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Communication

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The number-one skill identified by employers is the ability to communicate clearly in both oral and written form. The number-two skill identified by employers is the ability to work effectively as a member of a group or team. Communication courses are vital to developing the communication skills necessary for personal and professional success.

Communication courses offer instruction and practice in a variety of communication settings. The program includes theory and practice in public speaking, group work, and interpersonal relationships. Critical thinking, listening, and communicating across cultures are also part of the program.

Roadmaps

Road maps lay out all of the courses you need to take for a given degree or certificate.

Dean Nicole Porter
Department Chair David Austin
HomeBase Language and People
Humanities Division Office
Phone (916) 484-8653

Associate Degree for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Communication Studies

This degree provides a foundation for students to transfer to a CSU campus with a major in Communication, Speech Communication, Communications, or Communication Studies.

The Associate in Arts degree in Communication Studies for Transfer provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system.

The Associate in Arts degree in Communication Studies for Transfer (A.A.-T.) may be obtained by the completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program outlined below (earning a minimum grade of “C” or “P” in these courses), and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education‐Breadth Requirements.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2023

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
COMM 301	Introduction to Public Speaking	3
A minimum of 6 units from the following:		6
COMM 311	Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 321	Interpersonal Communication (3)
COMM 331	Group Discussion (3)
A minimum of 6 units from the following:		6
COMM 302	Persuasive Speech (3)
COMM 325	Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 361	The Communication Experience (3)
COMM 362	Mediated Communication Experience (3)
JOUR 310	Mass Media and Society (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
ENGWR 302	Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
ENGWR 482	Honors Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3)
JOUR 300	Newswriting and Reporting (3)
PSYC 300	General Principles (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)
Total Units:		18

The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

assess the factors which contribute to communication competency.
generate strategies to communicate effectively with others in dyads, groups, and public situations.
evaluate the role of communication in human interactions.
analyze evidence, reasoning, and persuasive appeals for credibility, logic, and relevance.
demonstrate skills and behaviors which contribute to open and respectful communication of diverse ideas and beliefs.

Career Information

A primary skill employers in all fields seek is effective communication. A degree in Communication Studies enriches personal development and enhances opportunities for employment and promotion in such diverse professional fields as education, law, law enforcement, health, science, management, organizational development, psychology, public service, sales, training, entertainment, and social services.

Communication (COMM) Courses

COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Eligible for ENGWR 300; OR ESLW 340
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area II(b); CSU Area A1; IGETC Area 1C
C-ID:C-ID COMM 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2023

This course covers oral composition and delivery of messages in public speaking situations. It focuses on how to manage anxieties about speaking in front of a live audience, organize ideas when speaking to inform and persuade, use supporting materials to increase the effectiveness of messages, appeal to different audiences, and critically evaluate messages. By the end of the course, students will be more confident and effective in oral communication situations. Audio/video recording equipment may be used as an aid to self-analysis and improvement.

This course is formerly known as SPEECH 301.