SPEECH COMMUNICATION
Speech communication embraces various studies of the use of language and speech for social purposes. The field serves many students as preprofessional education and others as the core of a liberal education. The curriculum reflects concern for the theory, practice, and criticism of communication in varied settings: interpersonal interaction, public discourse, group and organizational communication, and some literary and artistic forms. The Department of Speech Communication offers three options within its major: rhetorical and communication theory, interpretation, and speech teaching option.
MAJOR IN SCIENCES AND LETTERS CURRICULUM
Degree title: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Minimum required major and supporting course work equates to 48 hours including a minimum of 30 hours of Speech Communication courses.
General education: The LAS General Education requirements (see page 130) are set up so that students automatically complete the Campus General Education requirements. The exceptions to this are the Campus Composition II and the Western Cultures requirements which must also be completed.
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours
Departmental distinction: Superior students are encouraged to consult the departmental honors adviser about requirements and opportunities for participation in the departmental honors program.
Select an option in consultation with your adviser.Interpretation Option
HOURS
REQUIRED COURSES 30
A minimum of 30 hours in Speech Communication courses including the following: 18
Literature courses approved by a speech communication adviser. These should include a course in Shakespeare, a course in American literature, a course in English literature before 1800, and a course in English literature from 1800 to the present
Rhetorical and Communication Theory OptionThis option provides a broad acquaintance with theory, practice, and criticism in rhetorical and communication theory.
HOURS
REQUIREMENTS 30
Speech Communication courses including at least one course from each of the following groups and 16-19 hours selected in consultation with an adviser: Interpersonal And Small Group Communication: Persuasion And Social Influence: Rhetorical Theory: Criticism Of Public Discourse: 12
Additional hours in speech communication and in supporting fields will be chosen in consultation with, and with the approval of, a departmental adviser. The resulting program may be distributed among the four areas listed above, or it may be a specialized program organized around a theme or topic including other speech communication course offerings. 6
Additional hours in Speech Communication or supporting courses selected in consultation with adviser.
Speech Teaching OptionThis option is designed to give the teacher a foundation in the areas of public speaking, communication, and theater arts. Students in this option are also required to complete a teacher education minor.
Degree title: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Minimum required course work normally equates to 38-42 hours
General education: See the description of the general education requirements on page 134. Note that students in this major may need additional hours in humanities to complete the 15-hour minimum required for certification.
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours
Departmental distinction: Superior students are encouraged to consult the departmental honors adviser about requirements and opportunities for participation in the departmental honors program.
Prerequisites to transfer to the Teaching Option. Educational Psychology 211, Educational Policy Studies 201, SPCOM 101 or SPCOM 111 and 112 or SPCOM 120, and SPCOM 141 must be completed prior to transfer into the teaching option. At least nine hours of speech communication course credit should be completed before application to the teaching option.
In addition to the requirements for the option listed below, students must complete the Teaching Education Minor in Secondary School Teaching (36 hours). See page 87 for requirements of the Minor. Conferral of the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences prior to completion of the minor requires approval by petition to the LAS Student Affairs Office.
HOURS
REQUIREMENTS 3-6
Select from: or or 3
SPCOM 113-Group Discussion and Conference Leadership 3
SPCOM 123-Public Discussion and Debate or SPCOM 223-Argumentation: Theory and Practice 3
SPCOM 141-Oral Interpretation 2-3
SPCOM 142-Group Oral Interpretation of Literature or SPCOM 255-Directing: Script Preparation 3
SPCOM 161-Fundamentals of Acting 3
SPCOM 230-Interpersonal Communication 3
SPCOM 247-Teaching of Speech 15
Additional hours chosen from the following areas with the approval of the major adviser (nine hours must be in Speech Communication). Students must maintain a 2.5 grade point to remain in good standing.
For All Options:Twelve hours advanced level (300 or approved 200 level) courses in the major must be taken on this campus.
All foreign language requirements must be satisfied.
A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours). Please see your adviser.
At least 15 hours of the required 29 hours must be at the 200 level or above.
TEACHER EDUCATION MINOR IN SPEECH
Teacher education minors are available only to students seeking to add additional teaching fields to their teaching majors.
HOURS
REQUIREMENTS 3-6
SPCOM 101-Principles of Effective Speaking, or SPCOM 111 and 112-Verbal Communication 3
SPCOM 120-Advanced Oral Communication, or SPCOM 221-Persuasion 3
SPCOM 141/THEAT 180-Oral Interpretation 3
SPCOM 161/THEAT 170-Fundamentals of Acting 2-3
SPCOM 255/THEAT 281-Directing: Script Preparation, or SPCOM 142/THEAT 181-Group Oral Interpretation of Literature 3
SPCOM 247/C & I 247-Teaching of Speech 3
SPCOM 113-Group Discussion and Conference Leadership, or SPCOM 230-Interpersonal Communication 20-24
Total Students are advised that additional course work is necessary to teach middle grades six through eight. Consult the certification officer in 130 Education Building for additional information.