Course Description
This course explores the many perspectives that have shaped American culture and identity through speech and the rhetorical situations of those speeches. Students will examine factors that contribute to the amplification of some voices and barriers to other voices. Students will analyze historical and contemporary texts to address the questions, what makes a great American speech and what makes a great American speaker? By studying landmark speeches and rhetorical strategies, students will develop their own persuasive abilities to participate in the public sphere.
GEP
Foundations of American Democracy
Humanities GEP Course
Spring 2026
Instructors
Meeting Patterns
Classes Start:
January 12, 2026
Classes End:
April 28, 2026
Location:
01102 SAS Hall
Class Days:
T H
Class Start Time:
3:00pm
Class End Time:
4:15pm
Class Type:
Lecture
Credits:
3.00
Restrictions:
None