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Communication

[For the art of persuasion] ought not be neglected Being indeed specially necessary for the [educator] Whom it behooves to excel in eloquence and power of speech

 - Augustine

 

The top two skills necessary for success in business are verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

- American Express, Voices from Main Street, 2002

Welcome to Northwestern State University's Communication Home Page

The study of communication, with roots going back to ancient Greece, prepares students for success in all academic disciplines. NSU’s Communication minor offers specializations in rhetoric, health communication and organizational communication. In addition, NSU offers a Speech Education track through the College of Education.

At Northwestern State University, we offer a selection of courses which can be taken for credit as part of the Communication minor or as part of a larger area of study in Liberal Arts. The Communication minor is designed to develop skills in Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication, Small Group Communication, Argumentation, Communication Theory and, Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, Inter and Cross-Cultural Communication. While the focus is not specific to any career path or occupation, per se, the minor equips students with the requisite communication skills necessary in a wide variety of occupational environments.

Interest in the study of rhetoric--including public address, argumentation, and persuasion was renewed early in the 20th century and has continued to this day. Aristotle, in On Rhetoric, defines rhetoric as “finding in each situation, all means of persuasion”. From Aristotle’s definition, future leaders must study the importance of persuasion of individuals and groups with whom they work and associate. In the study of rhetoric and public address students will learn the history and theory upon which persuasive skills are based. These skills are certainly appropriate in any discipline, but essential in pre-law, political science, journalism, public administration and an array of areas within business.

The organizational communication concentration examines the effects that organizational structure and membership have on human communication. This concentration will help students develop verbal and written communication skills vital to understanding organizational communication including critical thinking, problem solving, and understanding human behavior in an organizational culture. Organizational Communication emphasizes communication theories, strategies and tactics essential to corporate success.

The health communication concentration focuses on communication in a variety of contexts within the health care environment. Students study communication interaction between health professionals and patients/clients and health promotion communication strategies. Students are also prepared for working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and within the health education field.

Communication Minor

Students pursuing a Professional Communication minor must complete 24 hours of course work in Professional Communication, with the following specific requirements:

Student Organizations and Activities » Speech and Debate Team

NSU has reinstituted their Speech and Debate Team. The Debate Team is open to all undergraduates who meet the university’s requirements for extracurricular activities. We encourage all students, even those with no prior debate experience to join the squad. Even if you have never seen a speech or debate round before, we encourage you to come and check it out. Students benefit tremendously from debate. The speech and debate experience helps students to develop and improve communication and critical thinking skills. As a member of the team, students gain an understanding of theories, principles of argumentation and current world issues as well as developing better research, critical thinking, interpretation, and communication skills.

Faculty

Jon Crogan [Bio]
Tammy Croghan [Bio]
John Foster [Bio]
John Pickett [Bio]