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Speech Communication

Bachelor of Science Degree
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Courses of Instruction

(SPCO)

Available as a major on the B. S. degree with a coursework emphasis in either Communication in Human Relations or in Communication Studies. A major in Speech Communication is also available on the B. A. degree.

A degree in Speech Communication can serve the academic and career objectives of a variety of students. An essential component of a liberal arts education, competence in oral communication is a requirement for most positions in modern business and industry. The Communication in Human Relations emphasis provides majors with the opportunity to develop proficiency in spoken communication in an academic program providing flexibility and adaptability to a variety of professional contexts. The Communication Studies emphasis provides majors with the understanding of interpersonal and public communication processes needed for careers in teaching, research, and for further professional or academic study.

Students may declare a major in Speech Communication in one of two ways: as incoming freshmen or after having completed at least 30 hours of coursework including a grade of "C" or better in either SPCO 10123 (Basic Speech Communication), SPCO 20113 (Interpersonal Communication), or SPCO 20223 (Exploring Human Communication) and an overall GPA of at least 2.25.

Bachelor of Science Degree

B. S. Degree with a major in Speech Communication consists of a total of 124 semester hours: Speech Communication-36 semester hours; University Curriculum Requirements-47 semester hours; Additional-may consist of 1) minor of 18 hours plus 23 hours elective; 2) second major of 27 hours plus 14 hours elective; 3) two minors of 18 hours plus 5 hours elective; or 4) 41 hours elective. Minor(s) or second major must be approved by the chair of the Department of Speech Communication and must be consistent with the requirements of the major and minor department.

Communication in Human Relations Emphasis. Coursework in this area stresses oral communication performance and applied communication. The student must complete SPCO 10123 and 18 semester hours of coursework in the sequence, selected from Communication in Human Relations courses. The remaining 15 semester hours are selected from other courses in the department with consent of an academic advisor.

Communication Studies Emphasis. Coursework in this area stresses an understanding of communication processes and contexts. The student must complete SPCO 10123 and 18 semester hours of coursework in the sequence, selected from Communication Studies courses. The remaining 15 semester hours are selected from other courses in the department with consent of an academic advisor.

Honors Program. Speech Communication majors who plan to pursue Departmental Honors must be members of the Honors Program and should enroll in SPCO 30003 during their junior year and SPCO 40003 during their senior year. Honors students should consult with the Chair of the Speech Communication Department concerning additional guidelines

Suggested Courses for the Freshman Year

FALL

SPCO 10123 3
Writing Workshop 3
Laboratory Science 3
Social Science 3
Religion 3
PEAC 1
Total 16

SPRING

SPCO 20103 or SPCO 20193 3
Laboratory Science 3
Social Science 3
History 3
Fine Arts 3
PE-H 1
Total 16


Bachelor of Arts Degree

B. A. degree with a major in Speech Communication consists of a total of 124 semester hours: Speech-27 semester hours, including SPCO 10123 and SPCO 20223; University Curriculum Requirements-47 semester hours; Additional-may consist of 1) second major of 27 semester hours plus 23 hours elective, or 2) minor of 18 semester hours plus 32 hours elective. An internship may not be counted as part of the 27 semester hour requirement in the major. Minor(s) or second major must be approved by the chair of the Department of Speech Communication and must be consistent with the requirements of the major and minor department. B. A. students must complete at least six hours in modern language beyond the freshman level.

Minor in Speech Communication. A minor requires 18 semester hours, including SPCO 10123 and a sequence of courses as approved by the Chair of the Department. A minimum of 6 hours must be at the 30000 level or above.

The following is a complete list of courses offered by this department. Go to Class Search on Registrar's Pageto see which courses are being taught this semester.

Courses of Instruction

Communication in Human Relations (Applied Communication)

10123 BASIC SPEECH COMMUNICATION. Surveys fundamental communication concepts with emphasis on developing public speaking skills.

20103 BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING. The role of Speech Communication in the modern organization with special focus on the development of communication skills particular to business and the professions.

20113 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION. Consideration of effective speech communication strategies in interpersonal situations. Practice in the development of appropriate communication skills in face-to-face interactions.

20133 INSTRUCTIONAL COMMUNICATION. Emphasizes lecturing and discussion leadership in instructional settings. Recommended for students seeking teacher certification in any area as well as those interested in professional and non-professional teaching in such areas as religious education, employee training, management and community activities.

