Speech Communication
(Administered by the Department of English)
The Speech Communication major provides students opportunities to develop their understanding and appreciation of the human communication process and to enhance their oral and written communication practice. Speech communication students develop an awareness of the importance of oral communication and listening for success in their personal, civic, and professional lives; become familiar with behavioral research in persuasion; understand how language is used to create social change; develop competent delivery skills; assess the quality of arguments; evaluate information found in research and public discourse; and cultivate rhetorical sensitivity in order to better connect with individuals and audiences. In this way, the program contributes to the humanistic, aesthetic, and critical development of liberally educated students in order to prepare them for full and effective participation in society.
Undergraduate Study
The cross-disciplinary program in speech communication offers courses designed for all students as part of their general education and as a complement to their professional training. It also offers a major or minor in speech communication as well as an additional endorsement for secondary teachers who already have an endorsement in another content area.
Students who major or minor in speech communication will prepare themselves for a wide variety of employment opportunities in business, industry and government, as well as in non-profit and educational organizations. With their effective oral communication, listening, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills, speech communication students find positions in general business management: human resources, benefits, financial services, retail, sales and marketing and serve various organizations as recruiters, trainers, promotions managers, communication specialists, community outreach personnel and event planners. The program also prepares students for the study of law, theology, and for graduate level work in speech communication and related disciplines.
The program participates in the following interdisciplinary undergraduate minor programs: the interdisciplinary program in linguistics and the interdisciplinary program in technology and social change. Speech Communication also offers a core course and several optional courses in the Undergraduate Certificate Program in Community Leadership and Public Service.
Speech Communication Major
A student electing to major in speech communication must earn at least 120 credits with 45 credits at the 300/400 level. A minimum of 33 of those credits must be earned in Speech Communication courses where the student earns a grade of C or better. Our flexible curriculum with few prerequisites can help you meet the 33 hour requirement in a timely way.
Core Requirements (18 credits)
| SP CM 110 | Listening | 3 |
| SP CM 212 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| SP CM 327 | Persuasion | 3 |
| SP CM 412 | Rhetorical Criticism | 3 |
| SP CM 416 | History of American Public Address | 3 |
| SP CM 497 | Capstone Seminar | 3 |
Additional Coursework (Choose at least 5 of the following for 15 credits)
| SP CM 275 | Analysis of Popular Culture Texts | 3 |
| SP CM 305 | Language, Thought and Action | 3 |
| SP CM 312 | Business and Professional Speaking | 3 |
| SP CM 313 | Communication in Classrooms and Workshops | 3 |
| SP CM 322 | Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| SP CM 323 | Gender and Communication | 3 |
| SP CM 324 | Legal Communication | 3 |
| SP CM 350 | Rhetorical Traditions | 3 |
| SP CM 404 | Seminar | 3 |
| SP CM 417 | Campaign Rhetoric | 3 |
See also the 4-year plan of study grid showing suggested courses by semester.
Credits in SP CM 290 Special Projects or SP CM 499 Communication Internship cannot be applied toward the minimum required credits for the major.
The Communication Proficiency requirement may be met by (1) completion of ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication, ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (or ENGL 250H Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition: Honors), or its equivalent, with a grade in each of C or better; (2) one additional writing course beyond ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition with a grade of C or better from the following approved list:
| ENGL 302 | Business Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 303 | Free-Lance Writing for Popular Magazines | 3 |
| ENGL 304 | Creative Writing: Fiction | 3 |
| ENGL 305 | Creative Writing: Nonfiction | 3 |
| ENGL 309 | Report and Proposal Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 314 | Technical Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 415 | Business and Technical Editing | 3 |
| JL MC 201 | Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media | 3 |
Speech Communication Minor
Students from any major can complement their studies with a Speech Communication Minor . The requirements for a minor in speech communication may be fulfilled by credit in SP CM 212 Fundamentals of Public Speaking plus at least 15 additional hours from the lists above, of which 9 credits are in courses numbered 300 or above.
Speech Communication Education
Students working toward a primary teaching endorsement in another discipline may add a speech communication endorsement as an additional area. Coursework prepares students to teach speech, dramatic arts, and media at the secondary school level. In addition, they prepare to direct co-curricular and extracurricular activities such as drama, speech and debate.
