Oral Interp

Syllabus

Ms. Koehn   Room 252

Course Description:      This course is designed to prepare students for competition in interpretation and forensic speaking events.  Students will spend class time reading, researching, cutting, and rehearsing pieces to use in competitive speech tournaments.

Expectations:                  Students who take this class are expected to be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and dedicated to improving their skills as a performer.  Students enrolled in Oral Interp will be required to attend tournaments with the Brandon Valley Forensics Squad.

Requirements: Each student must attend a minimum of four tournaments in order to receive a passing grade.  In addition, four class time performances will be required to receive an A for the course.  These are covered in more detail on the class contract.

Materials: No textbook is required for this class, but students need to have computer login information in class every day.  Each student will need to have a 5X8 three-ring binder for performance.  Highlighters in several colors, pencils, and erasers are useful.  An SD card to use for recording and evaluating performances is necessary.  You will also need appropriate tournament attire.  This will be discussed further in class. 

Course of Study: Students will largely determine their own course of study.  Each student is expected to prepare two events for competition; one of these must fit the NFL requirements.  Each event has its own particular preparation; grades will be given based on the completion of the portfolio for your specific events.  Events will be discussed and demonstrated in class.  It is expected that students have their first piece chosen by the end of the first full week of school.  At that point, you will begin cutting pieces and writing introductions.

Practice time: While much of the preparation work for competition may be completed in class, students will be expected to schedule one half hour of practice per week after school  to practice and rehearse pieces with a coach.  Practice times must be scheduled in advance and will remain the same each week.  Time spent in practice will also be used to evaluate recorded performances to help determine areas that need improvement as well as readiness for competition.

Tournament Schedule: The tentative tournament schedule is posted in the classroom and will be sent home with students within the first three weeks of school.  Students are also expected to sign and abide by a code of conduct.  This must be turned in before the first tournament along with a medical consent form.

Grading: The following grading system will be used:

95-100 A

92-94 A-

89-91 B+

86-88 B

83-85 B-

80-82 C+

77-79 C

74-76 C-

71-73 D+

68-70 D

65-67 D-

64 and below F

Teacher contact info:

Ms. Koehn Reif     Room 252      Phone: Brandon Valley High School 582-3211  

    Email:Gina.Koehn@k12.sd.us    Lesson Plans: Available on Brandon Valley High School webpage