Introduction to OSU-Cascades Speech Communication

Speech Communication (COMM) at OSU-Cascades emphasizes the study of communication in interpersonal, community, group and intercultural contexts. Students taking COMM courses can expect to learn how to use communication concepts and theories as analytical and critical thinking frameworks for exploring and understanding their everyday and unique communication experiences.

COMM courses can be taken to fulfill requirements in the Baccalaureate (BACC) Core, the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Core, Liberal Studies major, Speech Communication minor and other OSU-Cascades majors and minors. COMM courses can not be "double counted" in the major , BACC, or CLA Core. Cascades COMM courses include but are not limited to interpersonal and community dialogue; cultural codes of place; communication theory; and interpersonal, group and intercultural communication. Course availability varies. Visit the on-line schedule of classes for currently offered courses.

Current OSU-Cascades students studying COMM or
minoring in Speech Communication (and recent graduates) have....

• Completed an internship with NBC Dateline (Winter 2008).

• Been selected to lead a two-month German youth wilderness therapy program and will earn COMM credits for her project and focused examination of the field experience (Fall 2007 & Winter 2008).

• Been selected for an OSU-Cascades/German business exchange program (Spring & Summer 2007 & 2008).

• Been accepted to graduate programs in Education, Counseling and Interdisciplinary Studies (as recent as spring 2007).

• Been hired in a variety of fields including but not limited to local environmental and sustainability non-profits, financial management, video on demand, city planning, human relations, and education (since spring 2006).

• Been selected as the 2006 Cascades Liberal Studies Social Science Distinguished Student.

• Participated as a research assistant resulting in an academic conference presentation and publication with Dr. Natalie Dollar (Mapping the Social Science Deadhead Trip, Dead Letters, 3, in press)

• Presented at an academic conference with Dr. Natalie Dollar (Bridging the communication gap: Dialogue, the campus, and the local community. Continuums of Service Annual Conference, Portland, OR, April 2005)

• Served as facilitators for the Annual Community Dialogue Workshop (January through March, 2006, Social Class: A Series of Dialogues)

• Completed an independent study on computer-mediated decision-making software

• Served as research assistants for an upcoming study of community rebuilding along the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Speech Communication Course Offerings

Fall 2007

• COMM 321: Introduction to Communication Theory (with co-requisite COMM 407: Seminar,  4 credits)
• COMM 427: Cultural Codes of Place (with co-requisite COMM 407: Seminar, 4 credits)

Winter 2008

• COMM 322: Small Group Communication (with co-requisite COMM 407: Seminar, 4 credits)
  COMM 418: Interpersonal Communication Theory & Research (WIC) with COMM 408: Community Dialogue Workshop (4 credits)
  

Spring 2008

• COMM 326: Intercultural Communication (with co-requisite COMM 407: Seminar, 4 credits)

Summer 2008

• COMM 412: Persuasion and Culture (with co-requisite COMM 407: Seminar, 4 credits)

Fall 2008

• COMM 321: Introduction to Communication Theory (3 credits)
  
• COMM 425: Communication and Youth Outreach (4 credits)
  

Winter 2009

• COMM 318: Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
• COMM 422: Group Communication Theory & Research (3 credits)

Spring 2009

• COMM 326: Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
• COMM 401: Research
  
• COMM 402: Independent Study
• COMM 406: Project
• COMM 410: Communication Internship
  

OSU-C Speech Communication Minor

The minor in Speech Communication requires three lower division courses and one upper division course. The remaining upper division courses are electives and can be taken in a combination relevant to your major. The upper division classes utilize theories, ideas and concepts of communication in an exploration of new ways of communicating. Critical thinking, written and oral communication, and collaboration are applicable skills to any major area of study, career field and your personal communication.

Additional Information:

• Speech Communication Minor Flyer (PDF document)

Advising Information:

• Advising Guide for Speech Communication Minor (PDF document)

Speech Communication Faculty

• Natalie Dollar, Associate Professor of Speech Communication