Course Descriptions

Lower Division

COMM 2000 Public Speaking (3 units)
Oral communication theory and practice in terms of the process, speaker, message, and audience. Emphasis on ethics, reasoning, evidence, listening, and criticism. Classroom activities include preparation, presentation, and criticism of speeches. Satisfies G.E. Area A1. (CAN SPCH 4) (Fall, Spring)

COMM 2005 Honors Communication Seminar (3 units)
Oral communication theory and practice in terms of the process, speaker, message, and audience. Emphasis on ethics, reasoning, evidence, listening, and criticism. Classroom activities include preparation, presentation, and criticism of speeches. Satisfies G.E. Area A1. Open only to students in the University Honors Program. (Spring)

COMM 2011 Introduction to Communication Studies (3 units)
Introduction to the field of human communication as developed in contemporary theory and research. Recurrent variables in verbal and non-verbal interaction are traced through the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and multi-personal systems. Satisfies G.E. Area D2. Open only to freshmen and sophomores. (Fall)

COMM 2110 Group Discussion Processes (3 units)
The development of basic skills in small group communication. Study of and practice in discussion methodology, types of discussion groups, information gathering, problem solving, decision-making, and leadership roles. Satisfies G.E. Area A1. (CAN SPCH 10) (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring)

COMM 2200 Introduction to Mass Media (3 units)
Provides an overview of historical, theoretical, economic, and societal perspectives on the mass media. Topics of special interest will include violence, pornography, advertising, learning, and politics as related to the media. Satisfies G.E. Area D2. (CAN JOUR 4) (Spring)

COMM 2300 Argumentation and Critical Thinking (3 units)
Introduction to argumentation, emphasizing critical thinking and reasoning. The process of constructing and evaluating sound arguments based on reasoning, evidence, and strategy. Analysis of legal, political, commercial, and academic argumentation and persuasion in oral and written forms of argumentation. Satisfies G.E. Area A3. Prerequisites: Completion of A1 and A2 G.E. requirements. (Spring)

COMM 2911 Communication Projects (2 units)
Project course for involvement of the student in a variety of speech and/or instructional related activities. Options include such projects as campus speech activities, broadcasting, and participation in community projects. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Fall, Winter, Spring)

COMM 2950 Selected Topics in Speech (1-5 units)
(Topics to be specified in Class Schedule) Development of a selected branch of speech communication. Topics may vary each term. Different topics may be taken for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Upper Division

COMM 3100 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3 units)
Structure and communication processes in two-person relationships. A review of the history, current theories, and research findings in such areas as interpersonal attraction, mate selection, compatibility, power, love, sex roles, conflict, and divorce. Alternative forms of close relationships are analyzed, including friendship, cohabitation, and homosexual relations. Satisfies G.E. Area F3. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3110 Organizational Communication (3 units)
Theory, problems, and practices of communication in organizations. Examination of organizational communication systems, cultures, and contemporary developments related to ethics and technology. Prerequisite: Junior standing, or consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3120 Management Communication (3 units)
The study and practice of communication principles, techniques, and forms required of managers in the organizational context. Emphasis upon message preparation and exchange in interviews, technical reports, panel-conferences, and public presentations. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

COMM 3140 Persuasive Messages (3 units)
Examination of the logical and psychological principles used in oral and written persuasive messages. Students will analyze the persuasive process and develop effective rhetorical messages. Ethical responsibility of the communicators will be considered. Prerequisites: Communication Studies majors only, junior standing, or consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3150 Advanced Presentational Speaking (3 units)
Study and practice of advanced presentational speaking in professional/business settings. Emphasis upon delivery, organizational strategies, adapting to diverse audiences, and how to use new technology. Prerequisite: Completion of G.E. Area A-1 such as COMM 2000 or consent of instructor (Spring).

COMM 3200 Communication Theory (WP) (3 units)
(Formerly COMM 4000) Covers primary communication theories, both verbal and nonverbal. Particular attention is given to macro theories, derivative theoretical extensions, and new paradigms. Communication contexts encompass interpersonal to mass media and cultural communication theories. Considers the purpose, goals, and criteria used in the evaluation of a communication theory. Satisfies upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Prerequisites: Completion of the Writing Proficiency Screening Test with a passing score. Junior standing. (Summer, Fall, Spring)

COMM 3400 Oral Interpretation of Children’s Literature (3 units)
Application of principles of oral interpretation to children’s literature. Types of children’s literature with emphasis on criteria for selection of literature for oral interpretation, story telling, as well as reading. Designed specifically for future teachers. (LIBS Integrative: Humanistic Inquiry) Prerequisite: COMM 2000, or COMM 2110, or consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3500 Web Design and Analysis (3 units)
Principles of web design and usability using human-centered design principles. Practice and theory of user research including usability testing, interviews, and task analysis. Students will learn a sampling of the human-centered design techniques and have the opportunity to apply them to real-world problems.

