Speech Communication (SPC)

Introduces students to the full range of communication from interpersonal communication and small group communication to public speaking. Students explore fundamental communication concepts and topics and develop skills to put these principles to work. This course includes selections from the Western canon.

Instruction and practice in effective public speaking. Includes practical experience in speech composition, delivery, and critique.

Introductory course focused on audience-centered public speaking skills, including organization, structure, and clarity in oral presentation.

Examines human communication theories in a variety of areas including: interpersonal, nonverbal, information processing, verbal, intrapersonal, message production, group and public communication.

This course surveys the foundations and historical evolution of major concepts, issues, theorists, and approaches to the study of rhetoric from Plato to recent contemporary theorists.

Basic characteristics of the systems and symbolic interaction approaches to interpersonal communication, consideration of interpersonal needs, self disclosure, listening, perception, attraction, and social conflict.

Examines nonverbal communication theory and behavior including the areas of kinesics, proxemics, haptics, object language, paralanguage, and chronemics.

This course examines the conscious and unconscious ways in which humans speak to themselves. It will focus on the becoming conscious of self-talk and the meta-messages that exist within thought processes, as well as communication to and about oneself.

Students study small group discussion and problem solving in this course. A basic understanding of theory behind purposeful discussion is taught in addition to providing students with practical experiences participating in or leading small groups.

Theories and practice and activism are examined and are related to environmental movements. Successful environmental persuasive messages and activists strategies will be examined and students will apply concepts to a real environmental cause.

Development of public speaking abilities to become proficient in both the construction and delivery of a speech. Students will be required to deliver speeches both to their classmates as well as in the community.

This course aims to enhance intercultural communication skills, foster appreciation of linguistic and cultural pluralism, and promote understanding of achieving equality in communication. Students learn basic Japanese vocabulary and phrases and studies on intercultural adaptation.

Examines interracial and intercultural communication theory and behavior. Explores the effect of race, gender, exceptionality, age, regionality, occupation and education.

This course (1) explores communication and the dynamics of race-race, power, privilege, and oppression - primarily in the U.S. context; (2) connects theoretical perspectives from critical race theory, whiteness studies, and the interracial communication to practical perspectives based on students' lived experiences; (3) uses academic texts, personal narratives in literature, and documentary and non-documentary films.

Independent Study

Various topics in advanced communication performance. May be repeated for credit with change of topic.

Culminating seminar in which majors are mentored by faculty in preparation for their capstone projects and future careers.

Supervised professional experience in a communication related field. Interns report to and are assessed by a faculty member.