DEPARTMENT OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION

Major in Speech Communication | Minor in Speech Communication | Speech Communication with Secondary Teaching Certification | Speech Communication with Elementary Teaching Certification | Course Descriptions

CHAIR: J. Donald Ragsdale

FACULTY: Barnett, Bello, Brandau-Brown , Capps , Collins , Hatton , 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 Department of Speech Communication 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 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 website 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 Department of Speech Communication provides a rich climate in which to pursue the study of communication. All classrooms are equipped with VCR’s, television monitors, and Internet-connected computers, and have software available for media based presentations. Students may take advantage of the department’s internship course and its student organization, National Communication Association Sam Houston (NCASH). The department 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 Chair for information and applications.

Department of Speech Communication Website

REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJOR

Students choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Speech Communication must complete at least 33 hours of credit in Speech Communication (SCM) courses, including at least 15 hours of advanced courses in the program. To satisfy the foreign language requirement, all hours must be taken in the same language. All students must take the following courses: SCM 231, 161, 286, 481, 482, 486

Curriculum: Major in Speech Communication

*Minor and elective hours should be chosen with the university requirement of 42 advanced hours in mind.

Curriculum: Minor in Speech Communication

Students choosing a minor in Speech Communication must complete at least 18 hours in the program, including SCM 231, SCM 161, 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: SCM 131, 233, 286, 384, and 9 hours advanced SCM electives.

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 231 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION THEORY AND RESEARCH. An introduction to theory and research in the field of communication with an emphasis on interpersonal and family communication. Students prepare reviews of literature as well as scholarly abstracts. Credit 3.

SCM 233 PERFORMANCE OF LITERATURE. [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 Chair. 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 370 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION. A study of the theory, research, and practice of communicating within and across cultures. Research in intercultural communication will be studied with an emphasis on application to the student’s own intercultural communication. Fall. Credit 3.

*Subject to action of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

SCM 380 COLONIAL AND NINETEENTH CENTURY AMERICAN PUBLIC ADDRESS. An examination of significant speakers, speeches, campaigns, and movements in U.S. history to 1900. Spring. Credit 3.

SCM 381 TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICAN PUBLIC ADDRESS. 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 390 MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATION. Applications of technology to the preparation and presentation of speeches and other forms of oral discourse. Credit 3.

*SCM 465 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 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 approval of the Chair. 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 contemporary 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. Prerequisite: 12 SCM hours completed. Spring. Credit 3.

*SCM 486 FAMILY COMMUNICATION. An intensive examination of interpersonal communication at all levels in the context of families. Students pursue original research *Subject to action of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. projects, reviews of literature, and annotated bibliographies. Prerequisite: SCM 286 or the equivalent. 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 catalog. Prerequisite: 12 hours SCM completed and approval of the Chair. May be repeated for credit. Credit 3.