THE MAJOR
The requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in Speech Communication are as follows:

Departmental requirements:

The Speech Communication major consists of 36 semester hours to be taken as follows:
Required core consists of 21 semester hours

Within Speech Communication (15 semester hours):
SPCH 1300      Fundamentals of Human Communication
SPCH 1333      Public Speaking
SPCH 2304      Interpersonal Communication
SPCH 3334      Persuasion
SPCH 3350      Rhetorical Criticism

Outside Speech Communication (6 semester hours):
COMM 1301     Mass Media

Select one of the following in research methods:
BUSN 2301      Statistics for Management and Economics
MATH 1320     Statistical Methods
PSYC 2422      Statistics and Methods I
SOCI 3360       Research Methods: Social Statistics

Controlled electives consist of 9 semester hours. At least 3 semester hours must be chosen from each of the following areas:

Public Communication
SPCH 2140      Forensics
SPCH 3340      Freedom of Speech I (also listed as PLSI 3353)
SPCH 4340      Freedom of Speech II
SPCH 4350      Political Communication (also listed as PLSI 3304)
SPCH 4391      Special Topics in Public Communication

Rhetorical and Communication Theory
SPCH 2350      Classical Rhetorical Theory
SPCH 2352      Modern Rhetorical Theory
SPCH 3330      Argumentation
SPCH 3352      Rhetorical Analysis (also listed as ENGL 3335)

Communication and Social Context
SPCH 3360      Small Group Communication
SPCH 3362      Organizational Communication (also listed as BUSN 3311)
SPCH 3364      Communication and Effective Leadership
SPCH 3372      Intercultural Communication (also listed as ANTH 3332)
SPCH 3374      International Communication (also listed as COMM 3322)

General Speech Communication Electives consist of at least 6 more hours of Speech Communication courses to achieve greater focus in the major.

At least 18 hours of the Speech Communication major must be upper division coursework.

 THE MINOR

SPEECH COMMUNICATION: Minor consists of 18 semester hours to be taken as follows:
6 of the 18 hours must be selected from the required core of Speech Communication courses for the major. And at least 9 hours must be upper-division coursework.

3 hours must be selected from each of the three controlled elective areas of the major.

THE HONORS PROGRAM

I.      University requirements
II.     Departmental requirements:

The Department of Speech and Drama offers a major Honors Program in Speech Communication. A description of the program is available in the departmental office.

 SPEECH COMMUNICATION COURSES

LOWER DIVISION

SPCH 1104        Effective Listening
Effective listening is central to information exchange and the development of successful interpersonal relationships. This course will provide an opportunity to assess one's strengths and weaknesses and to develop the skills for more active listening behavior.

SPCH 1160       Parliamentary Procedure
An overview of modern parliamentary practice as set forth in the standard work on the subject, Robert's Rules of Order, most newly revised. Consideration will be given to the purpose and functions of parliamentary procedure, the types of assemblies that employ it, and the significant differences between the standard rules of procedure and the specialized rules utilized by legislative bodies.

SPCH 1162        Interviewing
Examines the goals, techniques, and interpersonal dynamics of the interviewing process. This course focuses on communication skill development in employment, journalistic, counseling, appraisal, persuasive, and research interviews.

SPCH 1300       Fundamentals of Human Communication
Examines the concepts, principles, and applications of human communication theory and research with emphasis on the formats, roles, strategies, and constraints on human communication in varied social contexts.

SPCH 1323       Oral Interpretation
Examines the performative and other critical approaches to the study of literature. Investigates and explores critical methods for analyzing texts and their application to the oral study and performance of a variety of literary genres.

SPCH 1333       Public Speaking
A basic course in the theory and practice of public speaking. Emphasizes the preparation and adaptation of messages for effective public presentation. Also addresses the development of critical thinking and listening skills. Not available for P/F option. 

SPCH 2133        Advanced Public Speaking
Allows students to extend public speaking skills by refining all aspects of the public presentation of their character and material. This course focuses on the creation and delivery of organized discursive presentations for a public and oral venue. Prerequisite: SPCH 1333 or permission of instructor.

