NVCC COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY
SPD 110 - INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH COMMUNICATION (3 CR.)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Examines the elements affecting speech communication at the individual, small group, and public communication levels with emphasis on communication competence and confidence at each level. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

Provides students with a theoretical and practical survey of the field of speech communication, including the opportunity to practice competencies with feedback to enhance communication confidence.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Fluency in Standard American English. Recommend proficiency in reading and writing at English 111 level.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

Students will be able to comprehend and apply communication principles in personal, small group, and public situations; report increased self-confidence in communication settings; express their ideas with verbal fluency; apply knowledge of nonverbal communication in sending and receiving messages; demonstrate critical thinking competencies; demonstrate the ability to organize information; adapt messages and behaviors to different communication contexts; employ appropriate listening and responding behaviors; and demonstrate understanding and respect for cultural and social diversity.

MAJOR TOPICS TO BE COVERED

A. Communication foundation: ethics of communication, language and meaning, listening and responding, communication models, nonverbal communication, perception and self-concept, planning goals/objectives and communication techniques B. Interpersonal communication: assertiveness, stages of relationships, strategies for dealing with defensiveness and managing conflict C. Small group: decision-making, leadership behaviors and responsibilities, problem-solving, roles and norms and agendas D. Public speaking: analyzing and adapting to audiences, delivery styles in presenting information, verbal and nonverbal messages, objectives and goals for specific speech situations, organization and supporting materials EXTRA TOPICS: ACTIVITIES FOR APPLICATION A. Experiential learning activities

B. Graded written assignments

C. Participation in small groups

D. Public speaking with immediate feedback

E. Exposure to presentation software skills

Revised 1/01

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