Communication
Department of English, Linguistics, and Communication
Teresa A. Kennedy, Chair
P. Anand Rao, Career Advisor
Faculty
Associate Professors
Timothy M. O’Donnell
P. Anand Rao
Director of the Speaking Center
Esther Yook
Instruction in Communication
Communication courses enhance understanding of and skill in oral communication by introducing students to communication theories and by providing opportunities to practice communication in a variety of settings. Courses on the 200-level are performance courses, kept small to allow for individualized instruction.
Courses on the 300-level offer a historical and theoretical approach to the study of human communication behavior and examine how communication activities affect society. Students interested in more intensive training in persuasive speaking can join the University debate team and receive academic credit for participating in regional and national tournaments. Communication courses at the 300- and 400-level may count toward the English major.
Communication Course Offerings
205 – Public Speaking (3)
Study of the basic principles of public address; emphasis is on developing a theoretical and practical understanding of oral communication through practice in preparing, delivering, and criticizing speeches in class.
206 –Small Group Communication (3)
Study of the theories and principles of effective communication and decision making in small group contexts. Emphasis is on understanding communication dynamics and on improving one’s communication capabilities as a participant in and leader of small groups.
207 – Literature in Performance (3)
A performance course designed to enhance the performer’s appreciation and understanding of the great literature of the world – poetry, prose, and drama – by translating the printed page into the spoken word. Experience in presenting material to both adults and children.
208 – Interpersonal Communication (3)
Study of Interpersonal Communication.
209 – Argumentation (3)
Study of the use of reasoning in persuasive communication with emphasis on the construction, evaluation, presentation, refutation, and defense of oral arguments.
350 – Introduction to Rhetoric and Communication (3)
Introduction to human communication studies, focusing on the history, theory, criticism and mediation of persuasive messages to discover their roles in human society, culture, and contemporary life.
351 – Communication and Political Campaigns (3)
Study of persuasive communication in political campaigns, emphasizing the evaluation and criticism of campaign speeches, televised debates, and political advertising.
352 – American Public Argument (3)
Study of the rhetorical features of American public argument. This course examines how affirmation, contestation, and intervention work their way through rhetorical systems to become the basis for conventional wisdom and public policy in the American experience.
353 – Visual Rhetoric (3)
Study of the rhetorical use of visual texts with an emphasis on the development and use of visual arguments.
354 – Environmental Rhetoric (3)
Study of persuasive strategies used to discuss environmental issues with an emphasis on the interface between the scientific community, policymakers, and the public.
355 – Rhetoric of Science (3)
Study of the rhetorical features of the scientific enterprise.
356 – Rhetoric of Controversy (3)
Study of the rhetorical features of public controversies.
370 – Topics in Speech Communication (3)
Studies in major figures, movements, and problems in speech communication theory and practice. Consult Schedule of Courses for specific topics.
450 – Studies in Rhetoric and Communication (3)
Study of rhetoric and human communication; consult Schedule of Courses for specific topics.
481 – Policy Debate Practicum (1)
Credit for satisfactory work on the University’s intercollegiate policy debate team. Enrollment by permission of instructor and the department. No more than8 credits of Practicum (481, 482, 483) may count toward the 120 hours required for graduation; four credits may be counted in the English major.
482 – Public Debate Practicum (1)
Credit for satisfactory work on the University’s public debate team. Enrollment by permission of the instructor and department. No more than 8 credits of Practicum (481, 482, 483) may count toward the 120 hours required for graduation; four may be counted in the English major.
483 – Communication Consulting Practicum (1)
Students will review, study, and apply the principles of public speaking, rhetoric, peer tutoring, and instructional communication. In addition, students will reflect upon, discuss, and write about the application of these principles to their tutoring process. No more than 8 credits of Practicum (481, 482, 483) may count toward the 120 hours required for graduation; four may be counted in the English major. Prerequisite: Communication 205, Public Speaking, or permission of the instructor
491 – Individual Study (3)
Individual study under the direction of a member of the staff. By permission of the department. Only three credits of individual study may count toward the English major.
492 – Individual Study (1-6)
Individual study for variable credit under the direction of a member of the staff. By permission of the department. Only three credits of individual study may count toward the English major.
499 – Internship (1–6)
Supervised off-campus experience, developed in consultation with the department. Credits variable. Up to three credits may be counted toward the English major.