Speech Communication focuses on the skills of oral communication as well as on understanding different types of communicative texts and the communicative expectations of different situations. Speech Communication also focuses on the impact of rhetorical choices, the language and symbols we use to communicate, in order to understand how they shape attitudes and perceptions, create audiences, and encourage action. Courses in Speech Communication cover not only the skills necessary to create and communicate effective messages to small and large groups but also skills for analyzing and assessing the messages we encounter in daily life.

Curriculum and objectives

  • SPCM 1100 Listening
  • SPCM 2120 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
  • SPCM 2160 America Speaks: Great Speakers and Speeches in US History
  • SPCM 2750 Analysis of Popular Culture Texts
  • SPCM 3100 Rhetorical Analysis
  • SPCM 3120 Business and Professional Speaking
  • SPCM 3230 Gender and Communication
  • SPCM 3500 Rhetorical Traditions: Histories and Theories of Rhetoric
  • SPCM 4180 Argumentation (Seminar in Rhetoric and Writing)

SPCM 2120 test-out

University policy states that students may attempt a test-out for a course only once.

Transfer credit policy

Students who believe their transfer credit may be equivalent to our SPCM 2120 must provide the ISUComm Speech Communication office (Administrative Support – isucommsupport@istate.edu) with the following:

If needed, students may also be required to supply all major speeches composed for the course.

The Public Speaking Director will review the information provided to determine whether the course can be used in place of SPCM 2120.

NOTE:

  • Transfer credit must be earned from an accredited English-speaking college or university in the United States. Students who plan to study abroad may not transfer credit for SPCM 2120 from an institution in a country where English is not the first and main language spoken.
  • Transfer course evaluations will only be reviewed once the student has started attending Iowa State University and after the course has been successfully completed.
  • Please allow at least two weeks for a response to a transfer course review.