Discipline: Speech
1. Define the discipline in terms of relevance and student need.
Speech communication courses equip students with skills that develop their identities, establish connections, deepen ties over time, and work out problems and possibilities. Studying Speech Communication hones critical thinking and listening skills enhancing careers both as students and professionals. Speech
Communication enables students to express their values and explore the values of others in civil dialogue. Speech Communication students practice organizational skills, evaluation of ideas, evidence and arguments.
1.
Identify the courses taught in this discipline.
Speech 101 (Oral Communication
Speech 104 (Argumentation)
Speech 113 (English Speech as a Second Language)
Speech 121 (Interpersonal Communication)
2.
Identify factors that influence enrollment; such as, scheduling, combined
sections, and unique circumstances.
3.
List strengths and weaknesses in relation to student needs.
Strengths:
Speech Communication as excellent part-time faculty, courses fulfilling general education requirements, inter-disciplinary connections, and vocational prerequisites.
Weaknesses:
Speech Communication has difficulty keeping up with technology in the field—communication technology is a transactional field always growing and changing; therefore, the classrooms need updating. Pervasive student concepts that courses in Speech Communication are easy leading to unprepared students, fails, and drops.
4.
Review enrollment data in the LAHC Planning Resource Guide and verify the accuracy of the data and explain any unique circumstances of the discipline offering.
From: 2004 Fact Book/Speech
WSCH=2,099
WSCH/FTEF=525
Class Size=35

Regular Faculty=2
Part-time Faculty=2
From: 2004 Fact Book/Speech-ESL
WSCH=99
WSCH/FTEF=497
Class Size=33.1
Part-time Faculty=. 2
5.
State conclusions and significant findings.
The overcrowded classes with unprepared students produce drop and/or failure rate concerns.
6.
State a plan of action that would strengthen this discipline if indicated.
There are three specific actions in progress:
A.
Creating a prerequisite of English 101 for Speech 101,
104, and 121, respectively,
B.
Adding a speech course in Group Communication, and
C.
Creating and employing use of new smart classroom (TV
Class) for technological advancement and course.