornings, 10-12.

Course Outline

11 September: Breaking the Ice

Filling Out the Questionnaire

Speeches by Lioudmila and Sara

Robert F. Kennedy, Speech at the University of Capetown, Day of Affirmation, 6 June 1966

13 September: Depersonalization

Anxiety

Personal Speeches

Readings from Kennedy's Speech

18-20 September: The Difference Between Written and Oral Language

Purpose