Public Speaking and Communication

Public Speaking and Communication (PSPK) was a CAA humanities course which focused on a essential skill in life that is very difficult for many to do, especially in front of your summer camp friends. This course was offered at Bethlehem, Frederick, Fresno, Pasadena and Santa Cruz.

Course Description

From the CTY Course Catalog (1999):

In Public Speaking and Communication students learn to analyze the words, symbols, and images that they encounter daily and to build their skills at developing and expressing their ideas in a public forum.

Students begin by learning principles and theories of rhetoric, studying famous speeches and debates, and examining what makes speeches memorable. To develop their own speaking skills, students deliver some of history's great speeches for their peers. They then write original speeches to deliver to the class. Additionally, they collaborate by writing speeches for delivery by other members of the class, working with the speakers on content and interpretation, much as today's public figures work with their speech writers. Through reading, discussion, and observation, students begin to think critically about video images, print media, the spoken word, and audience response. They analyze and evaluate the rhetorical techniques used in newspapers and magazines. Finally, students explore issues relating to media ethics and the effects of television and the Internet on public discourse.