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Speech Communication

This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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Speech Communication, a major in the Department of English, helps students develop their understanding and appreciation of the human communication process and enhances 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 interdisciplinary program in Linguistics. Speech Communication also offers a core course and several optional courses in the undergraduate certificate program in Leadership Studies.

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 110Listening3
SP CM 212Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
SP CM 216America Speaks: Great Speakers and Speeches in US History3
SP CM 310Rhetorical Analysis3
SP CM 327Persuasion and Social Influence3
or SP CM 350 Rhetorical Traditions
SP CM 497Capstone Seminar3

Additional Coursework (Choose at least 5 of the following for 15 credits)

ENGL 418Seminar in Argumentation3
SP CM 275Analysis of Popular Culture Texts3
SP CM 305Language, Thought and Action3
SP CM 312Business and Professional Speaking3
SP CM 313Communication in Classrooms and Workshops3
SP CM 322Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking3
SP CM 323Gender and Communication3
SP CM 324Legal Communication3
SP CM 327Persuasion and Social Influence3
SP CM 350Rhetorical Traditions3
SP CM 404Seminar3
SP CM 416History of American Public Address3
SP CM 417Campaign Rhetoric3

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; (2) completion of or credit for  ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (or ENGL 250H Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition: Honors), or its equivalent, with a grade of C or better; (3) 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 302Business Communication3
ENGL 303Free-Lance Writing for Popular Magazines3
ENGL 304Creative Writing: Fiction3
ENGL 305Creative Writing: Nonfiction3
ENGL 309Proposal and Report Writing3
ENGL 314Technical Communication3
ENGL 415Business and Technical Editing3
JL MC 201Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media3

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 28-29 hour requirement by taking the following courses:

SP CM 110Listening3
or COMST 211 Interpersonal Communication
SP CM 212Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
SP CM 310Rhetorical Analysis3
or THTRE 455 Directing for the Stage
SP CM 313Communication in Classrooms and Workshops3
or THTRE 251 Acting Foundations
SP CM 322Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking3
SP CM 495AIndependent Study: Directing Speech Activities1
SP CM 495BIndependent Study: Teaching Speech3
THTRE 358Oral Interpretation3
JL MC 101Mass Media and Society3
One of the following3
THTRE 255Introduction to Theatrical Production4
THTRE 360Stagecraft4
THTRE 455Directing for the Stage (if not previously used)3

Speech Communication, B.A.

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 1503Math Choice3
SP CM 1103Humanities Choice3
Humanities Choice3Natural Science Choice3
Natural Science Choice3Social Science Choice3
Social Science Choice3Elective3
LIB 1601 
 16 15
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 2503Social Science Choice3
Humanities Choice3Foreign Language/Elective4-3
Natural Science Choice3Humanities Choice3
SP CM 2123Speech Communication Choice3
Foreign Language/Elective4-3Elective3
 16-15 16-15
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SP CM 3273SP CM 2163
Speech Communication Choice - 300/400 Level3Speech Communication Choice - 300/400 Level3
Elective - 300/400 Level3JL MC 201 or ENGL 302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 314, 3153
2 Electives - 300/400 Level62 Electives - 300/400 Level6
 15 15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Speech Communication Choice3Speech Communication Choice 300/400 Level3
SP CM 3103SP CM 4973
2 Electives - 300/400 Level62 Electives - 300/400 Level6
Elective3Elective3
 15 15

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 taken at Iowa State University. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college or university requirement.

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 310Rhetorical Analysis3
Plus 9 additional hours selected from the following9
Gender and Communication
History of American Public Address
Campaign Rhetoric
Seminar
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, Composition, and Professional Communication

The Program of Speech Communication also participates in the interdepartmental program leading to a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies.

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Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

(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.

(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.

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

(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.

Cr. 1-2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 3 credits in speech communication; permission of program director

(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.

(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.

Prereq: ENGL 250
Fundamental principles of rhetorical criticism. Focus on selected theories for analyzing cultural texts, including essays, speeches, film, technical and scientific documents, and websites. Emphasis on identifying artifacts, formulating research questions, applying methodologies, and understanding and practicing critical analysis through discussion and in writing.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(Cross-listed with WGS). (3-0) Cr. 3.


Examination of 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

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(Dual-listed with SP CM 504A). Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.

Prereq: 15 credits in speech communication

(Dual-listed with SP CM 504B). Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.

Prereq: 15 credits in speech communication

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.

Prereq: SP CM 212
Relationship between public discourse and social change; selected speakers and discourse as linked with political or historical events.

(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.

(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.

Prereq: ENGL 310/SP CM 310, junior classification
Advanced seminar in theory and analysis with extensive practice in various modes of argument.

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.

(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.

(Cross-listed with EDUC). (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.

(3-0) Cr. 3.

Prereq: 15 credits in speech communication; junior or senior classification
Students synthesize relevant theory and research about contemporary communication practice; demonstrate potential to become leaders in public/professional communication contexts.

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:

(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.

(Dual-listed with SP CM 404A). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification
Topics may include the following.

(Dual-listed with SP CM 404B). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification
Topics may include the following.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: Graduate classification; must be teaching SP CM 212 concurrently
Introduction to the teaching of public speaking. Exploration of pedagogical theory and methods related to SP CM 212 objectives, pedagogical approaches, lesson planning, assignment development, and evaluation of student projects. Required of all new teaching assistants teaching SP CM 212.

(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.

(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.

Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.

Prereq: Permission of program chair

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.