- Docente: Giuseppe Famà
- Credits: 4
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Forli
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in International Relations and Diplomatic Affairs (cod. 9247)
Learning outcomes
The course will enables students to use methodologies and practical techniques for effective writing and oral presentation in international affairs. Students will learn to write using the most effective formats to present analyses and data for international organisations, governments, international non-governmental organisations and the private sector, for either internal use or external communication.
Course contents
The course will focus on the use of theory and practice to learn fundamental notions about clear and effective communication strategies, audience analysis, and how to structure arguments and findings in speech and writing.
The class will assess and learn from the main written formats used in daily operations in international affairs (international organisations, governments, non-governmental organisations, think-tanks, transnational and international business).
Through the course ten modules, students will improve their writing and oral presentation skills, by strengthening their capacity to write in a clear, concise and effective manner; choose appropriate writing formats; adapt the writing style to technical formats; deliver compelling texts and eloquent speeches; craft persuasive recommendations; address cultural diversity and use a more inclusive language.
- Module 1: Introduction, Knowledge Level
- Module 2: Goals, Audience, Key Arguments
- Module 3: Text Structure; Writing Techniques
- Module 4: Key types: Context Analyses, Policy Notes, Records
- Module 5: Key types: Project Plans, Progress Reports, Evaluations
- Module 6: Speechwriting (plus external guest)
- Module 7: Delivering Effective and Persuasive Presentations
- Module 8: Participatory workshop: Presentations
- Module 9: Participatory workshop: Debates
- Module 10: Review, Feedback and Conclusion
- Final written exam.
Readings/Bibliography
Teaching material:
Students will receive a brief handout before the start of the course.
Course presentations will be shared after classes.
Recommended reading:
- W. Strunk Jr and E.B. White, The Elements of Style, Pearson, 4th edition, 1999.
Optional readings:
- Dale and Dorothy Carnegie, The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking, Diamond Pocket, 1962 (ed. 2020).
- Steven Pinker, The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century, Penguin, 2015.
- Pocket Style Book, The Economist, 1986.
- Style Guide, The Economist, 12th edition, 2018.
Teaching methods
The course will be taught blending interactive lectures with a practical workshop component. Students will engage in report writing, speech crafting and analysis.
Due to the focus on formats, delivery methods and key examples, attendance is strongly recommended.
Assessment methods
Students will be evaluated through their active participation and final a written essay.
Office hours
See the website of Giuseppe Famà