Attendance and Context

• Students present: Michelle, Mary Rose, Vicky, Andre.
• Mention of Pope Francis's passing and a brief prayer offered.

Class Schedule and Format

• Current week is the last week of classes until next Thursday for those who have classes on that day.
• Students are allowed to use laptops but should avoid distractions such as games and shopping online.

Importance of Final Assignment

• The final assignment is a public speaking project worth 15% of the overall grade.
• Previous assignments were weighted as follows:
  • Creative Writing (Romeo and Juliet): 10%
  • Ritual Analysis: 15%
  • Literary Analysis: 20% (with 5% extra credit for oral exams)
• The assignment aims to build on skills practiced during the semester, including poem memorization and public speaking.

Details of the Speech Assignment

• Speech Duration: 3 to 4 minutes, no reading directly from notes, but students can use bullet points on note cards.
• Audience: High school graduating class of 2025 or incoming freshmen for those who were homeschooled.
• Purpose: To celebrate graduates or welcome new students and highlight the relevance of literature in personal and professional development.

Speech Content Requirements

• Choose one text from the syllabus to argue its importance in personal formation and experiences.
• Examples of texts:
  • Pride and Prejudice
  • A Good Man is Hard to Find
  • Ulysses
  • I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King
• Argument focus: Why the chosen text is valuable, especially concerning a specific field of study or major.
• Encourage students to bridge personal interests with academic pursuits, also supporting engagement in literature beyond in-class activities.

Educational Philosophy Discussion

• Discussion on the importance of literature, its role in education beyond practical application, and its contribution to moral and intellectual growth.
• Reference to C.S. Lewis's thoughts on education not being solely goal-oriented but also fulfilling higher purposes.
• Literature's ability to enrich personal understanding and empathy through shared human experiences.

Grading Philosophy

• Emphasis on maintaining high standards in grading, with a reflective approach to education where grades are indicative of true understanding and capability.
• Mention of the historical grading approach in high schools, stressing the importance of achieving above average performance and striving for excellence.

Practice and Preparation

• Importance of practicing speeches for clarity and confidence.
• Students encouraged to time themselves and prepare adequately before presenting.
• Discussions about appropriate attire for the occasion of the speech, keeping in mind the formal nature of the event.

Potential Quotes and Reflection

• Several quotes from the role of literature in formation discussed, focusing on personal engagement, depth of understanding, and the need for emotional connection in literature:
  • "Literature is often considered merely a form of entertainment… but it contributes significantly to personal and spiritual growth."
  • Literature helps listeners and readers understand deeper meanings and share human experiences.
• Suggested activity: Students to respond to specific quotes from the text by noting their impact on their speech preparation and perspective on their chosen literature.

Final Preparations

• Students must finalize their speech topics and prepare for a public presentation scheduled in the near future, ensuring they apply the insights gained from discussions in class to enhance their speeches.
• Next Steps: Review model speeches; continue refining arguments based on the connections between literature and intended audience or career path.

Note: Remind students to check Canvas for any updates or resources related to the final assignment and for feedback on their preparations.