Speech Courses

SPCH-100 Topics in Speech

.5-4 Units: 9-72 hours of lecture and/or 27-216 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG

This course covers topics in speech. Topics will be chosen to supplement and serve as additions to current offerings in the area, and will be announced each term in the current schedule of classes.

SPCH-120 Public Speaking

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, SC, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: COMM 110)

This course provides students the opportunity to gain confidence in a variety of speaking formats, including informative, persuasive, impromptu and narrative presentations. Students will gain proficiency in listening to and evaluating public speeches. They will develop a personal style of speaking in public. This course presents the principles of good oral communication, with attention given to research and delivery techniques and critical evaluation of public communication.

SPCH-121 Critical Thinking and Persuasion

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, SC, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: COMM 190)

This course provides students with the opportunity to study the principles of reasoning and their application to the analysis and evaluation of political and marketplace communication. It examines the structure of argument, underlying assumptions, the quality of evidence used to support claims, the use of language, the discovery of formal and informal fallacies, and the effect of print and electronic media on argumentation. The course examines historical and contemporary approaches to persuasive messages. It also focuses on advocacy and the presentation of persuasive appeals, and learning to construct, deliver, and critique persuasive messages. This course emphasizes the integration of critical thinking principles with techniques of effective written and spoken argument.

SPCH-121I Critical Thinking & Persuasion (IGETC)

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: COMM 190)

Prerequisite: ENGL-001A

SPCH-122 Intercultural Communication

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, SC, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: COMM 150)

This course provides students the opportunity to learn the theory and process of communicating with people from various cultures, races and ethnicities. The specific focus for this course will be to develop the ability to acknowledge and understand the unique voices of people who have roots in different cultures, including Asia, Africa, Europe, South America and the Middle East. Students will study theories from interpersonal and inter-group communication as they relate to intercultural communication and will read from multicultural sources. Through lectures, readings, films, group discussions, written and oral assignments, students will learn skills for communicating across cultural boundaries in personal and professional relationships.

SPCH-128 Interpersonal Communication

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

This course offers an opportunity to learn and apply in daily life principles of human interpersonal communication. Content is based on psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect normal person-to-person interaction. Attention is given to human perception, interpersonal dynamics, self-awareness, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, and conflict resolution.

SPCH-141 Argumentation and Debate

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, SC, DG, CSU, UC

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about different styles of argumentation and debate. Students will learn how to critically analyze a variety of current event topics and present oral and written arguments on both sides of the issues.

SPCH-141L Argumentation Lab

.50-2 Units: 27-108 hours of laboratory per term, LG, DG, CSU, UC

This course is designed and intended to serve students with an interest in practicing argumentation and debate beyond the classroom. Students will develop, practice, and demonstrate argumentation and debate techniques specific to their needs, whether competitive, personal or professional. Although SPCH-141 is recommended, it is not required in order to enroll and succeed in SPCH-141L.

SPCH-142 Performance of Literature

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, SC, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: COMM 170)

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about oral interpretation, the art of presenting literature in a creative and enlightening way. Students will learn how to interpret and present literary material that encompasses the author’s perspective, bring literature (poetry, prose and drama) alive for an audience and help to make it relevant for them in today’s world.

SPCH-160A Speaking in the Community

.5-3 Units: 0-36 hours of lecture, and/or 0-72 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG (C-ID: COMM 160B)

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop and apply presentation skills. Students will prepare lectures and/or demonstrations to be presented in the community. May be repeated three times.

SPCH-160B Forensics

1-3 Units: 0-36 hours of lecture, and/or 0-72 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG, CSU (C-ID: COMM 160B)

This course provides students the opportunity to focus on the fundamentals of effective speaking presentations. Emphasis is placed on expository, persuasive, impromptu and extemporaneous speaking as well as on oral interpretation and debate. Students will utilize their speaking skills in intercollegiate competitions. May be repeated three times.

SPCH-298 Independent Study

.2-4 Units: 3.6-72 hours of independent study, per term, SC, DG

Prerequisite: Educational contract of study signed by an instructor, department chair and vice president. Topics must extend beyond regular course offerings.

This course is designed for selected students to pursue independent study in speech under the direction of an instructor.