The Area of Speech Communication, and Theatre seeks to develop an awareness of the methods and techniques necessary for the continual improvement of human communication as a social and professional tool. Courses are designed to help students understand the methods and techniques used by the media systems, to assist students in their understanding and appreciation of cultural heritages, and to help them develop strong and healthy relationships. The University has two theaters which serve as laboratories for instruction and facilities for University-sponsored theatrical productions. Faculty and students participate in prominent theatrical organizations. A minor in Speech Communication, and Theatre requires the completion of 18 semester credit hours in addition to SPE 103, Interpersonal Communication, from the Liberal Studies Requirements. Students may concentrate in any of the three components. Specific course requirements include:

Minor in Speech Communication: SPE 200 (Public Speaking), COM 215 (Mass Communication and Society), SPE 302 (Interracial/Intercultural Communication), SPE 304 (Oral Interpretation), and SPE 315 (Voice and Diction). The remaining 3 semester credit hours must be selected in consultation with the student's minor advisor.

with the student's minor advisor.

Minor in Theatre: THE 204 (Introduction to Theatre), THE 250 (Acting), THE 305 (Theatre History), THE380 (Play Directing), and THE 408 (Black Theatre). The remaining 3 semester credit hours must be selected in consultation with the student's minor advisor. Approval of the area advisor is necessary for the selection of these electives.

Minor in Journalism: The minor in Journalism is administered by Speech Communication (Fine Arts Division), and the classes are taught jointly by English and Speech Communication faculty. The minor is intended both for those who want to major in English but who also want a minor which is more focused on a specific professional field (other than teaching), and for those who want training in Journalism to supplement another major. The minor consists of the following courses:

ART 307 Photography

COM 215 Mass Communication and Society

ENG 204 Journalism

ENG 361 Journalism II

ENG 362 New Editing

ENG 363 Feature/Public Relations Writing

COM 364 Desktop/Web Publishing