Speech

For information, please contact
Dr. Michael Papa, Chairperson, 774-3177, 333 Moore Hall

Department Website

Why Study Speech Communication and Dramatic Arts?
Speech Communication and Dramatic Arts at CMU
Speech Communication Education Majors and Minors
Speech Major
Speech Minor
IPC Major
IPC Minor
TAI Major - B.A., B.S.
TAI Minor
TAI Major - B.F.A.
Music Theatre Major
Dance Minor
The Faculty
SDA Course Descriptions
IPC Course Descriptions
TAI Course Descriptions
DAN Course Descriptions

Why Study Speech Communication and Dramatic Arts?
The ability to communicate well, crucial to all of our activities, is developed through informed and careful study in the disciplines of speech communication and dramatic arts. Among the many areas of study are: public speaking, intercultural communication, business and organizational communication, interpersonal and group communication, debate and persuasion, theatre performance (including dramatic, musical and narrative theatre), theatre design and technology, and various dance techniques and choreography.

Speech Communication and Dramatic Arts at CMU
The Department of Speech Communication and Dramatic Arts at CMU is a hybrid department comprised of two areas: (1) the Interpersonal and Public Communication Area (IPC) and (2) the Theatre, Interpretation, and Dance Area (TID). While each area has its own unique programs and courses of study that are cited below, together the areas comprise a department that can address the complex nature of oral communication and performance in its various forms.

The professional and academic goals for the Interpersonal and Public Communication Area are the following: (1) to generate an appreciation for and an ability to utilize communication theory appropriate to the students’ vocational aspirations and societal needs; (2) to encourage the development of communication skills that help students build and maintain a sense of self-worth, understanding, and self-confidence; (3) to explore the integration of communication theory and skills with other social-science disciplines; (4) to sensitize students to the variety of perspectives and perceptions of people from different backgrounds and cultures and show the role of communication in creating understanding; (5) to assist students in developing communication competencies that enhance self-directed learning and problem-solving ability; (6) to provide service for the public good; (7) to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate communication skills in applied communication settings; (8) to provide quality education to update and refine the students’ knowledge in accordance with their developing needs; and (9) to contribute to the general advancement of knowledge by stimulating and supporting research efforts. For more information about Interpersonal and Public Communication programs, call the IPC Area Coordinator, Dr. Edward Hinck, 774-3763.

The professional and academic goals for the Theatre, Interpretation, and Dance Area are the following: (1) to engage students in a disciplined exploration of the complex nature of the theatre arts, oral interpretation, and dance; (2) to generate an appreciation for and a scholarly inquiry into the theatre arts, oral interpretation, and dance in the broad context of the arts and humanities; (3) to develop specialized analytical and performance skills appropriate to the students' vocational aspirations and societal needs; (4) to provide a cultural and artistic service to the academic and public communities through the production of selected theatre, oral interpretation, and dance performances and other projects; (5) to provide extensive laboratory experience in all phases of performance and production for theatre, oral interpretation, and dance; and (6) to contribute to the general advancement of knowledge by stimulating and supporting scholarly and creative-artistic research. For more information about Theatre, Interpretation, and Dance programs, call the TID Area Coordinator, Steve Berglund, 774-3961.

The Department of Speech Communication and Dramatic Arts offers specialized majors and minors in Interpersonal and Public Communication and Theatre, Interpretation, and Dance. For those interested in teacher preparation, a Speech major and minor are offered at the secondary level. The major includes three possible concentrations: IPC, TAI, and Generalist. The department also participates in the interdisciplinary Language Arts program, which offers a major and a minor at the elementary teaching level, the interdisciplinary Integrative Public Relations program and the interdisciplinary Music Theatre program.
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Speech Education Major and Minors

A minimum 2.7 GPA (B-) must be earned in all teaching majors and minors. Education majors must have completed at least 30 hours of the major program, including SDA 492 and SDA 493, prior to student teaching. Education minors must have completed at least 18 hours of the minor program, including SDA 492, prior to student teaching.

Speech Major
B.S. in Ed. degree, Secondary Emphasis

The major and minor both require four hours of English as specified by the North Central Association.

