Engaged Citizenship: Public Discourse as a Foundational Communication Course

Abstract

Public speaking is historically situated at the intersection of public discourse and community engagement, although meeting both tenets can be a challenge.  In response, the Communication Studies department at a liberal arts college replaced its traditional Public Speaking course with Public Discourse, a course shaped by an extensive civic engagement project.  Analysis of student, project, community, and departmental outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of this new course in preparing students for lives as engaged citizens.