Communication (Formerly Speech)

Communication courses are designed to help you improve your understanding of and skill in oral communication encounters. All courses introduce students to relevant communication theories and provide numerous opportunities to practice particular oral communication tasks in a variety of settings.

Communication courses at the 300- and 400-level may count toward the English major. Others who take communication courses do so for a variety of reasons, ranging from education certification to personal improvement to interest in the subject matter.

Courses on the 200-level emphasize performance and are kept small to allow for individualized instruction in the strategies of effective communication. The courses work to build effective performance by learning first the basics of relevant communication theory.

Courses on the 300-level emphasize analysis and criticism and offer a more historical and theoretical approach to the study of human communication behavior. While these courses stress the importance of examining how communication activities affect society, they also offer students frequent opportunity to develop necessary oral communication skills.

Students interested in more intense training in persuasive speaking can join the College debate team and receive academic credit for participating in regional and national debate tournaments. Previous debating experience isn't necessary if one wishes to be a part of the team. Call 654-1550 to get more information about debate at MWC.

Brief Course Descriptions

• SPCH 205 - Public Speaking (3)

Course purpose. This performance course seeks to help you to improve your preparation and presentation of speeches. You'll study the principles, theories, and practices of effective public speaking paying particular attention to factors of content, structure, style and delivery. You'll also examine the role of listening as an essential component in the process of public oral communication.

Method of instruction. Lecture-discussion sessions, careful criticism of "example" speeches and application of course concepts through your opportunity to present several different types of speeches to the class.

Course requirements (these may vary slightly from section to section).

• Four speeches (two are video taped)

• Tests (one or two)

• Completion of a Speaker's Journal

• Class participation

• SPCH 206 - Interpersonal and Small Group Communication (3)

Statement of purpose. This course explores the communication behavior associated with effective participation in and leadership of small groups. The goals are to increase your understanding of the group communication process, to improve your effectiveness as a group participant, to develop your understanding of principles associated with effective group leadership, and to increase your skills as a communicator in small group settings.

Method of instruction. Structured in-class activities, class discussions, lectures, assigned group projects and presentations, and observations of group work.

Course requirements (these may vary slightly from section to section).

• Group Panel Presentation

• Group Analysis Paper

• Mid-Term Test

• Class Participation

• Final Examination

• SPCH 311A -- Communication and Political Campaigns (3)

Statement of purpose. The class explores communication strategies and messages in political campaigns, concentrating on understanding how political messages "work" and/or fail. The principle goal of the course is to heighten your understanding of the process of persuasion and to increase your skill in analyzing the persuasive messages used in campaigns. Each student completes a substantial research project analyzing some aspect of the communication of a political campaign event of their choice. In doing this project, students grapple with the major goal of this course -- trying to make sense of how "political actors" try to influence us.

Method of instruction. This is intended as a seminar-style class, and students are expected to discuss actively "the topic(s) of the day" whenever class meets.

Course requirements.

• Research Paper

• Four Short Writing Assignments

• Two Oral Presentations

• Class Participation

• Final Examination