Great speeches echo through history. Good speeches can win an election. Regular
speeches are glorified shopping lists ...The difference between them is a subtle alchemy
of message, medium, context and public. By analysing some of history's greatest
speeches, this class will try to make sense of political speeches both through the literary
and medium approaches.
Words are the main political means. There is no politics without speech. But how these
words are perceived is also influenced by the medium used. Taking into account Regis
Debray's « médiologie » and Marshall McLuhan's works, this class will also consider the
impact of media evolution in the making of political speeches.
By focusing on political speeches though their themes, context and media, this class will
touch on political rhetoric, media training and public speaking coaching.
Alexandre KOUCHNER
English
Autumn and Spring 2021-2022
All texts analysed in class are mandatory readings.
Students will be graded on:
- Preparation for and participation in class discussions – 10 %
- 1 oral presentation (analysis and presentation of one speech) – 30%
- 1 personal speech (written at home and delivered in class) – 30%
- 1 in-class written speech on an assigned topic – 30%
Late work will be accepted with a 1 point per day sanction.