Speech Communication

200 | 300 | 400 | Graduate Courses

(Administered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences)

Learning goals: As a unit within the LAS College, the Program in Speech Communication promotes student development in directions that are central to the College mission. Students are provided opportunities to develop their understanding and appreciation of the human communication process, to enhance their communication as a linguistic, social, and cultural phenomenon. In this way, the program contributes to the humanistic, aesthetic, and critical development of liberally educated students in order to prepare them for full and effective participation in society.

More specifically, speech communication students develop an awareness of the importance of listening for success in students' personal, civic, and professional lives; become familiar with behavioral research in persuasion; understand how language behaviors create what we perceived as realities; develop competent delivery skills and rhetorical sensitivity; assess the quality of arguments; evaluate information found in research, especially on the Web.

Undergraduate Study

The cross-disciplinary program in speech communication offers introductory courses designed for all students as part of their general education, as a complement to professional training, and as an introduction to further study within the discipline.

Students who major or minor in speech communication can prepare themselves for a wide variety of future employment opportunities, depending upon individual interests, background, and abilities. Present curricula can prepare students for the study of law or theology; for positions in business and industry or education; and for graduate level work in speech communication, or related disciplines.

A student electing to major in speech communication must meet the particular requirements of one of the following options: interpersonal and rhetorical communication, or speech education (bachelor of arts).

The general requirement for majors in speech communication is that no credits in 290, 499, and 590 may be applied toward the minimum required credits within any prescribed option. (IRC: 33 credits; SpEd: 41 credits.) Specific requirements for the major in speech communication with its various options are listed under their respective descriptions.

The English proficiency requirement may be met by (1) completion of Engl 104, 105 (or 105H), or its equivalent, with a grade in each of 2.0 or better; (2) one additional writing course beyond Engl 105 with a grade of 2.0 or better from the following approved list: Engl 302-305, 309, 314, 415; Jl MC 201.

The requirements for minors in speech communication may be fulfilled by credit in Sp Cm 212 plus at least 15 additional hours, of which 9 credits are in courses numbered 300 or above. All 15 credits must be taken within interpersonal and rhetorical communication. No credits in 290, 490, 499, and 590 may apply toward the minor.

The program participates in the following interdisciplinary undergraduate minor programs: the interdisciplinary program in linguistics, and the interdisciplinary program in technology and social change, and the undergraduate program in gerontology.

Speech Communication Education

Students seeking endorsement to teach speech as an additional area prepare to teach speech communication, dramatic arts, and media at the secondary school level. In addition, they prepare to direct co-curricular and extra curricular activities.

Each student seeking an additional endorsement in speech communication must fulfill the requirements outlined in the Teacher Education section of this bulletin.

Interpersonal and Rhetorical Communication (Sp Cm)

The interpersonal and rhetorical communication area provides a thorough understanding of communication theories, principles, and applications. Students will be required to complete courses which provide a solid grounding in the theories of communication, the nature of rhetorical principles in communication, and the role of communication in creating, maintaining, and changing human relationships. The following courses are required for an emphasis in interpersonal and rhetorical communication: ComSt 101; Sp Cm 212, 305, 327, 412, and 497 (Capstone Seminar) plus an additional 15 credits from courses in interpersonal and rhetorical communication (Sp Cm).

Emphasis in the area prepares students for graduate study, the study of law or theology, to teach speech communication in high school, or enter a variety of communication-related careers and occupations in business and professional organizations. Communication internships in business and professional settings are available for qualified students. The area's courses also provide a minor concentration for students in business, English, journalism, foreign languages and literatures, and the social sciences.

Theatre

The theatre program is administered by the Department of Music, (see Index).

Graduate Study

The program offers courses for a graduate minor in speech communication as well as supporting work for other disciplines. The Program of Speech Communication also participates in the interdepartmental program leading to a master's degree in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: Sp Cm 305, 321, 323, 324, 327, 410, 412, 416, and 417.

Interpersonal and Rhetorical Communication (Sp Cm)

Courses primarily for undergraduate students

Sp Cm 110. Listening. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Theory, principles, and competency development in comprehensive, therapeutic, critical, consumer, and appreciative listening. The impact of listening in relationships and partnerships.

Sp Cm 205. Popular Culture Analysis. (Same as Engl 205.) See English.

Sp Cm 212. Fundamentals of Public Speaking. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Theory and practice of basic speech communication principles applied to public speaking. Practice in the preparation and delivery of extemporaneous speeches.

Sp Cm 223. Intercollegiate Debate and Forensics. Cr. 1 each time taken, maximum of 6 credits. F.S. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Participation in intramural and intercollegiate debate and other forensic events.

Sp Cm 290. Special Projects. Cr. 1 to 2 each time taken, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: 3 credits in speech communication; permission of department chair.

