Courses in Speech Communication (SPCH)

Lower Division Courses

130 Introduction to Human Communication (4)
Overview of human communication across contexts. Introduction to Speech Communication as a discipline; survey of areas and methods comprising the field.

150 Oral Communication (4)
Introduction to effective oral communication through study and experience in analysis, synthesis, and presentation of informative and persuasive discourse in a public speaking forum.
CAN SPCH 4 GE A2
SPCH 150 is prerequisite to all Speech Communication major courses with numbers 300 and higher.

151 Speech Proficiency Assessment for Teachers (1)
Review of theory and practice of public speaking for classroom teachers. Workshop and assessment of speaking skills. Open
only to students currently or previously enrolled in EDEL 300.
Graded CR/NC.

176 Argumentation (4)
Principles of argumentation: reasoned discourse, methods of logical analysis and reflective thinking, practical application through adaptation of materials to audience situations, argumentative speech, kinds and forms of debate about current issues.
CAN SPCH 6 GE A3

230 Communication Strategies in Conflict Management (4)
This course examines the communication theories and strategies underlying the nature of conflict in contemporary society. Provides students with the necessary skills to effectively manage conflict.
GE E

267 Introduction to Oral Interpretation (4)
Study of communicative dimensions of literature through analysis and performance.

268 Group Performance Practicum (2)
Lecture-workshop in ensemble performance of literature. Techniques of chamber theatre, reader's theatre, story theatre production and script adaptation.
May be repeated to maximum of 8 units.

275 Interpersonal Communication (4)
Introductory study of interpersonal communication; verbal and nonverbal communication in face-to-face interaction; how
individuals assume roles as message senders, receivers; interpersonal perception and adaptation; barriers to interpersonal communication.

276 Argumentation and Reasoned Advocacy (4)
Prerequisites: SPCH 150 and SPCH 176.
Principles of reasoned advocacy: practical application of argumentation through creation and adaptation of reasoned appeals to audience situations.

277 Forensics (2)
Introductory workshop in intercollegiate forensic activities.
May be repeated to maximum of 12 units. Graded CR/NC.

278 Problem Solving through Group Discussion (4)
Principles of decision-making and interaction in group communication situations, development of discussion, participation, and leadership skills for business, school, and community.

290 Mediated Communication (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 130 or permission of instructor.
Introduction to mediated communication technologies, including internet, databases, and emerging technologies. Emphasis on critical, analytical assessment of technologies effects on intercultural, public and interpersonal communication.

Upper Division Courses

300 Applied Writing in Speech Communication (4)
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR); forRadio­TV Broadcasting majors, BCST 224; upper division standing.
Writing practicum in historical, critical, and empirical approaches to speech communication and media studies; emphasizing language usage in description, exposition, narration, and persuasion; techniques include observation, editing, and criticism.

330 Organizational Studies (4)
Paradigms of organizational communication; classical and contemporary theories, practices, and processes in organizational communication. Major communication themes, metaphors, and issues of the contemporary workplace.

340 Interviewing (4)
Dyadic communication in formal and informal settings. Understanding of informative, persuasive, medical, journalistic, legal, and employment interviews.

342 Rights and Justice in Communication and Politics (4)
Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D.
Freedom of communication, political rights, diversity, and justice. The evolution of these rights in the United States; analysis of contemporary problems, global implications, and potential solutions in our multicultural world.

367 Performance Studies (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 267 or 277 or 377 or permission of instructor.
Performance as a paradigm for understanding text and behavior. Analysis and performance of literature, cultural performance, and performance art included with emphasis on in-class performance and fieldwork.

370 Business and Professional Communications (4)
Study and application of theories of communication in business contexts and situations. Topics include: dyadic, group, organizational, public, and mediated communication interactions, interviews, and presentations.

371 Persuasive Communication (4)
Study and application of rhetorical and social-psychological principles of persuasion. Consideration of attitude change models and behavioral studies of variables affecting persuasion. Opportunity for preparation and criticism of persuasive discourse.

372 Media, Communication and the Environment (4)
Prerequisites: Completion of the Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block D.
The global environment as represented in mass media and communication; the interaction of the individual and the popular press, public communication, and film; effectiveness of public environmental communication campaign.

377 Advanced Forensics (2)
Prerequisite: SPCH 277 Faculty supervised workshop preparing for University-sponsored speech activities, including speech and debate tournaments.
May be repeated to maximum of 12 units.

380 Introduction to Rhetorical Studies (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 150. Introduction to the study of rhetoric and rhetorical theory. Study of the nature, function and scope of rhetoric emphasized.

