Course description from catalog: Theory and technique of public speaking. Emphasis on organizing, supporting, and clearly stating ideas. Practice in informative and persuasive speaking. Units: 3.0.

The place of this course in the curriculum: ComS 4 meets the general education requirement for oral communication, Area A-1. It is appropriate as a requirement because the ability to speak effectively is a mark of the liberally educated person.  Historically, skills in public address have been seen as central to the development and maintenance of democratic and civil society.  That has not changed.  Today, presentation skills are increasingly important in political life as well as in corporate settings, courts, churches, and community service organizations.  Communication is central to life in a free society, and public speaking continues to be a major component of civil life.