COMM 198: Forensics Options

The following are the options currently being offered for the applied activity unit (Comm 198) with forensics. Please make sure to read the Background, Mission, and Requirements of Forensics Comm 198. If you would like to enroll, please email Kim Yee at kim.yee@sjsu.edu with the following information:

  • Name
  • Your choice of option
  • # of units desired (1 unit = 50 hours, only 1 unit per semester is currently being offered)
  • Statement that you have read the Background, Mission, and Requirements of Forensics Comm 198.


If you have any questions,  please send Kim Yee an email with a list of possible times for us to meet.

 

Option 1 - Join the Speech and Debate Team

You would join the speech and debate team to qualify 2 events for travel to compete against other schools. You will be responsible for qualifying and competing at 1 tournament for a 50 hour unit. The tournaments will take place in-person and on the weekends (schedule to be determined). Tournament availability is based on preparation beforehand and qualifying that event with a coach.

For one unit (50 hours), you would complete:

  • 1 hour - Orientation
  • 14 hours - Practices
  • 10 hours - Research and Preparation
  • 20 hours - Competition
  • 5 hours - SpeakFest Helper

Option 2 - Judging for local high schools 

Students will commit to judge at multiple high school tournaments for local high schools and urban debate league in which they will need to learn about the events offered by forensics. Students will need to stay current in public events and be able to judge the accuracy of debates and speeches. Prior to choosing this students will need to have completed or enroll in Comm 91J (You may enroll in Comm 198 and 91J at the same time)

After completing Comm 91J, you will meet with the forensics coaches to do a round of practice judging. This is a meaningful component that students complete to demonstrate competence before being sent out into the community.  

Students will then attend tournaments held on weekends throughout the semester. Those dates are determined by that organization. 

Finally, you will help judge at SpeakFest, which is held at the end of the semester.

For one unit (50 hours), you would complete:

  • 1 hour - Orientation
  • 8 hours - Training
  • 36 hours - Judging at Tournaments (approximately 3 - 4)
  • 5 hours - SpeakFest Helper

Option 3 - SpeakFest Assistant Coordinator (1-2 spots available)

Students will help the forensics staff with coordinating SpeakFest, which happens at the end of the Spring and Fall semesters.  In addition, they will also work with the staff on promoting the team, coordinating outreach events, documenting tournament results, and grading SpeakFest submissions.

Students must schedule an interview with the coaching staff. Experience is not required, but preferred. 

For one unit (50 hours), you would complete:

  • 1 hour - Orientation
  • 1 hour - Interview
  • 3 hours - Strategic Planning
  • 35 hours - Deliver Planned Outcomes for the Semester
  • 5 hours - SpeakFest Helper
  • 5 hours - Post-SpeakFest Work