SPCH 2140       Forensics
Independent research and analysis as well as group brainstorming on issues involved in the current national policy debate resolution. Offered in conjunction with participation in the intercollegiate debate program. May be repeated for not more than six credit hours. Prerequisite: Admission by consent of instructor only.

SPCH 2304       Interpersonal Communication
A basic course in the theory and practice of interpersonal communication with emphasis on intrapersonal concerns, development and maintenance of interpersonal relations through communication, and the practical skills necessary for interpersonal effectiveness.

SPCH 2310       Introduction to the Study of Language
An introduction to language and communication systems across species. The introductory part of the course covers the major studies about animal communication systems. The main part of the course introduces the study of various human languages in both historical and descriptive terms. The structures of languages such as English, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese are analyzed. The last part of the course introduces human language systems such as nonverbal systems, sign languages and/or computer languages. (Also listed as ENGL 2310).

SPCH 2313       Voice and Diction
Provides fundamental concepts and techniques of vocal production, voice and diction, and vocal performance training. Various modes of body/voice exploration are employed. Voice and body work are developed through multiple performance opportunities that seek to increase the performer’s vocal clarity, power, flexibility, and range. (Also listed as DRAM 2354).

SPCH 2350       Classical Rhetorical Theory
Traces the emergence of rhetoric as a theory of public discourse developed by the Greeks and adapted by the Romans. Examines the works of such theorists as Plato, Isocrates, Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian.

SPCH 2352       Modern Rhetorical Theory
Examines the evolution of rhetorical theory from the Renaissance to the present, focusing on the works of such leaders as Locke, Campbell, Richards, Burke, and Perelman. Also, studies associated movements such as epistemology, form and genre, and dramatism.

UPPER DIVISION

SPCH 3330       Argumentation
A study of the theoretical basis of argument as a rhetorical device for critical decision-making. Includes, but is not limited to, consideration of the types of propositions; questions of definition; uses of evidence; reasoning and delivery; and procedural issues including the burden of proof, and the nature of the decision to be made.

SPCH 3334       Persuasion
Examines theory, research, and practice in persuasive communication with an emphasis on the interaction of rhetorical and psychological approaches. Considers the development of strategies for application in contemporary public speaking and campaigning. Addresses ethical issues and questions throughout.

SPCH 3340       Freedom of Speech I
An examination, primarily through the use of decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States, of the nature and extent of the constitutional guarantee of “freedom of speech” and, more broadly, “freedom of expression,” including both verbal and symbolic speech and the role of the “press” in reporting and transmitting it. (Also listed as PLSI 3353.)

SPCH 3350       Rhetorical Criticism
Examines approaches to the critical analysis of rhetorical discourse with emphasis on methodological issues as well as techniques for doing scholarly criticism. (Also listed as ENGL 3334.)

SPCH 3352       Rhetorical Analysis
Introduction to rhetoric as a mode of analysis as it applies to discursive modes and genres. (Also listed as ENGL 3335.) Prerequisite: 6 hours of English above 1302.

SPCH 3360       Small Group Communication
The theory and practice of small group communication dynamics including the examination of such concepts as group problem-solving; discussion procedures; normative behavior; behavior of leaders and followers; conflict; and group cohesion.

SPCH 3362       Organizational Communication
Studies the theory and practice of communication within organizations. Includes the fit of communication into organizational theory; communication climate and cultures; leadership and management styles; information networking; and the diagnosis and evaluation of communication problems. (Also listed as BUSN 3311.)

SPCH 3364       Communication and Effective Leadership
An examination of the theories and skills necessary for the development of effective communication and leadership. The course includes opportunities for evaluating leaders, leadership behavior and communication in a variety of civic and non-profit contexts.

