Speech Degrees Offered

Overview
The Speech Communication program prepares students for careers in corporate, community, public relations, organizational leadership, organizational consulting, law, ministry, politics, and public service. The Speech Communication program area has two concentrations: Communication Studies, and Organizational Leadership and Public Relations. All students in the Speech Communication program must complete the eighteen hour core and an eighteen hour concentration area. If the student selects the 48 hour major option for either concentration the student with their advisor will need to choose twelve hours from the list of electives that does not duplicate courses in their concentration area.

The Speech Communication Program consists of four options: a 36-hour major with course sequences in speech, corporate and community relations, and public relations; a 48-hour comprehensive major (a major not requiring an accompanying minor); a 36-hour subject endorsement in speech; and a 21 hour-minor in speech. The Bachelor of Arts degree is preferred for all Communication Arts majors. Students are encouraged to complete internships, co-ops, honors projects, and service learning opportunities as part of their undergraduate experience.

Portfolio  
In accordance with the college’s policy on assessment of student work, each student is required to compile a portfolio of work examples from courses taken in the major. The portfolio is intended to act as additional evidence of student accomplishment and skills. Items can include, but are not limited to: tapes of student performances and speeches, resume tapes, video and audio production tapes, research reports, design projects, articles published, etc. A student’s portfolio will be developed with the student’s advisor to reflect each area of student competence.

Major in Speech Communication
Major in Speech Communication(BA or BS): 36 hours
Speech Communication Core Classes: 18 hours
CNA 201 Small Group Communication or 210 Interpersonal Communication (3)
252 Public Address (3)
317 Argumentation (3)
346 Organizational Comm I*
CNA 442 Comm and Rhetorical Theory (3)
455 Senior Seminar in Communication Arts (3)

*BUS 460 may be substituted for CNA 346 for students in the Organizational Leadership and Public Relations concentration.

Plus one of the following concentrations

In addition to the above listed degrees, the Speech Communication Program is a vital component of the Field Endorsement in Language Arts. The program is listed here for your convenience.

Field Endorsement in Language Arts
BA or BS
66 hours
A person with this endorsement may teach and direct curricular and co-curricular activities in composition, language, literature, speech, theatre, mass communication, journalism, and reading in grades 7 through 12. This endorsement requires 66 semester credit hours in journalism, language, literature, mass communication, reading, speech, theatre, and writing. Also listed under the English section.

Reading
ENG 443 Young Adult Lit (2)
444 Dev Rdg-Middle/Sec Sch (2)

Language
ENG 325 Structure of English (3)
326 Linguistic Theory & App or CNA 302 Language & Human Behavior (3)

Composition
ENG 200 Expository Writing or CNA 442 Comm & Rhetorical Theory (3)
202 Poetry Workshop or 203 Fiction Workshop or 430 Playwriting (3)
442 Teaching Writing (2)

Speech
CNA 201 Small Group Communication or 210 Interpersonal Communication (3)
240/440 Intercollegiate Forensics (3)
447 Directing Communication Activities (3)

Literature
ENG 270 Critical Approaches to Literature (3)
361 American Literature I (3)
362 American Literature II (3)
371 British Literature I (3)
372 British Literature II (3)
380 Shakespeare (3)
381 Classical Epic and Drama or 382 The Bible as Literature (3)

Mass Media
CNA 263 Introduction to Mass Comm. or ENG/CNA 383 Film & Literature (3)

Dramatic Arts
CNA 223 Acting I* (3)
232 Stagecraft* (3)
432 Play Prod for Secondary Schools (3)
*Participation in college productions also required.

Journalism
CNA 280 News Writing (3)
290 Editing and Copywriting or 450 Computer Layout & Present (3)

EDU 409 English Content Area Methods and Materials and EDU 409 CNA Content Area Methods and Materials must be taken as part of the professional education requirements.

Course Descriptions
CNA 100 is a prerequisite to all other speech courses except by permission of the department chair.

