The Speech and Theater Department is a performance oriented academic unit which focuses on both practical communication skills and foundations and theater arts. The students, implementation of these skills and accompanying technology resl,llts in appropriate standards of professional and interpersonal communication and performance in the work place, home and community.

Goals

1. Increase self-confidence and manage stage-fright by understanding one's self-concept and participating in a series of positive speaking situations.
2. Demonstrate the principles of public and theatrical performance styles and apply them in presentations and productions.
3. Apply principles of critical thinking and empathic listening in order to provide appropriate critiques of presentations and performances.
4. Integrate performance and interpersonal communication skills into the workplace, learning to deal productively with colleagues, customers, employers, and multi-cultural diversity.
5. Demonstrate audience decorum in the classroom and at all entertainment performances including movies, plays and concerts.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Overcome fear and improve self-confidence in public speaking performances.
2. Exhibit effective public speaking techniques such as eye contact, vocal projection and poise.
3. Demonstrate and integrate effective use of technology and visual aids in public speaking presentations.
4. Improve interpersonal communication skills at school, home and the workplace.
5. Understand elements of theater in historical and theoretical contexts.
6. Attend theater performances.
7. Critique theater performances.
8. Participate in theater crafts such as acting, directing, design, and set construction.
9. Utilize current technologies as resources for speaking presentations and theatrical performances.