Speech and Media Studies

Speech and media studies are the academic disciplines that seek to understand the processes by which human beings agree to cooperate in their endeavors. These processes are as old as human nature itself and are rooted in the original human condition of orality, but they continue to be modified as new media wax and old media wane. Understanding these processes is the basis for most of the coursework offered by this program; however, each course also seeks to develop the student’s proficiency in the particular styles of communication engendered by media as they evolve.

Courses in speech and media studies serve students well in many aspects of their lives including not only school and vocation, but also family, society, and civic responsibility.

The speech and media studies program offers two minors to Missouri S&T undergraduates: communication studies and leadership communication. Orality-based courses, including interpersonal, business, professional, intercultural, and mass communication, as well as courses in the social dynamics of leadership in groups and organizations, may be incorporated into either minor to best meet students’ individual needs.

Each minor requires 15 hours of study.

Communication Studies

Core Requirements:3
Communication Theory
Elective requirements, select four of the following:12
Principles Of Speech
Special Problems
Special Topics
Special Problems
Special Topics
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Discussion And Conference Methods
Foundations of Media Communication
Business And Professional Communication
Advisor or approved substitute for one of the above.

Leadership Communication

Core Requirement:3
Communication Theory
Additional Requirements:12
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Discussion And Conference Methods
Leadership Communication
Leadership Practices
Advisor or approved substitute for one of the above.

SP&M S 1185 Principles Of Speech (LEC 3.0)

A study of the arts of expression, oral communication, and listening (theory and practice); effective interaction of speech, speaker, listener, and occasion. Prerequisite: Entrance requirements.
SP&M S 1185 - MOTR COMM 110: Fundamentals of Public Speaking


SP&M S 2000 Special Problems (IND 0.0-6.0)

Problems or readings on specific subjects or projects in the department. Consent of instructor required.


SP&M S 2001 Special Topics (LEC 0.0-6.0)

This course is designed to give the department an opportunity to test a new course. Variable title.


SP&M S 2181 Communication Theory (LEC 3.0)

Deals with the concerns addressed by communication theory: language, cybernetics, visual arts, general semantics, information theory, and electronic communications. The university's fairly extensive media and communications resources are made use of, both for their content and for a study of the impact of their forms upon the transfer of information.


SP&M S 3000 Special Problems (IND 0.0-6.0)

Problems or readings on specific subjects or projects in the department. Consent of instructor required.


SP&M S 3001 Special Topics (LAB 0.0 and LEC 0.0)

This course is designed to give the department an opportunity to test a new course. Variable title.


SP&M S 3010 Seminar (IND 0.0-6.0)

Discussion of current topics.


SP&M S 3221 Fundamentals in Photography (LEC 3.0)

In this course the student will learn the basics of photographic composition and the use of the digital camera. A brief history of photography will provide context for the student's own development. Prerequisite: Sp&M S 1185 or 2181 (required for Speech minor credit); Art 1180 or Art 1185 (required for Art minor credit). (Co-listed with Art 3221).


SP&M S 3235 Intercultural Communication (LEC 3.0)

Examines the range of human differences as variables in the communication process; emphasis on broadening individual perspectives regarding the range of human experience. Particularly useful for students who will work and live in environments unlike those previously encountered. Prerequisite: Sp&M S 1185 or English 1120 or History 1200.


SP&M S 3245 Voice, Diction and Interpretation (LEC 3.0)

Training the speaking voice; study of vocal mechanism, breathing, projection, articulation, enunciation; practical application of speaking principles in oral interpretation reading; mastering clarity and variation of speech through vocal exercises. Students will attend one on-campus play to review the speech of one of the actors (Co-listed with Theatre 3245).


SP&M S 3250 Interpersonal Communication (LEC 3.0)

Explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of human communication in significant one-on-one relationships. Emphasis on theoretical approaches to identify and achieve particular outcomes desired in professional and personal interactions. Prerequisite: Sp&M S 2181.


SP&M S 3255 Discussion And Conference Methods (LEC 3.0)

Explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of human communication in task-oriented small groups with emphasis on producing desired outcomes. Particularly useful for students who wish to improve their ability to work in small group environments. Prerequisite: Sp&M S 2181.


SP&M S 3265 Leadership Communication (LEC 3.0)

This course explores various approaches to leadership with emphasis on the communication theories and behaviors associated with leadership in modern corporate and public contexts. Prerequisites: Sp&M S 2181, 3250.


SP&M S 3270 Leadership Practices (LEC 3.0)

This course provides opportunities for students to do qualitative and quantitative research in leadership, small group, and organizational communication. Prerequisites: SP&M S 5265.


SP&M S 3275 Foundations of Media Communication (LEC 3.0)

The course explores the historical, social, and psychological impact of media through study and practice of academic and non-academic theories of effective media communication. The course supplies an integrated critical framework for application in student's day-to-day consumption of media. Prerequisite: Sp&M S 1185. (Co-listed with Art 3275).


SP&M S 3283 Business And Professional Communication (LEC 3.0)

Examines culture and communication in the workplace from theoretical and practical perspectives. Topics include: group communication, interviewing, networking, planning and presenting material to technical and general audiences interpersonal communication and leadership in the workplace context. Prerequisites: Sp&M S 1999, 2181 or permission of instructor.


SP&M S 4000 Special Problems (IND 0.0-6.0)

Problems or readings on specific subjects of projects in the department. Consent of instructor required.


SP&M S 4001 Special Topics (LEC 0.0-6.0)

This course is designed to give the department an opportunity to test a new course. Variable title.


SP&M S 4010 Seminar (IND 0.0-6.0)

Discussion of current topics. Prerequisite: Senior standing.


SP&M S 4099 Undergraduate Research (IND 0.0-6.0)

Designed for the undergraduate student who wishes to engage in research. Not for graduate credit. Not more than six (6) credit hours allowed for graduation credit. Subject and credit to be arranged with the instructor. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.


SP&M S 5000 Special Problems (IND 0.0-6.0)

Graduate level problems or readings on specific subjects of projects in the department. Consent of instructor required.


SP&M S 5001 Special Topics (IND 0.0-6.0)

This course is designed to give the department an opportunity to test a new course with senior/graduate level emphasis. Variable title.


SP&M S 5010 Seminar (IND 0.0-6.0)

Advanced discussion of current topics.


Tracie Devault, Assistant Teaching Professor
MA Lindenwood University

Kendrea James, Assistant Teaching Professor
MA Northeastern State University

Superscripts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the faculty listing refer to the following common footnotes:
1 Registered Professional Engineer
2 Registered Geologist
3 Certified Health Physicist
4 Registered Architect
5 Board Certified, American Academy of Environmental Engineers
6 LEED AP Certified