Speech (SPCH)

An examination of oral communication within a variety of contexts, including interpersonal, small group, public and intercultural communication. The course will focus on techniques to achieve competency and on the development of other communication skills such as listening, participating in discussions and critical thinking.

An exploration of a specific topic in Speech. A grade of C- or better fulfills the COLL 150 requirement. Although topics vary, the courses emphasize academic writing skills, reading and analysis of texts, and discussion.

Understanding and application of the principles of public speaking. Analysis of speeches based on organization, content, and delivery.

Understanding and application of the principles of public speaking. Analysis of speeches based on organization, content, and delivery. Note: This course is proposed as part of the W&M Jumpstart Data Science program.

Students will engage in a highly experiential study of literature through the intensive development of analytical ability and vocal and physical performance skills. Students will study, explore, and perform from the major literary genres of prose, poetry, and drama.

This course is designed to build the oral communication skills necessary to present academic research in the humanities, social sciences, and hard sciences to broader audiences outside the Academy. While the class will sharpen presentation skills, the emphasis will be on storytelling grounded in research that compels a broad audience to comprehension, memory, and action.

As a Barr Fellow, you have joined other honors students who recognize the need for important research to be effectively shared with broad audiences through presentation, oral communication, and storytelling. You will take your research and learn the skills required to make it understood by crucial audiences that do not share your professional, academic, or disciplinary background yet who have a crucial interest in the work you are doing.  The class culminates in presentations at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Training in the techniques and practices of argumentative speaking, study and analysis of debate propositions, preparation of the brief, research and selection of evidence, and practice in rebuttal and refutation. Lectures and class debating.

Study of logical and psychological foundations of discussion as a method of dealing with public questions, considering problems of adjustment, communication and collaborative action in small groups. Emphasis on principles, types and methods of discussion. Lectures and practice participation.

An examination of various theories of communication and application of those theories to specific social events. Attention will be given to the function of communication models, the dimension of interpersonal and intra-personal communication, nonverbal elements of communication, and analysis of attitude, change and theory.

Study of the principles of persuasive speaking, motivation of the audience; the development and organization of the persuasive message; the place of persuasive speeches in persuasive campaigns. Students will give several persuasive speeches.

Students will explore the cultural, social, and economic history of communication technologies from the telegraph to the Internet, and their social impacts. Using the major humanistic and social scientific approaches to mass communication research, we will examine the changing relationships between media industries, audiences, and American culture.

This course will address selected topics relating to communication across interdisciplinary platforms that are not routinely covered by existing courses. Subjects and prerequisites may vary from year to year. This course may be repeated for credit.

Independent study on a special problem for the advanced student, arranged on an individual basis with credit according to work done.