Speech & Composition (SPCO)*
Shuman
Grades: 10-12, 9 with permission of instructor

DOE course names/codes:
Speech/Forensics 1 (23.04600, elective) &
Advanced Composition (23.03400 core or elective, depending on time spent writing)
1 to 1.5 credits possible*

One 90-minute class per week
10:30-12:00 on Wednesday

*Final grade reports can list this class as two separate semester classes, other titles such as "Composition" or "Writing," and "Speech Communication" or "Public Speaking." Class can be paired with a literature course to create a comprehensive high school class in "lit and comp." Instructor can work with parents on class name and credits to fit transcript needs. Optional summer reading can contribute to literature requirements as well.

The skills of speech and writing may be taught simultaneously since much of the structure and style of both are complementary. The oral communication aspect of Speech and Comp starts with non-intimidating assignments in order for students to build basic communication skills with a group, and comfort for themselves. The class progresses through stages until basic solo speeches found in Speech 101 in most universities are presented, and life skills such as persuasive speaking and communicating in group settings are practiced. We also explore job interview skills, non-verbal communication, proposal presentation, small group consensus, and impromptu speaking. The composition aspect of the course covers organization and editing skills needed to conquer the SAT essay, college/scholarship application essay, business letter, discussion/exam-style essay, speaker analysis, article response, and resume. Our spring project is an MLA-style research paper and persuasive presentation on a career chosen by the student.

Students often turn in writing assignments during the week via email, making this a part-online/part-classroom experience. Graded work is promptly sent home for parent perusal, and then is corrected and accumulated in a folder to be graded for its thoroughness in editing before being sent home to parents at the end of each semester.

Cost: $500.

*(On request, instructor offers 6 creative units/seminars of literature to create a whole credit of Contemporary Lit/Comp. and a half credit of speech, for a total of 1.5 credits. Again, course names can be edited to fit transcript needs.)