Speech Communications

SP 101 Fundamentals of Speech (3) This basic principles and techniques course offers particular emphasis on delivery styles and platform performance. Students study and perform Scripture readings, poetry readings, pantomimes, monologues, speeches of introduction, and extemporaneous devotionals.

SP 102 Fundamentals of Speech (3) Prereq.: SP 101. This course is a continuing study in the basic principles and techniques of speech. Students perform pantomime, storytelling, demonstration, persuasive, impromptu, and informative speeches in weekly lab classes. This course is a prerequisite to all SP 200-level courses and above.

SP 161–262 Drama Team (1 each) Prereq.: Audition. The Drama Team prepares sacred, patriotic, and humorous dramatic selections for presentation in Bible-believing churches and Christian schools. Students sharpen communication skills while gaining valuable experience in church ministry activities. Requires Interterm and summer involvement.

SP 201 Voice and Diction (2) Prereq.: SP 102; and speech communications concentration, minor, teaching field, or emphasis. The speech communications student concentrates on proper use and care of the voice and the correction of vowel production and problem consonants. Through various performance opportunities, students apply the process of relaxation, posture, breathing, phonation, and vocal variety as essentials of proper speech. Fall sem.

SP 202 Voice and Diction (2) Prereq.: SP 201 and speech communications or speech communications education major. The speech communications student concentrates on using International Phonetic Alphabet, with an emphasis on attaining the General American Dialect. In addition, the student studies the importance of resonation in proper speech production and continues correcting individual vocal problems. Students give several performances that incorporate all aspects of proper speech. Spring sem.

SP 203 Oral Interpretation of Poetry (2) Prereq.: SP 297, 298, or 299; or speech broad field and SP 102. This course stresses the communication of thought and feeling from the printed page to the listener. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation and rhythm of poetic forms. Students apply analysis principles and in-depth interpretation techniques in their performances of lyric, narrative and dramatic poetry. Fall sem.

SP 204 Oral Interpretation of Dramatic and Narrative Literature (2) Prereq.: SP 203. This course stresses the basic principles and techniques of developing characterization and narration in dramatic literature. Students analyze and perform interpretative readings of novel cuttings, short stories, and drama cuttings. Spring sem.

SP 205 Voice and Diction for Broadcasters (2) Prereq.: Broadcasting concentration or minor and SP 102. The student learns the proper use and care of the voice, relaxation, breathing, phonation, vocal variety, and vocal production as they relate to speech used in radio and television. As students perform several broadcast scripts, the goal is development of a conversational style with clear, pleasant, and natural diction. Fall sem.

SP 207 Storytelling (2) Prereq.: SP 102. The principles of effective storytelling are introduced and practiced. Students are evaluated as they tell stories that relate to various age groups and speech situations.

SP 211 Voice and Communication (2) Prereq.: SP 102; concentration, minor, teaching field, emphasis other than speech communications or broadcasting. This course is designed for the non-speech communications major or minor. It concentrates on giving the student a proper understanding of the basics of vocal production, relaxation, posture, breathing, phonation, and vocal variety as it relates to proper vocal presentation. Correct vowel production is also studied. Students apply their understanding of these basic techniques in weekly speeches.

SP 212 Voice and Communication (2) Prereq.: SP 201, 205 or 211; and non-speech communications major. The non-speech communications student concentrates on the International Phonetic Alphabet, with an emphasis on attaining the General American Dialect. In addition, the student studies the importance of resonation in proper speech production and continues dealing with individual vocal problems. Students give several performances that incorporate all aspects of proper speech. Spring sem.

SP 241 Pantomime and Stage Movement (2) Prereq.: SP 102 and sophomore with a concentration in speech communications or speech communications education. This course has been designed to enhance the communication/ performance process by focusing on physical communication through the development of pantomime techniques. Students learn and use the techniques of basic stage movement, blocking, and positioning in a variety of performance situations. Spring sem.

SP 302 Public Speaking (3) Prereq.: SP 102. This course emphasizes the principles of speech organization, methods of delivery, ethical use of argumentation and effective platform performance. Student performances include the informative, persuasive and special occasions speech.

SP 310 Oral Interpretation of Religious Literature (2) Prereq.: SP 203. This course includes the performance of religious epic poetry, nonfictional religious literature, and readers’ theater productions. Students will prepare readers’ theater scripts of either Scripture or an event in the life of a great Christian and develop a file of religious literature. Spring sem.

SP 312 Debate (3) Prereq.: SP 102. This course provides a thorough overview of research, construction of arguments, principles of logic, rules of formal debate, and a study of the analytical skills necessary for a successful debate. Students participate in classroom debates and make a formal public presentation. Spring sem.

SP 331–432 Private Speech Lessons (1 each) Prereq. for SP 331: SP 297, 298, or 299; and credit for or concurrent enrollment in SP 203. Prereq. for SP 332: SP 331 and credit for or concurrent enrollment in SP 204. The student receives personalized instruction in speech communications.

SP 400 Scriptwriting (2) Prereq.: EN 102. This course teaches the process involved in writing a script for performance and focuses on creating a stage-worthy play. Students will learn the basic guidelines for writing performance pieces and drama, including script format and layout, as well as, production and publication. Students write a monologue, a Biblical drama, a one-act play, and an adaptation of a published work. May be taken as an English elective by commercial writing major or minor, or teaching field. Fall sem.

SP 410 Oral Communication in the Professions (2) Prereq.: SP 102 and junior or senior non-speech communications concentration. This course focuses on developing business and professional communication skills and techniques within the workplace. Students participate in interviews, problem solving through group discussions, various business exercises—including dictation and parliamentary procedure—and deliver a technical presentation adapted to a specific workplace.

SP 435 Senior Speech Recital (1) Prereq.: SP 204 and senior speech communications concentration. The senior speech recital is the culmination of the speech student’s academic work and interpretive speech training. The student develops a solo performance—of 40-45 minutes in length—composed of a single literary work.