B.A. Major in Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies

Concentration in Speech Communication

The concentration in Speech Communication provides students with an overview of the discipline of communication studies, as well as focused coursework in communication and culture, performance studies, and rhetoric.

Major requirements (36 s.h.):

SPCM core courses (15 s.h.): 1, 4, 5, 7, 9

Communication and Culture (at least 6 s.h., chosen from among the following):

SPCM 33—Nonverbal Communication
SPCM 53—Histories and Theories of Gender and Intercultural Communication
SPCM 57—Gender and Communication
SPCM 78—Persuasion
SPCM 119—Small Group Communication
SPCM 124—Healing as a Cultural Performance
SPCM 189 A-Z—Special Topics

Performance Studies (at least 6 s.h., chosen from among the following):

SPCM 11—Voice and Diction
SPCM 24—Reader's Theatre
SPCM 121—Advanced Performance Studies
SPCM 125—Dramatic Activities in Educational and Therapeutic Settings
SPCM 126—Performance Art: Theory and Practice
SPCM 127—Puppetry in Performance
SPCM 129—Performing History
SPCM 181 A-Z—Special Topics

Rhetoric (at least 6 s.h., chosen from among the following):

SPCM 59—Rhetoric and Popular Culture
SPCM 77--Speechwriting
SPCM 107—Argumentation and Debate
SPCM 117—Advanced Public Speaking
SPCM 128—American Public Address: The Rhetoric of Conflict and Controversy
SPCM 138—Social Protest: Rhetoric and Performance
SPCM 187 A-Z

Students are required to take an additional 3 s.h. chosen from SPCM 170, 171, or any SPCM elective.

Designated sections of SPCM 150/151, 170/171, 180-89, 198, and 199 may also fulfill Speech Communication concentration requirements.

Students with a concentration in Speech Communication are also required to take:

6 s.h. chosen from among comparative literature, linguistics, literature in translation, drama, English, economics, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

Students with a concentration in Speech Communication are also encouraged to take coursework and/or minor in audio, video, film, journalism, media studies, psychology, linguistics, English, drama, literature in translation, comparative literature, management and marketing in consultation with the major advisor.