3 sh

SPCH102     FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING 

3 sh

Designed to develop the study and performance of speech as a means of communication, self-expression, and social control in a diverse society while incorporating theory and techniques of speaking and listening into a variety of speech activities. Fulfills General Education Requirements.

SPCH103     SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION

3 sh

The theory and practice of small group communication. Students learn the techniques of how to lead a discussion and how to participate in a discussion.  The topics of discussion are chosen primarily from current events. Fulfills General Education Requirements..

SPCH104     INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

3 sh

Covers the cognitive, the affective and the skill levels involved in the interpersonal communication process. Fulfills General Education Requirements.

SPCH110     SPEECH FOR THE FOREIGN STUDENT

3 sh

Designed to enhance the speech of students for who English is a second language.  Through speaking activities, both in and out of class, students focus on naturalizing their spoken English to a more understandable and useful tool of communication.  Emphasis is placed on neutralizing non-English pronunciation, melody pattern and phonation. 

SPCH159     SPECIAL TOPICS:  FIRST YEAR STUDENT SEMINAR

1 sh

The first year seminar is designed to introduce the student to the culture and mission of the university within the context of an academic discipline of choice.  The course will explore the purpose of one's college education and provide the student an opportunity to become engaged with the academic field of interest.  The student will be introduced to basic college learning and study skills in the context of the content area.  Through ample class discussion of common readings, the student will engage in active learning.  Common co-curricular activities and the incorporation of a peer mentor component will facilitate the first year student's connection with fellow students and faculty in the university community.  Restricted to first semester, first year students.

SPCH200     VOICE AND ARTICULATION (changed from SPCH101)

3 sh

Improvement of the physical act of speaking through work on diction, projection, vocal quality, pitch, and time factors.  Physiological, phonetic, and psychological foundations considered.  Students will be introduced to the rudiments of the  international phonetic alphabet.  Individual and group activities are an integral part of this course.  Class attendance is a critical part of the successful completion of this course.

SPCH220     ORAL INTERPRETATION (changed from SPCH333)

3 sh

Theory and techniques of oral interpretation.  Class activities include selection, analysis, preparation and presentations of selections from prose fiction, drama and poetry.

SPCH300     ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION

3 sh

Designed to examine verbal and written communication that occurs in organizations.  Included in this focus are, among other topics, informal and formal methods of communication, power bases, leadership and corporate communication flow.

SPCH301     LISTENING AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

3 sh 

Introduces students to concepts of listening and teaches them how to manage conflicts through a variety of effective methods.  Students will develop skills involved in the listening process to increase their understanding of others' thoughts and feelings and gather accurate information.  They will overcome barriers to effective listening and be able to provide more accurate responses to questions.  Students study and broaden their own conflict management styles.  Students learn the principles of mediation and negotiation.  Prerequisites:  SPCH102, 103, or 104

SPCH303     ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE

3 sh

Designed to improve analytical skills in construction of arguments and the debating skills of defending those arguments, and to develop the critical listening skills needed to analyze and evaluate the arguments of others.  A study of the theories of argumentation and their practical application to debate.  Prerequisite:  Restricted to students with a GPA of 3.200 or higher, or a 100-level SPCH course, or permission of instructor.  (Students in Communication Studies and Honors program will have priority seating.)

SPCH304     INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

3 sh

Introduces verbal and non-verbal intercultural communication as they apply to a variety of cultures, including American subcultures.  Discussion topics will include:  the impact that cultural differences have on language, culture and communication, value differences, non-domestic cultures, verbal and non-verbal interaction.  Students will investigate the implications of intercultural communication on business, education and tourism.  Prerequisite:  SPCH 101, 102 103, 104 or 110.

SPCH305     PUBLIC RELATIONS

3 sh

The nature and scope of public relations; the principles and techniques underlying the practice of public relations.  Emphasis on the public relations practitioner as a communication specialist who explores and maintains channels of communication between organizations and the public.  Prerequisite:  SPCH102 or 103.

SPCH312     COMMUNICATION AND RESPONSIBILITY - changed to SPCH405 (10/2005)

3 sh

Designed to explore the appropriate and effective use of words and actions as they affect our communication and relationships.  We discuss theories and standards by which our communicative acts are chosen and evaluated.  We discuss responsible communicative choices we make in order to refine our various communicative paradigms.  Finally, this course can help communicators deal with the consequences that result from using language and nonverbal communication competently and ethically.  Prerequisite:  At least one 100 or 200 level speech course and PHIL102 or permission of the instructor.

SPCH315     INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION RESEARCH

3 sh

Focuses on the basics of research in the field of communication.  Through reading, class discussion, lecture, exercises and assignments, students will explore how to write a professional, academic or business research proposal.  In addition, students will critically analyze others' research.  Restrictions upon student registration:  two writing emphasis courses.

SPCH320     BUSINESS COMMUNICATION 

3 sh

Advanced practice in effective speaking and listening:  reports and sales presentations, policy speeches, and conference leadership techniques employed in business and industry.  Special attention is paid to the vital role management plays in developing, initiating and maintaining effective communication within the business/industrial setting.  Prerequisite:  SPCH101, 102, 103 or 104

3 sh

A contextual or situational approach to communication studies with emphasis on investigation, analysis, and critique.  Topics might include, among others, political rhetoric in a presidential election, communication in the workplace, current issues in cross-cultural communication, modern trends in relationship development, and forensic methods for educators.  Prerequisite:  100-level speech course or permission from the instructor

SPCH333     ORAL INTERPRETATION (changed to SPCH220)

3 sh

Theory and techniques of oral interpretation.  Class activities include selection, analysis, preparation and presentations of selections from prose fiction, drama and poetry.  Prerequisite:  SPCH101, 102, 103, 104, or 235.

SPCH375     PERSUASION

3 sh

A study of the factors related to attitude-change through oral communication.  General theories of persuasion and an introduction to modern experimental research in the area included.  Prerequisite:  SPCH101, 102, 103, 104 or 235.

SPCH400     COMMUNICATION CAPSTONE SEMINAR

3 sh

Designed to use a workshop format to address communication theories, communication issues as they relate to the public, and practical applications.  Students will read, discuss and analyze various communication theories, develop a major research project and a professional portfolio, and explore current issues affecting the industry, including the impact of emerging technologies and matters of professional ethics and responsibility.  Topics will be addressed from the perspective of the student's major emphasis. Prerequisite:  MCOM330 or a 300-level speech course

SPCH405     COMMUNICATION AND RESPONSIBILITY - changed from SPCH312 (10/2005)

3 sh

Designed to explore the appropriate and effective use of words and actions as they affect our communication and relationships.  We discuss theories and standards by which our communicative acts are chosen and evaluated.  We discuss responsible communicative choices we make in order to refine our various communicative paradigms.  Finally, this course can help communicators deal with the consequences that result from using language and nonverbal communication competently and ethically.  Prerequisite:  At least one 100 or 200 level speech course and PHIL102 or permission of the instructor.

SPCH434     ADVANCED ORAL INTERPRETATION

3 sh

Development of the advanced skills of oral interpretation through the study and performance of more complex and formalized literature.  Emphasis on the needs of form, style, sustained narrative, complex characterization, and public presentation.  Prerequisite:  SPCH333.

SPCH499     INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SPEECH

1-3 sh

A program of individual readings, conferences, and projects on a special topic designed by the student and instructor.  Prerequisite:  Limited to Speech Communication majors who have successfully completed SPCH101, 102, 103, 104, or 235.  All Speech Communication majors wishing to apply for an independent study must complete the necessary forms prior to the beginning of the term.