Undergraduate Courses
CNA 100 Principles of Human Communication (3) Students will acquire knowledge of the elements and models of communication in a variety of situations. In particular, students will learn about the nature of interpersonal, small group, public speaking, and organizational communication. Beyond this, the student will prepare and present speeches and public presentations in interpersonal, small group, organizational, and public speaking settings and contexts. “C” or above required for teacher education students.

CNA 201 Small Group Communication (3) Explores the functions of discussion in our society, problem solving, group dynamics, and analysis of the operative forces within the group. Emphasis on skills of group discussion, participation in decision-making groups, leadership, organization, and evaluation.

CNA 210 Interpersonal Communication (3) Prerequisite: CAN 100. The study of theories and models of interpersonal communication that enhance understanding and development of interpersonal relationships. Skills are developed in listening behavior, dyadic interaction, relationship and conflict management, verbal and nonverbal communication, and intrapersonal processing.

CNA (J,R,T,V) 220/320/420/520 Communication Arts Workshop (.5-3) Prerequisite: Approval of instructor and advisor. Practical application of skills to direct, produce, and coordinate curricular and co-curricular activities in theatre, broadcasting, and journalism. Title varies with major area. Workshop hours beyond those required in CNA majors may be taken as electives in the CNA majors but only with the permission of the advisor and department chair.

CNA 223 Acting I (3) Exploration of basic acting techniques and performance theory through object exercises, monologues, and scene work. (3 hours lab)

CNA 232 Stagecraft (3) Fundamentals of scenic construction and painting techniques, sound, properties, and stage management. (4 hours laboratory)

CNA 240/440 Intercollegiate Forensics (1-3) Participation in intercollegiate forensics as well as other public appearances. May be repeated for up to six semester hours.

CNA 252 Public Address (3) Prerequisite: CNA 100. The course builds upon the public speaking skills developed in CNA 100. Students will learn different styles of delivery of speeches, further learn about the development of arguments, how to adapt to audiences of different cultures, and how to be a critical audience member when others are giving speeches.

CNA 262 Writing for the Mass Media (3) An introduction to writing for print, electronic media and corporate communications. Writing skills will be emphasized and differences in writing for various avenues of mass communication writing will be explored. The course will give students the writing fundamentals on which other courses in broadcasting and journalism will expound.

CNA 263 Introduction to Mass Communication (3) An overview of the historical development, technological evolution, current status, and future direction of mass communication. Differences between mass communication systems will be explored, as well as mass communication effects on its audiences.

CNA 301 Advertising Copywriting (3) An introduction to the strategies of writing and speaking for journalism and mass communications, as well as an introduction to the purposes of advertising, sales, and marketing.

CNA 302 Language and Human Behavior (3) Examines in depth the relationship among language, thought, and behavior, emphasizing the role linguistic communication plays in culture and society.

CNA 317 Argumentation (3) Prerequisite: CNA 252 or instructor approval. Introduces students to the art of collaborative inquiry, deliberation, and decision-making. The course explores diverse approaches to ethical and effective inquiry, deliberation, and advocacy, as well as developing the skills necessary to their practice. The course focuses particularly on development of critical thinking and reasoning abilities, self-reflexivity, empathic listening, reading, viewing, and speaking skills, dialogic inquiry, and ethical and effective advocacy skills.

CNA 342 Persuasion (3) Prerequisites: CNA 201 or 210, 252, 442. The study of contemporary theories of persuasion and their applications. Persuasive appeals in political campaigns, social movements, and advertising are examined.

CNA 346 Organizational Communication I (3) Explores the nature and function of communication in organizations. Emphasis on concepts, skills for effective management of communication, analysis and evaluation of formal and informal patterns of communication in organizations.

CNA 352 Organizational Presentations (3) Develop expertise, poise and confidence in presenting professional informative, persuasive, and small group presentations for public, private, or business organizations.