Speech Major with Speech Teaching Certification (41 hours)
1. Core Requirements (33 hours):
IPC 251 (3) Foundations of Communication Theory
IPC 267 (3) Introduction to Debate
IPC 357 (3) Public Speaking
IPC 361 (3) Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication
IPC 569 (3) Communication in the Classroom
TAI 170 (3) Fundamentals of Interpretive Reading
TAI 177 (4) Stagecraft and Stage Lighting
TAI 182 (3) Acting I
TAI 481 (3) Directing*
SDA 492 (4) Speech Methods in Secondary School
SDA 493 (1) Field Experience in Speech Education

2. Concentrations (8 hours):
In addition to the core requirements listed above, choose one of the following concentrations in consultation with an advisor:

a. IPC Concentration
IPC 353 (3) Communication in Small Groups
Choose 5 hours from the following:
IPC 269 (2) Practicum in Debate/Forensics*
IPC 367 (3) Nonverbal Communication
IPC 464 (1-3) Communication Internship*
IPC 495 (3) Communication Facilitation*
IPC 562 (3) Family Communication*

b. TAI Concentration
Choose one of the following:
TAI 175 (3) Appreciation of the Theatre
TAI 574 (3) History of Drama and Theatre I
TAI 575 (3) History of Drama and Theatre II
Choose one of the following:
TAI 371 (3) Readers Theatre*
TAI 376 (3) Interpretation of Drama*
TAI 570 (3) Oral Interpretation of Prose Fiction*
TAI 571 (3) Oral Interpretation of Poetry*
2 hours of TAI Studio Courses (TAI 305-320*; no more than one hour may be taken in any single TAI Studio Course).

c. Generalist
4 hours to be chosen from courses listed under the IPC Concentration and 4 hours to be chosen from the TAI Concentration.

* Courses with an asterisk have prerequisites or other requirements. Check the Course Descriptions section of the Bulletin for details.

Total: 41 semester hours
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Speech Minor
B.S. in Ed. degree, Secondary Emphasis

Speech Minor with Speech Teaching Certification
IPC 251 (3) Foundations of Communication Theory
IPC 267 (3) Introduction to Debate
IPC 357 (3) Public Speaking
TAI 177 (4) Stagecraft and Stage Lighting
TAI 182 (3) Acting I
TAI 481 (3) Directing*
SDA 492 (4) Speech Methods in Secondary School

* Courses with an asterisk have prerequisites or other requirements. Check the Course Descriptions section of the Bulletin for details.

Total: 23 semester hours
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Interpersonal and Public Communication Majors and Minors

IPC Major
B.A., B.A.A., B.S. degrees

Organizational Communication Concentration (39 hours)
Required core courses (33 hours):
IPC 251 (3) Foundations of Communication Theory
IPC 264 (3) Organizational Communication
IPC 301 (3) Survey of Research in Speech Communication
IPC 353 (3) Communication in Small Groups
IPC 357 (3) Public Speaking
IPC 361 (3) Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication
IPC 363 (3) Principles and Types of Interviewing
IPC 365 (3) Persuasion
IPC 401 (3) Capstone in Communication
IPC 461 (3) Communication in Leadership
IPC 560 (3) Communication and Change: The Diffusion of Ideas and Information OR
IPC 561 (3) Communication in Conflict Management
Plus 6 hours in IPC selected in consultation with the major advisor.
(No more than 6 hours from IPC 464, IPC 490 and IPC 495 may count toward the major in IPC.)

Interpersonal Communication Concentration (39 hours)
Required core courses (27 hours):
IPC 251 (3) Foundations of Communication Theory
IPC 301 (3) Survey of Research in Speech Communication
IPC 353 (3) Communication in Small Groups
IPC 357 (3) Public Speaking
IPC 361 (3) Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication
IPC 363 (3) Principles and Types of Interviewing
IPC 367 (3) Nonverbal Communication
IPC 401 (3) Capstone in Communication
IPC 468 (3) Theories of Interpersonal Communication
IPC 562 (3) Family Communications
Plus 9 hours in IPC selected in consultation with the major advisor, at least 3 at the 500 level. (No more than 6 hours from IPC 464, IPC 490 and IPC 495 may count toward the major in IPC.)

Total: 39 semester hours
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Integrative Public Relations Major

This is an interdisciplinary major. Please check the Interdepartmental and Interdisciplinary Majors and Minors section.

IPC Minor
B.A., B.A.A., B.S., B.S. in B.A. degrees

Required core courses (15 hours):
IPC 251 (3) Foundations of Communication Theory
IPC 301 (3) Survey of Research in Speech Communication
IPC 353 (3) Communication in Small Groups
IPC 357 (3) Public Speaking
IPC 361 (3) Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication
Plus 9 additional hours in IPC selected in consultation with an IPC advisor, at least six of which must be at the 400 or 500 level. (No more than 6 hours from IPC 464, IPC 490 and IPC 495 can be counted toward the minor.)

