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Home > Current Students > Academic Information > 2007 - 2008 Catalog > Speech Communication

Speech Communication Betsy Gordon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Speech Communication;
Chair, Division of LLC;
begordon@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6889; Carnegie Hall 114

William A. Haskins, Ph.D., Professor of Speech Communication;
whaskins@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6895; Carnegie Hall 106

Speech communication is the field of study for those who enjoy the challenge of
communicating effectively with people. More than ever, the skills associated with
speech communication are being emphasized in fields such as business, law, education,
training and development, social services and religion. Students explore a wide range
of communication topics and theories considered essential for competing successfully
in today’s world. Students will develop a theoretical base on which to build problemsolving,
organizational strategies, listening, rhetorical sensitivity, confidence, and presentational
skills.
     Experience in the classroom is broadened by an internship program which is
designed to give “on-the-job” training. The liberal arts, career-oriented curriculum at
McKendree College further enriches the program. 
     To major in speech communication, a student must complete a minimum of 30
hours in speech communication courses and six semester hours of a single foreign language
or equivalent (calculated at two semesters of high school language equal to one
semester of college language). At least 12 hours in speech communication must be
completed at the 300-400 level.
     Students must complete the major with a minimum of a 2.25 cumulative grade point
average. A student with a public relations emphasis must complete all required courses
in that area with a minimum of a 2.25 cumulative grade point average. Speech
Communication majors will take either SPC 100, Fundamentals of Speech
Communication, or SPC 220, Public Speaking, as one of the required core courses in
the major.
     To minor in speech communication, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit
hours in speech communication courses including SPC 100. At least 6 credits must be
at the 300 level or above. Students must complete the minor with a minimum of a 2.25
cumulative grade point average.

SPEECH COMMUNICATION
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: General Pattern 30 crs.
SPC 100 FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3)
or
SPC 220 PUBLIC SPEAKING (3)
SPC 200 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION (3)
SPC 252 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (3)
SPC 391 PERSUASION (3)
SPC 490 SEMINAR IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3)
additional Speech electives (12)

SPEECH COMMUNICATION
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: Public Relations Emphasis 42 crs.
SPC 100 FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3)
or
SPC 220 PUBLIC SPEAKING (3)
SPC 200 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION (3)
SPC 252 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (3)
SPC 391 PERSUASION (3)
ART 241 DESIGN AND LAYOUT I (3)
ENG 212 ADVANCED COMPOSITION (3)
ENG 360 TECHNICAL WRITING (3)
JRN 237 INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATIONS (3)
JRN 251 NEWSPAPER WRITING (3)
JRN 272 NEWSPAPER DESIGN AND LAYOUT (3)
MGT 204 PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT (3)
or
MKT 205 PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING (3)
SPC 300 COMMUNICATION THEORY (3)
SPC 470 INTERNSHIP IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3)
or
JRN 470 INTERNSHIP IN JOURNALISM (3)
(A 3 credit elective approved by the adviser
can be substituted for an internship)
SPC 490 SEMINAR IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3)

SPC 100 FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3)
This course provides an introductory survey of communication topics such as nonverbal communication,
interpersonal communication, small group communication and public speaking. The course is designed to help students understand and apply basic communication theories and skills. Each semester.

SPC 115 FORENSIC ACTIVITIES (.5 or non-credit)
Participation as a member of Forensic Team. Students may work with individual events, debate, or both.
Students on team will research materials, prepare for competition, and practice performances/debates.
Travel is required. Must have consent of instructor to enroll. Each semester.

SPC 200 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION (3)
Principles and practical application of group discussion processes, decision making, problem solving,
and leadership techniques. Annually, Spring.

SPC 210 ARGUMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION (3)
Study of the principles and practice of argumentation as applied to debating issues within different communication contexts, such as interpersonal or public. Annually, Fall.

SPC 220 PUBLIC SPEAKING (3)
Study of the research, organization, writing, delivery, and critical analysis of selected forms of public
address. Each semester.

SPC 252 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (W) (3)
Examination of person-to-person communication with specific emphasis on such daily communication
aspects as self concept, perception, language, nonverbal communication, and listening. Annually, Fall.

SPC 280-289 TOPICS IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3)
This course introduces topics or areas in Speech Communication that are not generally included in the
regular curriculum. As needed.

SPC 300 COMMUNICATION THEORY (3)
Study of the many facets of human communication and how to best utilize them for personal and professional futures. Specific emphases will include the symbolic and motivational bases, functions, and contexts of communication. Alternate years, Fall ‘07.

SPC 310 BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS (3)
This course provides students with knowledge of and practice in the varied presentational skills required in the workplace. Students gain experience in presenting briefings, proposals and group project reports. Prerequisite: SPC 220 or permission of instructor. Annually, Spring.

SPC 351 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (W) (3)
Examines communication theories and principles as they relate to organizations. Communication rules, communication networks, managerial communication, organizational cultures and small group communication are some of the topics explored. Annually, Spring.

SPC 353 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (3)
In this course, students will examine the influences between culture and communication upon human
interaction. The course analyzes communication of people from different cultures and provides students
with an analytical framework for understanding intercultural exchanges. Annually, Spring.

SPC 370 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (3)
Explores the role of communication in training and development. The nature of communication in organizations, characteristics of the adult learner, needs assessment, training programs, teaching models and ethical considerations in training and development are some of the areas examined. Alternate years, Fall ‘07. 

SPC 372 ETHICS AND COMMUNICATION (3)
Ethics and Communication explores the critical relationship between ethics and communication.
Students are introduced to a variety of ethical perspectives and their relationship to different communication contexts. Students will explore these relationships, as well as assess them regarding their ethical choices when communicating. Alternate years, Fall ‘08.

SPC 375 GENDER AND COMMUNICATION (3)
This course offers students the opportunity to explore the influence gender has on communication in
various contexts. It traces the cultural communication patterns of males and females from birth, with
special emphases on classroom and workplace settings. Alternate years, Fall ‘07.

SPC 380-389 TOPICS IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3)
This course introduces topics or areas in Speech Communication that are not generally included in the
regular curriculum. As needed.

SPC 391 PERSUASION (3)
The theory and practical application of rhetorical skills as they relate to the motivation and change of
individuals and groups. Annually, Spring.

SPC 401 FREEDOM OF SPEECH (3)
Examines topics relevant to the right of free speech. Historical development of the First Amendment,
communication models and freedom of expression, artistic freedom, academic freedom, provocation to
anger and nonverbal acts of expression are some of the topics explored. Annually, Fall.

SPC 470 INTERNSHIP IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3-8)

SPC 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION (1-4)

SPC 490 SEMINAR IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3)
Special topics in speech communication will be developed in seminar fashion. Currently, only
Organizational Communication majors are required to take SPC 490: Seminar in Speech Communication. It is recommended that this capstone course be a requirement for the Speech Communication major. Prerequisite: Senior standing or instructor consent. Annually, Spring.