Classroom: 203 Agnes Arnold,  T. Th 11:30-10:30

Instructor: Dr. Marshall McArthur, Instructional Professor of Chinese

Office: Agnes Arnold 608

Office Hours: By appointment Thursdays 3:00 – 5:00. If inconvenient please arrange another time through email or after class.

Email: Please use WebCT email.  In case of an emergency you may also use cmmcarthur@uh.edu

The goal of Public Speaking is as named, students will gain practice and competence in speaking to a group on both memorized and original topics common to public discourse. Although most work is focused on student output (making students proficient in types of public speeches), the course also provides an opportunity for students to develop their listening abilities in order to expand their vocabularies, and students will learn to be self-aware and self-sufficient in terms of personal language acquisition. (I.e., students are expected to chart a plan for their own progress, and do not totally rely on the teacher in terms of skill development).

This course is designed to accommodate students at various levels (intermediate and advanced) although students should have completed at least two years of Chinese to enroll in the course.

Learning Outcomes:

1) Students will (according to their level) gain competence in the following types of speaking:

(A) Self introduction and introducing other people.

(B) Giving literal explanations (such as how to cook a dish, or how to make a pot of coffee).

(C) Telling a story, such as relating a movie one has seen, or relating an interesting incident that has happened to you or an acquaintance. 

(D) Giving an abstract explanation, such as why one should eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, why one should pretend to obey go one’s parents, etc.  

(E) Giving a set of facts and then stating a conclusion

(F) Persuading someone of a point of view.

(G) Neutrally giving two sides of a debate, and stating one’s reasons for holding a particular opinion.

Grading –

Homework and Informal class presentations – Doing all assigned work, including outside listening, and informal class presentations  Students will do an informal class presentation (prepared speech) at least every two weeks. 40%

Formal Presentations – Students will do two or three formal presentations (self-written speeches). These presentations are intended to show the ability to independently prepare a presentation, capture the interest of an audience, and to speak efficiently and fluently for about five minutes. 30%

Portfolio –Students must make an audio and/or video portfolio of the types of speeches A-G listed above. A student will do from five to seven of the topics, based on the students level of Chinese in consultation with the teacher.  30%

* There is a wide range of speaking levels within the class. Each student’s final grade is given based on the formula above, but students with more advanced abilities are expected to accomplish these tasks with greater complexity.

Assignments – Assignments will be made on a weekly basis. Detailed assignments may be found in WebCT. Please check WebCT email at least twice a week. Audio files not able to be stored in WebCT may be found at kwikchinese.com/3398

Materials – There is no book for the course. Most audio material is provided by the instructor through WebCT.

* After the third week, each student will do an informal presentation in class every second or third class. In other words, for most class sessions some students will give an informal presentation.

Week of
August 21	Class Introduction
August 28	Introduction to recording software in LAC and Informal Class Presentation One
September 4	Topic A - Self introduction and introducing other people.
September 11	Topic B - Giving literal explanations,  such as how to cook a dish, or how to make a pot of coffee.
September 18	Continue topics A and B
September 25	Topic C - Telling a story, such as relating a movie one has seen, or relating an interesting incident that has happened to you or an acquaintance.
October 2	Continue topic C
October 9	Topic D - Giving an abstract explanation, such as why one should eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, why one should pretend to obey go one’s parents, etc.
October 16	Formal presentation One
October 23	Formal presentation One
October 30	Topic E - Giving a set of facts and then stating a conclusion
November 6	Topic F - Persuading someone of a point of view.
November 13	Formal Presentation Two
November 20	Formal Presentation Two
November 26

* Some flexibility is built into the schedule and may be slightly changed as we progress through the course. Topic (G) is not built into the schedule, and it is possible that students may suggest a topic for the formal presentation or portfolio.