Addressing a Public Audience

“Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears!” So speaks Shakespeare’s Marc Anthony upon the murder of Julius Caesar. The role of public debate has changed very little over time. We have more avenues now, and a wider public to address, but the essential goal of persuading the audience to take a stand or action remains the same. This week you will discuss a public issue that is pertinent your own experience. It may be an issue with schools in your community, a health issue affecting you or someone you know, or an assessment of your political leadership. Watch the video Michael Sandal: The Lost Art of Democratic Debate. Identify a public issue in your community. Explain to the class your own position on the issue keeping in mind that public debate is a place for people who disagree try and find common ground. Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7. Each response should be at least 125 words long. Consider ways citizens can reclaim public deliberations.