University of West Florida

SPC 2608   Basic Communication Skills

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Emphasizes the link between the fundamental theories in speech communication and effective public speaking. Includes practical training and study in public presentation skills, audience analysis, speech construction and problem solving using lecture and experiential learning format. Credit may not be received in both SPC 2608 and SPC 2016. (General Studies Course: HUM/VAL).

SPC 3301   Interpersonal Communication

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Emphasizes the link between interpersonal communication skills and relationship building in personal and professional contexts. Includes components on self awareness, impression management, rapport building, developing intimacy, managing conflict, ethical use of interpersonal power, diversity issues, leadership, and using technology to facilitate interpersonal communication. Involves hands-on service learning project that provides the opportunity to practice interpersonal skills in a professional setting.

SPC 3593   Practicum in Forensics

1-3 sh (may be repeated for up to 10.0 sh of credit)

Active forensics participation through library research, topic analysis, discussion, practice and travel to intercollegiate tournaments. Permission is required. Credit may not be received in both SPC 3593 and SPC 3594.

SPC 3605   Speech Writing, Analysis, and Delivery

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SPC2608

Practical application in writing, analyzing, and delivering speeches for a variety of professional and social rhetorical situations.

SPC 4513   Argumentation and Debate

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Provides studies in the theories of argumentation and debate, with many opportunities for practice. Students will be introduced to a variety of formal and informal debate formats. Theories of argumentation drawn from classical & contemporary sources, with application to practice, including: arrangement/construction, evaluation, oral delivery, and appreciation of forms or argument with consideration of their logical, ethical, and persuasive force. The content includes coverage of the fundamental principles and practices of critical reasoning and public logic. Designed for students interested in legal, academic, professional or political realms of communication and advocacy.

SPC 4540   Propaganda and Persuasion

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Explores persuasion theory of persuasive activity at a variety of turns in the modern world. Special focus is on social movements, political campaigns and advertising. Seeks to gain a clearer understanding of how persuasive strategy works, from where it emerges and why and how we are affected by it.

SPC 4640   American Public Address

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

The character of public discussion has been the key factor in the construction of community in the United States. Public discourse defines the fashion and terms in which we shape communities, including how we legitimate leaders, grant authority and create public space. This course is about the variety of ways in which Americans have used their voices to live their lives in communities. Over the 265 years covered by this course, the variety is a rich mix of voices which in different ways understood and responded to the world they experienced.

SPC 4650   Political Communication

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

An introduction to the field of political campaign communication, including advertising, speech making, debates, and journalist coverage of campaigns. Course dedicates a significant amount of attention to strategic communication in campaign contexts.

SPC 4651   Rhetoric of Social Movement

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

The nature and function of the rhetoric of social movements in American society. Social movements are communication events and processes in which persuasion is pervasive. They rely on communication events to retain their relevance in the society. An exploration into social movement development and function from a communication perspective. Special focus is lent to the nature of argumentation, language and ideology.

SPC 4680   Rhetorical Criticism

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

The rationale, methods, and applications of rhetorical criticism. Goal is to improve understanding and evaluation of real-world persuasive communication. Lecture and reading materials are divided into two main units. First is the general nature of both rhetoric and criticism, providing a basic conceptual framework for the identification and analysis of rhetorical artifacts. Second is a survey of nine contemporary critical approaches; cluster criticism, fantasy-theme criticism, feminist criticism, genre criticism, ideological criticism, metamorphic criticism, narrative criticism, pentadic criticism, generative criticism.

SPC 4710   Intercultural Communication

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Explores issues related to intercultural communication processes. Considers the important role of context (social, cultural, and historical) in intercultural interactions. The goal is to develop an understanding of the process of communicating across cultural boundaries. Operates from the premise that culture is both a producer and product of communication, and, therefore, an appreciation of communication processes is an essential factor in promoting positive intercultural relations.

SPC 6646   Strategic Approaches to Presentational Speaking

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Emphasizes advanced rhetorical theory, executive-level presentational speaking skill set development, and a diverse array of analytic tools used for context and public audience analysis. Focuses on the strategic application of these analytic and performance tools to instances of public and professional advocacy.