SPEECH COMMUNICATION
The El Camino College Speech Communication department offers a thorough foundation in the theory and practice of speech communication. This is achieved through a variety of courses that serve to develop personal, business and professional communication skills in single, interpersonal and group situations. Skills in research, organization, critical thinking, argumentation, and forensic competition are also part of the course of study.
Students have the opportunity to participate in speech performances, class projects, research papers, critiques, and competitions. After successful completion of the program, students qualify to pursue a variety of speech-related careers and advanced degree options.
Degrees
An Associate in Arts Degree in Speech Communications will be granted to students who complete the course requirements. For more information, click here.
Certificate of Recognition
A Certificate of Recognition is offered to students who complete the requirements. For more information, click here.
Curriculum Notes
The curriculum offers a variety of courses that meet general education requirements as well as special interest courses. These include basic public speaking, group discussion, argumentation and debate, mass communication, voice, articulation and pronunciation, oral interpretation of literature, interpersonal communication, cultural communication, and a forensic workshop. For more information, click here.
Students are also offered the opportunity to attend the Speakers Forum, which includes visiting and faculty speakers presented by the El Camino College Center for the Arts.
Forensics Workshop
The forensic team of the Speech Communication department has earned an outstanding reputation for consistently ranking among the best forensic teams in the state and nation.
In 2001, the team was named National Champion among the community colleges by the National Parliamentary Debate Association. The team ranked 12th in the nation among all two- and four-year colleges–the highest ranking nationally ever achieved by a community college. In addition, one team member was named top speaker in the nation, winning the Bovero Award. Forensics team members have also received scholarships to prestigious colleges and universities as a result of their preparation and training.
Career Paths
There are many career opportunities in business and industry; communications and media; government and social services; and education that are available to individuals with training in speech communication. Listed below are some examples.
- Account executive
- Actor
- Administrator
- Advertising manager
- Campaign manager
- Communications lawyer
- Credit manager
- Educational consultant
- Elected official
- Fashion merchandiser
- Guidance counselor
- Hotel manager
- Lawyer
- Legal assistant
- Legislative aide
- Lobbyist
- Management analyst
- Mediator
- Minister/priest/rabbi
- Motivational speaker
- Narrator
- Paralegal
- PSA director
- Public information officer
- Radio/TV announcer
- Real Estate agent/broker
- Sales representative
- Social worker
- Speech pathologist
- Speech writer
- Sportscaster
- Teacher
- Training and development
- TV news anchor
Contact Information:
Ms. Constance Fitzsimons, Dean of Fine Arts
Office - Music Building, Room 101
(310) 660-3593 x3715
Email: CFitzsimons@elcamino.edu
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