SCHOOL OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

ACTING CHAIR: JAMES D. RAGSDALE, JR.

The School of Public Communication houses five programs interrelated by the common thread of communication. These programs include Journalism, Photography, Radio-Television, Speech Communication and the Multimedia Authoring and Communication program. The exciting programs in the School of Public Communication are the fastest growing in the College of Arts and Sciences. Visual and verbal modes of communication play a significant role in society. Whether it is informing the public on the economic effect of a widely fluctuating stock market, the exercise of free speech in the U.S. Congress or here in Texas, providing photographic images of critical events around the world, or improving relationships in the human family, effective communication is critical. The ability to use language well, think clearly, speak eloquently, and communicate effectively has long been recognized as the hallmark of an educated person. That recognition is the driving force behind the programs offered in the School of Public Communication. The Public Communication programs offer the opportunity for students to develop the specific skills and experiences demanded for a smooth transition into the working world of visual and verbal communication.

Speech Communication Program

PROGRAM COORDINATOR: J. D. RAGSDALE, JR.

FACULTY: Brandau-Brown, Capps, Collins, Hatton, Richardson, Thibodeaux

Speech communication is the modern heir to one of the world's oldest disciplines. Its connection to thought and language is fundamental, and its primacy in marriage and the family, in obtaining employment, and in advancing a career regardless of one's field are well documented. The Speech Communication Program offers coursework which provides for a wide variety of career choices; however, its focus is on family communication. Faculty members and students have ongoing research programs into such areas as relationship maintenance and repair in the family and child and family advocacy. The program is actively involved in advising students about course sequences available to prepare them for careers in public and private agencies which specialize in family matters.
Speech Communication students learn how to prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches using the latest technologies and learn the skills necessary to engage in interpersonal, small group, and organizational forms of communication. They also study the nuances of nonverbal communication, the intricacies of argumentation and debate, the details of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism, the dynamics of communication in the family, the principles of persuasion, and both historical and contemporary speakers and theories of rhetoric and communication. Speech Communication graduates enter a variety of fields, including teaching at all levels, public advocacy and public relations, governmental relations, the ministry, motivational speaking, and web site development and marketing. Some become ministers and motivational speakers. Many continue their studies in Speech Communication graduate programs and in law schools.

Students may pursue a traditional Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Speech Communication or degrees with both secondary and elementary teaching certification as described below.

The School of Public Communication provides a rich climate in which to pursue the study of communication. All speech communication classrooms are equipped with VCR's, television monitors, and Internet-connected computers and have software available for media based presentations. In addition, the School maintains two computer labs which students use for their classroom assignments. Students may take advantage of the program's internship course and its student organization, Speakeasies. The program is also home to the Lambda Beta chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the official honor society of the National Communication Association.

Scholarships: The Speech Communication Program offers several scholarships. Most scholarship deadlines are in March for the following academic year. Contact the Speech Communication Program Coordinator for information and applications.

Curriculum: Minor in Speech Communication

Students choosing a minor in Speech Communication must complete at least 18 hours in the program, including COM 131; SCM 161, 162, 286, and at least 6 advanced hours.

Curriculum: Speech Communication with
Secondary Teaching Certification

Students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Texas with Speech Communication as the major (first teaching area) must complete the same requirements as for the major listed above, with the addition of SCM 490 (as part of the 30 SCM hours for the major) and RTV 178.
Students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Texas with Speech Communication as the minor (second teaching area) must complete 24 SCM hours. In addition to the requirements for the non-teaching minor listed above, SCM secondary education minors must complete an additional 6 advanced credit hours, including SCM 490, for a total of 12 advanced hours of the 24 SCM hours.

Curriculum: Speech Communication with
Elementary Teaching Certification

Students seeking Elementary Teacher Certification in Texas with a Specialization in Speech Communication must complete 24 SCM hours. Required courses include: COM 131 or SCM 131, 162, 233, 286, 384, and 9 hours advanced SCM electives. Students with this specialization should see the Speech Communication Program Coordinator for advisement.

SPEECH COMMUNICATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SCM 111 PRACTICUM IN SPEECH. Study and practice in intercollegiate speech and/or debate; speeches, performances, projects, and participation in the university's forensics program. May be repeated once for credit. Approval by Forensics Advisor required. Credit 1.

SCM 131 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION. [SPCH 1311] A survey of the speech communication field. Students will be introduced to the basic principles, concepts, and modes of human communication in the contemporary world through class activities, projects, and lectures. Spring. Designed for non-majors. Credit 3.

SCM 161 PUBLIC SPEAKING. [SPCH 1315] An introductory course in research, composition, organization, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches for various purposes and occasions. Includes strategies for reducing speaker apprehension. Credit 3.

SCM 162 VOICE AND DICTION. [SPCH 1342] Vocal development, including pronunciation, through the study of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal mechanism, phonetics, and oral presentations. Credit 3.