Each student seeking an additional endorsement in speech communication must meet a 29 hour requirement by taking the following courses:
| SP CM 110 | Listening | 3 |
| or COMST 102 | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | |
| SP CM 212 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| SP CM 313 | Communication in Classrooms and Workshops | 3 |
| SP CM 322 | Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| SP CM 412 | Rhetorical Criticism | 3 |
| SP CM 495A | Independent Study: Directing Speech Activities | 1 |
| SP CM 495B | Independent Study: Teaching Speech | 3 |
| THTRE 358 | Oral Interpretation | 3 |
| JL MC 101 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| One of the following | 3 | |
| Introduction to Theatrical Production | ||
| Stagecraft | ||
| Directing I | ||
Graduate Study
The program offers courses for a graduate minor in speech communication as well as supporting work for other disciplines. The requirements for a graduate minor in Speech Communication include:
| SP CM 582 | Advanced Rhetorical Analysis | 3 |
| Or | ||
| SP CM 412 | Rhetorical Criticism | 3 |
| Plus 9 additional hours selected from the following | 9 | |
| Gender and Communication | ||
| History of American Public Address | ||
| Campaign Rhetoric | ||
| Seminar | ||
| Proseminar: Teaching Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| The History of Rhetorical Theory I: From Plato to Bacon | ||
| The History of Rhetorical Theory II: From Bacon to the Present | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Core Studies in Rhetoric and Professional Communication | ||
The Program of Speech Communication also participates in the interdepartmental program leading to a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
SP CM 110. Listening.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Theory, principles, and competency development in comprehensive, therapeutic, critical, consumer, and appreciative listening. The impact of listening in relationships and partnerships.
SP CM 212. Fundamentals of Public Speaking.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Theory and practice of basic speech communication principles applied to public speaking. Practice in the preparation and delivery of extemporaneous speeches.
SP CM 216. Great Speakers and Speeches.
Cr. 3.
Survey of great speeches examined within their political and cultural contexts. Analysis of the rhetorical strategies of diverse speakers with an emphasis on texts from social movements in the United States.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
SP CM 223. Intercollegiate Debate and Forensics.
Cr. 1.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Participation in intramural and intercollegiate debate and other forensic events.
SP CM 275. Analysis of Popular Culture Texts.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: Credit in or equivalent of 250
Analysis of how information and entertainment forms persuade and manipulate audiences. Study of several forms that may include newspapers, speeches, television, film, advertising, fiction, and magazines. Special attention to verbal and visual devices.
SP CM 290. Special Projects.
Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 3 credits in speech communication; permission of program director
SP CM 305. Language, Thought and Action.
(Cross-listed with LING). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: ENGL 250
The study of symbolic processes and how meaning is conveyed in words, sentences, and utterances; discussion of modern theories of meaning; and an exploration of relationships among language, thought and action.
SP CM 312. Business and Professional Speaking.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: SP CM 212
Theory, principles, and competency development in the creation of coherent, articulate business and professional oral presentations.
SP CM 313. Communication in Classrooms and Workshops.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: SP CM 212
Principles of communicating information: training in classroom and workshop-oriented communication activities; use of recording for analysis of presentations.
SP CM 322. Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
Prereq: SP CM 212
Practice in preparing and presenting arguments and debates; emphasis on critical thinking and ethical and logical duties of the advocate; analysis, evidence, reasoning, attack, defense, research, case construction, and judging.
SP CM 323. Gender and Communication.
(Cross-listed with W S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Examines how understanding and enactment of gender identity is shaped by communication. Verbal and nonverbal communication across various contexts including personal relationships and the media. Explores discourse of social movements aiming to transform cultural definitions of gender.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement
SP CM 324. Legal Communication.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: SP CM 212
Speech communication in the legal system inside and outside the trial process: interviewing and counseling, negotiating and bargaining, voir dire, opening statements, examination of witnesses, closing arguments, judge's instructions, jury behavior, and appellate advocacy.
SP CM 327. Persuasion.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: SP CM 212
Examination of persuasive theories, strategies and research in persuasion. Emphasis on application and analysis; logical, emotional, and ethical proofs.
SP CM 350. Rhetorical Traditions.
(Cross-listed with CL ST, ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: ENGL 250
Ideas about the relationship between rhetoric and society in contemporary and historical contexts. An exploration of classical and contemporary rhetorical theories in relation to selected topics that may include politics, gender, race, ethics, education, science, or technology.
SP CM 404. Seminar.
(Dual-listed with SP CM 504). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior or above classification
Seminar on topics central to the field of speech communication.
