Course Number	Course Title	Fall*	Winter*	Spring*	Other
COMM 120	Oral Communication	x	x	x	.
COMM 180	Critical Thinking through Argumentation	x	x	x	.
COMM 200	Introduction to Communication Studies	x	x	x	.
COMM 204	Introduction to Critical Communication Studies	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 221	Small Group Communication	.	.	x	.
COMM 225	Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication	x	x	.	.
COMM 240	Writing for Media	x	x	x	.
COMM 243A	Communication Practicum: Journalism and Photojournalism	x	x	x	.
COMM 243B	Communication Practicum: Radio	x	x	x	.
COMM 243D	Communication Practicum: Public Relations	.	.	.	2x year
COMM 245	Introduction to TV and Video Production	x	.	.	.
COMM 302	Communication, Language and Culture	x	.	.	.
COMM 304	Intercultural Communication	x	x	x	.
COMM 305	Critical Approaches to Communication	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 306	Communication Perspectives	x	x	x	.
COMM 308	Argumentation	.	.	.	Usually 1x yr
COMM 309	Computer Mediated Communication	x	x	x	.
COMM 311	Business and Professional Communication	x	x	.	.
COMM 312	Persuasion	.	x	x	.
COMM 320	Media History and Institutions	x	x		.
COMM 321	Media and Culture	.	x	x	.
COMM 331	Communication for Training Programs	.	.	x	.
COMM 341	Public Relations Theory and Principles (Intro)	x	x	.	.
COMM 342	Publication Design and Makeup	.	x	.	.
COMM 343	Public Affairs Reporting	.	.	x	.
COMM 344	Public Relations Communication (Practice)	.	x	x	.
COMM 345	Advanced TV and Video Production	.	x		.
COMM 346	TV and Video Field Production	.	.	x	.
COMM 352	Broadcast Management	.	.		Varies
COMM 380	Visual Communication	.	.	x	.
COMM 381	The Development of Motion Pictures	x	x	.	.
COMM 382	Intercollegiate Forensics	x	x	.	.
COMM 387	Radio Production	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 399	Community Service Project	x	x	x	.
COMM 400	Communication Research Methods	x	x	x	.
COMM 401	Gender, Race and Media	x	x	x	.
COMM 402	Ethnography of Communication	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 403	Interpersonal Relations	.	x	x	.
COMM 405	Mass Media Effects	x	.	.
COMM 411	Gender and Communication	.	.	x	.
COMM 415	Advertising as Social Communication	.	x	.	.
COMM 421	Organizational Communication	x	.	.	.
COMM 422	Communication and Conflict	x	x	.	.
COMM 431	Classroom Communication	.	.	x	.
COMM 441	Interviewing	.	.	x	.
COMM 442	Public Relations Campaigns	.	.	x	.
COMM 444A	Advanced Communication Practicum: Television Production	x	x	.	.
COMM 444B	Advanced Communication Practicum: Research	.	.	.	By Arrangement
COMM 444D	Advanced Communication Practicum: Mentoring	.	.	.	2x year
COMM 450	Broadcast Research and Audience Analysis	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 471	International Communication	.	.	x	.
COMM 481	History and Development of Documentary	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 491	Ethical Aspects of Communication	x	x	x	.
COMM 502	Communication Law and Policy	.	.	.	Yearly
COMM 506	Media Sex and Violence	.	.	x
COMM 520	Integrated Marketing Communication	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 522	Mediation Theory and Practice	.	.	x	.
COMM 542	Issue Management and Crisis Communication	.	.	.	Yearly
COMM 580	Culture and Ethnicity in Language	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 581	Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 584	Topics in Critical Communication	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 585	Topics in Human Communication	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 587	Topics in Mass Communication	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 588	Topics in Intercultural Communication	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 589	Topics in Computer Mediated Communication	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 593	Communication Approaches to Area Studies	.	.	.	Varies
COMM 591B-E	Internship/Externship in Communication	.	.	.	By Arrangement
COMM 595B-E	Independent Study	.	.	.	By Arrangement
COMM 499	Senior Project	x	x	x	.

