COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
HUMANITIES
DIVISION
The
Communication Department provides training in communication
skills for effective communication in
interpersonal, business and professional
settings.
COMMUNICATION
STATEMENT
OF PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS
Because communication
skills are necessary for our daily lives,
improving our skills as communicators allows us
to improve the quality of our lives. Effective
interpersonal relationships, success in business
and profession, and meaningful participation in
our democratic society are all based on
effectiveness in communication. The goals of the
Department of Communication are as
follows:
- To provide all Walters
State students with training in basic
oral communication skills.
- To provide all
students with communication skills needed
to perform effectively in business and
professional settings.
- To provide all
students with communication skills needed
for effective interpersonal
communication.
- To provide students
with the skills needed to analyze and
debate current societal issues.
Courses Offered
| Course
number: |
Course
Title |
Credit
Hours |
Syllabus |
Course Description |
| SPCH 2010 |
Introduction
to Speech Communication |
3 |
Spch 2010 Syllabus |
An introductory speech-communication
course which focuses on the skills development in the
areas of interpersonal, small group, and public
communication. Special emphasis is given to public
speaking. |
| SPCH
2020 |
Advanced
Speech Communication |
3 |
|
An advanced course in speech
communication skills. Emphasis is on public
speaking, professional presentation, and small group
discussion. (Prerequisite: SPCH 2010) |
| SPCH
2030 |
Debate |
3 |
|
Instruction and participation in
argumentation and debate. Emphasis will be given
to researching current issues. (Prerequisite: SPCH
2010) |
| SPCH
2040 |
Interpersonal
Communication |
3 |
|
Interpersonal Communication is the study
of the functions and processes of dyadic communication.
Students acquire a greater understanding of how to
relate to others from the course. Course topics
include: development of communication, competence,
development of relationships, problems in relationships,
how to conduct interviews, and managing conflict and
negotiation skills. |
| SPCH
2050 |
Introduction
to Film & Media Criticism |
3 |
|
This course surveys various approaches
to film and media criticism. The course examines
the various genres, both historical and contemporary, of
American film and television. Emphasis will be
given to audience strategies for viewing and evaluating
film and television from a Speech Communication
perspective. (Students cannot receive credit for both
SPCH 2050 and MCOM 2020) |
| SPCH
1210 |
Voice
& Physical Preparation |
3 |
|
The training of the voice for
communication, interpersonal or public (performance) -
incorporates physical and mental preparation.
Students will explore techniques for voice production
through vocal and physical exercises. |
| SPCH
2000 |
Forensics |
1 |
|
Students participate in public speaking,
debate, and dramatic interpretation events in
competition (may be repeated for credit).
Enrollment by permission of instructor. |
| SPCH
2440 |
Oral
Interpretation |
3 |
|
This course is designed to introduce
students to the process of analyzing literature for the
purpose of presenting it orally to an audience.
Basic skills and techniques necessary for this process
are studied. |
| SPCH
2900 |
Contemporary
Topics in Speech |
3 |
|
A course featuring the study of speech
communication in contemporary society with a
consideration given to topics of current research. |
FACULTY
 |
Malcolm L. McAvoy Associate
Professor of Speech Communications and Head,
Communication Department B.S., Cumberland College -
English, 1969
M.A.C.T., University of Tennessee -
Rhetoric and Public Address, 1971
Additional graduate work, University of
Tennessee
email Malcolm.McAvoy@ws.edu
|
 |
Ray T. Tipton Associate
Professor of Speech Communications
B.S., East Tennessee State University,
Speech & Music, 1978
M.A.T., East Tennessee State University,
Elementary Education, 1982
M.Ed., East Tennessee State University,
Reading, 1990
Additional graduate work, University of
Tennessee, Speech
email Ray.Tipton@ws.edu |
| Picture available soon |
Robin Ringer Assistant Professor of Speech
B.S., Frostburg State University, Mass Communications,
1996 cum laude
M. A., Regent University, Communication/Acting and
Directing 2002, cum laude
Additional graduate work, Liberty University,
Communication Studies.
email Robin.Ringer@ws.edu
|
| Picture available soon |
Larry Clifton Instructor of Speech
B.A., B.S., University of Tennessee, English and
Speech-1971
M.A. New York University- Film-1972Ph.D.,
Southern Illinois University - Speech Communication-1986
email
Larry.Clifton@ws.edu |
| Picture available soon |
Taylor Richard Instructor of Speech
B.A.-Ohio
State University, Speech Communication, (1972)
Cum Laude
M.A.-Ohio State University, Speech Communication,
(1975)
Additional
graduate Work: Ohio State University
University of Tennessee
email
Taylor.Richard@ws.edu
|
|