20193 LISTENING. Introduction to the reception and processing of information. Provides diagnosis of listening abilities and personal improvement in several areas of information processing related to daily communication.

30103 ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE. Prerequisite: 10123 or 20103 or permission of instructor. Training in clear, logical, and persuasive communication; analysis, exposition, reasoning, and use of evidence; practice in effective delivery; classroom participation in debates.

30133 GROUP DISCUSSION. Participation in decision-making groups to develop skills related to effective group communication. Factors affecting group interactions are considered.

30153 INTERVIEWING. Applies dyadic communication principles to specialized interviewing situations. Skills development is stressed.

30163 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION. Communication channels and networks in organizations; analysis of barriers to effective communication; solving practical communication problems; communication and dynamics in work groups.

30173 ADVANCED PUBLIC SPEAKING. Prerequisite: 10123 or 20103 or permission of instructor. Training in speech performance and speech evaluation skills. Theory and practical experience related to the formulation, presentation, and evaluation of informative and persuasive public speeches.

40103 COMMUNICATION IN BUSINESS AND THE PROFESSIONS. Prerequisite: 10123. Explores topics relevant to successful oral and written communication in today's dynamic business climate. Expressing ideas through discussion and written assignments will be emphasized.

40123 INTERNSHIP. Prerequisite: Complete 15 hours in Speech Communication, including 9 hours in Communication in Human Relations emphasis courses; junior or senior standing; departmental approval. Participation in professional internship experience approved by course instructor. Weekly meeting in classroom setting allows discussion and analysis of professional issues. Open to majors only.

Communication Studies

20223 EXPLORING HUMAN COMMUNICATION. Applies communication theory and practice to a broad range of communication phenomena in intrapersonal, interpersonal and public communication settings.

30213 SPECIAL ISSUES IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION. Prerequisite: SPCO 20113. Explores interpersonal communication within special contexts. Includes theoretical concepts applicable to gender, aging, and health.

30223 POWER AND INFLUENCE IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION. Prerequisite: SPCO 10123 or permission of the instructor. Explores theory and research related to social influence in relationships and communication processes.

30243 COMMUNICATION IN LASTING RELATIONSHIPS. Prerequisite: 10123, 20223, or permission of instructor. Examination of useful theory and research findings on the role of interpersonal communication in the initiation, maintenance and possible dissolution of lasting relationships.

40213 PERSPECTIVES ON ETHICS IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION. Prerequisite: 10123. Examination of contrasting models and standards of communication ethics. Students apply standards to specific problem situations in politics, advertising, writing, and interpersonal communication in making reasoned and informed personal judgments concerning the ethics of public and private communication.

40233 COMMUNICATION IN GROUP LEADERSHIP. Prerequisite: 10123 and 30163 or permission of instructor. Understanding the role of speech communication in the leadership process. Development of practical leadership communication skills and consideration of communication behavior demonstrated by leaders.

50203 PERSUASION. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing. Understanding the means by which individuals and audiences are influenced through communication. Considers psychological and sociological variables relevant to persuasion, compliance-gaining message strategies, and ethical standards used to evaluate persuasion, publicity and propaganda.

50223 NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing. Review and critical analysis of theory and research applied to social, vocational and educational settings.

General Courses

10433 FREE SPEECH, HATE SPEECH AND OTHER VALUES IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COMMUNICATION. Prerequisite: Freshman seminar. Examination of contrasting models and standards of communication ethics. Students apply standards to specific problem situations in politics, advertising, interpersonal communication, and writing in making reasoned and informed personal judgments concerning the ethics of public and private communication.

30970 INDEPENDENT STUDY. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Independent work in specially designed projects not covered by regular course offerings. (1-6 semester hours, 3 hours maximum per semester.)

50970 SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing. Specialized work in student's area of concentration. (1-6 semester hours, 3 hours maximum per semester.)

Honors Courses

30003 HONORS SEMINAR: CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SPEECH. Offered as an honors tutorial and to selected majors who are not honors candidates. Study of current issues in Speech Communication and related fields with opportunity for development of an area of specialization.

40003 HONORS RESEARCH PAPER. A research paper developing from the student's specialization in the Honor's Seminar.