*Subject to change without notice.
Varies = Sometimes less than once a year, sometimes more than once a year. Depends on other factors such as need, who can teach, etc.

Course Descriptions

120. Oral Communication Top
Introduction to effective speech communication with emphasis on informative and persuasive public speaking and presentation skills. (GE=A.2) (COMM 120=CAN SPCH 4) (4 units)

180. Critical Thinking Through ArgumentationTop
Principles of oral argumentation and forensics: evidence, methods of logical analysis, reasoned discourse demonstrated through argumentative speeches and debates. (GE=A.4) (COMM 180=CAN SPCH 6) (4 units)

200. Introduction to Communication StudiesTop
Descriptive overview of how humans communicate in various contexts within the areas of public argumentation and rhetoric, human communication, and mass communication. Includes introduction to communication processes, theories, and research methodologies. (4 units)

204. Introduction to Critical Communication StudiesTop
Survey of the history and study of rhetoric as it contributes to a critical understanding of the role of communication in society. (4 units)

221. Small Group CommunicationTop
Theories of communication applied to small group situations emphasizing decision-making processes. (COMM 221=CAN SPCH 10) (4 units)

225. Fundamentals of Interpersonal CommunicationTop
A skills development course designed to facilitate student's acquisition of basic face-to-face communication competencies such as building and maintaining communication climates, listening, perception, self-disclosure, and verbal and non-verbal communication. (COMM 225=CAN SPCH 8) (4 units)

240. Writing for MediaTop
Development of basic writing skills and practices appropriate for print and electronic media, including news, feature story, and documentary writing skills. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory. Prerequisites: ENG 101 or equivalent and word processing ability.(COMM 240=CAN JOUR 2) (4 units)

243. Communication PracticumTop
Practical application of communication skills. COMM 243A, 243B, 243D, 382, 444A, 444B, and 444D may each be taken twice for credit, but no more than nine total units from any combination of these courses may be applied toward the major. Graded credit/no credit. A. Journalism and Photojournalism (3 units) B. Radio (3 units) D. Public Relations (3 units)

245. Introduction to TV and Video ProductionTop
Introduction to equipment, theory and procedures used in studio production of television and video programming. Camera, VTR, switcher, lighting, audio character generation, and the roles of crew members will be examined. Basic principles of pictorial composition and aesthetics of the video medium for a variety of applications will also be introduced. Four hours lecture and two hours activity laboratory. (5 units)

302. Communication, Language and CultureTop
Contemporary theories of language as they relate to the communication process, including the coding system of signs, symbols, and meanings of cultural groups. (4 units)

304. Intercultural CommunicationTop
Description and analysis of cultural and gender factors in communication such as perception, value systems, language codes and nonverbal communication. Overcoming the communication problems that can result when members of different cultures communicate. (4 units)

305. Critical Approaches to CommunicationTop
Contemporary approaches to media and rhetorical criticism, with emphasis on television, film and public discourse. (4 units)

306. Communication PerspectivesTop
Traditional and contemporary approaches to communication theory, including an examination of the areas of rhetorical, human, and mediated communication. Prerequisite: COMM 200. (4 units)

308. ArgumentationTop
Advanced principles of argumentation: perspectives, analysis and practice. Prerequisite: completion of General Education Critical Thinking requirement. (4 units)

309. Computer Mediated CommunicationTop
Examination of how computer technology, particularly the Internet, influences the creation, retrieval, and processing of information in a variety of communication contexts. Students will acquire the cognitive and technical skills required to become active, thoughtful communicators via computer mediated channels. Formerly COMM 509 and a topic under COMM 587. Prerequisite: CSCI 124 or equivalent recommended. (4 units)

