Service Learning Objective: All public address is political. Some rhetoricians would argue that all public speaking is persuasive; motivation behind the presentation is to make some sort of change-social or personal. Regardless of your view on public address, all can agree that we do not speak/interact/listen within a vacuum. Service Learning is making a connection with a real world organization and donating 10 hours of your time doing volunteer work. This assignment will give you the opportunity to: 1. Match up with a real organization You will move out of the classroom and into the other part of the world in order to become part of your community. You will move away from your peers and move into the neighborhood. 2. Research a real organization You will be able to use your own experiences rather than reading what others have experienced. You will move away from the Internet/computer/library and interview others, research first-hand, and start with a broader base of knowledge. 3. Give three different speeches based on experience You will talk about your organization, talk about your experiences at this organization, and make an argument in favor of some aspect of this organization. Your speeches will be focused on your term experience and research. 4. Write a two-page analysis/reflection paper You will write a two-page analysis/reflection paper, due no later than finals day, of your experience of the assignment. What did you learn? What would you have liked to have learned? How useful was this portion for you in gathering material for speeches? Another objective of this assignment is to explore the first step by finding if Service Learning is a viable solution to the many problems of teaching SP 111 online: speaking to a real audience. We will be gathering data on the usability of SL for research and speaking. Process: Service Learning website: http://www.pcc.edu/resources/service-learning Step 1: Go to the Service Learning website and read the site thoroughly. Get to know the ideas and philosophies behind the project. Read through all the different types of organizations that are willing to be a partner with PCC. Step 2: Select three organizations that fit into your ideologies/political views/community. They need to be interesting projects to you. I suggest you select three in case the first choice falls through; you will then have a back up plan. Step 3: Contact an organization. Ask these types of questions 1. Do you use or need any volunteers 2. Do you have any projects that I will be able to fulfill approximately 10 hours of work and will they begin within the next 5 weeks? 3. What would my volunteer work involve? 4. Other important information you would need-we can create a list in class. Step 4: Meet with your organization and have the forms ready for signature. Turn in your signed contract to me no later than October 25. You will meet with your Service Learning partner organization for at least 10 hours during the term. Check the needed deadlines for speeches and what they will entail from you regarding experience within the project. Graded Assignment You will write a two-page analysis/reflection paper, due no later than finals day, of your experience of the assignment. What did you learn? What would you have liked to have learned? How useful was this portion for you in gathering material for speeches? Course Syllabus Performing Arts Department | Speech Communication Portland Community College An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Institution Last Modified: October 27, 2006