Total: 24 semester hours
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Advising.
Students considering an IPC major or minor are encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor to discuss prerequisites and the appropriate sequencing of classes. An advisor can be obtained in Moore 333 or by calling 774-3177. Students must complete IPC 251 and IPC 301 with a grade of 2.0 (C) or better.

Theatre and Interpretation Majors and Minors

TAI Major
B.A., B.S. degrees

Core:
TAI 170 (3) Fundamentals of Interpretive Reading
TAI 177 (4) Stagecraft and Stage Lighting
TAI 182 (3) Acting I
TAI 278 (3) Stage Makeup
TAI 481 (3) Directing
TAI 574 (3) History of Drama and Theatre I
TAI 575 (3) History of Drama and Theatre II
TAI 580 (3) Dramatic Theory and Criticism
3 Studio courses in 3 different areas.

Concentrations:
12 hours within the department selected in consultation with an advisor in one of the following:
Acting
Interpretation
Design Technology
Generalist

Total: 40 semester hours
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TAI Minor
B.A., B.S., and B.A.A. degrees

Core:
TAI 170 (3) Fundamentals of Interpretive Reading
TAI 177 (4) Stagecraft and Stage Lighting
TAI 182 (3) Acting I
TAI 278 (3) Stage Makeup
TAI 481 (3) Directing
TAI 574 (3) History of Drama and Theatre I
TAI 575 (3) History of Drama and Theatre II
TAI 580 (3) Dramatic Theory and Criticism

Total: 25 semester hours
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TAI Major
B.F.A. degree

The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is designed for individuals who qualify for and are admitted to intensive specialization in Acting/Directing, Design/Technical Theatre, or Oral Interpretation/Interpretative Theatre. Interested students must consult with the TID Area Coordinator. Transfer students who wish to enter the B.F.A. program should consult with the TID Area Coordinator.

Curriculum requirements include 45 hours in TAI courses; and 25 hours of elective cognate fine arts courses. The student is also required to demonstrate proficiency in the field of specialization prior to graduation.
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Music Theatre Major
B.F.A. Degree

This is an interdisciplinary major. Please check the Interdepartmental and Interdisciplinary Majors and Minors section.

Dance Minor
B.A., B.S. and B.S. in Ed., Elementary, Secondary, and Secondary Special Education Emphases

Students electing a dance minor must consult an advisor prior to beginning their program. A minimum 2.7 GPA (B-) must be earned in all teaching minors.

A. Required Courses (12 hours):
PED 138 (2) Dance Aerobics
DAN 133 (2) Dance Technique I OR
DAN 233 (2) Dance Technique II
DAN 230 (3) Movement-Rhythmic Form and Structure
DAN 232 (2) Dance Composition I
DAN 530 (3) History of Dance

B. Students on a teaching degree must complete the following additional requirements:
DAN 231 (2) Fundamental Movement
DAN 334 (3) Teaching of Folk, Square, and Social Dance
DAN 435 (2) Methods of Creative Movement
Electives (5) in DAN

C. Students on non-teaching degrees must complete the following additional requirements:
DAN 134 (1) Recreational Dance I
DAN 136 (2) Ballet I OR
DAN 236 (2) Ballet II
DAN 137 (2) Tap I OR
DAN 237 (2) Tap II
DAN 138 (2) Jazz I
DAN 430 (3) Dance Production
Electives (2)

Total: 24 semester hours
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The faculty: Steven Berglund, Denny L. Bettisworth, Onlee Bowden, Marilyn Brooks, Rick Buerkel, Nancy Buerkel-Rothfuss, Suzanne Chambliss, Denise Cole, Timothy D. Connors, Yvette B. Crandall, William Dailey, Brian Drake, Mary Lou Ecken, James Eikrem, Pamela L. Gray, Edward Hinck, Shelly Hinck, Stan Jenson, Rhona Justice-Malloy, Kanta Kochhar-Lindgren, Diane Krider, Albert L. Lewis, David A. Ling, Mary Jo Lodge, Elizabeth Murray, Michael Papa, Wendy Papa, Stacey Pattison, John Pea, Barbara Peddie, Doris Ramsey, Mary Ann Renz, Peter Ross, Matthew Schantz, Richard Sharp, Toni Smith-Holmes, Carleen Spry, Keeley Stanley-Bohn, Jill Taft-Kaufman, Lesley Withers.
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