Communication Across the Curriculum
About Speaking Across the Curriculum at UNCG
In March 2000 the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
adopted a General Education program which included an effective speaking component.
Beginning in 2002 students will complete two Speaking Intensive courses, marked
as SI courses. In addition to one SI marker course in the student’s general
education, students will also complete a course marked SI in the student’s
major. 
The SAC (Speaking Across the Curriculum) program closely mirrors the WAC (Writing
Across the Curriculum) program, which has been developed in the College of Arts
and Sciences for fifteen years. A five-member committee, representing the College
and professional Schools, was appointed to establish guidelines and to review
course proposals.
The UNCG model gives students the opportunity for context-specific applications
of oral communication skills. The theory behind the program is that oral communication
competence in one discipline may differ from competence in another discipline.
With guidance and constructive feedback, students increase their competence
in the discourse of the discipline.
The principle of active learning is at the heart of the new program. As students
express opinions, argue their viewpoints, question assumptions, present findings,
and listen to their peers, they engage more fully in the subject matter, thus
learning more. Speaking-Intensive courses enhance the educational experience
of the classroom.
Research on SAC programs reveals that oral communication experience alone does
not guarantee effectiveness. The experience of presenting an oral report or
working in a team does not mean that a student will become more competent. Faculty
who designate their courses as Speaking-Intensive will integrate instruction,
constructive feedback, and opportunities for improvement into their courses.
Workshops to assist non-communication faculty in developing oral communication
components into their curriculum are a substantial factor in the program.
The UNCG program recognizes that oral communication competency is necessary
in many contexts, public speaking being one but not the only context. Faculty
will integrate instruction and assignments involving interpersonal communication,
small group communication and public communication according to what is appropriate
for the course.
The University Speaking Center opened in the Fall of 2002 and has been thriving
in the UNCG academic community. We will continue to develop the Speaking Across
the Curriculum program so that it remains an integral part of the unique UNCG
academic experience and a service to the faculty and student bodies both in
and out of the classroom.
Walter Beale, Director, Communication Across the Curriculum
whbeale@uncg.edu
Agnes Szarka, Program Assistant, Communication Across the Curriculum
a_szarka@uncg.edu
Joyce Ferguson, SAC Faculty Development Coordinator
jgfergus@uncg.edu
Speaking-Intensive GEC Committee members:
Chris Poulos, (Committee Chair), Communication Studies,
cnpoulos@uncg.edu
Elizabeth Chiseri-Strater, English,
e_chiser@uncg.edu
Mary V. Compton, Special Education Services,
mvcompto@uncg.edu
Kim Cuny, Communication Studies,
kmcuny@uncg.edu
Joyce Ferguson, Communication Studies,
jgfergus@uncg.edu