311. Business and Professional CommunicationTop
Presentation skills and techniques used in sales, business, professional and technical fields for the communication of information. Special emphasis on technological resources for corporate communication. Prerequisite: COMM 120 or equivalent. (4 units)

312. PersuasionTop
Study and application of rhetorical, social-psychological and mass behavior principles. (4 units)

320. Media History and InstitutionsTop
A historical examination of media institutions prominent in contemporary culture. Particular attention paid to media industry development and policies and processes of media production, past and present. Prerequisite: COMM 200. (4 units)

321. Media and CultureTop
Analysis of media texts and products as they relate to issues of social impact, identity, representation and economics. Prerequisite: completion of or concurrent enrollment in COMM 320 or consent of instructor. (4 units)

331. Communication for Training ProgramsTop
Techniques and functions of training programs in professional and technical settings. (4 units)

341. Public Relations Theory and PrinciplesTop
Perspectives and principles of agency, business, governmental, and non-profit public relations. Historical perspectives, current and future trends, and career opportunities explored. (4 units)

342. Publication Design and MakeupTop
Designing newspaper, magazine and online publications. Includes concept development, planning and composition, typographics, infographics, mastheads, illustration, and desktop publishing. Ethical considerations discussed. Prerequisite: COMM 240. (4 units)

343. Public Affairs ReportingTop
Methods and procedures for reporting activities of both public and private sectors. Includes interpretive and investigative practice. Prerequisite: COMM 240. (4 units)

344. Public Relations CommunicationTop
Application of public relations perspectives and principles through training and practice in the development of public relations production skills: message construction and delivery, verbal, non-verbal and visual production work, and special events components. Prerequisites: COMM 240 and 341 or consent of instructor. (4 units)

345. Advanced TV and Video ProductionTop
Advanced techniques and aesthetics of television and video studio production, with emphasis on multicamera shooting and switcher effects. Introduction to video editing and postproduction processes. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: COMM 245 with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better. (5 units)

346. TV and Video Field ProductionTop
Instruction in the use of portable video equipment for use in field and remote production, as well as postproduction processes associated with remote production. Nonfiction applications and theory will be emphasized. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: COMM 345 with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better. (5 units)

352. Broadcast ManagementTop
Management styles and responsibilities of radio and television owners, programmers and producers. Prerequisites: COMM 320, MGMT 302, or consent of instructor. (4 units)

380. Visual CommunicationTop
Introduction to the principles and theory of visual literacy essential to understanding the social, cultural and ethical layers of meaning in visual communication. Media and other images are examined in view of how they are constructed, processed and integrated with other forms of communication. (4 units)

381. The Development of Motion PicturesTop
Survey of the historical background, commercial development and social influences of motion pictures. Course follows the medium from earliest origins through the rise and decline of the studio system and influences of television with emphasis on key directors and styles of film communication. (4 units)

382. Intercollegiate ForensicsTop
Preparation for and participation in intercollegiate debate and/or individual events. Additional hours of supervised practice and performance required. May be repeated for credit for a total of not more than six units. COMM 243A, 243B, 243D, 382, 444A, 444B, and 444D may each be taken twice for credit, but no more than 9 total units from any combination of these courses may be applied toward the major. Graded credit/no credit. (3 units)

387. Radio ProductionTop
Techniques and principles of recording, splicing, dubbing, and mixing sound for radio newscasts, commercials, public service announcements and promotional announcements. Prerequisite: COMM 243B or consent of instructor. (4 units) 399. Community Service Project Credit for applying previously learned skills in the area of communication to academically related tasks in such agencies as governmental, social services, and educational institutions. May be repeated for a total of two units. Thirty hours of service per unit are required. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: departmental approval of a written application submitted in advance of the quarter in which the course is to be taken. (Credit to be arranged: 1 or 2 units)

399. Community Service ProjectTop
Credit for applying previously learned skills in the area of communication to academically related tasks in such agencies as governmental, social services, and educational institutions. May be repeated for a total of two units. Thirty hours of service per unit are required. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: departmental approval of a written application submitted in advance of the quarter in which the course is to be taken. (Credit to be arranged: 1 or 2 units)