CNA 374 Public Relations (3) A study of the principles and practices of effective public relations with exercises and projects emphasizing application of media skills for business, educational, and political communication.  

CNA 375 Intercultural Communication (3) Prerequisite: CNA 263, waived for ESL and MLC students. A course aimed at developing a through understanding of communication and culture, in both global and community settings, and the way members of diverse cultures and subcultures utilize unique systems, symbols and media representation to communicate among themselves and other groups. Emphasis on media representation of minority groups and U.S. sponsored health/public welfare campaigns in developing nations will enable students to critically assess the communication process in a cultural context.

CNA 377 Public Relations Writing (3) This course emphasizes writing skills needed in Public Relations work, awareness of Public Relations as a management strategy, the role of Public Relations in generating social awareness and responsibility, and the study of ethics in Public Relations.

CNA 380 Shakespeare (3) Directed reading of Shakespeare’s plays and poetry against the background of Renaissance culture. Cross-listed as ENG 380.

CNA 389 Photojournalism (3) Prerequisite: CNA 280. An introduction to planning, shooting, and processing still photographs for newspapers, magazines, and other print media. Designed for the student with little or no background in news photography. Laboratory experience on the college newspaper.

CNA 426/526 Worldwide Web Development (3). This course is designed to introduce students to software, design elements and practices related to creating and maintaining web sites on the Worldwide Web. Students will work with software to build web pages as well as to create and edit graphics and photos. Equally important is a focus on professional, legal and ethical issues that accompany publishing on the Web, and on the role of the web as a part of the mass media.

CNA 432/532 Play Production for Secondary Schools (3) The study of principles and methods of play selection for, and directing design and execution of theatre production in high schools.

CNA 442/542 Communication and Rhetorical Theory (3) Prerequisites: CNA 201 or 210, 252. The study of various theories and models typically employed in communication studies today. Students explore the central assumptions, questions, and approaches in the study of human communication.

CNA 447/547 Directing Communication Activities (3) A study and application of directing, coaching, and judging communication activities. The course will focus on the development of informative and persuasive speaking events, oral interpretation of literature and one-act play presentation.

CNA 448/548 Organizational Communication II (3) Prerequisite: CNA 346. Explores the networks, roles, rules, systems, communication climates, and superior-subordinate communication. Group process facilitation, and organizational intervention skills are developed.

CNA 450/550 Computer Layout & Presentation (3) Prerequisite: By advisement. A practical introduction to elements of design, layout and typography. Students will utilize these elements in computer lab to create publications such as brochures, newsletters, yearbooks, magazine and newspaper pages, and visual aids for professional presentations.

CNA 451/551 Speech Pathology (3) Characteristics, causes, and treatment of speech and hearing disorders. Designed for teachers to aid in recognizing speech and language disorders in the classroom.

CNA 452 Public Relations Case Studies (3) Prerequisite: CNA 374. The study of the role of communication theory in Public Relations as it applies in business, politics, and nonprofit organizations through the case study method. The management role in Public Relations will be studied, as well as the ethical responsibility of PR professionals. This course presumes prior knowledge of Public Relations principles and presumes effectiveness in public speaking.

CNA 453/553 Integrated Marketing Communication (3) Prerequisite: Junior standing or by approval. An exploration of strategic communication combining advertising, public relations, sales promotions, direct marketing, and other marketing communication functions to build relationships with constituents for business, organizations, and other groups. Includes case studies and hands-on projects.

CNA 454/554 Advanced Web Development (3) Prerequisite: CNA 426. Advanced web applications, animation, and database/active-server pages. Includes focus on the function of the worldwide web in professional settings.

CNA 455/555 Senior/Graduate Seminar in Communication Arts (3) Capstone course that involves the investigation of recent and ongoing research and theory in major field and their implications for continued research and field applications. Extensive training in listening, interviewing, and research skills. Completion of program portfolio required. Topics will vary from offering to offering. Cannot be repeated.

