Debate
Develops research and analytical skills through extensive case writing and practice rounds in Lincoln-Douglas Debate format. Instructs in writing debate cases. Encourages students to participate in the school’s forensic team.
- For grades 9–12
- First semester only
Debate: Honors
Develops skills in research and argumentation, questioning, and rebuttal. Students refine public speaking skills while applying more advanced techniques of debate. Students will exhibit personal responsibility through independent study by participating in class assignments. Honors activities consist of advanced reading & writing assignments, projects, & enrichment activities.
- A minimum of 5 extracurricular debates are required.
Drama
Teaches the basic principles of interpretation and acting. Encourages students to demonstrate a mastery of several genres of acting and some improvisational work. Students will produce a fully-staged theatrical production as a culmination of their coursework.
- For seniors only
- Prerequisite: One-half credit in another speech course
- Second semester only
Introduction to Speech
Introduces the field of speech through a laboratory setting that seeks to break down barriers of stage fright. Teaches the elements of pantomime, basic interpretation, children’s storytelling and acting and public speaking. Includes speeches such as personal experience, demonstration and informative speeches. Includes the areas of poetry and theater history.
- For grades 9–10
Introduction to Western Thought
Surveys philosophy, starting with the Greeks and ending with modern philosophers Rand, Rawls and Adler. Uses the Socratic method of teaching with an emphasis on active student learning. Students present a final oral philosopher project.
- For grades 10–12
- Second semester only
- Not offered every year
Speech I
Explores a wide range of communication skills. Focuses on the development of techniques in articulation, emphasis and subordination, oral interpretation, storytelling, prose reading, declamation, expository speaking, extemporaneous speaking, group discussion, religious reading and humorous interpretation. Students will begin with literary analysis and basic interpretative techniques. They will learn how to compose and deliver effective orations. Students learn how to work in a group setting to present a reasoned defense of one side of a current event issue. Students both perform and learn to evaluate performances.
- For grades 11–12
- Meets concurrently with Speech II
Speech II
Builds on communication, interpretation, logic and reasoning skills introduced in Speech I. Develops independent and collaborative skills in evaluation and speaking. Students will study play production, impromptu duet acting, duo interpretation, public forum debate (PFD), RTV news/commercials, poetry, and student congress. Students are encouraged to participate in speech and debate competitions.
- Prerequisite: Speech I
- For grades 11–12
- Meets concurrently with Speech I
Dual Credit Courses
Juniors and seniors interested in taking dual credit speech courses should review requirements for taking dual credit courses here and may explore Bob Jones University’s course listing for additional course options.