Untitled - eCommons@Cornell - Cornell University

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ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT.
pretation of thought and emotion, complete assimilation, expression
determined by the thought, not by the form of the sentences, rational
gestures prompted by impulse, and a vocal culture that carries on
voice-building and mind-training simultaneously. No imitation is
"elocutionary"
permitted, and little of dogmatic or theory finds a
foothold. The purpose is to train, not public readers and elocution
ists, but public speakers, to start the young speaker on a course that
will enable him to speak with composure, dignity and grace, and to
the various demands of public life.
satisfy
In the spring term, twelve speakers selected from the students pur
suing the courses in public speaking contest for the prize founded by
the class of 1886, the '86 Memorial Prize in Declamation.
The course in oratory gives an acquaintance with the masters
and masterpieces of the oratorical art and to develop on the part of
the student such an appreciation of true oratorical style that his
writing may be more vigorous and better adapted to public delivery.
The course comprises lectures on the structure of orations and on oral
discourse, the study of famous speeches, and the writing and speaking
of orations. At the beginning of the year a limited field for research
is determined upon by each student and all orations written by him
during
the year are based upon the result of this research. The pro
ductions are read and criticised with the writers and are then de
livered before the class and the public.
A seminary for the study of English style in oral discourse is con
ducted during the second term.
In the spring term there is a public contest in original oratory for
the prize founded by the Hon. Stewart L. Woodford. Seniors may
compete for a place in this contest according to conditions elsewhere
described.
The courses in debate and extempore speaking are designed to
ground the student in the principles of analysis, evidence and per
suasion, and to give practice in the fields of argumentation and original
public speaking, according to a carefully-planned system and under
the eye of an instructor who offers daily criticism and suggestions.
In the winter term there is held a public contest in debate for the
memorial prize founded by the class of 1894. Not more than eight
contestants are chosen to compete for this prize according to con
ditions elsewhere described.
The prizes of the department are 'not restricted to any college or
colleges in the University.
The following courses are offered for 1899-1900.
20. Public Speaking. An elementary course prescribed for admis-