COMM 203 - Speechmaking and Society

This course is a selective history of how speechmaking shapes the rhetorical, social, political, and cultural realms of various societies by exploring the vital role that it plays within the public sphere as a site of struggle in pubic discourse. It is not a performance-based or practice-based course which would be the objective of a public speaking or a speech writing course. By examining significant speeches, addressing issues such as government, the economy, international affairs, race, gender, class, sexual orientation, and various forms of political struggle, students attempt to develop a rhetorical appreciation for the way the meaning(s) of democracy have been delimited and expanded throughout this country’s history. While the main focus of study is speechmaking in the United States, the course nevertheless, includes a broad range of speeches from around the globe in order to assess their rhetorical, social, political, and cultural impact.

Prerequisites & Notes
Course Codes: BR. Cross-listed with PSC 203.

Credits: 3