Core A1 Public Speaking Courses

Our department offers several options for undergraduates to complete their Core A1 Public Speaking requirement. 

RHET 103 - Public Speaking
Unit(s): 4
In RHET 103, students practice skills for oral presentations and explore public speaking as a component of civic life. Foundational to the course are the practices of ethical speech-making, corresponding to the Jesuit value of eloquentia perfecta–speaking and writing for the common good. This course emphasizes the practice and assessment of oral communication for various purposes and in response to rhetorical situations that require public words to advocate, inform, and celebrate.

RHET 104 - Argumentation and Debate
Unit(s): 4
This class will examine argumentation and debate and its relationship to public speaking. Instruction will focus on the evolution of argumentation from classical to present, the theoretical bases of debate and the construction and critique of debate rhetoric. Students will use research and evidence to build arguments, analyze propositions and perform several mock-debates.

RHET 111 - Public Spkng/Health Profession
Unit(s): 4
This class is designed as an introductory course surveying the essential theory and skills related to public speaking. Its central focus concerns researching, organizing, delivering, and critically evaluating messages in the public context. Addition attention will be given to understanding and implementing the linguistic and visual strategies for explaining health- and science-related information to audiences. Field of study restricted to Biology, Chemistry, Exercise and Sport Science, Kinesiology, Mathematics, Nursing, Physics, Public Health Major.