So what do you mean by "Forensics"?
No, nothing to do with dead bodies. Basically, Forensics involves public speaking and performance in a competitive setting. Maybe this was called "speech and debate" at your high school. Maybe you didn't know that forensics existed on the college level. Well, it does! Forensics is an important part of the Speech Communication academic program. Not only do students expand their knowledge about performance, literature, current events, and communication styles, but it creates an opportunity for students to receive recognition for their work. Did we mention that it's a lot of fun? When you become involved in the Forensics program at Muskingum, you'll be competing in a long tradition and representing Muskingum at state, regional, and national competitions.
How much can I get?
Awards range from $500 to $1500. Awards are renewable for the three remaining years of your Muskingum education. These scholarship awards are separate and distinct from federal work-study programs. If you are eligible for federal work-study aid, you can apply to work on campus (perhaps for the radio or TV stations, or for theatre production) for a paycheck and still receive a Forensics scholarship award.
Once I get a scholarship, what will I need to do?
It's easy enough. You're interested in speaking and communication anyway. Your real duty as a scholarship holder is to make a significant contribution to the success of the forensics team at Muskingum each semester. You choose the event(s) – persuasion, impromptu, prose interpretation – whatever you want to learn more about or get better at. One of the real advantages to competing in forensics at Muskingum is that you'll be exposed to a variety of categories and a variety of performance styles.
Maybe you've never spoken without lengthy preparation before. Maybe you've never tried your hand at creating a humorous speech. Maybe you've never competed in more than one event at a single tournament before. Imagine the possibilities. You can be sure that during your four years at Muskingum, you'll have the chance to try it all! For students who aren't sure exactly where their real talent or interest lies, this liberal-arts approach to Forensics gives them the chance to learn more. And those students who already know which area of forensics interests them the most often discover strengths and talents they never knew they had before.
Your first semester, you'll begin immediately to get your feet wet in preparing for your first tournament. In the spring you will want to enroll in SPCO 316 – the Forensics Practicum, for even more training and fun. Then, every semester you can continue to take other courses (like Extemporaneous Speaking or Persuasion) which will supplement your involvement with the team.
Do I need to want to be a major to apply?
Nope. We know that many students who are interested in Forensics are also interested in other disciplines. While many students are involved in Forensics are Speech Communication majors or minors, there are just as many who are double majors, or who major in an unrelated field. With or without a scholarship, they would be active participants in Forensics. What unifies the group is their love of the competition and achievement of Intercollegiate Forensics. There's a place for you in Forensics at Muskingum!
So what kinds of categories are there?
At Muskingum, we compete in three categories of events: Interpretation of Literature, Limited Preparation Speaking, and Prepared Speaking. They are listed below:
|
|
|
Prepared Speaking |
Prose Interpretation |
Extemporaneous |
After Dinner Speaking |
Poetry Interpretation |
Impromptu |
Persuasive |
Duo Interpretation |
Informative |
|
Rhetorical Criticism |
Each year, Ohio Forensics Association adds two extra events to mix. For example this year, those events were Dramatic Interpretation and Impromptu Storytelling.
Where would I compete?
For years Forensics students at Muskingum have competed at Marietta College, The Ohio State University, Otterbein College, Ohio University, Georgetown College, Capital University, and many other schools.
Every year, hundreds of students travel to Muskingum to compete in Charity Invitational Tournaments. This tournament is unique in the nation – profits go to Jacob's Fund, a fund that helps out families that have lost young children.
So what do I need to do to apply?
1. Be admitted to Muskingum College.
2. Complete the Forensics scholarship application form.
3. Write an essay indicating major area of interest, and the need
and desire to receive a Muskingum College Forensics Scholarship.
4. Provide a list of your Forensics experience, if any.
5. Interview or Audition
Depending on your area of interest, you should arrange for either
an audition (taped or live) or an interview (phone or in person)
with the Speech Communication and Theatre faculty. Auditions on
audio or video cassette may be brought to Scholarship Days or
sent with the rest of the application.
6. Submit this form and all your materials by March 1 to
Forensics Scholarship Committee |
If you're coming to the College's Scholarship Day Programs or visiting campus on or before March 1, you can bring this form with you and turn in everything in person. If you'd like to audition in person, just contact the department through your admissions counselor.
Not just "Fun for Four Years"
Sure, Forensics is fun, but there's more to it than that. Team members who graduate have an edge over their classmates. The skills, confidence, and professionalism that they garner in competition help them to succeed in job interviews and beyond. Many successful professionals participated in Forensics at Muskingum College, and you can too!
Want to know more?
If you want to know more about Forensics at Muskingum College in general or about the scholarship process specifically, we'd love to answer any of your questions. To arrange a faculty interview, tour the facilities, or meet other speech communication students, just call us.