385 Sex and Gender in Language and Literature (4)
(also listed as ENGL 385)
Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block C.
Analysis of concepts of sex, gender as experienced in language and literature. Comparative language behavior of women and men as revealed in research on communication and in representative literary works, both classical and modern.

389 Intercultural Communication in the Urban Environment (4)
Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block C.
Processes, problem of intercultural communication in multi-cultural, multiethnic urban environments. Focus on comparative cultural analyses, impact of social, gender, political, economic, interpersonal forces on intercultural interaction in urban life.

390 Technology and Human Interaction (4)
(also listed as MSCM 390)
Prerequisite: SPCH 290 or BCST 220 or permission of instructor.
Comparison of new communication technologies with other forms of interaction. Attention given to interactive roles and effects of technologies on interpersonal, public, and intercultural communication.

396 Publicity and Promotions (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 300 or equivalent.
Methods, planning and tools used in developing company, community and institutional public relations programs. Focuses on publicity and promotional techniques, media relations, copy preparation, news releases, and publications.

400-Level Courses

All 400-level courses may be applied toward masterís degree requirements except the following, subject to limits established by department and approval of a graduate adviser: SPCH 431, 499

430 Dynamics of Organizational Communication (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 330.
How global competition, social phenomenon, new philosophies, new technologies, and metaphors for looking at organizations shape the dynamic landscape of organizations and affect the way people communicate and conduct business.

431 Internship in Organizational Communication (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 430.
Opportunity to study and participate in communication processes of selected local organizations under academic supervision; emphasis on student internís ability to diagnose and solve organizational communication problems.
May be repeated once for credit.

435 Communication and Leadership (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 330 or permission of instructor.
Review theories of communication leadership. Emphasis on the study of communication skills central to performing successfully as a leader in a variety of organizational contexts.

436 Communication and the Diffusion of Innovation (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 330 or permission of instructor.
Study of the relationship between communication and the process through which innovations (new ideas, technologies, ideologies, products or services) spread through society and affect people over time.

440 Relational Communication (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 275.
Analysis of current theory and research on communication in intimate and personal relationships; how individuals develop and maintain relationships; how gender, culture and social context affect communication in interpersonal interactions.

450 Communication Theory (4)
Survey and analysis of behaviorally oriented theories and their variables in the communication process.

452 Theory Construction (4)
Prerequisites: SPCH 450, 477, 478 or senior standing. Senior capstone experience.
Examination of the theoretical concepts and perspectives relevant to studying and conducting research in rhetoric and communication theory. Social scientific and humanities perspectives emphasized.

454 Selected Studies in Speech Communication (1-4)
Prerequisites: Varies with topic; see Schedule of Classes for specific prerequisites.
Intensive study of selected topics in speech communication.
May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units for credit as subject matter changes.

459 Intercultural Business Communication (4)
(also listed under MKT 459)
Prerequisite: MGMT 301 or SPCH 300.
Analytical approach to understanding cultures in order to do business effectively. Steps in achieving intercultural communication competence, framework for understanding cultures, nonverbal communication, document organization from cultural priorities, and negotiation.

462 Nonverbal Communication (4)
Body motion, eye and facial behavior, paralanguage, touch, proxemics, physical characteristics, artifacts and environmental
factors as they affect communicative exchanges.

463 Language and Communication Behavior (4)
Nature, origin, and use of speech and language in social, cultural, symbolic, and functional contexts; investigation and analysis of discourse and behavioral effects; significance of communication competence.

467 Theory and Method in Performance Studies (4)
(also listed as TAD 467)
Prerequisite: Upper division course in SPCH, TA or DANC.
Introduction to major theoretical perspectives in performance studies and to key methodologies for investigating performance in/as culture. Central concepts include social drama and performance ethnography.

468 Performance and Social Change (4)
(also listed as TAD 468)
Prerequisite: SPCH 367 or 467 or upper division theory course in TA, DANC or rhetoric.
Aesthetic, pedagogical underpinnings of performance and social change. Relationships between performance and liberation in avant garde works and across cultures. Theoretical and pragmatic concerns as these emerge in production.

470 Theories of Rhetoric: Survey and Analysis (4)
Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Principal theories of rhetoric from classical Greece to the modern period; historical perspectives on communication andsocial influence; impact of changing political, psychological, sociological, and technological contexts.

471 Rhetoric and Religion (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 380 or permission of instructor.
Relationship between rhetoric and religion in traditional and contemporary rhetorical theory. Course evaluates rhetorical and public discourse dealing with religion, and religious discourse dealing with rhetoric.

