Speech Courses

Students are required to take a Speech course prior to high school graduation and may take it any time in their 9th through 12th grade years. Speech & Communication is highly recommended as the fulfillment of that requirement.

Speech & Communication – RAI
Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Required
Prerequisite: None

Speech & Communication is an introductory course in the fundamentals of communication and public speaking.  Communication principles like listening, perception, and nonverbal communication are studied. Students apply understanding to their own communication styles for goal setting and improved intrapersonal communication.  Students will give multiple public speaking presentations across a variety of contexts. Speech & Communication is highly recommended as the fulfillment of the Waukee CSD Speech graduation requirement.

Public Speaking & Impact – RAI
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: None

Public Speaking & Impact emphasizes the significance of purpose and impact, highlighting the importance of tailoring one’s message to resonate with a specific audience. Students will learn to prepare and deliver speeches written by themselves and others which may include special occasion speeches, historical speeches, and more. They will also learn the art of articulate verbal delivery, confident body language, and purposeful audience analysis as essential tools for creating meaningful and memorable messages. This course receives an English credit.

Persuasion & Debate – RAI
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: None

Persuasion & Debate emphasizes the use of persuasion in terms of writing and performing speeches. Students will build a foundation for effective argumentation and advocacy through use of research and word choice to build strong case writing skills through claims, warrants, and evidence.  These skills will be applied to formal in-class debates. Students will also learn the value of critical thinking and listening skills for not only persuasive speaking but for real-world application. This course receives an English credit.

Oral Communication (DMACC SPC 101) – RAI – HYBRID
Offered to grades: 11, 12
Length: 2 Terms
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: None

Oral Communication (DMACC SPC 101 Fundamentals of Oral Communication) is a 2-term course focusing on both communication and public speaking. Units covered include Informative, Persuasive, Inspirational, and Impromptu Speaking in addition to Relationship Communication, Group Communication and Problem-Solving units. The course is taught in a hybrid format requiring both learning online and in the classroom setting. This course earns two Waukee CSD English or elective credits and earns three DMACC credits while upholding the objectives and rigor of DMACC and its accrediting bodies.