COMM 3550 News from the Front: Media and Public Perception (3 units)
Examines the role played by the media in shaping public perceptions of conflicts and the role played by nationalism, socioeconomic interests, media practices, and values in shaping media content. Satisfies G.E. areas F3 and G. Prerequisite: Completion of lower-division G.E. area C2 requirements.

COMM 3900 Communication Research Methods (4 units)
Designed to acquaint students with forms of research in speech communication. Samples from the research literature will be studied from the points of view of the research problems posed, the designs employed, and the techniques required. Prerequisites: COMM 2011 or 2200 and junior standing or consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3930 Community Forensics Practicum (2 units)
Provides an opportunity to prepare for and participate in community forensics competition. Laboratory preparation offered for inexperienced participants prior to public presentation. Includes debate and individual speaking events. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. Prerequisite: COMM 2300 or ENGL 2000 or PHIL 2000 or consent of instructor.

COMM 3960 Communication Careers (1 unit)
(Formerly Communication Colloquium) Identifies and explores some of the career options available to Communication Studies graduates. An overview of resources and opportunities provided by the Department of Communication Studies and the University will also be provided. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 4020 Communication in the Classroom (3 units)
(Formerly COMM 3020) This course focuses on classroom communication such as listening, perception, verbal and nonverbal messages, and instructional strategies. It includes a communication analysis of a classroom observation and the introduction of creative dramatics techniques. Designed specifically for future teachers. (LIBS Integrative: Humanistic Inquiry) (Fall, Spring)

COMM 4030 Communication Research Analysis (3 units)
Explores the formulation of research designs used in communication research techniques. Focuses on the nature of measurement, data analysis, and interpretation of findings. Includes the use of computer programs used in the calculation and reporting of results. Will involve understanding and performing basic research. Prerequisite: COMM 3900 or consent of instructor. (Fall)

COMM 4040 Gender Communication (3 units)
(Same as GEND 4040) This course examines the relationship between gender and communication, explores theories of gender development and identify, analyzes gendered verbal and nonverbal communication, and looks at gender in specific settings. (Spring)

COMM 4050 Relational Communication (3 units)
(Formerly New Rules for Social Relationships) Analyzes in detail a variety of recently emerging relationship forms and the underlying values they express. New forms such as cohabitation, intimate friendships, homosexual relationships, the single parent family, dual career marriage, childless marriage, and the blended family are examined to reveal important themes in contemporary society. Among these are a belief in autonomy, self-fulfillment, equalitarianism, rolelessness, impermanence, exchange orientation, emotional distance, and the primacy of career over parenting. Prerequisites: COMM 3900 and either COMM 3200 or COMM 4140, or consent of instructor. (Spring)

COMM 4060 Family Communication (3 units)
Analyses of the family as a communication system, including the role of communication in family decision-making, expressing intimacy, using power, managing conflicts, achieving interdependence and socializing children. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. (Fall)

COMM 4100 Group Communication (3 units)
Studies in small group theory and research. Participation in informal task groups devoted to such concepts as cooperation and competition, power, roles, status, and leadership as these relate to the variables of communication and productivity. Prerequisites: COMM 3200 or COMM 4140, and COMM 3900, or consent of instructor. (Fall)

COMM 4110 Organizational Communication Diagnosis and Design (3 units)
(Formerly Organizational Communication) Application of research methods in the diagnosis of organizational communication processes and the design of communication training to meet organizational needs. Develops skills in the study of organizational communication cultures based upon prior research and the development and conduct of organizational communication training. Provides option for service learning component. Prerequisites: COMM 3200 or COMM 4140, and COMM 3900, or consent of instructor.

