Speech Communication
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Undergraduate

SPCM 1311: Introduction to Communication Studies
Theory and practice related to the dynamics of human communication. An examination of the process of attributing and sharing meaning, and the factors influencing intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, rhetoric and public address, and mass communication. Course fee $5.

SPCM 1315: Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Theory and practice in oral communication. Practice in and discussion of the factors influencing message creation and construction, the role of research and evidence in public discourse, adaptation to the communication situation and audience, ethical issues in public communication, argumentation and persuasion, delivery, and emphasis upon creating assignments which help students who experience excessive communication apprehension. Course fee $5.

SPCM 2310: Investigating Communication
A review of research in the speech communication discipline. Broad application of both quantitative and qualitative investigative methods. Students learn to read and review work within the discipline. Course fee $5.

SPCM 2318: Interpersonal Communication
A study of human communication process within dyadic relationships. Topics include communication styles, skills, and methods of interpersonal communication competency. Course fee $5.

SPCM 2335: Argumentation and Debate
Instruction and practice in oral argumentation and debate. Course fee required.

SPCM 3321: Business and Professional Speaking
Principles of speech communication are applied to the communication needs of the professional. Public communication, small group communication and interviewing are explored as they relate to the business/professional arena. A practical/applied orientation is taken with an emphasis on selection interviews, problem solving, the oral presentation and advocacy of ideas. Course fee $7.

SPCM 3322: Small Group Communication
A study of group process and interaction; the concepts of leadership and effective participation. Course fee $5.

SPCM 3325: Persuasive Communication
Theories of communication and psychology applied to the study of persuasion as a motivating force in human conduct. Focuses on persuasion in advertising, sales speaking, and prominent persuasive speakers including political figures. Course fee $5.

SPCM 3330: Improving Listening Abilities
In-depth study of the roles, processes, needs, and types of listening encountered in the classroom, workplace, and other common areas. Discriminative, comprehensive, therapeutic, critical, and appreciative listening are discussed. Standardized listening tests administered. Course fee $6.

SPCM 3340: Speech Activities
Participation in speech tournaments, festivals, and public performances. Open to any student interested in performance activities in speech. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated once for credit. Course fee $10.

SPCM 4301: Group Interpretation of Literature
Activity course aimed at developing the student's expressiveness and interpretative abilities in presenting literature orally in multiple reading situations and at developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature. Emphasis on creativity in Reader is Theatre design and production. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4315: Organizational Communication
An analysis of the flow of communication within formal organizations with emphasis on the interrelationship between interpersonal, small group and mass communication. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4320: Communication Theory
Interdisciplinary overview of communication theories from the perspective of the anthropologist, sociologist, educator, psychiatrist, philosopher, and scientist including theoretical models, symbolic transformation, and attitude formation change. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4326: Advanced Public Speaking
An advanced course in the composition and delivery of speeches for various occasions, in audience analysis, and in speech criticism. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4327: Contemporary Rhetoric
Investigation of the shifting rhetorical climate of today in society and the changing modes of communication. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4330: Techniques of Interviewing
Places interviewing in a communication perspective and explores various kinds of interviewing, such as informational, persuasive, employment, counseling, and journalistic. Course fee $8.

SPCM 4331: Intercultural Communication
An examination of the relationship between communication and culture. The general concepts of intercultural communication, intercommunity communication, and relevant contrast-cultural and ethnic groups are examined. Designed primarily to satisfy the multicultural requirements for elementary and secondary teachers. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4360: Topics in Communication
A study of the application of communication in both professional and personal life. Such areas as teaching, business, listening, parliamentary procedure, and other studies more specialized than those currently offered in other courses may be included. May be repeated once for credit when content changes. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4368, 4668: Field Experience in Communication
Provides the student with the opportunity to conduct field research in communication on a given topic which includes some travel. Classroom experiences employing lecture and seminar methods supplement the field experience. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4370 & 4371: Undergraduate Internship Program
An 8-to-16 week program offering a learning experience in an off-campus environment. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

SPCM 4199-4699: Independent Study
Independent study in specific areas of speech not covered by organized undergraduate courses. A maximum of six credit hours for independent study courses may be applied toward an undergraduate degree. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

Graduate

SPCM 5325: Public Communication
An analysis of the complexities of public communication, the essential nature of human speech, its resources and problems. This course is intended for students who are interested in public address and persuasion. Course fee $5.

SPCM 5328: Leadership and the Group Process
Involves the student in a definition of leadership and its role within the processes of small groups. It is a theoretical study of communication networks, human motivation, conflict reduction, and the introduction of social change. Course fee $5.

SPCM 5329: Topics in Communication Theory
An analysis of major communication theories with an emphasis on current ideas and literature. May be repeated once for credit when content changes. Course fee $5.

SPCM 5330: Gender and Communication
A study of female and male communicative behaviors and their impact on various communication contexts including male/female intimacy, the family, group and the business world. Course fee $5.

SPCM 5335: Seminar in Organizational Communication
A critical look at the role of communication in formal organizations, both public and private. Emphasis on a review of literature and field research in selected communication problems. Course fee $5.

SPCM 5340: Seminar in Intercultural Communication
Designed to provide the student with the opportunity to acquire theoretical guidelines and experiential applications in the study of human communication across cultures including intercommunity, international, and world communications. Course fee $5.

SPCM 5350: Non-verbal Communication
A study of the effects on the total communication process of space and territory, physical appearance, bodily movement, touching, the face and eyes, and paralanguage. Course fee $5.

SPCM 5351: Freedom and Responsibility of Speech Communication
An examination of issues and cases in freedom of speech with particular application to ethics in speech communication. The nature and function of public communication, the challenges to freedom of speech, and the ethics of communication are explored. Course fee $5.

SPCM 5199-5699: Independent Study
Independent study in specific areas of speech communication not covered by organized graduate courses. A maximum of six credit hours of independent study courses may be applied toward a graduate degree. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

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