Offered by Department of Communication
College of Fine Arts and Humanities

SPCH Courses

SPCH 100GS - Fundamentals of Speech Communication - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Study and practice of principles of public speaking.
SPCH 154GS - Cross-Cultural Communication - 3 hours
Prereq: none
This course is designed to provide students with effective cross-cultural communication skills.
SPCH 188GS - General Studies Portal - 3 hours
Prereq: freshman or sophomore standing
Students analyze critical issues confronting individuals and society in a global context as they pertain to the discipline in which the Portal course is taught. The Portal is intended to help students succeed in their university education by being mentored in process of thinking critically about important ideas and articulating their own conclusions. Students may take the Portal in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Satisfies the General Studies Portal course requirement. Students may take their Portal course in any discipline. Students who transfer 24 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK are exempt from taking a portal course.
 
SPCH 201 - Classical Traditions in the Communicative Arts - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of the contributions of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome to the arts of communication: rhetoric and oratory, theatre and interpretation, and a study of classical influences on modern communication.
SPCH 202GS - Communication Concepts in Society - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A survey of the basic concepts of communication through application to different contexts and through examination of literature and methods in communication research.
SPCH 205 - Voice and Articulation - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Designed to improve voice articulation and projection.
SPCH 222 - Oral Interpretation of Literature - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Performing from great literature, developing close appreciation of the aesthetic elements of prose, poetry, and drama from the performing artist's viewpoint.
SPCH 230 - Nonverbal Communication - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Study of principles and effects of nonverbal communication.
SPCH 231 - Introduction to Forensics and Debate - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Study of debate and individual events procedures focused on skills of investigation and presentation.
SPCH 237 - Intercollegiate Debate and Forensics - 1-4 hours
Prereq: none
For students interested in intercollegiate debate and individual events tournaments.
SPCH 252 - Communication Inquiry - 3 hours
Prereq: SPCH 202GS or instructor approval
Improve researching skills by applying knowledge of experimental design to analyze, evaluate, and interpret research writing within the Communication field.
SPCH 270 - Advanced Public Speaking - 3 hours
Prereq: SPCH 100GS
This course will provide advanced work in speaker's delivery regarding: voice, body language, gestures, and facial expression. Two aspects of language will be considered: technical and influential. Speechwriting as a skill and a profession will be introduced. Speeches in the impromptu, extemporaneous and manuscript style will be presented by the students.
SPCH 300 - Interpersonal and Relational Communication - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Study of interpersonal and relational communication including the role of verbal and nonverbal communication in relationship development and maintenance, conflict management and interpersonal influence.
SPCH 301 - Introduction to Organizational Communication - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Students in this course will be introduced to the constitutive role that communication plays within organizational settings through studying the various theoretical approaches of the organizational communication discipline.
SPCH 332 - Logic Argumentation and Reasoning - 3 hours
Prereq: none
An examination of theories of practical logic with emphasis on rational decision making.
SPCH 340 - Professional Communication - 3 hours
Prereq: General Studies oral communication requirement and either junior standing or instructor approval
The course is designed to have a student consider his/her future career and the communication skills necessary in order to be successful in that career. The following skills will be presented: professional presentation skills, exploration of professional development topics that will aid interviewers to be effective, research into potential career opportunities, creation of an online resume, preparing for and conducting of a virtual job interview. The student will develop an online video profile that supplements their job application and resume.
SPCH 360 - Persuasion and Propaganda - 3 hours
Prereq: none
The study and practice of persuasion.
SPCH 370 - Small Group Communication - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Study of small group communication theory and participation in various types of group discussion and activities.
SPCH 380 - Rhetorical Criticism - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Study of how to understand the consequences of persuasive communication, how to evaluate its quality, and how to be an effective agent of change.
SPCH 400 - The Teaching of Speech - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A methods course dealing with practical aspects of structuring and planning a speech-theatre program in the secondary schools.
SPCH 401 - Seminar: Special Topics - 1-3 hours
Prereq: none
Course work on a specific topic of communication designed by the teacher.
SPCH 445 - Diffusion of Innovations - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Diffusion of Innovations examines the adoption of innovations by individuals in a social system from the perspective of a communication based model. Examples of innovations include fashion trends, campaign slogans, communication technologies, hygiene practices, birth control, farming practices, hybrid powered automobiles, types of government rule (democracy) and genetically engineered foods. The diffusion phenomenon is examined emphasizing social and individual points of view. Class sessions are mostly based on lecture, with some discussion. Assessment tools include exams, case studies, and a final semester project. The final project will be presented to the class.
SPCH 450 - Language, Thought & Action - 3 hours
Prereq: SPCH 252* or instructor approval
Students will study how people use language to exchange meaning, influence one another, and accomplish goals as a fundamental aspect of social interaction in any context. The focus of the course is on different theoretical perspectives used to understand language and different methods of examining social interaction.
SPCH 451 - Leadership Communication - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of the characteristics, styles, roles, and strategies of leaders with emphasis on parliamentary process.
SPCH 452 - Advanced Organizational Communication - 3 hours
Prereq: SPCH 301
Students in this course will investigate a variety of significant organizational communication issues that contribute to the development and maintenance of the organizational workplace. Students will apply theories through case studies and projects.
SPCH 453 - Interviewing - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Theories and techniques of interviewing, including information gathering, employment, appraisal and persuasive interviewing.
SPCH 454 - Intercultural Communication - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Study of communication across cultures.
SPCH 455 - Communication Training and Consulting - 3 hours
Prereq: none
A study of how to plan, conduct and evaluate communication training and development programs within the organization.
SPCH 456 - Rhetorical Theory - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Historical study of theories of persuasive communication from early Greek and Roman times.
SPCH 457 - Contemporary Rhetorical Theory - 3 hours
Prereq: none
Modern rhetorical theories.
SPCH 459 - Organizational & Relational Communication Senior Practicum - 3 hours
Prereq: senior status as an Organizational and Relational Communication major
The capstone in communication is intended to serve as a culminating experience for communication majors. Students will engage in a significant service project that will lead to assignments that allow them to integrate their experiences across different courses, apply the written and oral communication skills they have learned, and engage in professional development.
SPCH 460 - Independent Study and Research - 1-4 hours
Prereq: none
Investigation of selected problems or topics on an individual basis. Obtain form from the Department office.
SPCH 475 - Internship - 1-6 hours
Prereq: permission of instructor and acceptance by a cooperating organization
In-depth study for advanced students through practical experience in the business and professional world in the area of speech communication.
SPCH 499 - Communication Theory - 3 hours
Prereq: 9 hours of core courses completed OR 6 hours completed and 3 taken concurrently
An overview of theory and major theorists in the field of communication.

* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is required prior to this immediate prerequisite.

8 Apr 2014

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