Course Description

Major
Minor

PROGRAM COORDINATOR: TERRY M. THIBODEAUX
FACULTY: Aungst, Butler, Capps, Collins, Hatton, Richardson

PROGRAM OPTIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Speech Communication Major: Students choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Speech Communication must complete at least 30 hours of credit in Speech Communication (SCM) courses, including at least 15 hours of advanced courses in the program, plus COM 131. The required SCM courses and other requirements are contained in the suggested curriculum sequence below.

Speech Communication Minor: Students choosing a minor in Speech Communication must complete at least 18 hours in the program, including COM 131; SCM 161, 162 or 233, 286, and at least 6 advanced hours.

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.

Elementary Teacher 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, SCM 162, SCM 233, SCM 286, SCM 384, and 9 hours advanced SCM electives. Student with this specialization should see Speech Communication Program Coordinator for advisement.

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The Speech Communication Program offers several scholarships to its students. The Earl Huffor Award is given to the outstanding competitor(s) on the Bearkat Forensic Team. The Pete Seale Award is given to an outstanding student majoring in Speech Communication. The Katy and E. Don Walker, Sr. Endowed Scholarship is awarded to outstanding student(s) in Speech Communication based on gradepoint average, performance in Speech Communication classes, faculty recommendations, and record of service to the program. Most scholarship deadlines are in March for the following academic year. Contact the Speech Communication Program Coordinator for information and applications.

SPEECH COMMUNICATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SCM 111 PRACTICUM IN SPEECH. Study and practice in interscholastic speech and/or debate; speeches, performances, projects, and participation in the university’s forensic program. May be repeated once for credit. Approval by Forensic Advisor required. Credit 1.
SCM 131 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION. 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. Offered only in Spring Semesters. 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] The study of effective voice development and phonetics with practice in phonation and articulation. Credit 3.
SCM 233 ORAL INTERPRETATION. [SPCH 2341] The study of theories and techniques for analyzing and interpreting literature. Emphasis is on the oral presentation of various literary forms. Fall. 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. Spring. Prerequisite: SCM 161 or permission of the Program Coordinator. Credit 3.
SCM 286 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION. [SPCH 1318] Integration of communication research and theory with the application of social interaction skills in various contexts. 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 interscholastic speech and/or forensics. May be repeated, but no more than six hours may be accumulated. Approval required from the Forensic 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. Summer, Fall. 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. Spring. 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 to present. 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. Some presentations required. Prerequisite: SCM 161 or 282. 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. Fall. 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.

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