Course Descriptions

102. Fundamentals of Oral Communication.
Fall and Spring (2,2) King. Exclusively for freshmen and sophomores.
An examination of oral communication within a variety of contexts, including interpersonal, small group, public and intercultural communication. The course will focus on techniques to achieve competency and on the development of other communication skills such as listening, participating in discussions and critical thinking.

201. Public Speaking.
(GER 6) Fall and Spring (3,3) Bauer, King, Staff.
Understanding and application of the principles of public speaking. Analysis of speeches based on organization, content, and delivery.

309. Argumentation and Debate.
Fall (3) Eckles.
Training in the techniques and practices of argumentative speaking, study and analysis of debate propositions, preparation of the brief, research and selection of evidence, and practice in rebuttal and refutation. Lectures and class debating.

311. Fundamentals of Speech Communication Theory.
Spring (3) Eckles.
An examination of various theories of speech communication and application of those theories to specific social events. Attention will be given to the function of communication models, the dimension of inter-personal and intra-personal communication, nonverbal elements of communication, and analysis of attitude, change and theory.

410. Special Topics in History and Criticism of American Public Address.
Spring (3) Staff. Prerequisite: SPCH 201 or consent of the instructor
Survey of significant speakers, speeches, or speech movements. Critical analysis of important rhetorical phenomena in their historical, political, social, and philosophical contexts.