SP CM 412. Rhetorical Criticism.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: SP CM 212 and 6 credits in speech communication
Development of rhetorical theory and practice from Corax to modern times. Application of principles of criticism to current public speaking practices.
SP CM 416. History of American Public Address.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: SP CM 212
Relationship between public discourse and social change; selected speakers and discourse as linked with political or historical events.
SP CM 417. Campaign Rhetoric.
(Cross-listed with POL S). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: SP CM 212
Backgrounds of candidates for state and national elections; selected speeches and issues; persuasive strategies and techniques of individual speakers.
SP CM 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 18 credits in speech communication, junior classification, permission of program director
Only one independent study enrollment is permitted within the department per semester.
SP CM 495A. Independent Study: Directing Speech Activities.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
S.
Prereq: C I 301; 9 credits in speech communication; minimum GPA of 2.5 in speech communication courses
Problems, methods, and materials related to directing speech activities in secondary schools.
SP CM 495B. Independent Study: Teaching Speech.
(Cross-listed with C I). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: C I 301; 9 credits in speech communication; minimum GPA of 2.5 in speech communication courses
Problems, methods, and materials related to teaching speech, theatre, and media in secondary schools.
SP CM 497. Capstone Seminar.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 15 credits in speech communication; junior or senior classification
Students synthesize relevant theory and research about contemporary communication practice.
SP CM 499. Communication Internship.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 18 credits in speech communication courses, other courses deemed appropriate by faculty adviser; 2nd semester junior or senior standing; minimum GPA of 2.5 and minimum GPA of 3.0 in speech communication courses; and permission of the internship committee
Applications should be submitted in the term prior to the term in which the internship is desired. Supervised application of speech communication in professional settings.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
SP CM 504. Seminar.
(Dual-listed with SP CM 404). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Junior or above classification
Seminar on topics central to the field of speech communication.
SP CM 513. Proseminar: Teaching Fundamentals of Public Speaking.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. F.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Required of all new SP CM 212 teaching assistants. Introduction to the teaching of public speaking. Support and supervision of teaching assistants of SP CM 212. Discussion of lesson planning, teaching methods, development of speaking assignments, and evaluation of student speaking.
SP CM 547. The History of Rhetorical Theory I: From Plato to Bacon.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in English
Rhetorical theory from the classical period of ancient Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages to the early Renaissance; attention to its relation to the nature of knowledge, communication, practice, and pedagogy.
SP CM 548. The History of Rhetorical Theory II: From Bacon to the Present.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: 6 credits in English
Rhetorical theory from the early modern period (Bacon, Descartes, and Locke) to the present; attention to its relation to the nature of knowledge, communication practice, and pedagogy.
SP CM 582. Advanced Rhetorical Analysis.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Extended practice in close textual analysis of various kinds of rhetorical artifacts. Attention to important theoretical concepts used in rhetorical analysis and to historical controversies over the scope and function of rhetorical analysis.
SP CM 590. Special Topics.
Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.
Prereq: Permission of program chair
SP CM 592. Core Studies in Rhetoric and Professional Communication.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 12 credits in rhetoric, linguistics, or literature, excluding ENGL 150 and ENGL 250
Seminar on topics central to the fields of rhetoric and professional communication or composition.
SP CM 592A. Core Studies in Rhetoric and Professional Communication: Rhetoric of Science and Technology.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 12 credits in rhetoric, linguistics, or literature, excluding ENGL 150 and ENGL 250
Seminar on topics central to the fields of rhetoric and professional communication or composition.
SP CM 592B. Core Studies in Rhetoric and Professional Communication: Visual Rhetoric.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 12 credits in rhetoric, linguistics, or literature, excluding ENGL 150 and ENGL 250
Seminar on topics central to the fields of rhetoric and professional communication or composition.
SP CM 592C. Core Studies in Rhetoric and Professional Communication: Multimodal Theory and Pedagogy.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 12 credits in rhetoric, linguistics, or literature, excluding ENGL 150 and ENGL 250
Seminar on topics central to the fields of rhetoric and professional communication or composition.
SP CM 592D. Core Studies in Rhetoric and Professional Communication: Critical Cultural Rhetorics.
(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 12 credits in rhetoric, linguistics, or literature, excluding ENGL 150 and ENGL 250
Seminar on topics central to the fields of rhetoric and professional communication or composition.
