This cource provides guidance and practice in the fundamentals of public communication in a variety of contexts. The prime objective is to help the student become a more effective and confident oral communicator. The course requires students to develop clearly expressed, logically organized ideas and to deliver them in an effective manner. While speech theory is included in the course, emphasis is placed on the practical application of essential theory.
This course analyzes various types and styles of communication in interpersonal and small group contexts, focusing on theories of communication as well as practical application. Areas of emphasis will include: the importance of both verbal and non- verbal communication in forming relationships and dealing with other; roles and styles of leadership in small groups; and the dynamics of group interaction.
An overview of rhetorical theory and empirical research on persuasion, argumentation strategies, and oral delivery. Application of this theory and research in impromptu, extemporaneous, and debating contexts. Instruction in the use of voice and body in the oral interpretation of literature, as well as a discussion of the goals of such interpretation. Application of this instruction in oral interpretation exercises dealing with different literary genres.
Students may select a field research project or a library research topic in a specalized area of speech communication research. Projects are student-designed in consultation with a faculty member. A proposal (including a literature review and plan of research) must be submitted by the end of the second week of the term in which the research is to be conducted. A final research paper will be presented in seminar. Students are encouraged to submit their papers to the Eastern Communication Association or Southern States Communication Association, both of which have long-standing interests in presentations of undergraduate research. Prerequisites: junior of senior status and approval of program director. Three hours. Mr. Sheckels.
Intensive experience as a speech communication professional in an appropriate business setting. Possible placements will include public relations, government offices, sales, customer relations, fund raising, personnel, and broadcasting. Prerequisites: junior or senior status, GPA of 2.25, and approval of program director. Three hours. Ms. Mattys and Mr. Sheckels.
As democracy evolved in Ancient Athens, the ability to speak for one's self before the assembled populace bacame the distinguishing mark and crucial skill of the free citizen. The Greeks then developed a theoretical framework and an educational curriculum for eloquence which was preserved by the Romans, passed into the Middle Ages and formed the basis for the traditional liberal arts. To study both the ancient theory and practice of eloquence, students will read speeches of Demosthenes and Cicero as well as historical and theoretical works about rhetoric and education. Students themselves will put these theories into practice in a series of speeches and presentations.
An overview of the ways in which our laws have impacted upon the mass media with an emphasis upon their significance for the journalist.
An introduction to the theory and research on the public multi-media communication activities of elections, governance, and political advocacy. The course considers five approaches taken by communication scholars to their study: the examination of genres of political communication such as inaugural, state of the union, and war declaration addresses; the examination of presidental "style"; the rhetorical criticism (using several approaches) of specific examples of discourse; the examination of the rhetorical difficulties women and minority group members have with political discourse as it has been defined through decades of practice; and the scrutiny of election campaign communication activities including convention speeches, debates, and television advertising. Throughout, the course traces changes in the media being used and in the relationships among the media, the public, those involved in politics as candidates and otherwise, and the institutions of governemt. Cross- referenced online here.
A study of contemporary American political campaigns and elections. The election cycle will be examined from three different perspectives: the political campaign/politician, the mass media, and the voter. Current state level and federal elections will be analyzed, as the class will be offered during election years. Three hours. Ms. Conners.
After surveying the conceptual foundations of gender, the course surveys research on gender differences in verbal and non- verbal communication. Then, the course considers these differences within contexts such as the family, friendship, intimate relationship, school politics, and various workplaces. Finally, the course considers how mass media communications (television, movies, music, advertising) affect societal and personal definitions of gender. Throughout the course, the relationships among gender, power, and communication are stressed.
