Communication Studies Course Descriptions
COMM 301
Introduction to Public Speaking
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGWR 51
General Education: AA/AS Area II (b); CSU Area A1; IGETC Area 1C
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course prepares students to speak in a variety of rhetorical situations: as college students, as employees, as opinion leaders in the community. The course is designed to assist students in developing effective delivery, ethical research methodology, analytical thinking and listening skills, organization and outlining skills, and appropriate presentation skills. Emphasis is on researching, preparing, organizing, and presenting a variety of speeches for different audiences. Video taping equipment may be used as an aid to the student's self-analysis and improvement. Access to a computer with online capabilities may be required and computer access is available on campus.
COMM 311
Argumentation and Debate
3 Units
Prerequisite: ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area II (b); CSU Area A3; IGETC Area 1B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course introduces students to argumentation, critical evaluation of evidence, and reasoning in the context of debate. A series of writing assignments will focus on the skills of critical thinking, rhetoric, and the sophistication of argumentative skills. Intended as a practical course, the fundamentals of proposition analysis, case building and dissent are discussed and applied within written communication and oral presentation.
COMM 315
Persuasion
3 Units
Prerequisite: ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area II (b); CSU Area A3; IGETC Area 1B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course presents fundamental theories and techniques of persuasion as they occur in various communication contexts, including commercial, interpersonal, public and mass media. A series of writing assignments will focus on the skills of critical thinking, persuasion, and the sophistication of argumentative essay skills. Essays of advanced composition shall be evaluated for their quality in both critical thinking and composition. Theoretical models of critical thinking and communication studies shall be applied to rhetoric, examining message production, analyzing messages, and exploring the fields of electronic and print media, advertising (product campaign), political campaign strategy, and ideological campaign techniques for mass communication to consider the political, cultural and social impact of persuasion. Students explore ethical considerations of persuasive communication, learn about types of reasoning, and identify fallacious arguments as they occur in persuasion.
COMM 321
Interpersonal Communication
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGWR 51
General Education: AA/AS Area III (b); CSU Area E
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course will explore and apply models and theories of interpersonal communication in a variety of contexts. Using simulations and structured exercises, students develop a deeper understanding of communication concepts associated with developing and maintaining satisfying interpersonal relationships. Additionally, students will improve communication competency through a heightened awareness of the complexity of interpersonal communication and the development of skills as both senders and receivers of shared messages.
COMM 325
Intercultural Communication
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGWR 101; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
General Education: AA/AS Area V (b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D2; IGETC Area 4
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course introduces students to the influence of culture on identity, perception, social organization, language and nonverbal messages in intercultural experiences in the United States. Variations and commonalities in communication patterns across cultures are examined as well as processes and outcomes among persons of different group-based experiential backgrounds. Practical application of factors which influence communication among individuals of different cultures is emphasized.
COMM 331
Group Discussion
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGWR 51
General Education: AA/AS Area II (b); CSU Area A1; IGETC Area 1C
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course is designed to increase students' understanding of group communication and to prepare students to function more effectively in various types of groups, as college students, employees, as members in the community. The course is designed to assist students in developing an understanding of how group communication is uniquely different from other communication. Oral communication techniques within group settings will be analyzed in depth and assignments will include oral presentations (individual and group). The course will enhance students' effectiveness in the small group dynamics of roles, functions, leadership and norms. Problem-solving and decision-making skills are emphasized through simulations and discussion. Video taping equipment may be used as an aid to the student's self-analysis and improvement. Access to a computer with online capabilities may be required and computer access is available on campus.
COMM 341
Organizational Communication
3 Units
Prerequisite: ENGWR 101 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area V (b); CSU Area D2
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course is designed to allow students to examine both theoretical and pragmatic essentials of effective organizational messages from preparation and presentation to effective observation and analysis. Students will explore the dynamics of organizational communications in basic communication skills, working relationships, leadership, diversity in the workplace, conflict negotiation teams and problem solving and/or decision making groups. The roles of internal and external messages on the communication process and organizational effectiveness will be examined and analyzed. Access to a computer with on-line capabilities may be required and computer access is available on campus.
COMM 361
The Communication Experience
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGWR 51
General Education: AA/AS Area II (b); CSU Area A1; IGETC Area 1C
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts necessary for effective communication in a variety of settings with a variety of audiences. Special emphasis is placed on practical experiences within groups, facilitation of interpersonal relationships, and methods of conflict management. As part of this course, students are required to actively participate in groups and deliver oral presentations, both individually and in groups. Video taping equipment may be used as an aid to the student's self-analysis and improvement. Access to a computer with online capabilities may be required and computer access is available on campus.
COMM 363
Introduction to Communication Theory
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGWR 101
General Education: AA/AS Area II (b); CSU Area D7
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course will introduce the student to the symbolic process of human communication through the study of basic communication models, fundamental theory, and relevant research findings. Emphasis will be placed on achieving an understanding of the communication process, and the process through which researchers in the field add to their existing body of knowledge.
COMM 480
Honors Seminar: Political Campaign Communication
3 Units
Same As: HONOR 340
Prerequisite: ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area V (b); CSU Area D2; IGETC Area 4
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
What do pundits, politicians and the public have in common? The ability to impact political campaign communication. This seminar-style course will introduce students to the effects of political campaign communication on public opinion and election results. Using timely data, students will evaluate news media, debate presidential debates, and analyze campaign messages using qualitative and quantitative approaches. This course is intended for the honors student interested in learning about political communication, rhetorical criticism, and techniques for writing for academic audiences. Enrollment is limited to Honors Program students. This course is the same as HONOR 340, and only one may be taken for credit. See Cross-Listed Courses in the catalog.
COMM 494
Topics in Communication
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Course Transferable to CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 72 hours LEC
This course is designed to allow a student to focus on a set of contemporary communication concepts or theoretical frameworks in communication studies. Possible options for topics may include, but are not limited to: extemporaneous speaking, intercultural communication in the workplace or diverse settings, stages within interpersonal relationships, communication in the classroom, conflict, principles of visual communication, nonverbal communication, readers' theater, rhetorical criticism, parliamentary procedure and decision making techniques. Students may receive one unit of credit in each topic area. Consult class schedule for specific topics offered.
COMM 495
Independent Studies in Communication
1-3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Course Transferable to CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.
COMM 499
Experimental Offering in Communication
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB