Focus is on the development of the major content areas of the field. Develops ability to analyze, organize, refute, critically evaluate and present well-reasoned argument about a particular issue. Explores twentieth-century interpretation and its implications for performance and criticism. Study of small groups, including investigation of the types, purposes, problems and communication processes of each. Focus is on the methods used by groups to accomplish tasks and resolve problems.
Consideration is given to the theory and practice of group discussion.
The course explores the relationship between communication and critical thought. Based on the rhetorical traditions of oral discourse, students will explore argumentation, negotiation, reason, fallacy, language, and evaluation of information as each relates to critical thinking. Speech composition and presentation with an examination of the principles of rhetoric, criticism, ethics, and persuasion as they apply to public speaking. Students present speeches of various types. Special communication needs of teachers of any discipline.