400. Communication Research MethodologiesTop
Study and application of basic historical, descriptive, critical and experimental research skills unique to communication. Data analysis. Includes ethical considerations of communication research. Formerly COMM 303. Prerequisites: COMM 200, 304 and 306. (4 units) 401. Gender, Race and Media Critical and historical examination of images and representations of gender and race in the mass media. Course focuses primarily on film, television, advertising, and the press. (4 units)

401. Gender, Race and MediaTop
Critical and historical examination of images and representatins of gender and race in the mass media. Course focuses primarily on film, television, advertising, and the press. (GE=G.2) (4 units)

402. Ethnography of CommunicationTop
Ethnographic frameworks and principles for conducting research on communication within and across cultural boundaries. Includes foci on case studies, interviewing and field work. Prerequisites: COMM 302 and 304 or equivalent or consent of instructor. (4 units)

403. Interpersonal RelationsTop
An overview and examination of current concepts, issues and research in the study of human relationships. Primary focus on relational development, maintenance and disengagement in a variety of contexts. (4 units)

405. Mass Media EffectsTop
History of research in understanding media effects on individuals and society. Prerequisite: COMM 400. (4 units)

411. Women and CommunicationTop
A critical examination of the impact of communication on women in three major areas: verbal and nonverbal behaviors, women as public speakers and the portrayal of women in the media. Formerly COMM 583B. (4 units)

415. Advertising as Social CommunicationTop
The critical and social theories of advertising and its political and economic roles in modern society. (4 units)

421. Organizational CommunicationTop
Study of current organizational communication theory and application to the management of communication within the organization. (4 units)

422. Communication in ConflictTop
Theories of communication for developing consensus through persuasion, problem-solving, conflict management, negotiation and mediation. Major emphasis is placed upon the means of achieving consensus among various societal groups. (4 units)

431. Classroom CommunicationTop
Communication skills in instructional settings, including strategies to facilitate understanding and analysis of classroom behavioral models. Prerequisite: COMM 120 or equivalent. (4 units)

441. InterviewingTop
Interviewing in formal and informal settings. Understanding of employment, journalistic, informative and persuasive interviews. Prerequisite: COMM 120 or equivalent. (4 units)

442. Public Relations CampaignsTop
Advanced course in public relations, case analysis, and campaign planning. Prerequisites: COMM 341 and 344. (4 units)

444. Advanced Communication PracticumTop
Advanced application of communication theory and methods. COMM 243A, 243B, 243D, 382, 444A, 444B and 444D may each be taken twice for credit, but no more than 9 total units from any combination of these courses may be applied toward the major. Graded credit/no credit. A. Television Production. Prerequisites: COMM 245, 345, and 346, with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better in COMM 346. (3 units) B. Research. Prerequisites: COMM 306 and 400. (3 units) D. Mentoring. Prerequisites: COMM 225, 331 or 403 or equivalent or permission of instructor. (3 units)

450. Broadcast Research and Audience AnalysisTop
Methods used for understanding the relationship between media producers, the audience, and other social forces. Prerequisite: COMM 400. (4 units)

471. International CommunicationTop
Political, economic, and cultural analysis of the structure, context, and impact of communication across national boundaries, including news, entertainment, advertising, corporate communication, transborder data flows and the Internet. (4 units)

481. History and Development of DocumentaryTop
Examination of the historical background, economic development, and social influences of documentaries. Theories of cultural representation, rhetorical strategies, and ethical considerations will be studied, with particular emphasis on their application to alternative and experimental documentary forms. (4 units)

491. Ethical Aspects of CommunicationTop
Focuses on exploring and assessing issues of responsibility and ethical standards of communication in interpersonal, political, print, TV/film, and electronic communication contexts. Goals of the course include stimulation of the moral imagination; recognition of ethical issues; and development of critical/analytical skills. Prerequisites: COMM 200, 306 and 400. (4 units)

