This curriculum outline provides a summary of topics and activities covered in a public speaking and leadership class during the summer of 2009. The class included introducing classmates, discussing heroes and disasters, completing a personality assessment, and celebrating President Obama's birthday. Students debated affirmative action, completed self and peer evaluations, and recorded introductory videos. Hot topics discussions covered sensitive social issues. Resumes and cover letters were also covered. The class watched motivational movies and had special guest speakers. Field trips were taken to a university and there was a final celebration barbecue.

1. Curriculum Developed for “Public Speaking and Leadership”
Caroline H. Joss
Summer 2009
Introducing your friend (guidelines given)
Heroes – WMATA crash June 22, 2009
Hurricane Katrina (“When the Levees Broke”)
Who are you? MBTI for the highschool class
Barack Obama Birthday Celebration and
Quiz about his life
Decorate your own cupcakes and snacks brought in by class
Debating: The New Haven Firefighters and Affirmative Action
Movie: The Great Debaters
Mid-term self-evaluation and “supervisor” evaluation
Video-taping: “Who are you” and “Memories of the Obama election.”
Hot topics:
Discussions on the use of the “N” word –
Spanking and child abuse – stories and opinions by students
Gay vs. Ghetto
“The Deacon Show” hosted by graduating student Ravon Stewart
(dating, pre-marital sex, flirting)
Resumes and cover letters
Drawing – outlines and colors
Movies: “Man on Wire”
Survivor – Classmate version
Awards for best attendence
Special Guests:
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
Dr. Bruce Purnell
“Vote 18” presentation with Irish
Field Trips:
American University
Final party and barbecue