You are in the official 1998-99 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Speech Communication
COURSES
- Speech Communication (Spch)
- Speech Communication (Spch) --- Graduate Courses
- Speech Communication (Spch) --- In-Service Course
Speech Communication (Spch)
AR. Study Skills Development (2)
Development of communication skills necessary for successful learning in a university, including reading, library research, control of anxiety, critical analysis, listening, oral and written reports. CR /NC grading only; not applicable toward baccalaureate degree requirements.
3. Fundamentals of Public Communication (3)
Theories of human communication and their function in contemporary public settings; experiences designed to enhance fundamental communication skills -- research, organization, reasoning, listening, and problem solving -- through a series of oral presentations. General Education CORE. (CAN SPCH 4)
4. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3)
Introduction to various theories of interpersonal communication; participation in experiences designed to enhance competence in interpersonal relationships. General Education BREADTH, Division 4. (CAN SPCH 8)
5. Argumentation (3)
Logical analysis, evidence, reasoning, and proof used in arriving at rational decisions as demonstrated through presentation of public speeches and debates. General Education CORE, Critical Thinking. (CAN SPCH 6)
7. Persuasion (3)
Analysis and practice of the use of persuasion as a social tool for resolving controversy and forming opinions from the perspectives of both the persuader and the persuaded. General Education CORE.
8. Group Discussion (3)
Communication in group thinking and problem solving through preparation and presentation of panels and symposia on public issues. General Education CORE. (CAN SPCH 10)
10T. Topics in Speech (1-3; max total 9)
Contemporary problems and issues in speech communication; sections include such topics as freedom of speech, parliamentary procedure, special communication skills, rhetoric of protest and response, and communication processes.
15. Forensics Laboratory (1-2; max total 4)
Experience in the presentation of debates, oral interpretation programs, persuasive and expository speaking. Intramural and intercollegiate competition in forensics.
100. Theories of Human Communication (3)
Survey of major theories of human communication, philosophical issues, and applications; theories include interpersonal, group, organizational, intercultural, linguistic, and persuasion.
103. Advanced Public Speaking (3)
Advanced principles of expository and persuasive speaking; development of skills through analysis, preparation, organization, and delivery of various types of speech.
105. Argumentation Theory (3)
Analysis of the theories and techniques of argumentation, including models of argument, relationships between persuasion and argumentation, and the effects of argumentative discourse.
106. Statistical Applications in Communication (3)
Introduction to elementary statistical concepts, correlation analysis, parametric and nonparametric tests; emphasis on the application of statistical procedures to communication research. (Computer lab fee, $15)
107. Critical Thinking in the Age of Information (3)
Examines the relationships between communication and critical thinking in the age of information. Topics include the relationship between communication and cognition, models of argument, the media and critical thinking, and methods for enhancing critical thinking competence. (Formerly Spch 188T section)
108. Communication and the Small Group (3)
Analysis of group communication theories and their application to small group behavior in specific variables such as leadership, power, conflict-resolution, conformity, cohesiveness, and related group processes.
114. Communication and Learning (3)
(Same as CTET 158.) The nature of communication and its relationship to learning and instruction; management of oral communication strategies in the educational setting.
115. Advanced Forensics Laboratory (1-2; max total 6)
Experience in the presentation of debates, oral interpretation programs, persuasive and expository speaking. Intramural and intercollegiate competition in forensics.
116. Communication and Humor (3)
Develop your sense of humor and learn to incorporate humor into your world by examining humor theories, social and personal functions of humor. Focuses on (1) stand-up comedy, writing, and presentation, or (2) application of techniques for management, sales, marketing, teaching, and health related fields. (Formerly Spch 188T section)
120. Gender Communication (3)
Exploration of gender variables that affect human communication behaviors, focusing on behaviors that have some mythical or factual bases in sex similarities and differences.
140. Rhetorical Theory (3)
An examination and analysis of significant theories and theorists of rhetoric from the classical to the modern period. Emphasis on preparation of research papers reflecting rhetorical principles of communication.