SCM 233 ORAL INTERPRETATION. [SPCH 2341] The study of literary materials through the mode of interpretive performance. Emphasis is on the interaction between performer, text, and audience. Credit 3.

SCM 282 SPEECH FOR BUSINESS AND THE PROFESSIONS. [SPCH 1321] This course examines theory and research in interpersonal principles, leadership strategies, listening, and nonverbal communication. Emphasis is on the application of this knowledge to develop communication skills in settings such as interviewing, group decision-making, speech preparation and presentation. Not for Speech Communication majors, minors, or specializations. Credit 3.

SCM 284 ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE. [SPCH 2335] A study of argumentation as a type of discourse and an instrument of critical decision making. Instruction and public practice in research, analysis, organization, use of evidence, refutation, and delivery. Prerequisite: SCM 161 or permission of the Program Coordinator. Credit 3.

SCM 286 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION. [SPCH 1318] Theory and research in one-to-one communication in relationships. Topics include perception, listening, conflict management, and the development and maintenance of relationships. Credit 3.

SCM 311 ADVANCED PRACTICUM IN SPEECH. Advanced study and practice in intercollegiate speech and/or forensics. May be repeated, but no more than six hours may be accumulated. Approval required from the Forensics Advisor. Credit 1.

SCM 360 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION. Course focuses on communication within and between organizations. Topics include leadership, motivation, superior-subordinate relationships, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. Spring. Credit 3.

SCM 365 NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION. The study of systems of nonverbal communication and their effective use, including body language, vocalic, facial, and spatial communication. Students will apply current theory and research in nonverbal communication to their own communication. Credit 3.

SCM 370 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION. A study of the theory, research, and practice of communicating within and across cultures. Various cultural theories will be analyzed as they relate to communication. Significant research in intercultural communication will also be studies with emphasis on application toward improving the student's own intercultural communication. Fall. Credit 3.

SCM 380 GREAT AMERICAN SPEAKERS. An examination of significant speakers, speeches, campaigns, and movements in U.S. history to 1900. Spring. Credit 3.

SCM 381 CONTEMPORARY SPEAKERS. A critical study of modern social movements and campaigns through analysis of speakers and speeches, 1900-2000. Fall. Credit 3.

SCM 382 PERSUASION. A study of the principles of attitude change and theories of persuasion as they apply to the speaker, political campaigns, and social movements. Fall. Credit 3.

SCM 383 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION. An examination and application of the research, theories, and practices of interaction, leadership, and problem-solving in formal and informal small group settings. Prerequisite: SCM 286 or SCM 384. Spring. Credit 3.

SCM 384 SPEECH FOR TEACHERS. Designed primarily for prospective teachers, this course focuses on the research, theory, and practice of communication in classrooms as well as other instructional settings. Students will organize and present formal and instructional presentations in simulated classroom situations. Limited to juniors and seniors. Credit 3.

SCM 477 MENTORSHIP IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION. An independent study practicum in the pragmatic requirements of a career in speech communication education. The student will work closely with a faculty member to experience and practice as many of the roles of a professional speech communication educator as possible by serving as mentor for a college speech communication class. The goal is to prepare the student to function effectively as a faculty member at whatever educational level they aspire. Prerequisites: At least Junior standing, 12 SCM hours completed, and Program Coordinator approval. Credit 3.

SCM 478 INTERNSHIP IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION. An on-the-job application of skills and theories learned in the classroom for selected individual students who have completed their junior year. Internships are with public relations and governmental agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations. Prerequisites: At least junior standing, 12 SCM hours completed, and Program Coordinator approval. Credit 3.

SCM 481 COMMUNICATION THEORY. A survey of classical and modern theories of communication. Prerequisite: 12 hours SCM completed. Credit 3.

SCM 482 APPLIED RHETORICAL THEORY. A study of the major theories of rhetorical analysis from ancient times to the present with basic applications to American public communication. The course also presents non-American and non-traditional rhetorical methodology. The student will be required to apply the various paradigms in analyzing communication artifacts past and present. Prerequisites: At least Junior standing and 12 SCM hours completed (including either SCM 380 or SCM 381). Spring. Credit 3.

SCM 490 DIRECTING SPEECH ACTIVITIES. A hands-on course designed to assist the student in understanding and practicing the skills necessary for effective leadership in the classroom and competitive areas. Students are required to develop materials necessary for teaching debate, public speaking, and interpretation. Fall. Credit 3.

SCM 491 UNDERGRADUATE SEMINAR IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION. This course allows a student to pursue particular problems or issues beyond the limits of current course offerings. The problem or issue, however, will be within the student's area of specialization. This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalogue. Prerequisite: 12 hours SCM completed and permission of the Program Coordinator. May be repeated for credit. Credit 3.