Sp Cm 305. Semantics. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: Engl 105. The study of symbolic processes and how meaning is encoded in words, phrases, sentences, and utterances; discussion of modern theories of meaning; and an exploration of relationships among language, thought and action. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Sp Cm 312. Business and Professional Speaking. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: 212. Theory, principles, and competency development in the creation of coherent, articulate business and professional oral presentations.

Sp Cm 313. Communication for the Classroom Teacher. (3-0) Cr. 3. S.SS. Prereq: 212. Communication in the teaching profession; training in classroom-oriented communication activities; use of video recorder for analysis of presentation.

Sp Cm 321. Communication with the Elderly. (Same as Geron 321.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Communication theory and practice presented with applications and strategies for interactions with elderly persons. Interpersonal competencies in social conversations and interviewing developed. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Sp Cm 322. Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.SS. Prereq: 212. Practice in preparing and presenting argumentative and debate speeches; emphasis on critical thinking and ethical and logical duties of the advocate; analysis, evidence, reasoning, attack, defense, research, case construction, and judging.

Sp Cm 323. Gender and Communication. (Same as W S 323.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 212. The rhetorical strategies women and men use to succeed in oral communication; the theory, principles, and practice of effective gender communication in a variety of settings. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Sp Cm 324. Legal Communication. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 212. Speech communication in the legal system inside and outside the trial process: interviewing and counseling, negotiating and bargaining, voir dire, opening statements, examination of witnesses, closing arguments, judge's instructions, jury behavior, and appellate advocacy. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Sp Cm 325. Nonverbal Communication. (Same as ComSt 325.) See Communication Studies.

Sp Cm 327. Persuasion. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: 212. Examination of persuasive theories, strategies and research in persuasion. Emphasis on application and analysis; logical, emotional, and ethical proofs. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Sp Cm 350. Rhetoric and the History of Ideas. (Same as Engl 350.) See English.

Sp Cm 404. Seminar. (Dual-listed with 504.) Cr. 3 each time taken, maximum of 9. Prereq: 18 credits in speech communication.
A. Interpersonal and Rhetorical Communication.
B. Speech Education.

Sp Cm 410. Persuasion in the Athenian Democracy. (Same as Cl St 410.) See Classical Studies.

Sp Cm 412. Rhetorical Criticism. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 212 and 6 credits in speech communication. Development of rhetorical theory and practice from Corax to modern times. Application of principles of criticism to current public speaking practices. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Sp Cm 416. American Public Address. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Relationship between public persuasions and leaders; process of preparing major public addresses; selected speakers and speeches as linked with political or historical events. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Sp Cm 417. Campaign Rhetoric. (Same as Pol S 417.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 212. Backgrounds of candidates for state and national elections; selected speeches and issues; persuasive strategies and techniques of individual speakers. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Sp Cm 490. Independent Study. Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken, maximum of 9. F.S.SS. Prereq: 18 credits in speech communication, junior classification, permission of department chair. Only one independent study enrollment is permitted within the department per semester.

Sp Cm 495A. Directing Speech Activities. (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: C I 301; 9 credits in speech communication; minimum grade point of 2.5 in speech communication courses. Problems, methods, and materials related to directing speech activities in secondary schools.

Sp Cm 495B. Teaching Speech. (Same as C I 495B.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Sp Cm 313; 9 credits in speech communication; minimum grade point average of 2.5 in speech communication courses. Problems, methods, and materials related to teaching speech, theatre, and media in secondary schools.

Sp Cm 497. Capstone Seminar. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 15 credits in speech communication; junior or senior classification. Students synthesize relevant theory and research culminating in a capstone project/paper.

Sp Cm 499. Communication Internship. Cr. var. 1 to 3, each time taken, maximum of 6. F.S.SS. Prereq: 18 credits in speech communication courses, other courses deemed appropriate by faculty adviser; 2nd semester junior or senior standing; cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 overall and 3.0 in speech communication; and permission of the internship committee. Applications should be submitted in the term prior to the term in which the internship is desired. Supervised application of interpersonal and rhetorical communication in professional settings.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students

Sp Cm 504. Seminar. (Dual-listed with 404.) Cr. 3 each time taken, maximum of 9. F.S.SS. Prereq: 9 credits in speech communication. Topics may include the following:
A. Interpersonal and Rhetorical Communication
B. Speech Education

Sp Cm 513. Proseminar: Teaching Fundamentals of Public Speaking. (0-2) Cr. 1. F. Required of all new Speech Communication 212 teaching assistants. Introduction to the teaching of public speaking. Support and supervision of teaching assistants of Sp Cm 212. Discussion of lesson planning, teaching methods, development of speaking assignments, and evaluation of student speaking.

Sp Cm 590. Special Topics. Cr. 1 to 4 each time taken, maximum of 12 credits. Prereq: Permission of department chair.