Students will be introduced to salient uses and theories of public speaking in a disciplinary context, from Cicero to Austin and Searle, with emphasis upon laying out a foundation for further studies in linguistics and literary studies. Textbook examples and classroom assignments will cultivate students’ ability to persuade audiences through eloquent and articulate argumentation. A number of oral genres will also be introduced in addition to public speeches and debates, including oral narratives, discussion, humour and interviews. The emphasis of the class will be upon using the English language and its literary and linguistic devices in everyday communication, group discussion and public speaking formats. Students will be expected to conduct research, to prepare in written form and, subsequently, to deliver orally public speeches, and to engage in group activities (such as discussion, role playing and listening exercises). Contemporary issues of relevance to be discussed, formally presented and debated in the course may include racism, patriarchy, bureaucracy, gender, oligarchy, terrorism, fascism, the media, and the underclass.