Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

In this unit students consider performance and dramatic elements of public speeches. The unit looks at the inter-relation between performance, dramatic speech, communication, politics, and public advocacyand at the principles of rhetorical delivery of speeches and the non-discursive elements of speech making. It explores the role of gesture, silence, theatre, body language, non-verbal, dramatic structure, analogy and opposition, entry-and-exit, economy, condensation, time and space, and humor in public speaking and speech writing.

Objectives

On the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. An understanding of the general dramaturgical principles of rhetoric and composition
2. An understanding of the relation between speech and silence, speech and non-verbal (non-discursive) communication
3. An enhanced capacity to compose speeches and public addresses
4. An ability to explain and analyze course concepts and debates in written and oral forms, and to engage at a high level of independent research.

Assessment

Essay 1 (Theory and debates) (4000 words): 40%
Essay 2 (Case study) (5000 words): 60%

Contact hours

One 2- hour seminar per week

Prerequisites

Completion of Bachelor of Arts or equivalent

Prohibitions

ATS4413