Core Courses
SPCH 1311: Introduction to Speech Communication
Introduction to Speech Communication explores the theories and practice of speech communication behavior to promote communication competence in interpersonal, small group, and public speaking situations.
Some of the topics you’ll cover in your Speech 1311 course include practices for sharpening your listening and nonverbal skills, and how to enhance your speech organization and delivery skills. Additional topics may include how to work in teams and manage conflict communications effectively, as well as examining the impact of cultural differences on communication.
Students completing this course will complete at least one assignment to assess interpersonal communication skills, one assignment to assess small group communication skills, and one assignment to assess public speaking skills. Students will also complete at least two exams. More detail about this course is available in the SPCH 1311 Master Syllabus. Course options: Contextualized course for health sciences majors, honors course, course with a service-learning option.
SPCH 1315: Public Speaking
Public Speaking, SPCH 1315 is designed to apply communication theory and practice within a public speaking context. Emphasis is placed on audience analysis, and speaker and visual media delivery practices to inform and motivate an audience for impact and effectiveness. Other topics in the course include the ethics of communication, cultural diversity, as well as speech organization and delivery techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities and confidence.
Students completing this course will complete at least four speeches. Students will create outlines and source documentation for at least two of these speeches. Students will also create and use a visual aid for at least one of these speeches. This course also requires students to complete at least two exams. More detail about this course is available in the SPCH 1315 Master Syllabus. Course options: Honors course.
SPCH 1318: Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication applies communication theory to interpersonal relationship development, maintenance, and termination in friendships, romantic partnerships, families, and workplace relationships. The course explores theories and practice in verbal and nonverbal communication with a focus on interpersonal relationships, such as family, co-worker, and personal relationships. Important topics also include improving skills to manage conflict as well as examining cultural differences and how they affect communication.
Students completing this course will complete at least three assignments to reflect on their interpersonal skills, at least two graded oral demonstrations of interpersonal skills, and at least one assignment to analyze interpersonal communication concepts. More detail about this course is available in the SPCH 1318 Master Syllabus.
SPCH 1321: Business and Professional Communication
Business and Professional Communication is the study and application of communication within a business and professional context. This course explores how to sharpen and hone oral communication skills in bilateral communications, in interviews, and in workplace relationships, as well as leadership skills in groups/teams, and in presentation contexts. Special emphasis is placed on using digital media formats in the workplace.
Students completing this course will complete at least one assignment to demonstrate interviewing skills, at least one assignment to demonstrate teamwork skills, and at least one assignment to demonstrate business presentation skills. Students will also complete at least two exams. More detail about this course is available in the SPCH 1321 Master Syllabus.
SPCH 2333: Small Group Communication
The Small Group Communication course applies theories and techniques of group communication to group processes and interaction. The course emphasizes opportunities to practice how to become an effective team member, how to work in groups to solve problems, facilitate group discussions, and to practice effective meeting management strategies.
SPCH 2389: Internship
Internships can be an important part of the total educational experience. The Internship course is designed to help students combine their academic learning with hands-on work experience. There are many benefits associated with an internship. Students are able to add depth and relevance to their classroom work based on their exposure to actual professional working environments. In addition, a direct experience in a professional environment often provides the student with the opportunity to enhance their communication process and skills involved in areas such as a job search, interviews, and other professional skill areas.
In conjunction with class seminars, the individual student will set specific goals and objectives in the study of communication.
Watch our Summer 2021 Intern Present on Interpersonal Communication: