Protecting Dissent: Integrating Freedom of Speech into the Public Speaking Course

FAIN: FW-50036-09

LeAnn M. Brazeal
Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS 66506-0100)

The revision of a public speaking course to integrate material the history, interpretation, and contemporary applications of freedom of speech.

Recent surveys reveal that freedom of speech, a critical tenet of our democracy, is not taught well and is often misunderstood by citizens. Though research shows that teens and adults alike are ill-equipped to think critically about free speech issues, college courses in public speaking offer a unique opportunity fill this knowledge gap. I seek support to revise our university's required Public Speaking course to emphasize Freedom of Speech. My project has two stages: First, I will study the history, interpretation, and contemporary applications of free speech and prepare a "white paper" on its relationship to public speaking pedagogy. Second, I will create a new syllabus (with readings, activities, and speech assignments) designed to help students grapple with current issues in free speech. Our course currently focuses exclusively on speech creation and delivery, but an emphasis on free speech will give it a much richer and more meaningful context.