Speech/Communications Course Descriptions

Speech
Communications

Speech

SPE 100 Pronunciation and Communication and Listening for Non-Native Speakers ... 3
Prerequisite: ESL 101 or equivalent skill level.  For the non-native speaker of English, this course focuses on pronunciation improvement. By learning the American style of intonation, rhythm, speech production, and syllable stress, speech will be more understandable, articulate, and expressive. Small group and individual communication activities, both speaking and listening, will reinforce these skills. This course is open to non-native speakers of English who are at an intermediate level or above.

SPE 101 Oral Communication ... 3
Focus on importance of communication competence in a variety of situations. Topics include verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, perception, self-concept, small group communication, and public speaking. Students required to prepare and present three to four graded oral presentations.

SPE 102 Public Speaking ... 3
Prerequisite: SPE 101. In-depth look at art of public speaking. Expands knowledge of ideas and concepts presented in SPE 101. Focus on presenting additional types of speeches, including business and organizational, ceremonial, speeches of tribute, acceptance, and toasting.

SPE 103 Persuasion ... 3
Skills necessary to become informed and critical consumer of persuasive messages. Persuasion examined through popular culture, advertising, politics, and mass media. Insights given into language use and symbols, nonverbal communication, and cultural and psychological approaches to persuasion.

SPE 104 Small Group Communication ... 3
Study of process of group communication. Focus on group development, group roles, decision-making, leadership, power, and conflict management. How to be more productive member of group by acquiring skills to enhance group interaction.

SPE 105 Interviewing ... 3
Focuses on art of interviewing in variety of contexts. Topics include types and uses of questions, common question pitfalls, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, and specialized types of interviews such as journalistic, survey, persuasive, employment, performance review, counseling, and health care.

SPE 110 Interpersonal Communication ... 3
How to become more informed and skillful communicators in diverse social world and more aware of how and why misunderstandings arise in communication among people whose dissimilar backgrounds and identities lead them to have different views about what communication means and does. Topics include dealing with difficult people, expression of emotions, assertiveness training, and conflict management.

SPE/THE 115 Voice and Diction ... 3
Prerequisite: SPE 101. Study of the development and understanding of respiration, phonation, resonation, articulation, and diction. Credit not available for both SPE 115 and THE 115.

SPE 200 Argumentation and Debate ... 3
Prerequisite: SPE 101. The discovery, support, and critical evaluation of intelligent arguments and decisions.  Studies argument, evidence, reasoning, and oral advocacy; includes investigation, research, and critical analysis of claims and establishment of truth through proof.

SPE 205 Gender Communication ... 3
Answers to questions that confound women's and men's attempts to communicate with each other. Topics include gender construction through one's culture, portrayal of men and women in media, male and female approaches to conversation, role of power and empowerment in marriage and families, gender relations in workplace, and men and women in education.

SPE/THE 210 Oral Interpretation ... 3
Prerequisite: SPE 101. Basic study of the principles of oral interpretation and their application performance. Credit not available for both SPE 210 and THE 210. Spring.

SPE/GLC 215 Intercultural Communication ... 3
Explores issues related to intercultural communication process. Considers important role of context (social, cultural, and historical) in intercultural interactions. Topics include stereotyping, prejudice, ethnocentrism, social class and religious identities, folk culture, power, and intercultural conflict.

Communications

COM 102 Introduction to Mass Communication ... 3
Focus on different modes of mass communication including radio, television, film, video, magazines, newspapers, publishing, advertising, public relations, photography, and telecommunications. Development of media from invention to present, effects of media on society, government controls, censorship, and other issues.

COM 112 Introduction to Radio and Television Broadcasting ... 3
Introduction to broadcasting, including history, government regulations, station operation, and program development.

COM 115 Introduction to Public Relations ... 3
Basic functions of public relations in public and private sector. Emphasis on history, case studies, and writing including press releases, media plans, and speeches. Media role in public relations, and role in shaping and swaying public opinion. Specific jobs and emphasis areas covered.

COM 120 Electronic News Gathering ... 3
Prerequisite: COM 102. Instruction in video skills for pre-production, production, and post-production of television news. On-location, single-camera shooting will be emphasized. Includes lectures, discussions, practical applications, and evaluations.

COM 260 Video Production for the Media ... 3
Prerequisite: COM 102.  Introduction to all aspects of video production. Remote and studio television production will be covered.  Hands-on experience in the use of equipment to produce video projects for the media. Consists of lectures, field assignments, in-class activities, and examinations.

COM 290Topics in Mass Communication ... 3
Exploration of a topic selected by the department. Topics may include examination of mass communication in a variety of contexts: presidential elections, mass communication theory, mass communication effects, impact of the Internet, etc.

COM 296 Mass Communication Internship ... 3
Recommended: COM 102 or consent of instructor. Students placed in participatory position in mass media corporation or organization. Includes assignments related to internship.