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.
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- 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.
