Communication Studies

COMM 1100. Human Communication. 3-0-3 Units.

Provides a broad approach to oral communication skills including intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, and public speaking. Presents students with an introduction to communication as a field of academic study. In addition, students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in various communication techniques, including public speaking, group presentationsm, and critical listening skills.

COMM 1110. Fundamentals of Speech. 3-0-3 Units.

Presents the basic principles of effective oral communication. Emphasizes planning, researching, organizing, and presenting types of speeches used in business, educational, and political activities. Gives special attention to informative and persuasive extemporaneous speeches. Special sections use computers. COMM 1110C satisfies the computer literacy requirement.(F,S,M)

COMM 1120. Argumentation and Advocacy. 1-0-1 Unit.

Explores aspects of speech research and policy analysis. Students will research, develop, and persuasively argue selected topics. Additionally, the course will prepare students for competition in parliamentary and public debate. Issues to be discussed, analyzed, and debated include educational, political, and social events.(S)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110

COMM 2000. Introduction to Mass Communication. 3-0-3 Units.

Provides a historical and social overview of the mass media and their relationship to the mass communication process in a modern society.(F,S)
Prerequisites: ENGL 1101 with a grade of C or better

COMM 2110. Interpersonal Communication. 3-0-3 Units.

Focuses on the development of assertiveness, leadership, conflict resolution skills, critical thinking, and greater understanding of the complexities of the communication process. Practical and theoretical applications for all theories and concepts will be discussed.(S)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 and ENGL 1101

COMM 3100. Introduction to Communication Theory. 3-0-3 Units.

Introduces the students to the diverse insights and approaches to the process of human communication, examining the philosophical and empirical backgrounds to the theories and the practical applications of the theories. The class will emphasize interactivity and use of communication skills as it examines theories of rhetorical, group, mass, interpersonal, and intercultural communication.
Prerequisites: COMM 1110, COMM 2000

COMM 3220. Persuasive Communication. 3-0-3 Units.

Focuses on the development of critical evaluation, research, and persuasive speaking skills. Individual oral presentations, small group problem-solving discussions, and debating contexts will be considered.
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 and ENGL 1102

COMM 3301. Communication for Professional Settings. 3-0-3 Units.

Introduces baccalaureate students outside of the School of Business to the purposes, modes, and desired outcomes of oral and written communication in the business and professional workplace. Topics will include internal and external correspondence such as letters, email, reports, and newsletters; communication tasks involved in gaining employment; understanding the contemporary workplace environment; communicating in groups and teams; and public presentation for training and sales.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 with a grade of C or better; COMM 1110 with a grade of C or better; successful completion of at least 30 credit hours

COMM 3400. Organizational Communication. 3-0-3 Units.

Introduces students to the processes and principles that explain the way organizations communicate both internally and externally. Examines topics such as organizational cultures, conflict management, initiating change, leadership, team building, globalization, technology, and organizational diversity, etc. Exposes students to organizational communication from a historical and theoretical perspective, as well as an examination of current trends.
Prerequisites: COMM 1110, ENGL 1102,

COMM 3425. Communication in Small Groups and Teams. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the theories behind small group interaction with a view to equipping students to perform leadership roles in small educational discussion groups, work teams, parliamentary style meetings, and decision-making groups. Emphasis will be placed on practical application, listening skills, conflict resolution, arriving at consensus, creativity, and critical thinking with many opportunities for leadership development.
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 and COMM 2000
Corequisites: COMM 3100

COMM 3500. Humor Communication. 3-0-3 Units.

Explores humor as a communication device in a variety of contexts including, but not limited to, interpersonal communication, public address, organizational communication, language, health communication, humor theory, intercultural communication, and humor in the media. Focuses on theoretical moorings and application to real-world settings.
Prerequisites: COMM 1110, ENGL 1101

COMM 3900. Special Topics in Communication. 3-0-3 Units.

Offers an examination of rotating topics relevant to the field of communication. This course may be repeated twice when topics vary.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102

COMM 4425. Intercultural Communication. 3-0-3 Units.

Explores the meaning of culture, intercultural theories and research and examines the interactions of members of various cultures. Barriers to effective intercultural communication will be examined, as will methods of improving intercultural communication.
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 and COMM 2000

COMM 4602. Mass Media and Society. 3-0-3 Units.

Critically explores mass media's effect and influence on society through an examination of communication theories, concepts, and principles.
Prerequisites: COMM 2000, ENGL 1102