142. Rhetorical Criticism (3)
An examination of classical and contemporary principles of rhetorical criticism. Preparation and presentation of written analyses utilizing these principles in analyzing and evaluating rhetorical events.
146. British Political Communication (3)
A systems approach to the study of British institutions and communication. Study of government, press, broadcasting, education, and the criminal justice system to facilitate instruction in the evaluation of political messages. Emphasis given the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
148. American Public Address (3)
An examination of significant American speakers and speeches set in an environment of social and political history. The course is designed to acquaint students with the role of public address within the forces of American history.
149. Freedom of Speech (3)
Examines the tradition of freedom of speech and expression in the American democracy. Focuses upon the First Amendment to the Constitution and major case laws which impact contemporary standards for public discourse, politics, broadcast, and journalism.
150. Communication and Aging (3)
(Same as Geron 150.) Focusing on the communication aspects of the aging process, organized around the major communication components of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and mass communication with addition of such topics as attitudes, stereotypes, nonverbal, and the communication aspects of health care.
160. Meaning, Language, and Communication (3)
A review and analysis of the various approaches to the study of human symbolic behavior, with focus on such theories as: General Semantics, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Epistemology, and other philosophical and scientific enquiries into the nature of language and meaning.
162. Interpersonal Communication (3)
An examination, analysis, and application of communication theories and variables involved in interpersonal contexts such acquaintanceships, courtships, friendships, and families. Attention is given to communicative practices involved in the effective management of interpersonal relationships over time.
163. Social Influence and Attitude Change (3)
Seminar on the nature and effects of social influence, with special emphasis on attitude formation and change, conformity, behavior, "brain washing," prejudice, and propaganda as functions of communication.
164. Intercultural Communication (3)
Analysis of cultural variables and factors in the communication process and strategies for the resolution of intercultural problems; consideration of implications for education and programs necessarily involving intercultural communication.
165. Computer Applications in Communication (3)
Study and use of various computer systems available in the study of human communication: Fortran IV, Coursewriter III, LISP, SNOBOL, General Enquirer; emphasis on processing verbal data. (Computer lab fee, $15)
166. Communication Research Methods (3)
Application of behavioral research principles to problems in quantification, design, and analysis of data in communication research. (Computer lab fee, $15)
167. Leadership in Groups and Organizations (3)
Theory and practice of selected leadership variables in groups and organizations; functions of leadership in formal and informal structures, understanding and analysis of role-playing techniques.
168. Communication in Organizations (3)
Examination of organizational communication from a multiple discipline perspective. Through the study of theory and experiential learning in simulations, students develop skills necessary for planning, staffing, developing, decision-making, and problem-solving in organizations.
169. Communication and Conflict (3)
Examination of the role of communication in conflict in interpersonal, small groups, organizational, and societal settings. Through experiential learning, case study analyses, and practice of intervention skills, students address conflict styles, strategies, tactics, third-party intervention, and mediation techniques.
170. Business and Professional Speaking (3)
Development of communication skills necessary for success in business, government, and the professions. Includes theory and practice of interviewing, job instruction training, work group leadership, and proposal presentations. Class activities are adapted to students' career goals.
171. Communication and Planning Change in the Social System (3)
Provides students with an understanding of the communication processes involved in the evolution of social systems. Students will examine a full range of social settings (small groups, organizations, cultures, etc.) from a variety of theoretical and analytical perspectives. (Formerly Spch 188T section)
176. Communication Consulting and Training (3)
Development of skills necessary for effective communication consulting in business, government, and the professions. Includes theory and practice of needs assessments, planning and conducting training activities, and evaluation of educational activities; topics relating to adult education and client-consultant relationships.
179. Internship (1-6; max total 12)
Prerequisites: major in speech communication, at least 75 units completed and permission of instructor. Supervised work experience in government, business, social agencies, or nonprofit organizations. CR/NC grading only.
188T. Topics in Speech (1-3; max total 9)
Selected topics in speech communication.
189. Projects in Speech (1-3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Projects in speech communication. (4 hours activity)
190. Independent Study(1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for SP grading.
GRADUATE COURSES
(See Course Numbering System.)
