Speech Communication, B.A.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursing a degree in Speech Communication:

Knowledge/Processes

• Identify the basic elements of an argument, such as claim, grounds, and warrant, to apply the basis of “test evidence” to the proof or support offered by and advocate, and identify common fallacies in reasoning.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basis postulates, theories, and models of human communication.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic stock issues associated with propositions of value and propositions of policy and to advance an argumentative case, refute and opponent’s case, and extend his or her own arguments.

Skills

• Adapt a persuasive message to the audience’s frame of reference, arrange the points into a hierarchy of coordinate and subordinate points, and display appropriate message-enhancing nonverbal behaviors.
• Distinguish between independent and dependent variable in an experimental investigation and to identify the basic threats to validity in controlled laboratory investigations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of communication research objectives and methods, utilize library resources to access appropriate scholarly information, and to develop and reference persuasive scholarly arguments in writing.

Attitudes

• Identify and analyze core cultural value dimensions that shape communication behaviors.