This
course is designed to train students for forensics competitions on the
local, district, state and national levels, as well as to introduce and
refine student skills in the art of argumentation, interpretation, and
extemporaneous speaking.
It is
a laboratory experience in a variety of public communication modes
and provides the student with opportunities to apply their understanding
and skills in a variety of forensics competitions.
South
High School is affiliated with the National Forensic League, an
organization dedicated to challenging students in the public speaking and
presentation arts.
Students earn credits and achieve a variety of honors and awards
for participation in tournaments and other speaking activities. The
excellence of standards required by the NFL has gained them recognition by
the National Association of Secondary School Principals as the only
organizational seal that may be added to the student’s graduation
diploma.
Course
Outcomes/District Standards
|
1. |
The
student will demonstrate the ability to think logical
ly and speak clearly. |
|
2. |
The
student can form opinions, gather evidence, organize materials,
and deliver and defend personal viewpoints and opinions. |
|
3. |
The
student can interpret the literature of a culture and society,
revealing intent, meaning, and style. |
|
4. |
The
student can write for and speak to a variety of audiences. |
|
5. |
The
student understands, demonstrates and practices group interaction
skills. |
|
6. |
The
student will develop, practice and demonstrate skills of public
decision-making activities appropriate for a multicultural
society. |
Course
Objectives:
The
student will
|
1. |
Demonstrate
knowledge of the techniques of oral communication. |
|
2. |
Demonstrate
the ability to accept criticism and use it constructively. |
|
3. |
Demonstrate
an increased ability to think and speak extemporaneously. |
|
4. |
Develop
skills in gathering information and evidence. |
|
5. |
Develop
skills in formalized argumentation. |
|
6. |
Demonstrate
the ability to research, organize, and deliver original speeches. |
|
7. |
Demonstrate
the ability to review, edit, and prepare a interpretative
presentation of a dramatic, humorous, and poetic selection of
literature. |
|
8. |
Share
ideas, feelings, and knowledge with others in formal
presentations. |
|
9. |
Willingly
participate in various public speaking
competitions. |
Course
Format/Student Expectations
|
1. |
The
student is expected to select, research, develop and prepare two
primary competition events on a yearly basis to be chosen from the
following:
a. |
Debate:
CX or LD |
b. |
Original
Oratory |
c. |
Dramatic
Interpretation |
d. |
Poetry
Interpretation |
e |
Humorous
Interpretation |
f. |
Extemporaneous
Speaking
(National or International) |
g. |
Duo
Interp/Duet Acting |
|
|
|
|
2. |
The student is expected to attend class sessions regularly and
on-time. |
Spring
2003 Tournament Schedule
Columbine
Invitational |
Columbine |
January
18
|
Jeffco
Invite |
Standley
Lake |
January
25 |
NFL
Congress Nat Quals |
(Creek
?) |
January
31/February 1 |
Douglas
County Invite |
Ponderosa |
February
8 |
State
Quals |
Overland |
February
28/March 1 |
State
Championships |
Chatfield |
March
21-22 |
National
Quals |
Cherry
Creek |
April
4-5 |
1.
|
South High School pays the entry fees for all tournament
activities. There are
no refunds for withdrawals or no-shows.
Should the student withdraw from the competition after
pre-registration with the tournament site, or if the student fails
to attend the competition for whatever reason, the student will be
expected to reimburse South High School for that competition fee.
The student will not be allowed to attend any future
tournaments until that fee reimbursement
is made. |
2. |
The
bus scheduled for each tournament will depart from South High
School at the time notified.
If you are late, either provide your own transportation to
the tournament site or receive an unexcused absence markdown.
Students may drive to the tournament site only if Mr.
Thomas receives written permission from a parent prior to
departure. |
Marking
Period Grades
Grades
for each marking period will be based on completion of activities and
assignments for each marking period calendar.
The final semester grade will be adjusted to compensate for the
tournament attendance record.
|