DEPARTMENT OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION

Speech Communication Course Descriptions

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SCM 131 Introduction to Human Communication. [SPCH 1311] A survey of the speech communication field. Students will be introduced to the basic principles, concepts, and modes of human communication in the contemporary world through class activities, projects, and lectures. Designed for non-majors. Credit 3.

SCM 161 Public Speaking. [SPCH 1315] An introductory course in research, composition, organization, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches for various purposes and occasions. Includes strategies for reducing speaker apprehension. Credit 3.

SCM 231 Introduction to Communication Theory and Research. An introduction to theory and research in the field of communication with an emphasis on interpersonal and family communication. Students prepare reviews of literature as well as scholarly abstracts. Credit 3.

SCM 233 Performance of Literature. [SPCH 2341] The study of literary materials through the mode of interpretive performance. Emphasis is on the interaction between performer, text, and audience. Credit 3.

SCM 282 Speech for Business and the Professions. [SPCH 1321] This course examines theory and research in interpersonal principles, leadership strategies, listening, and nonverbal communication. Emphasis is on the application of this knowledge to develop communication skills in settings such as interviewing, group decision-making, speech preparation and presentation. Not for Speech Communication majors, minors, or specializations. Credit 3.

SCM 284 Argumentation and Debate. [SPCH 2335] A study of argumentation as a type of discourse and an instrument of critical decision making. Instruction and public practice in research, analysis, organization, use of evidence, refutation, and delivery. Prerequisite: SCM 161 or permission of the Chair. Credit 3.

SCM 286 Interpersonal Communication. [SPCH 1318] Theory and research in one-to-one communication in relationships. Topics include perception, listening, conflict management, and the development and maintenance of relationships. Credit 3. SCM 290 Multimedia Communication. Applications of technology to the preparation and presentation of speeches and other forms of oral discourse. Credit 3.

SCM 370 Intercultural Communication. A study of the theory, research, and practice of communicating within and across cultures. Research in intercultural communication will be studied with an emphasis on application to the student’s own intercultural communication. Credit 3.

SCM 380 Colonial and Nineteenth Century American Public Address. An examination of significant speakers, speeches, campaigns, and movements in U.S. history to 1900. Credit 3.

SCM 381 Twentieth Century American Public Address. A critical study of modern social movements and campaigns through analysis of speakers and speeches, 1900-2000. Credit 3.

SCM 382 Persuasion. A study of the principles of attitude change and theories of persuasion as they apply to the speaker, political campaigns, and social movements. Fall. Credit 3.

SCM 383 Small Group Communication. An examination and application of the research, theories, and practices of interaction, leadership, and problem-solving in formal and informal small group settings. Prerequisite: SCM 286 or SCM 384. Spring. Credit 3.

SCM 384 Speech for Teachers. Designed primarily for prospective teachers, this course focuses on the research, theory, and practice of communication in classrooms as well as other instructional settings. Students will organize and present formal and instructional presentations in simulated classroom situations. Limited to juniors and seniors. Credit 3.

SCM 465 Nonverbal Communication. The study of systems of nonverbal communication and their effective use, including body language, vocalic, facial, and spatial communication. Students will apply current theory and research in nonverbal communication to their own communication. Credit 3.

SCM 477 Mentorship in Speech Communication. An independent study practicum in the pragmatic requirements of a career in speech communication education. The student will work closely with a faculty member to experience and practice as many of the roles of a professional speech communication educator as possible by serving as mentor for a college speech communication class. The goal is to prepare students to function effectively as a faculty member at whatever educational level they aspire. Prerequisites: At least Junior standing, 12 SCM hours completed, and approval of the Chair. Credit 3.

SCM 478 Internship in Speech Communication. An on-the-job application of skills and theories learned in the classroom for selected individual students who have completed their junior year. Internships are with public relations and governmental agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations. Prerequisites: At least junior standing, 12 SCM hours completed, and approval of the Chair. Credit 3.

SCM 481 Communication Theory. A survey of contemporary theories of communication. Prerequisite: 12 hours SCM completed. Credit 3.

SCM 482 Applied Rhetorical Theory. A study of the major theories of rhetorical analysis from ancient times to the present with basic applications to American public communication. The course also presents non-American and non-traditional rhetorical methodology. The student will be required to apply the various paradigms in analyzing communication artifacts past and present. Prerequisite: 12 SCM hours completed. Spring. Credit 3.

SCM 486 Family Communication. An intensive examination of interpersonal communication at all levels in the context of families. Students pursue original research projects, reviews of literature, and annotated bibliographies. Prerequisite: SCM 286 or the equivalent. Credit 3.

SCM 490 Directing Speech Activities. A hands-on course designed to assist the student in understanding and practicing the skills necessary for effective leadership in the classroom and competitive areas. Students are required to develop materials necessary for teaching debate, public speaking, and interpretation. Fall. Credit 3.

SCM 491 Undergraduate Seminar in Speech Communication. This course allows a student to pursue particular problems or issues beyond the limits of current course offerings. The problem or issue, however, will be within the student’s area of specialization. This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalog. Prerequisite: 12 hours SCM completed and approval of the Chair. May be repeated for credit. Credit 3.

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