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SP 101 Fundamentals of Speech (3) Offered Fall, Spring. This basic principles and techniques course emphasizes delivery styles and platform performance. Students study and perform Scripture reading, impromptu, demonstration, speech of introduction, and extemporaneous devotional. Required for SP 102, 201, 207, 250, 410.
SP 102 Introduction to Interpretive Speech (3) Offered Spring. Prereq.: SP 101. Students develop and apply foundational interpretive techniques for narration and characterization. Required for SE 309; SP 203, 240, 244, 314.
SP 116–416 Drama Workshop (1 each) Prereq.: Participation in the cast of a nonmusical Fine Arts production; each level requires the preceding one. Students develop individual roles while learning to interact in the theatrical environment. Coursework culminates in a public performance. Required for SP 216, each level required for the next one.
SP 151 Philosophy of Christian Performance (3) Offered Spring. Prereq.: Performance studies major or minor, or speech concentration or second teaching field. Students develop a Christian philosophy concerning performance and theatre ethics based on biblical principles and research.
SP 161–462 Proclaim Ministry—Drama (1 each) Prereq.: Audition. The Proclaim 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. Required for SP 162, each level required for the next one.
SP 201 Voice and Diction (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: SP 101. Students concentrate on proper use and care of the voice. Through various performance opportunities, students apply the process of relaxation, posture, breathing, phonation, and vocal variety as essentials of proper speech. Required for PR 315, SE 309, SP 202.
SP 202 Voice and Communication (2) Offered Spring. Prereq.: SP 201. Students concentrate on the importance of resonation in proper speech production and continue correcting individual vocal problems. Students are introduced to the International Phonetic Alphabet and give several performances that incorporate all aspects of proper speech.
SP 203 Oral Interpretation of Poetry (2) Offered Fall. Prereq.: SP 102; performance studies major, speech concentration, second teaching field, minor, emphasis, or broad field. This course stresses the communication of thought and feeling from the printed page to the listener. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of poetic forms. Students apply analysis principles and in-depth interpretation techniques in their performances of lyric, narrative and dramatic poetry. Required for SP 204, 331, 341.
SP 204 Oral Interpretation of Dramatic and Narrative Literature (2) Offered Spring. 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. Required for SE 309; SP 402, 435.
SP 207 Storytelling (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: SP 101. 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 240 Stagecraft (3) Offered Fall. Prereq.: SP 102. The student learns basic principles and techniques of scenic design, costuming, and makeup necessary for productions in ministry settings. Required for SP 307.
SP 244 Stage Movement (2) Offered Spring. Prereq.: SP 102. This course has been designed to enhance the communication/performance process by focusing on physical communication. Students learn and use the techniques of basic stage movement, blocking, and positioning in a variety of performance situations. Required for SP 304.
SP 245–246 Performance Studio (1 each) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq. for SP 245: SP 102; prereq. for SP 246: SP 245. The student receives personalized instruction in interpretive speech. SP 245: required for SP 246; SP 246: required for SP 341.
SP 250 Public Speaking (3) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: SP 101. 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. Required for CO 335, 336.
SP 304 Acting I (3) Offered Fall. Prereq.: SP 244. This foundational course studies the basic theory and techniques of realistic performance and acting styles. While performing a variety of acting scenes, students learn and apply script and character analysis. Rehearsal techniques and improvisational exercises are also studied and performed. Required for SP 404.
SP 307 Introduction to Dramatic Production (4) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: Sophomore speech platform and SP 240. Aspects of mounting a stage production are studied and applied to a specific script. Subjects studied include casting, directing, staging, lighting, costuming, makeup, and sound. Required for SP 308.
SP 308 Fundamentals of Dramatic Production (4) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: SP 307. Students produce a college play. The course supplements the concepts learned in SP 307.
SP 312 Debate (3) Offered Spring. Prereq.: SP 101. 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.
SP 314 Assemblies and Productions Practicum (3) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: SP 102. Students learn how to create winning school programs by developing two full-length holiday programs and one banquet program. Students also assist with plays and programs.
SP 331–432 Private Speech Lessons (1 each) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq. for SP 331: Credit for SP 203; prereq. for SP 332: SP 331; prereq. for SP 431: SP 332; prereq. for SP 432: SP 431. The student receives personalized instruction in interpretive speech. Required for SP 332, 999 (each level required for the next one).
SP 341–442 Performance Studio (1 each) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq. for SP 341: Credit for SP 203; prereq. for SP 342: SP 341; prereq. for SP 441: SP 342; prereq. for SP 442: SP 441. The student receives personalized instruction in interpretive speech. Required for SP 342, 999 (each level required for the next one).
SP 400 Scriptwriting (3) Offered Spring. Prereq.: EN 126 and junior or senior performance studies major. 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.
SP 402 Advanced Interpretation (3) Offered Fall. Prereq.: SP 204. This course builds on concepts learned in SP 203 and SP 204. Several performances are directed toward sacred literature. Group interpretation and script adaptation are studied and practiced. Required for EN 418.
SP 404 Acting II (3) Offered Spring. Prereq.: SP 304. Students develop acting technique, conduct research, and perform with an emphasis on characterization.
SP 410 Oral Communication in the Professions (2) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: SP 101 and senior. Students learn business and professional oral communication skills necessary for success in interviewing, group discussion, problem solving, and persuasive presentations.
SP 435 Solo Performance Recital (1) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: SP 204 and senior performance studies major. The senior speech recital is the culmination of the student’s academic work and interpretive speech training. Performance is given during the last two semesters of the student’s speech coursework. The student develops a solo performance of 40 minutes in length composed of a single literary work. Required for SP 999.
SP 436 Private Speech/Recital (Education) (1) Offered Fall, Spring. Prereq.: SP 332. The recital represents the culmination of the student’s interpretation and production training. The student performs a solo performance 30 minutes in length. Required for SP 999.
SP 447 Dramatic Literature in Performance (3) Offered Fall odd. Prereq.: EN 210, and junior or senior. Students evaluate classical works of dramatic literature tracing their significance in the historical development of the physical theatre, conventions in staging, and production. The periods include classical Greek/Roman, Medieval, Italian Renaissance, Elizabethan, English Restoration, 18th century, early 19th century, and a brief examination of American.