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
This class focuses on the theory and practice of argument in the academic debate setting. A secondary focus is on the application of debate theory to the practice of argument in general. Emphasis is placed upon research, analysis, case construction, and actual debating.

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, including 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. Prerequisite: SPCM 1315.

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. Standardized listening tests administered. Course fee $6.

SPCM 3340: Speech Activities
Participation in speech tournaments. Open to any student interested in debating. 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's 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. Prerequisite: SPCM 2310 & senior standing. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4326: Advanced Public Speaking
A course in the composition and delivery of speeches for various occasions, in audience analysis, and in speech criticism. Prerequisite: SPCM 1315. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4327: Contemporary Rhetoric
Investigation of the shifting rhetorical climate of today's society and the changing modes of communication. Prerequisite: SPCM 2310. Course fee $5.

SPCM 4328: Corporate and Legal Advocacy
An applied rhetorical theory course investigating the theory and practice of communication strategies in corporate and legal advocacy processes. Prerequisite: SPCM 1315 or consent of instructor.

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. CR/NC option.

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: 12 semester hours of advanced speech communication and consent of department chair.

Graduate

COMM 5300: Human Communication Theory
This course examines the major lines of theoretical development in the study of human communication and the diverse and alternative metatheoretical bases for theory construction and critical analysis. Attention is given to questions of causal and practical necessity, and to reductionist and holistic analysis of communication processes and phenomenon.

COMM 5301: Literature of Journalism
A survey of the literature. Students will read general and specialized literature as a basis for group discussion.

COMM 5303: Public Opinion and Propaganda
Study of propaganda theory and methods, emphasis on opinion-making processes in governments, political parties, pressure groups, and mass media. Critical examination and synthesis of past and ongoing research on propaganda.

COMM 5305: Theories of Mass Communication
A study of the theories of mass communication. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the process and effects of mass media.

COMM 5307: Quantitative Methods of Investigation
Study of tools, techniques, and designs of research used to investigate the control, content, audience, and effects of communication -- including mass media.

COMM 5315: Mass Media and Popular Culture
An examination of popular culture with emphasis on the role of television, cable, film, magazines, internet, and emerging technologies in transmitting symbols and images.

COMM 5325: Qualitative Methods of Investigation
Qualitative analysis of the complexities of public communication and the essential nature of human speech and its resources and problems. This course is intended for students who are interested in the rhetorical analysis of public address and persuasion.

COMM 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.

COMM 5329: Topics in Communication Theory
An analysis of major communication theories in journalism and speech communication with an emphasis on current ideas and literature. May be repeated once for credit when content changes.

COMM 5330: Gender and Communication
A study of gendered communication behaviors and their impact on various communication contexts including intimacy, the family, group, and the business world.

COMM 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 situations and problems.

COMM 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, transnational, and global communications.

COMM 5345: New Media Theories and Applications
This course involves an exploration of the cognitive, linguistic, and interpretive approaches to the study of new media. Consideration will be given to both the practical and theoretical values of new media.

COMM 5350: Nonverbal Communication
A study of the effects of space and territory, physical appearance, bodily movement, touching, the face and eyes, and paralanguage on the total communication process.

COMM 5351: Freedom and Responsibility of 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.

COMM 5399: Independent Study
Independent study in specific areas of speech communication or journalism 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 advisor or department chair.

COMM 5395: Thesis
Selection of research topic and development of thesis plan.

COMM 5396: Thesis
Completion and defense of thesis. Prerequisites: COMM 5395 or concurrent enrollment and consent of advisor.

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