SPCH 3372       Intercultural Communication
Examines theory, research, and the application of communication in an intercultural context with an emphasis on verbal and non-verbal language variables; world view; acculturation; diffusion of innovation; and training for foreign assignments. (Also listed as ANTH 3332.)

SPCH 3374       International Communication
Studies communication as an essential component of international organizations and relations. Surveys major topics in international communication and emphasizes communication and international decision-making, comparative media systems and national philosophies, and Third World issues and policy development. (Also listed as COMM 3322.) Prerequisite: COMM 1301 or permission of instructor.

SPCH 3-90        Directed Studies
Independent work under faculty supervision. The nature of the project will be agreed upon by the student and participating faculty member prior to registration. Credit varies from 1 to 4 semester hours, depending on the scope of the project. Prerequisites: 15 hours in the discipline of Speech Communication, documentation of ability to undertake study, consent of instructor.

SPCH 3398       Honors Readings
Independent study in selected areas in preparation for Honors Thesis. Prerequisite: Admission to Honors Program.

SPCH 4340       Freedom of Speech II
Explores further a series of complex and emerging issues in the First Amendment’s guarantee of “freedom of speech.” Among these are the ways in which that right conflicts with the rights of others; unique situations to which the right applies; various problems of “public forums,” and the unique problems presented by “free speech” in the media. Prerequisite: SPCH 3340/PLSI 3353 or permission of instructor.

SPCH 4350       Political Communication
Studies communication aspects of the political processes in a democratic society with an emphasis on contemporary political campaigns; presidential and congressional rhetoric; and less public forms of communication in the policy-making process. (Also listed as PLSI 3304.)

SPCH 4-80        Teaching Speech and Directing Forensics Activities
Through extra- and co-curricular study, this course examines the philosophy, methods, and problems of teaching speech communication. Emphasis is given to the administration of high school forensic programs, including debate, oratory, extemporaneous speaking, and oral interpretation. Credit varies from 1 to 4 semester hours, depending on responsibilities and/or scope of the project. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: 12 hours of Speech Communication or consent of instructor.

SPCH 4-85 The Speech Communication Peer Tutor
Functioning as a peer mentor in introductory speech communication courses, students will examine the philosophy, methods, and challenges of teaching speech under the direction of the speech communication instructor for the course. Credit varies from 1 to 3 semester hours, depending on responsibilities and/or scope of the project. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: 15 hours of Speech Communication or consent on instructor.

SPCH 4-90        Directed Studies
Independent work under faculty supervision. The nature of the project will be agreed upon by the student and participating faculty member prior to registration. Credit varies from 1 to 4 semester hours, depending on the scope of the project. Prerequisites: 15 hours in the discipline of Speech Communication, documentation of ability to undertake study, consent of instructor.

SPCH 4391       Special Topics in Public Communication
An in-depth study of special topics in public communication including, but not limited to, the Rhetoric of the Women’s Movement, American Public Address, British Public Address, and Social Movement Rhetoric. May be repeated when subject varies. Maximum credit is six credit hours.

SPCH 4393        Capstone for Speech Communication Majors
Students will synthesize all Speech Communication coursework taken for the major into a portfolio, will research career opportunities for the application of this coursework, will write a reflective and projective paper devoted to this synthesis for future career development, and will make an oral, poster presentation of the final product to a meeting of faculty, staff, and other students toward the end of their final semester. Prerequisite: Declared major classified as a senior.

SPCH 4394       Seminar in Speech Communication
A variable content seminar emphasizing selected topics in speech communication theory, research, and/or application. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Maximum credit is nine credit hours.

SPCH 4-97        Speech Communication Internship
Supervised on- and off-campus experience in speech communication appropriate to the student’s specialty. Specific guidelines are available in the departmental office. Credit varies with responsibilities. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours of credit. Prerequisites: 12 semester hours of Speech Communication coursework and permission of instructor.

SPCH 4398, 4399          Honors Thesis
Individual research and scholarly investigation under faculty supervision leading to the preparation of an Honors Thesis. To be taken only by senior Honors students in both semesters of their senior year.

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