499. Senior ProjectTop
Preparation and submission of a portfolio of course related products reflecting the goals and objectives of the communication major, accompanied by a reflective essay demonstrating how the portfolio reflects successful acheivement of those goals and objectives. Required of all communication majors. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: completion of 132 units with a minimum of 44 units in the major. (1 unit)

502. Communication Law and PolicyTop
Exploration and application of laws and regulations as they affect communication. Includes consideration of freedom of speech, libel and slander, intellectual property, broadcast regulations and privacy. (4 units)

520. Integrated Marketing CommunicationTop
An integrated perspective on the process of communicating marketing messages to promote products, services, ideas, people, causes and events. Advertising, direct marketing, personal selling, public relations, and sales promotion strategies are explored with consideration given to global, ethical and technology-related issues. (Also offered as MKTG 520. Students may not receive credit for both.) (4 units)

522. Mediation Theory and PracticeTop
Exploration of the theories, methods, and techniques of mediation as a collaborative process of resolving conflicts among individuals, groups, organizations, and nations. Third party intervention skills needed to serve as a mediator are developed through simulation exercises. Formerly a topic under COMM 585. Prerequisite: COMM 422 or permission of instructor. (4 units)

542. Issue Management and Crisis CommunicationTop
Principles and methods of issue evaluation and crisis management in public relations communication including issue monitoring, issue analysis, policy options, program design, evaluation, and identification. Formerly a topic under COMM 585. Prerequisite: COMM 442 or equivalent or consent of instructor. (4 units)

580. Culture and Ethnicity in LanguageTop
Critical examination of the way language shapes perceptions, behaviors, and attitudes about culture and ethnicity. Formerly a topic under COMM 584. Prerequisite: COMM 304 or equivalent. (4 units)

581. Contemporary Theories of RhetoricTop
Study of 20th century conceptualizations of rhetoric and intercultural communication with an emphasis on contemporary public discourse in different cultural settings. (4 units)

584. Topics in Critical CommunicationTop
Intensive study of selected topics in critical communication studies. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. (4 units)

585. Topics in Human CommunicationTop
Special topics in human communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. (4 units)

587. Topics in Mass CommunicationTop
Special topics in mass communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. (4 units)

588. Topics in Intercultural CommunicationTop
Intensive study of selected topics in intercultural communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: COMM 304 or equivalent. (4 units)

589. Topics in Computer Mediated CommunicationTop
Intensive study of selected topics in computer mediated communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: COMM 309 or equivalent or permission of instructor. (4 units)

591. Internship/Externship in CommunicationTop
Supervised work and study of communication processes in private and public settings. A total of ten units in COMM 591 may be applied toward graduation. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisites: junior or senior status with a minimum of 16 units of communication course work completed on this campus; minimum overall grade point average of 2.5; written consent from a supervising agency within which the internship will take place; departmental approval of a contract between the intern and the supervising agency to be filed prior to the quarter in which the course is to be taken. (Credit to be arranged: 2 to 5 units)

593. Communication Approaches to Area StudiesTop
Examination of communication practices and issues within world regions and among cultural groups which may include the role of communication in political, economic, social and cultural conflict and change. May be repeated for credit as focus area changes. Prerequisite: COMM 304 or equivalent. A. Africa (4 units) B. Asia-Pacific (4 units) C. Europe (4 units) D. Latin America (4 units)

595. Independent StudyTop
Special topics involving library research, experimental or field research, or media production. A total of 10 units in COMM 595 may be applied toward graduation. Prerequisites: a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 ("B"), consent of instructor and departmental approval of a written proposal of a project submitted on a standard application filed in advance of the quarter in which the course is to be taken, and junior or senior status. (Credit to be arranged: 2 to 5 units)

 

Graduate/Postbaccalaureate May not be taken by undergraduate students