CNA 457 Special Topics in Communication (3) A detailed study of a particular aspect of communication, such as but not limited to political communication, gender and communication, communication and aging. Topic varies and the course can be repeated up to 3 times for credit covering a different topic.

CNA 458 Advanced News Writing and Reporting (3) Prerequisites: CNA 280, one course in Social Sciences. Course deals with major political, social, and economic developments that have local news interest. Complex, offcampus reporting on judicial system and court reporting, environmental, criminal justice, budgets, labor and employment, housing, poverty, etc. Will examine how bias and ideological framing arise from news routines.

CNA 459 Organizational Leadership (3) Prerequisite: CNA 346. An introduction to the study and practice of leadership from a communication perspective. Particular focus on the relationship between communicating and leading. Examination of leadership concepts and theories in organizational group and public contexts. Students will analyze leadership styles and develop leadership skills through team projects and classroom activities.

CNA 462 Communication Research Methods (3) Focuses on methodologies and designs used in Communication and Mass Communication studies. Students will evaluate the research of others as well as design their own studies. Although quantitative research methods and designs will be highlighted, students will also be expected to recognize the usefulness of qualitative methodologies. Junior standing.

CNA 470/570 Family Communication (3) An in-depth study of family communication concepts including family systems, roles, networks, power, intimacy, and decisionmaking. Special attention will be given to research affecting family communication in such areas as gender, culture, race, and age.

CNA 471/571 Mass Media and Society (3) Prerequisite: CNA 263. In-depth critical perspective of mass communication theoretical development and audience effects, including short and long term media socialization, political propaganda, advertising, social control, and characteristics shared by all media.

CNA 475/575 Communication Law (3) An overview of the function of the judicial system with special emphasis on broadcast and print media, interpretation and administration of the law. Important for news, advertising, public relations, and management. Appropriate for pre-law.

CNA 478 Communication Ethics (3) Explores ethical issues in interpersonal, small group, organizational, public speaking, and political communication. It will provide models of ethical decision-making and will increase ethical awareness through actual and hypothetical case studies.  

Eligible seniors may enroll in 500 level graduate courses.  
CNA 520 Communication Arts Workshop (1-3) See CNA 220

CNA 526 Worldwide Web Development (3). See CNA 426

CNA 532 Play Production for Secondary Schools (3) See CNA 432

CNA 542 Communication and Rhetorical Theory (3) See CNA 442

CNA 547 Directing Communication Activities (3) See CNA 447

CNA 548 Organizational Communication II (3) See CNA 448

CNA 550 Comp Layout & Presentation (3) See CNA 450

CNA 551 Speech Pathology (3) See CNA 451

CNA 553 Integrated Marketing Communication (3) See CNA 453

CNA 554 Advanced Web Development (3) See CNA 454

CNA 555 Graduate Seminar in Comm Arts (3) See CNA 455

CNA 570 Family Communication (3) See CNA 470

CNA 571 Mass Media and Society (3) See CNA 471

CNA 575 Communication Law (3) See CNA 475

 CNA 617 Topics in Argumentation and Persuasion (3) The focus of the course will

alternate between argumentation and persuasion with special attention given to the intricacies in argument structure and logic and/or to the analysis of persuasive campaigns.

 CNA 643 School and Community Theatre Management (3) Examination of challenges and problems in nonprofit organizations. Emphasis on curriculum, budgeting, fundraising, and collaboration between high schools and community theatres.

 CNA 675 Intercultural Communication (3) An advanced course in which students will develop an understanding of culture and communication, in both global and community settings, and the way members of diverse cultures and subcultures utilize unique systems, symbols and media to communicate among themselves and with other groups.

Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
Deborah Whitt, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Communication Arts
HU 113C
1111 Main St .
Wayne State College
Wayne , NE 68787
(402) 375-7352
FAX: (402) 375-7130
dewhitt1@wsc.edu