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Course Descriptions—Speech Communication (SPCH)

SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3)

(Fulfills the prerequisite for all 300- or 400-level speech courses. Students for whom English is not a first language should consider taking SPCH 101X instead.) An overview of the principles of communication. Verbal and nonverbal language, listening, group dynamics, and public speaking are highlighted. Emphasis is on applying communication principles to contemporary problems and preparing various types of oral discourse. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 100, SPCH 100X, SPCH 101, SPCH 107, or SPCH 108.

SPCH 100X Foundations of Speech Communication (3)

(Enrollment restricted to students for whom English is a second language.) An overview of the principles of communication. Verbal and nonverbal language, listening, group dynamics, and public speaking are highlighted. Emphasis is on applying communication principles to contemporary problems and preparing various types of oral discourse. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 100, SPCH 100X, SPCH 101, SPCH 107, or SPCH 108.

SPCH 125 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3)

An overview of the concepts of interpersonal communication. Topics include nonverbal communication, perception, listening, the relationship of language to meaning, and feedback.

SPCH 200 Advanced Public Speaking (3)

Prerequisite: SPCH 100/100X, SPCH 101, SPCH 107, or SPCH 108. A study of rhetorical principles and models of speech composition. Principles are studied in conjunction with preparing and presenting particular forms of public communication.

SPCH 222 Interviewing (3)

A presentation of the principles and practices used in the recognized types of interview. Special attention is given to behavioral objectives and variables in communication as they figure in the process of interviewing. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 222 or SPCH 422.

SPCH 324 Communication and Gender (3)

Prerequisite: Any SPCH course or COMM 300. An investigation of how communication influences gender and how gender affects communication. Topics include gender roles, similarities and differences between genders in communication styles, and the role gender plays in personal and professional relationships, as well as its role in culture and the media.

SPCH 397 Organizational Presentations (3)

Prerequisite: SPCH 100/100X, SPCH 101, SPCH 107, or SPCH 108. A study of techniques for planning small- and largegroup presentations, including audience profiling and needs analysis. Topics include listener patterns and preferences, presentation organization, confidence-building techniques, platform skills, and audio/video technology and presentation software such as PowerPoint.

SPCH 420 Small-Group Communication (3)

Prerequisite: Any SPCH course or COMM 300. A study of the principles and practices that govern small-group communication in business, government, and the wider community. Topics include team building, group roles in decision making, leadership, and conflict resolution. Analysis covers communicating online and face-to-face with group members. Assignments include in-depth reading, writing, research, and group discussion.

SPCH 424 Communication in Complex Organizations (3)

Prerequisite: Any SPCH course or COMM 300. An examination of the structure and function of communication in organizations. Organizational climate and culture, information flow, networks, and role relationships are major themes.

SPCH 426 Negotiation and Conflict Management (3)

Prerequisite: Any SPCH course or COMM 300. A study of the role of communication in shaping negotiation and conflict processes and outcomes. Simulation and role play are used to model workplace practices.

SPCH 470 Listening (3)

Prerequisite: Any SPCH course or COMM 300. A survey of theories of the listening process. Emphasis is on functional analysis of listening behavior. Students may receive credit only once under this course number.

SPCH 472 Theories of Nonverbal Communication (3)

Prerequisite: Any SPCH course or COMM 300. An examination of theories, research, and applications of nonverbal communication in both personal and professional contexts. Topics include movement, body language, and gestures; clothing and personal artifacts; facial expression and eye behavior; use of space and territory; touching behavior; paralanguage; and voice characteristics. Cross-cultural and gender differences in nonverbal communication are also explored.

SPCH 482 Intercultural Communication (3)

Prerequisite: Any SPCH course or COMM 300. An examination of the major variables of communication in an intercultural context. Topics include cultural, racial, and national differences; stereotypes; values; cultural assumptions; and verbal and nonverbal channels.

SPCH 486A Internship in Speech Through Co-op (3)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in speech communication. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to speech communication and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

SPCH 486B Internship in Speech Through Co-op (6)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 247). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in speech communication. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to speech communication and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).