Course Descriptions
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 100 | FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION | 3 (3-0) |
This course is designed to develop students' knowledge and skills pertaining to the fundamental theories, concepts, vocabulary, and practices related to the discipline of communication. Topic areas the course addresses include the process of communication, as well as verbal, nonverbal, listening, interpersonal, small group, intercultural, organizational, public and mediated forms of communication.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 101 | PUBLIC SPEAKING | 3 (3-0) |
This course is devoted to the study of oral communication as it relates to the speaker, their purpose, subject, outline, presentational aids, delivery and audience. The first part of the course emphasizes the theory of public speaking, while the latter part is concerned with the analysis, preparation and performance in the areas of informative, demonstrative, persuasive and occasional speaking.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 102 | ORAL INTERP OF LITERATURE | 3 (3-0) |
This course explores basic techniques of reading aloud and the selection, analysis, and performance of prose, poetry, children's literature from various cultures, drama, and documentary. Emphasis is on the general improvement of oral performance skills.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 111 | TAKE TERROR OUT OF PERFORMANCE | 1 (1-0) |
This course is designed for those who would like to reduce their fear of speaking or performing in front of an audience. Students explore the origin and extent of their anxiety and learn practical methods for dealing with all types of performance apprehension.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 115 | EFFECTIVE LISTENING | 1 (1-0) |
In this course students will develop an awareness of the process and role of listening in oral communication. In addition, students will develop skills related to analyzing and improving therapeutic, critical, and appreciative listening.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 116 | INTERVIEWING TO GET THE JOB | 1 (1-0) |
This course provides straight-forward, practical advice on developing communication skills needed to effectively prepare for and perform during a job interview. Students will benefit from role-play interviews using the most-often-asked questions by interviewers.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 201 | ARGUMENTATION AND PERSUASION | 3 (3-0) |
This is a course devoted to the theory and practice of persuasive techniques in oral communication. Special emphasis is on the role of evidence, logic, fallacies, emotions, style, organization and delivery in oral persuasive communication. Prerequisite: ENG 101.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 210 | SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION | 3 (3-0) |
This course introduces students to the topic and study of communicating in small groups with an emphasis on the principles and techniques of discussion, and on the development of effective participation by group members in small groups at school, at home, and in the workplace. Specifically, they will study methods for how to be successful leaders in small groups, manage meetings effectively, manage group conflicts, organize group activity to address problems in the home and workplace, and how to identify, analyze, and address problems in group dynamics.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 219 | INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION | 3 (3-0) |
This course will explore the historical and contemporary societal factors that shape the development of individual and group identity involving race, class, and gender through an examination of intercultural communication and methods by which people of various races, cultures, genders, religions, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities communicate verbally and non-verbally. Students will focus on similarities and differences in communication behaviors, and they will explore how perceptions, language usage, nonverbal style, thinking modes and values influence communication between individuals of different cultures. They will also analyze the role that complex networks of social structures, including communications media, social media and the film and media industries, play in the creation and perpetuation of the dynamics of power, privilege, oppression, and opportunity. By the end of the course, students will more fully understand their own cultures, as well as intercultural communication in their community, place of employment, country, world, and in the media. Prerequisite: ENG 101
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 271 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT I | 1 (1-0) |
A special learning experience designed by one or more students with the cooperation and approval of a faculty member. Proposed study plans require departmental approval. Projects may be based on reading, research, travel, work experience, or other activities that advance the student's knowledge and competence in oral communication, theatre or related subjects. The student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 35-50 hours.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 272 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT II | 2 (2-0) |
Similar to SPE 271, except that the student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 70-90 hours.
| Prefix | Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPE | 273 | SPECIAL STUDY PROJECT III | 3 (3-0) |
Similar to SPE 271, except that the student's time commitment to the project will be approximately 105-135 hours.