Speech Communication

• Degree Requirements
• Minor in Speech
• Course Listing

Administered by the Department of Humanities and Fine Arts within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Study in Speech Communication at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is designed to allow students to prepare for professional positions in business, industry, social service and related careers. To accomplish this goal, plans are offered that allow for the study of communication skills and theories and their application to the problems in work and social settings.

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Degree Requirements

The total hours required for a B.A. in Speech is 120.

Sample Degree Plan

General Education 44 hours

Students must complete the requirements in the General Education Requirements section on pages 54-56 of this catalog. Recommended Courses: COSC 1335; SPCH 1315; PSYC 1301.

Computer Use

All majors must demonstrate a basic use of computing through completion of COSC 1301, COSC 1335, or similar computer science course which requires the actual use of computers. COSC 1335 may be used to meet both this requirement and the general educational requirements.

Major Requirements 30 hours

Basic requirements for all Speech Communications majors:(12 hours)

• Introduction to Communication Studies (3)
• One upper level course in rhetorical or communication theory. (3)
• One upper level course in rhetorical or communication research methodology. (3)
• Senior Project or Practicum in Speech (3)

Requirements for General Speech Communication Major:
Basic Requirements Plus:

• 18 additional hours of SPCH or MCOM selected in consultation with advisor. Only one of these courses may be lower level. Up to six of these may be selected from other disciplines with explicit permission in the degree plan.
• A minor of at least 18 hours outside of the communication field.

Requirements for Speech Certification for Teaching:
Basic Requirements Plus:

• Communication and Instruction (3)
• Mass Media and Society (3)
• Academic Debating (3)
• 9 hours selected from Small Group Communication, American Oratory, Advanced Public Speaking, Oral Interpretation, Storytelling, Readers' Theater.
• 24 hours toward a secondary teaching field: (English, Journalism or Drama recommended)

Minor in Speech (18 hours)

• Human Communication (3)
• Introduction to Communications Studies (3)
• One upper level course in rhetorical or communication theory. (3)
• One upper level course in rhetorical of communication research methodology. (3)
• Six additional upper level hours in Speech Communication

Secondary Field Certification in Speech (24 hours)

• Introduction to Communication Studies (3)
• One upper level course in rhetorical or communication theory. (3)
• Communication and Instruction (3)
• Mass Media and Society (3)
• 9 hours selected from Small Group Communication, American Oratory, Advanced Public Speaking, Oral Interpretation, Storytelling, Readers' Theater.

ExECET Requirements

Candidates for ExECT test in Speech must have completed the courses listed for each area below or equivalent courses in their teaching fields.

Speech: A second teaching field in Speech requires a student to complete 24 sch in Speech / Mass Communications to include the following: SPCH 2336, SPCH 3360, SPCH 4320, MCOM 2301, Academic Debating and 9 hours from the following - SPCH 3370, SPCH 3345, SPCH 3346, SPCH 3350, SPCH 4306 OR SPCH XXXX - SmallGroupCommunication

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Course Listing

SPCH 1315 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)*
A course in the history, theory and practice of public speaking with an emphasis placed upon the selection of topic, research of topic, organization and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Further emphasis is given to the reduction of anxieties associated with public speaking. Fulfills General Education core requirement.

SPCH 1316 Business and Professional Communication (3)*
A course which places emphasis upon the principles, leadership strategies, listening skills and non-verbal techniques necessary for effective communication in the professional/business context. Emphasis is placed upon effective interviewing, group discussion, coadvocacy, oral presentations, speech writing and conducting meetings.

SPCH 1379 Forensics Lab (I)
A laboratory course designed for students participating in intercollegiate forensic activities (debate, oral, interpretation, informative/persuasive/extemporaneous speaking, solo/duet dramatic interpretation). Students must have permission of forensics coach to enroll. This course may be repeated for credit up to four semesters.

SPCH 2310 Human Communication (3)*
An introductory course designed to give students a survey of the speech communication field. Students will be introduced to the basic principles, concepts and modes of human communication in various contexts. Emphasis is placed upon the theory of one-on-one communication as well as upon communication research techniques.

SPCH 2340 Nonverbal Communication (3)*
A course designed to study the origin, function and control of non-verbal, symbolic elements inherent in human communication.

SPCH 2350 Intercultural Communication (3)*
A study which explores the impact of cultural differences in human communication and which provides both theoretical and experiential opportunities to develop approaches toward gaining competence in communicating across cultural barriers.

SPCH 2389 Multi Listing Course (3)
Undergraduate courses which will be offered only once or will be offered infrequently or which are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.

SPCH 3335 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3)
An advanced course designed to enable students to understand and practice the theories and skills underlying person-to-person communications. Topics include the development, maintenance and dissolution of relationships, conflict, management, perception and listening skills. Prerequisite: SPCH 2310 or permission of the instructor.

SPCH 3340 Dynamics of Small Group Communication (3)
An introduction to group process and interaction, the concepts of leadership, effective participation and problem solving in the group setting.

SPCH 3345 Advanced Public Speaking Skills (3)
An advanced practice-oriented course in speaking in the public setting. Students will research, prepare, analyze and present complex reports and speeches. Prerequisite: SPCH 1315 or SPCH 1316 or permission of the instructor.

SPCH 3346 Oral Interpretation (3)
A performance course centered upon the study and practice of the theories and techniques for analyzing and orally interpreting various literary forms.

SPCH 3350 Storytelling (3)
A performance based course in which students will study and apply the theories and techniques of traditional American oral literature. Students will research, select, adapt and perform oral literature. Fulfills fine arts requirement for teacher certification.

SPCH 3389 Multilisting Course (3)
Undergraduate courses which will be offered only once or will be offered infrequently or which are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog.

SPCH 3391 Contract Study (3)
Students who are pursuing independent study or research as described in the contract study format.

SPCH 3392 Practicum in Speech (3)
Student internship, under supervision of faculty coordinator, in a selected area of applied communication. This course may be repeated once for credit.

SPCH 4306 Reader's Theatre (3)
A performance based course providing practice and study of theory and techniques to transform a literary text into a Reader's Theater production. Prerequisite: SPCH 3346 or permission of the instructor.

SPCH 4356 Theory of Argument and Persuasion (3)
A course designed to familiarize the student with the history and development of the theories and techniques of effective argument and persuasion as they apply to influencing human attitudes and behavior. Students will research, prepare, analyze and present complex persuasive speeches. Prerequisite: SPCH 3345 or permission of the instructor.

SPCH 4391 Contract Study (3)
Advanced independent study or research (equivalent to senior-level course). These courses will not count for graduate credit.

* Course fulfills general education requirements.

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