472 Studies in Literature of International Public Discourse (4)
Prerequisite: One SPCH course.
Analysis and evaluation of international rhetoric and speech communication; some attention to great international speakers and speeches; emphasizes communication in contemporary social, political, and cultural movements and campaigns.

473 Rhetoric and Social Controversy (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 380 or permission of instructor.
Analysis of rhetorical problems associated with social controversies. The nature, forms, stages and roles of social controversies are examined through the study of rhetorical public discourse in the political process.

473A Studies in Literature of American Public Discourse to 1860 (4)
Prerequisite: One SPCH course.
Analysis and evaluation of American rhetoric and speech communication; some attention to great speakers and speeches; emphasizes communication in social, political, and cultural movements and campaigns, colonial times to 1860.

473B Studies in Literature of American Public Discourse: 1860-Present (4)
Prerequisite: One SPCH course.
Analysis and evaluation of American rhetoric and speech communication; some attention to great speakers and speeches; emphasizes communication in social, political, and cultural movements and campaigns, 1860 to present.

474 Studies in National and International Public Discourse (4)
Prerequisite: One SPCH course.
Analysis and evaluation of national and/or international discursive rhetoric; some focus on great speeches and speakers; emphasizes diversity of communicative expression in social, political, and cultural movements and campaigns.

475 Feminism and Communication (4)
Prerequisites: SPCH 330, SPCH 367 or permission of instructor.
Survey of critical perspectives on gender in communication. Particular attention is paid to social construction of gender and sexuality.

477 Qualitative Methods in Communication (4)
Prerequisites: SPCH 380 or 330 or 367.
Survey of qualitative communication research methods; critical analysis of representative studies; research proposal writing for qualitative projects.

478 Group Communication: Dynamics of Leadership and Participation (4)
Prerequisite: A course in group discussion.
Advanced study of communication processes in small groups and effects of leadership and participation; development of communication sensitivity.

479 Sex Roles in Communication (4)
Sex as a variable influencing human communication in dyads, small groups, organizations, families; speaker-audience
interaction; male-female differences in use of language, and nonverbal behavior.

482 Rhetorical Theory: Contemporary Developments (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 470. Survey of contemporary theories of rhetoric and communication.

483 Campaign Communication (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 380 or permission of instructor.
Variable content course focusing on contemporary campaigns. Strategies of communication in American political campaigns
including public discourse and media coverage.
May be repeated to 8 units as content changes.

484 Political Communication (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 380 or permission of the instructor.
Analysis and evaluation of political communication from the perspectives of contemporary rhetorical theory and cultural theory. Political communication theorized through the analysis of case studies.

485 Rhetorical Criticism (4)
Prerequisite: One SPCH course.
Nature and function of rhetorical criticism; survey of approaches, theories, and systems of rhetorical analysis from classical to contemporary. Practice in critical appraisal of various types of speech communication.

486 Communication and Cultural Studies (4)
Prerequisite: Upper division course in Communication Studies.
Survey of history, primary texts, and representative studies in cultural studies. Emphasis on cultural studies of media, technology, and communication.

487 Proseminar: Experimental Research in Speech (4)
Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Introduction to methodology of experimental research and critical analysis of representative studies in speech.

489 Intercultural Communication (4)
Description and analysis of cultural influences on human communication acts; codes and paralinguistic elements; focus on communication between cultures in an urban setting.

490 Studies in Childrenís Speech Arts (4)
Theory and criticism of creative dramatics, choric interpretation and storytelling.

491 Instructional Theories in Communication (4)
Prerequisites: Senior standing, 20 units of upper division SPCH courses.
Principles of communication in educational settings, literary study, survey, critical review, and application of contemporary theories and trends in instructional communication.

492 Communication Training in Organizations (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 330 or permission of instructor.
Study of communication training and development process. Application of organizational communication theories through organizational assessment, creation of training objectives and evaluation of training programs.

494 Communication Behavior in Childhood (4)
(also listed as CHDV 494)
Oral language and communicative behavior in children; studies in speech and language experiences basic to development of communication skills competence.

497 Managing Problems in Public Relations (4)
Prerequisite: SPCH 394.
Advanced study of public relations issues, with emphasis on contemporary problems faced by business organizations and other institutions. Analysis of case studies in public relation problems and crisis management.

498 Research Project in Speech Communication (4)
Prerequisite: Senior standing and consent of instructor.
Independent research project designed and executed by student in consultation with faculty sponsor. Final report made available to Speech area faculty.

499 Undergraduate Directed Study (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of an instructor to act as sponsor.
Project selected in conference with sponsor before registration; progress meetings held regularly, and final report submitted.
May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units for credit.


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