Speech Communication (Spch)
205. Seminar in Argumentation (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 105, 140, or permission of instructor. Examination
of traditional and contemporary argumentation theory and research. Analysis
of argument fields, theories of argument, argument as epistemic, argument
and persuasion, argument and critical thinking.
214. Seminar in Instructional Communications (3)
An examination of the relationships of learning theories to communication
study and research. Research in instructional communication, teaching strategies
in communication education, and techniques for applying these concepts in
educational and training settings.
215. Seminar in Speech Arts (3; max total 9)
Research and individually directed work within one area of specialization.
Approved for SP grading.
241. Seminar in Rhetorical Theory (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 140, equivalent, or permission of instructor. A seminar
which deals with the development of specific principles by selected theorists.
242M. Seminar in Contemporary Criticism (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 142, equivalent, or permission of instructor. The
role of rhetorical criticism in contemporary society. (Formerly Spch 242)
243. Seminar in the History of American Public Address (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 142, 146, 148, equivalent, or permission of instructor.
A detailed study of selected men and women who have influenced political,
religious, and social problems in American history.
244. Seminar in Contemporary Public Address (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 142, 146, 148, equivalent, or permission of instructor.
The study of contemporary figures in public address who have influenced
political, religious, economic, and social problems in the 20th century.
262. Seminar in Communication Theory and Research (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 100, equivalent, or permission of instructor. An
examination and evaluation of mathematical, philosophical, sociological,
psychological, and rhetorical theories of human communication. Emphasis
upon the assumptions and implications of various theories, models, and constructs.
263. Seminar in Group Communication (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 108, equivalent, or permission of instructor. A critical
examination of the scientific research and theories in group communication
including research variables and methodologies. Implications of research
findings for contemporary communication problems.
264M. Seminar in Strategies and Applications of Communication Research (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 106, 166, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Application
of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to a variety of problems studied
in human communication. Discussion of design, instrumentation, and analysis
of quantitative and qualitative data. (Computer lab fee, $15)
265. Seminar in Interpersonal Communication (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 162, equivalent, or permission of instructor. An
examination of current quantitative and qualitative theory and research
in interpersonal communication. Implications and applications to various
kinds of human relationships and various aspects of those relationships,
e.g., stages, relational communication, attraction, conflict, self-disclosing.
266. Seminar in Intercultural Communication (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 164, equivalent, or permission of instructor. An
examination of current quantitative and qualitative theory and research
in intercultural communication. Implications and applications to various
kinds of human relationships and various aspects of those relationships,
e.g., interpersonal, organizational, national, international, communication
competence, and acculturation.
268. Seminar in Organizational Communication (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 168, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Theory
and application of organizational communication, including interpersonal
and group communication in planning, staffing, development and decision
making in complex organizations; organizational systems and environments;
recognizing, diagnosing, and solving organizational problems.
276. Seminar in Communication Training and Development (3)
Prerequisite: Spch 176, equivalent, or permission of instructor. In-depth
view and application of approaches to training in communication skills in
organizations including needs assessment for training, workshop and seminar
development, and evaluation of interventions.
290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent
Study. Approved for SP grading.
298. Project (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: prior advancement to candidacy, appropriate methodological
tools (Spch 242M, or 264M), equivalent, or permission of student's committee.
See Criteria for Thesis and Project.
Preparation, design, conduct, and evaluation of project applying rhetorical
and communication theories; e.g., communication campaign for public agency,
communication audit of corporate organization, extensive consulting or training
activities, etc. Requires scholarly report similar in format to thesis and
final oral defense. Approved for SP grading.
299. Thesis (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: appropriate methodological tools (Spch 242M, or 264M),
equivalent, or permission of student's committee. See Criteria
for Thesis and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an
acceptable thesis for the master's degree. Approved for SP
grading.
Note: Students must have earned at least a C in all
courses considered as meeting the prerequisite requirements.
IN-SERVICE COURSE
(See Course Numbering System.)
Speech Communication (Spch)
303. Topics in Speech
(1-3; max total 12; repeatable with different topics)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Application of the theories in speech
arts.