COMM 4115 Communication for Leadership (3 units)
Study and analysis of communication patterns for leadership. Emphasis upon classical (such as trait, behavioral, contingency) and contemporary (charismatic, transformational, servant, team) leadership communication theories, including multidisciplinary perspectives. Prerequisite: COMM 3110, 3140, or consent of instructor. (Fall)

COMM 4120 Public Relations Campaigns (3 units)
(Formerly Advanced Persuasion and Social Influence) Tools and techniques of public relations. Application of public relations principles in a public relations campaign. Prerequisites: COMM 4210 and either COMM 3200 or COMM 4140, or consent of instructor. (Spring)

COMM 4130 Communication and Aging (3 units)
Provides a framework for better understanding the process of cross-generational communication and the improvement of communication competencies for interaction with older persons. Covers such topics as interpersonal communication dispositions of the long living, sensory barriers to effective communication, communication perspectives in social psychological theories of aging, and the influence of context. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. (Winter)

COMM 4140 Rhetorical Theory (WP) (3 units)
Rhetorical theory from classical to modern times. Influence of Aristotelian principles on development of rhetorical thought. Significant movements in development of rhetoric in France, Great Britain, and United States. Satisfies upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Prerequisites: Completion of the Writing Proficiency Screening Test with a passing score. Junior standing. (Spring)

COMM 4150 Nonverbal Communication (3 units)
Relationships of nonverbal communication with establishing, maintaining, and developing inter personal interaction. Relationships between verbal and nonverbal components of communication. Recent trends that contribute to theories of nonverbal communication. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. (Spring)

COMM 4160 Intercultural Communication (3 units)
Examines intercultural communication on the interpersonal level. In particular, it looks at the ways in which cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings. As such, the cultural assumptions brought to the interpersonal communication encounter will be explored. Through such inquiry, insights will be obtained about communicating competently with persons of other cultures. Satisfies G.E. area G. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring)

COMM 4165 Communication in Global Organizations (3 units)
(Formerly Communication in Multinational Organizations) Examines intercultural and international communication theory, research, and practices in global organizations. Issues include cultural knowledge, identity, corporate diversity, acculturation, language, nonverbal messages, conflict styles, ethics, and communication competence in multinational and global organizations. Prerequisites: COMM 4160, and either COMM 3200 or COMM 4140, or consent of instructor.

COMM 4170 Professional Interviewing (3 units)
Considers interviewing from a communication process perspective. Provides understanding and experience in developing skills and techniques applicable in various interview contexts: selection, appraisal, exit, and research. Covers pre-interviewing planning, interview techniques, current EEO laws and standards, and post-interview processes. Useful for students in Business Administration, Education, Social Sciences, and Communication Studies. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 4180 Health Communication (3 units)
Provides a framework for better understanding the processes and theories of Health Care Communication, and the improvement of communication competencies for interaction between Health Care professionals and the public they serve. Covers interpersonal, group, and organizational contexts. Also, examines intercultural and ethical elements of Health Care Communication. Prerequisites: COMM 3140 and COMM 3900, or consent of instructor. (Winter)

COMM 4190 Conflict and Communication (3 units)
Introduces students to the theory and practice of conflict management with emphasis on the role of communication. Prerequisite: COMM 3200 or COMM 4140, or consent of instructor. (Fall)

COMM 4200 Mass Media Theory and Research (3 units)
(Formerly Mass Communication Perspectives) Examines the role played by the mass media in shaping societies and perceptions of societies, with special emphasis on images of cultures in an international context. The focus of the course is on the interaction between mass media theory and research. Prerequisites: COMM 3900 and either COMM 3200 or COMM 4140, or consent of instructor. (Spring)

COMM 4210 Public Relations (3 units)
A perspective on public relations as integrated into overall workings of public and private organizational strategy and tactics. Key processes required in practice of public relations and standards required for professionalism. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 4220 Technology and Communication (3 units)
Course will survey various forms of computer-mediated communication and give students an understanding of how information and communication technologies create constraints and opportunities for social change, identity formation, and relationship building. Theoretical approaches to the study of technology and communication will be discussed. Students will leave the course with a solid understanding of the ways in which the Internet has changed the way we think about and form relationships and communities. Satisfies G.E. area F3.

COMM 4400 Visual Communication (3 units)
Introduction to the use of visual elements in communication, including how visual information, both physiologically and socially, is processed. Special emphasis will be placed on how the multimedia presentation of messages impacts meaning. Prerequisite: COMM 3200 or COMM 4140 or COMM 4200, or consent of instructor. (Fall)

COMM 4800 First and Second Language Acquisition (3 units)
(Formerly COMM 3010) Designed for liberal studies majors interested in obtaining the elementary teaching credential. Examines the theoretical, linguistic, physical, social, cognitive, and educational aspects of both first and second language acquisition. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)