Speech Concentration Courses
In addition to the required courses and in lieu of elective credits, students wishing to earn a concentration in Speech must take the following seven courses:
See the course catalog for more information regarding concentrations.
COM 10121 | Speech and Debate Lab (1 Credit)
Provides students with active training in speech communications and includes traveling on the competitive speech and debate teams. May be repeated as needed. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Please note: COM Lab course must be repeated three times.
COM 20223 Argumentation and Debate (3 Credits)
Studies the principles of argumentation and practice in debate techniques with special emphasis on reasoning and research, case construction, refutation and rebuttal. Use of the collegiate debate question to given practical experience in various forms of debate. Prerequisite: COM 11023 Speech Preparation and Delivery.
COM 20523 | Performance Studies (3 Credits)
Develops the understanding that performances are a separate paradigm of communication. Class emphasizes the use of performance as a cultural artifact, a tool for persuasion and a method for processing information. Students research and analyze performances; they develop and create their own.
COM 30663 | Advanced Public Speaking (3 Credits)
Theory and practice in delivering common forms of verbal presentations to the community, organizations and at work. Development of speech content, organization and delivery. Practice of broadcasting, impromptu, persuasive, humorous, and informative speeches and presentations.
COM 38103 | Legal Communication (3 Credits)
Legal Communication explores key issues and topics in the practice of trial law: speech presentations of statements, client-based listening, voir dire and the role of media in trials. Issues in client-based communication are explored, as well. Students learn about research related to expert testimony, jury deliberation, and judicial instruction. The course also provides an applied appro
COM 40464 | Persuasive Communication (3 Credits)
Study of assertive communication skills to diagnose and solve personal and professional communication problems, develop persuasive interviewing skills, listen and respond creatively, give and take productive criticism and use feedback to analyze and enhance communication.
COM 48060 | Forensics Coaching and Pedagogy (3 Credits)
This is a laboratory coaching course in applied intercollegiate Forensics. Both the coaching and pedagogical focus of the course explores competitive forensics in both high school and college. Students gain practical experience in coaching individual events and various formats of debate. Students will be expected to develop a pedagogical position, create a DEI statement, gain experience in judging, practice budgeting for speech and debate teams, as well as assisting with tournament planning and administration.
Full Degree Catalog