Communication Studies

Program Description

The Communication Studies minor offers a broad range of courses focusing on human communication behaviors and is designed to complement any major. The coursework is designed to improve oral message sending and relational communication skills. In a global survey of industries, companies and public organizations, communication skills ranked FIRST among the personal qualities of college graduates sought by employers. A communication studies minor gives graduates communication credibility and opens many doors. It also enhances interpersonal relationships — students gain valuable conflict resolution and leadership skills, learn to win arguments, discover the power of persuasion, speak out publicly, use nonverbal and visual communication more effectively, and are able to do it all in an increasingly connected, diverse global society.

Contact Information

Department of Theatre Arts
Moss Performing Arts Center 141
970.248.1242

SPCH 101 Interpersonal Communications3 Credits

Exploration of multiple aspects of human behavior, including the communication process, perception, verbal and nonverbal communication, diversity and adapting to others, conflict, culture, and relationships in personal/professional contexts.

Essential Learning Categories: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

SPCH 102 Speechmaking3 Credits

Preparation, organization, and delivery of a variety of speeches.

Essential Learning Categories: Humanities

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

SPCH 112 Acting III: Voice and Diction3 Credits

The use of the speaking voice emphasizing voice placement, speech sounds, breath control, projection, and the phonetic alphabet. Recommended for theatre majors, teachers, prelaw, ministers and business majors.

SPCH 196 Topics1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

SPCH 203 Persuasion3 Credits

Open discussions on the ethics, process, and application of everyday use of persuasion; how it applies to advertisements, politics, and friendships; preparation for debate.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

SPCH 241 Oral Interpretation3 Credits

The reading aloud of prose, poetry, and essays with the intention of conveying the author's ideas to a listening audience.

SPCH 296 Topics1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

SPCH 303 Nonverbal Communication3 Credits

The opportunity to observe, record and interpret the nonverbal dimensions of communication behavior and the opportunity to enhance awareness and skill in nonverbal communication behavior in mass media, law, theatre, group dynamics, etc.

SPCH 304 Communication and Conflict3 Credits

The nature of conflict, conflict structure, conflict styles, and the use of power in conflicts. Application of theories to analyze and set goals to plan strategies and tactics. Study of intervention principles and practices.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

SPCH 305 Intercultural Communication3 Credits

Research and practical application to facilitate constructive communication and relationships with individuals and groups from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and identities.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

SPCH 306 Communication and Leadership3 Credits

Study of communication theories and styles to determine the influence over behaviors, thoughts, and feelings in leader-follower interactions.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

SPCH 307 Professional Presentations3 Credits

Exploration and practical development of high-energy presentation skills tailored to students' chosen career paths.

Prerequisites: SPCH 102 or ESSL 200.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

SPCH 308 Argumentation and Debate3 Credits

Research and development of various types of debate such as student congress, mock trial, value debate, etc., using national and international topics of current interest.

Prerequisites: ESSL 200 or SPCH 102.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

SPCH 395 Independent Study1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

SPCH 396 Topics1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

SPCH 495 Independent Study1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

SPCH 496 Topics1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.