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 problem-solving, 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 University 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.

 

Planning Sheets:

2002-03, 2003-06

 

2005-06 Catalog:

SPC 100 or SPC 220 SPC 200 SPC 252 SPC 391 SPC 490

FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION      PUBLIC SPEAKING       SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION       INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION       PERSUASION       SEMINAR IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION     additional Speech electives

(3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (12)

    

SPC 100 or SPC 220 SPC 200 SPC 252 SPC 391 ART 241 ENG 212 ENG 360 JRN 237 JRN 251 JRN 272 MGT 204 or MKT 205 SPC 300 SPC 470 or JRN 470 SPC 490

FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION        PUBLIC SPEAKING         SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION      INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION            PERSUASION                     DESIGN AND LAYOUT I                ADVANCED COMPOSITION            TECHNICAL WRITING                            INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATIONS        NEWSPAPER WRITING              NEWSPAPER DESIGN AND LAYOUT   PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT                      PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING                    COMMUNICATION THEORY                INTERNSHIP IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION          INTERNSHIP IN JOURNALISM                              (A 3 credit elective approved by the adviser can                           be substituted for an internship)                   SEMINAR IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION

(3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (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.

 

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.

 

Principles and practical application of group discussion processes, decision making, problem solving, and leadership techniques. Annually, Spring.

 

Study of the principles and practice of argumentation as applied to debating issues within different communication contexts, such as interpersonal or public. Annually, Fall.

 

Study of the research, organization, writing, delivery, and critical analysis of selected forms of public address. Each semester.

 

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.

 

This course introduces topics or areas in Speech Communication that are not generally included in the regular curriculum. As needed.

 

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 ’05.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 ’ 05.

 

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 ’05.

 

This course introduces topics or areas in Speech Communication that are not generally included in the regular curriculum. As needed.

 

The theory and practical application of rhetorical skills as they relate to the motivation and change of individuals and groups. Annually, Spring.

 

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.

 

 

 

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.