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Course Descriptions

SPCM 100 Fundamentals of Public Speaking (2)
Organization and presentation of verbal materials. Emphasizes developing performance skills through graded speaking activities. Stresses basic public communication theory. GESE.

SPCM 110 Introduction to Speech Communication Theory and Practice (2)
Introduction to the field of speech communication, its history, major theories, and major contexts of study including interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, organizational communication, public communication, and group communication.

SPCM 210 Interpersonal Communication (4)
Introduction to the theory and practice of interpersonal communication. Emphasizes actively practicing interpersonal communication skills through graded exercises. The student is encouraged to develop increased awareness of the effect one's communicating has on others, the self, and relationships. GESE.

SPCM 220 Intercultural Communication (4)
An examination of similarities and differences in the communication patterns of cultures, focusing on theory and research. Study of the way these patterns reveal themselves in values, beliefs, assumptions, and ways of perceiving. Practice in improving communication between members of different and similar cultures. CORE2b.

SPCM 240 Persuasion and Social Influence (4)
A study of the messages that move humans to act. Emphasis on persuasive, argumentative, and propagandistic appeals and strategy selection. Attention to theories of human attitude change, compliance-gaining, and interpersonal influence.

SPCM 250 Public Controversy and Criticism (4)
An examination of the various aspects of the informative, persuasive and aesthetic dimensions of public discourse. This course will include historical and contemporary examples of public discourse and invite students to analyze these speeches and practice various forms of discourse in graded exercises. GESE.

SPCM 350 Argumentation and Debate (4)
Rhetorical principles of argumentation in theory and practice. Novice and experienced debaters will practice using the World Championship Debating format.

SPCM 332 Interviewing Principles and Practices (4)
Examination of the communication principles that characterize non-mediated, formal interviews. The influence of roles, verbal and nonverbal communication, strategies, and ethics will be considered for interviews in a variety of setting. Students will participate in a variety of practice interviews. GESE.

SPCM 410 Advanced Interpersonal and Family Communication (4)
In depth exploration of theories and current research findings in the field of family communication. After reviewing fundamental interpersonal processes, the course addresses contexts that have received a great deal of attention in family communication research (e.g., communication in premarital, marital, sibling, and parent-child relationships as well as problematic issues in the family (e.g., mental health problems, divorce, physical abuse or illness, or other general stressors).

SPCM 452 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism (4)

Teaches theory and methods of rhetorical criticism. Students will read the criticism of other rhetorical critics, apply methods of criticism to material provided by the text and professor, and produce original pieces of rhetorical criticism.

SPCM 499 Senior Project (2-4)