Northeastern State University

SPEECH (SPCH)

1113 Fundamentals of Oral Communication #

An introductory course designed to prepare students to handle the major types of communication situations that they will encounter in life, including interpersonal communication, group communication, and public speaking. No major or minor credit.

2222 Intercollegiate Forensics

Participation in intercollegiate speech contests. Prerequisite: Permission of Director of Forensics. May be taken up to a maximum of eight credit hours. No major or minor credit.

2232 Intercollegiate Forensics

Participation in intercollegiate speech contests. Prerequisite: Permission of Director of Forensics. May be taken up to a maximum of eight credit hours. No major or minor credit.

2351 Parliamentary Law and Procedure #

Designed to acquaint students with the rules of motions and debate in organizations through questions, practices, and class parliamentary demonstration. This knowledge will better prepare one to effectively participate in business and social activities within the community.

3003 Puppetry I #

Introduction to puppetry arts--hand puppets through rod, shadow, and marionettes involving all methods of construction, manipulation and staging.

3043 Introduction to Communication Theory #

Strongly recommended as one of the first courses for majors and minors. The course focuses on strengths and weaknesses of theory, the connection between theory and research methods in communication, and several communication theories from a variety of contexts (e.g., interpersonal communication, group dynamics, and organizational communication). Prerequisite: SPCH 1113 or permission of the instructor.

3103 Argumentation #

A study of the methods and procedures of rational decision making and effective argumentation. Special emphasis will be placed on logical, ethical, and emotional proof, advocacy of case structures for specific audiences, and direction of a successful debating program.

3203 Principles of Listening Comprehension #

A course focusing on the role of listening in promoting successful oral communication in the business and educational communities, including components of listening comprehension, theories of listening behavior, barriers to effective listening, and elements for improving listening comprehension at five levels; intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, public address, and mass communication.

3213 Public Speaking #

A course designed for the student interested in developing speaking skills. Emphasis will be placed on organization, supporting material, delivery, and audience analysis. Further attention is given to the study of social relationships and the communication process. Prerequisite: SPCH 1113, or permission of instructor.

3223 Business and Professional Speaking #

Designed to teach students presentational skills with an emphasis on both public speaking and use of visual supplements. Particular attention is directed toward the business presentation in a professional setting. Prerequisite: SPCH 1113.

3243 Leadership Communication #

This course identifies the communication skills that leaders need to help manage the information environment and the collective actions of organizational members. Topics covered will include a communication skills model for leadership, networking, the leader’s role in decision making and promoting positive work relationships, the leader as visionary, and the characteristics of competent leadership.

3303 Group Dynamics #

The study and application of the principles of group interaction including the techniques, types, leadership, and roles. Principles are applied to realistic experiences as groups interact to discuss current social issues.

3313 Interpersonal Communication #

Focuses upon the dynamics of communication on a one to one basis in a variety of settings. Topics include relational communication, rules and conversation, conflict, relational growth and deterioration, gender differences in communication, and deception. Prerequisite: SPCH 1113 or permission of instructor.

3403 Persuasion #

The study of attitude and/or behavior change and the application of tools designed to enhance that change. The course includes discussions of classical persuasion, theories of attitude change, and interpersonal compliance gaining strategies; and opportunities to apply persuasive strategies to a variety of contexts (e.g., advertising and sales). Prerequisite: SPCH 1113 or permission of the instructor.

3443 Nonverbal Communication #

Focuses on the nonverbal behaviors and relevant contextual cues associated with human communication including, for example, physical behavior, distance, facial expression and eye contact, paralanguage, the physical environment, touch, and cultural variables.

3453 Conflict Management #

Focuses on the role of communication in conflict and dispute resolution. Examines a number of settings including interpersonal relations, small group decision making, inter-group conflict, organizational conflict, and cross-cultural conflict among others.

3713 Voice and Diction #

A study of the non-technical elements of voice production and expressiveness, as well as non-verbal expression. Attention is directed toward establishing an improved vocal life through a study of the individual speech sounds and special speech problems.

3723 Introduction to Broadcasting #

The study of the history of radio and television in the U.S., and how the broadcast media has shaped American culture.

3733 Oral Interpretation of Literature #

Oral performance of literature including selection, analysis, rehearsal, and performance of poetry, prose, and/or drama.

3803 Interviewing Techniques and Concepts #

Study of the interview as a technique for gathering information in order to meet a variety of personal needs. These include research interviews, employment interviews, appraisals, sales, and counseling.

4203 General Semantics #

The study of the interaction between language and behavior. Particular emphasis on how meaning is managed and coordinated through communication.

4213 Theories of Communication #

An examination of communication theory and its place in the behavioral sciences. Both historical and current communication research will be used to explore psychological factors affecting comprehension and retention of speech, linguistic habit formation, speaker and listener set, and attitude and perception.

4243 Leadership Internship

Work in an approved organization which allows the student to function in a leadership role or to be mentored by an organized leader. Permission of the department chair is required.

4403 Criticism of Communication #

A course designed to teach students to describe, interpret, and evaluate rhetorical discourse, both written and oral. Students will be expected to apply both traditional and contemporary critical approaches to rhetorical discourse in an effort to explain how the beliefs and actions of others are influenced. Prerequisite: 6-9 hours of advanced speech or English or permission of instructor.

4423 Asian Communication Practices

Western models of communication are based on an individualist world view. Asian models are likely to emphasize a relational world view. Several important theories will be analyzed from both an individual and relational perspective.

4433 American Indian Rhetoric #

The oratory of the American Indian, including the speech, speaker, setting, and background.

4443 Organizational Communication #

This course is intended to assist students in developing an understanding of strategic communication in organizational settings - the ability to analyze a situation, to select appropriate communication strategies from a variety of available options, and enact those strategies.

4503 Speech Methods and Activities

Problems and methods of teaching speech in secondary schools. Examines curriculum development, lesson planning, and instructional strategies with special emphasis on the building and directing of a speech extra-curricular activity program.

4543 Intercultural Communication #

Examines socio-cultural forces as they influence human interaction. Included are international cultures and co-cultures within the United States, cultural communication rules, verbal and nonverbal symbol usage, the improvement of communication and the ethics of intercultural communication.

4563 Legal Argumentation #

Communication questions and skills which lawyers, litigants, and jurors face in criminal and civil justice. Understanding how verbal and nonverbal communication skills and strategies are used in legal settings.

4620 Seminar in Speech Communication & Human Relations I #

Course designed to meet any number of felt needs; the content will vary with the need. May include topics such as: organizational communication; the written and spoken word; personal relations; and community relations. Any combination of courses in this sequence may be taken up to a maximum of six hours credit.

4630 Seminar in Speech Communication & Human Relations II #

Designed to meet any number of felt needs. Content will vary with needs of students. Any combination of courses in this sequence may be taken up to a maximum of six hours credit.

4993 Capstone Experience

The student will design and complete a major project related to his/her option. Required of all majors. Prerequisite: Completion of 90 hours, including at least 30 in the major and approval of the faculty committee.