Speech Communication
Betsy Gordon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Speech Communication;
Chair, Division of LLC;
William A. Haskins, Ph.D., Professor of Speech Communication;
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.
SPEECH COMMUNICATION
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: General Pattern |
30 crs. |
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
|
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3) |
| additional Speech electives |
(12) |
SPEECH COMMUNICATION
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: Public Relations Emphasis |
42 crs. |
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) |
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 ‘05.
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 2006.