Catalog 2023-2024

300

SPE 300 Storytelling: Voice, Script and Movement

This course includes practical application of ideas toward writing and performance of personal stories.

Credit Hours: 4

SPE 308 Group Presentation and Leading Change

Identifies and studies the communication characteristics and cues that set leaders apart from average speakers. Through observation, research, performance and study, students will work to understand the characteristics central to leadership and those communication patterns common to group situations and opportunities. Application will include speeches, activities, academic writing and speaking; and experimental learning opportunities that strive for transformative growth and aptitude. Students will work with leaders inside and outside the classroom. 

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

SPE 200, SPE 208 (or equivalent), or consent of instructor.

SPE 310 Interpersonal Communication

This course focuses on communication in relationships. The emphasis of the course is on the application of interpersonal communication theory, research, and practical skills to everyday life. We pay particular attention to the impact interpersonal communication has on individual identity, and personal, social, and professional relationships. In addition, this course examines trends that affect interpersonal communication in the 21st century: social diversity, the increasing number of long-distance relationships, and the influence of technology on interpersonal interaction.

Credit Hours: 4

SPE 315 Freedom of Speech and First Amendment Studies

This advanced public speaking skills course examines the constitutional, statutory and cases affecting communication professions and individuals.  Through research and performance students will analyze the historical context of free speech in the United States and international speech issues.  A broad range of issues will be considered, including blasphemy, commercial speech, free press, hate speech and privacy, other contexts such as the personal dissemination of speech (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.).  Activities include professional presentations, class discussion and academic writing.  Critical thinking and deductive reasoning will be highly utilized in this course.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

AWR 201 or instructor permission

SPE 330 Special Topics in Speech

Special Topics in Speech will offer instruction and experiences in specialized speech-related courses such as forensics, more advanced speech courses, and analysis of public political rhetoric speech.

Credit Hours: 2-4

SPE 392 Independent Study

An independent study that provides third-year students with an opportunity to pursue a topic or project under the guidance of a communication and speech studies faculty member. By permission of instructor and department director.

Credit Hours: 1-4