Ninth graders must take the public speaking course, Communications Applications. All communications electives, except debate and student leadership, fulfill the computer requirement for graduation. Department Members Tommy Calais Kate Wright, Speech Department Chair Felicia Miller Terry Suprean Kathi Thompson

Speech and Communications Courses

100 COMMUNICATION APPLICATIONS (1/2 credit)
This course offers a study of communications.  The semester is divided into two main units of study.  The first unit is public speaking.  The application of the techniques will be presented through a variety of speeches. The objectives of this course are for you to develop your public speaking abilities and to become more effective communicators. This course will focus on speech research, organization, physical and vocal delivery, reducing apprehension, and other aspects of effective public speaking. Through this course you should develop your speaking abilities to a point that will allow you to organize and deliver an effective speech with a minimum amount of apprehension.  The second unit is "Owning Up."  Through the lens of pop culture, we will explore how our culture teaches young people to humiliate and dehumanize others as the way to achieve power and respect, and then challenge students to transform this dynamic for themselves and others.  We  hope to instill in our students the responsibility of leadership by challenging them to think and to act beyond themselves - not in a world of what is, but rather in a world of what could be.

COMMUNICATIONS ELECTIVES

860 JOURNALISM (1 credit)
This is a workshop course in which students produce the school newspaper, The Columns, and the school literary magazine, Reflections. They learn every aspect of newspaper reporting, writing, editing, publishing and advertising. Students learn journalism concepts and terminology through hands-on work with each phase of newspaper production. Students learn how to use computer software for desktop publishing, specifically PageMaker and Microsoft Word. All journalism students are required to master this software in order to perform the writing, editing, and layout phases of newspaper publishing. This course satisfies the computer requirement for graduation.
Application required. Open to upper-class students.

870 YEARBOOK (1 credit)
The purpose is to publish the yearbook. All aspects of yearbook production will be taught using the computer. As a team, the students will combine their skills of layout and design techniques, photo journalism, copywriting and fitting, advertising graphics, marketing and ad sales to make the yearbook staff function as an efficient business. The students will learn to work and plan toward deadlines and to work with each other as well as with the photography class in the publication of a good yearbook. This course satisfies the computer requirement for graduation.
Application required. Open to upper-class students.

871 VIDEO PRODUCTION (1/2 credit)
This course will teach students the fundamentals of video production using digital video cameras and state of the art film editing software. This class is hands on and will require students to apply and improve their creative, technical, critical thinking, writing, and visual communication skills. Working in teams, students will produce public service announcements, documentaries, music videos, and a short film.
Sophomore, junior and senior level elective.
Course fee: $20

876 DEBATE (1/2 credit)
This course is intended to give students an opportunity to learn more about high school forensics. This is a performance class premised on the principles of LEARNING BY DOING. You will have the opportunity, in a supportive environment, to develop the skills and self-confidence necessary to speak effectively in front of groups through the vehicle of speech and debate tournaments. Participation in at least one tournament per month is crucial to the student's success in this course. Tournaments take place on the weekends.  Students will earn ½ credit for every semester the course is taken.  This class will also provide you an opportunity to become a member of the National Forensic League. The students will choose from Lincoln Douglas and Public Forum debate. Students will also participate in individual events with a focus in extemporaneous speaking  and original oratory. (Interpretation events are also offered.)  
Offered in the fall.
Course fee: $125

879 STUDENT LEADERSHIP (1/2 credit)
This course provides opportunities to study, practice and develop group and individual leadership and organizational skills.  These skills include decision-making skills, problem-solving techniques, communication skills, leadership roles, human relation skills and understanding of the need for civic responsibility.  Students enrolled in the course will apply these skills in dealing with peers, school administration and the community.  The course will be a hands-on, active learning approach to leadership. 
Offered in the fall.
Sophomore, junior, and senior level elective.