Curriculum

COMMUNICATION STUDIES

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Program Planning Guide

DEFINITION

Communication Studies is a discipline which focuses on the study of the nature, process, and effects of human communication and interaction. Although oral communication has an important impact upon daily life, and is the dominant mode of communication, human interaction also involves nonverbal codes. Many courses in the discipline study the symbolic nature of communication within a variety of contexts. With its early roots in "rhetoric," the theory and practice of human communication has evolved into a discipline which encompasses the social sciences as a method of studying the pragmatics of human behavior.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Courses in Communication Studies satisfy general education requirements for the associate degree and State university baccalaureate. Prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions and advanced degrees in communication, as well as refining essential communication skills needed in virtually every human interactional endeavor.

Communication is an event which is at once social, economic, political, cultural, and technological.  In this way the course offerings in the department are designed to inquire into a variety of communication contexts, processes, skills, and effects reflecting the diversity of the field.

DISTINCTIVE FOCUS

The core of the Communication Studies curriculum includes three major areas of study which are integrated into the courses taught: Rhetorical Theory, Communication Theory, and Oral Interpretation and Performance of Literature. Courses are oriented to the practical communication skills needed to fulfill a diversity of educational goals.

POSSIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Many graduates in Communication Studies have found careers in the following areas:

  1. Public Relations and Advertising
  2. Publicity Manager
  3. Marketing Specialist
  4. Sales Manager
  5. Media Analyst
  6. Business Sales Representative
  7. Manager
  8. Public Information Officer
  9. Labor Relations Representative
  10. Employee Trainer
  11. Communication Consultant
  12. Customer Service Representative
  13. Law: Lawyer/ Court Clerk
  14. Medicine and Health Professions
  15. Medical Administrator
  16. Personnel Educator
  17. Program Administrator
  18. Health Care Counselor
  19. Public Relations
  20. Education - Teacher (at all levels)
  21. Counselor
  22. Researcher
  23. Administrator
  24. Director of Debate and Forensics
  25. Government Speechwriter
  26. Legislative Assistant
  27. Campaign Director
  28. Press Secretary
  29. Elected Official
  30. Public Information Officer
  31. Media Editor
  32. Author
  33. Copywriter
  34. Reporter
  35. Announcer
  36. News Anchor
  37. Disc Jockey
  38. Director
  39. Manager
  40. Producer

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

An associate degree in Communication Studies is not available. Students wishing the associate degree for transfer should consult the general education pattern.

 MORE INFORMATION

College Phone: 259-7800
Admissions: Ext. 3280
Program Advisement: Ext. 3287

Course Descriptions

105 SPEECH FUNDAMENTALS
3 units
3 hours lecture weekly
Prerequisite: None

A basic study of the dynamics and principles of oral communication with attention to clear and orderly presentation. Application thereof in presentation of the basic message unit, expository, convincing and activating speeches and group discussion. CSU:UC

150 ORAL INTERPRETATION
3 units
3 hours lecture weekly
Prerequisite: Eligibility for English 090; recommended prerequisite or concurrently with Child Development 156 for Child Development Certificate student.

Introduction to and practice in the art of reading aloud for effective use of voice and movement according to the style, mood, meaning and emotion of appropriate literature. Students may select adult literature (option A) or children's literature (option B). Partially satisfies CSU General Education requirement. CSU:UC

151 RADIO/TELEVISION ANNOUNCING (SEE ALSO MEDIA ARTS)
3 units
3 hours lecture weekly
Prerequisite: Eligibility for or completion of Journalism 105, News Writing recommended

Theory and practice in radio/TV announcing for newscasts, commercials, sportscasts, and talk-show hosting with a focus on developing the individual "air" personality. Open to non-majors as well as majors. CSU

190 FORENSICS

2 - 4 units

1 hour lecture weekly.  Lab hours to be arranged.  May be taken 4 times for credit.

Preparation for competitive speech team.  Studies in argumentation and debate, informative and persuasive speaking, and extemporaneous and impromptu speaking.  Involves research and one-on-one training.  Requires participation in interscholastic competition or community speakers bureau.

223 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION
3 units
3 hours lecture weekly
Prerequisite: None

This course provides an opportunity to explore the process of groups and decision making through the practical application of theoretical concepts to a variety of group activities and public group discussion. Theories of group decision making and leadership will be explored to analyze group interaction. Preparation for the workplace will be emphasized through critical thinking and problem solving. Strategies for successful group interaction will be discussed. CSU:UC

225 STRATEGIES OF ARGUMENTATION
3 units
3 hours lecture weekly
Prerequisite: Speech Communication 105

Studies of the strategies used for rhetorical argument, finding issues, using evidence, and detecting fallacies in rhetorical communications. Practice in the formulation, presentation and analysis of argument in oral communication. CSU:UC

227 PERSUASION AND CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

3 units
3 hours lecture weekly
Prerequisite:
English 101

Provides an examination of the introductory principles of rhetorical theory and their application to the analysis and evaluation of public discourse.  Emphasizes an understanding of the theories of rhetorical composition as well as methods used to critique persuasive discourse.  Also prepares students to employ critical thinking skills through effective analysis, writing, and discussion of persuasive communication in the public sphere.

246 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
3 units
3 hours lecture weekly
Prerequisite: None

Intrapersonal and interpersonal communication theory and process will examine verbal and non-verbal channels including the role of self-concept, assertiveness, listening styles and conflict management, and cultural sensitivity. CSU:UC

250 PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
3 units
3 hours lecture weekly
Prerequisite: None

Analysis of the contemporary behavioral view of the scope and purpose of human communication, the factors involved in the process, and the role of language in human behavior. CSU:UC

256 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
3 units
3 hours lecture weekly

This course introduces students to the influence of communication variables, such as perception, language, and nonverbal processes, in intercultural communication. Students will examine theories of intercultural communication and apply these theories to real and hypothetical intercultural encounters. CSU:UC

260 COMMUNICATION AND GENDER
3 units
3 hours lecture weekly
Prerequisite: None

This course provides an examination of communication styles of males and females in a variety of settings. Topics will include male/female stereotypes and verbal/nonverbal patterns of communication. The implications for the ability to maintain effective personal and professional relationships will be addressed. Communication styles of men and women will be compared and contrasted. Strategies for developing communication competence in the areas of family, friendship, courtship and marriage, education, media, and business will be explored. CSU:UC

3/27/00 J. Martinez