Effective Public Speaking in an International Context, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for undergraduate studies
and
English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

• Create speeches with a clear purpose and a central idea, choosing rhetorical strategies for reaching audiences and organizing and outlining messages which will accomplish the speaker’s goals.
• Consider the perspective of the audience in order to select appropriate message and delivery strategies.
• Present messages effectively using voice, eye contact, gestures and movement as well as adjusting delivery to the immediate context and audience.
• Analyze and critically evaluate others and your own speeches.

Course content

The course explores the basics of rhetoric with focus on oral communication. Fundamental rhetorical concepts and various genres for oral communication are introduced. The course also treats basic strategies and techniques needed for effective communication in public contexts.

Teaching and working methods

The course offers a combination of lectures, seminars, individual assignments, and group assignments. Students are expected to have prepared assignments for seminars. 

Language of instruction and examination: English

Examination

Grades used in this course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or ECTS. Students’ final grades in the course reflect both oral and written work. The assessment is based on​​​​​​​

• Oral presentation, grades: Fail/Pass 
• Oral presentations, grades: ECTS
• Written assignment, grades: Fail/Pass

The final course grade is based on the average of all differentiated grades.

Criteria for pass are consistent with the intended learning outcomes above. Criteria for higher grades are based on the level of:

• independence in arguments and interpretations
• use of secondary sources
• effective use of rhetorical devices
• clarity of structure and thought
• convincing delivery

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

About teaching and examination language

The teaching language is presented in the Overview tab for each course. The examination language relates to the teaching language as follows: 

• If teaching language is “Swedish”, the course as a whole could be given in Swedish, or partly, or as a whole, in English. Examination language is Swedish, but parts of the examination can be in English.
• If teaching language is “English”, the course as a whole is taught in English. Examination language is English.
• If teaching language is “Swedish/English”, the course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. Examination language is Swedish or English depending on teaching language.

Department