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Department of Communication

COURSES

• Communication (COMM)
• Communication (COMM) --- Graduate Courses
• Communication (COMM) --- In-Service Course

Communication (COMM)

AR. Study Skills Development (2)
Development of communication skills necessary for successful learning in a university, including reading, library research, control of anxiety, critical analysis, listening, oral and written reports. CR /NC grading only; not applicable toward baccalaureate degree requirements. (Formerly COMM AR)

3. Fundamentals of Public Communication (3)
Theories of human communication and their function in contemporary public settings; experiences designed to enhance fundamental communication skills -- research, organization, reasoning, listening, and problem solving -- through a series of oral presentations. G.E. Foundation A1. (CAN SPCH 4) (Formerly SPCH 3)

4. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3)
Introduction to various theories of interpersonal communication; participation in experiences designed to enhance competence in interpersonal relationships. (CAN SPCH 8) (Formerly SPCH 4)

5. Argumentation (3)
Logical analysis, evidence, reasoning, and proof used in arriving at rational decisions as demonstrated through presentation of public speeches and debates. G.E. Foundation A3. (CAN SPCH 6) (Formerly COMM 5)

7. Persuasion (3)
Analysis and practice of the use of persuasion as a social tool for resolving controversy and forming opinions from the perspectives of both the persuader and the persuaded. G.E. Foundation A1. (Formerly SPCH 7)

8. Group Discussion (3)
Communication in group thinking and problem solving through preparation and presentation of panels and symposia on public issues. G.E. Foundation A1. (Formerly SPCH 8)

10T. Topics in Communication (1-3; max total 9)
Contemporary problems and issues in communication; sections include such topics as freedom of speech, parliamentary procedure, special communication skills, rhetoric of protest and response, and communication processes. (Formerly SPCH 10T)

15. Forensics Laboratory (1-2; max total 4)
Experience in the presentation of debates, oral interpretation programs, persuasive and expository speaking. Intramural and intercollegiate competition in forensics. (Formerly SPCH 15)

100. Theories of Human Communication (3)
Survey of major theories of human communication, philosophical issues, and applications; theories include interpersonal, group, organizational, intercultural, linguistic, and persuasion. (Formerly SPCH 100)

103. Advanced Public Speaking (3)
Advanced principles of expository and persuasive speaking; development of skills through analysis, preparation, organization, and delivery of various types of speech. (Formerly SPCH 103)

105. Argumentation Theory (3)
Analysis of the theories and techniques of argumentation, including models of argument, relationships between persuasion and argumentation, and the effects of argumentative discourse. (Formerly SPCH 105)

106. Statistical Applications in Communication (3)
Introduction to elementary statistical concepts, correlation analysis, parametric and nonparametric tests; emphasis on the application of statistical procedures to communication research. (Formerly COMM 106)

107. Critical Thinking in the Age of Information (3)
Examines the relationships between communication and critical thinking in the age of information. Topics include the relationship between communication and cognition, models of argument, the media and critical thinking, and methods for enhancing critical thinking competence. (Formerly SPCH 107)

108. Communication and the Small Group (3)
Analysis of group communication theories and their application to small group behavior in specific variables such as leadership, power, conflict-resolution, conformity, cohesiveness, and related group processes. (Formerly SPCH 108)

114. Communication and Learning (3)
(Same as CTET 158.) The nature of communication and its relationship to learning and instruction; management of oral communication strategies in the educational setting. (Formerly SPCH 114)

115. Advanced Forensics Laboratory (1-2; max total 6)
Experience in the presentation of debates, oral interpretation programs, persuasive and expository speaking. Intramural and intercollegiate competition in forensics. (Formerly SPCH 115)

116. Communication and Humor (3)
Develop your sense of humor and learn to incorporate humor into your world by examining humor theories, social and personal functions of humor. Focuses on (1) stand-up comedy, writing, and presentation, or (2) application of techniques for management, sales, marketing, teaching, and health related fields. (Formerly SPCH 188T section) (Formerly SPCH 116)

120. Gender Communication (3)
Exploration of gender variables that affect human communication behaviors, focusing on behaviors that have some mythical or factual bases in sex similarities and differences. (Formerly SPCH 120)

140. Rhetorical Theory (3)
An examination and analysis of significant theories and theorists of rhetoric from the classical to the modern period. Emphasis on preparation of research papers reflecting rhetorical principles of communication. (Formerly COMM 140)

142. Communication Criticism (3)
Examination of historical and contemporary communication events using principles of critical evaluation from rhetorical, artistic, and media perspectives. Written papers and presentations of analyses utilizing critical principles from these perspectives.

146. British Political Communication (3)
A systems approach to the study of British institutions and communication. Study of government, press, broadcasting, education, and the criminal justice system to facilitate instruction in the evaluation of political messages. Emphasis given the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. (Formerly SPCH 146)

148. American Public Address (3)
An examination of significant American speakers and speeches set in an environment of social and political history. The course is designed to acquaint students with the role of public address within the forces of American history. (Formerly SPCH 148)

149. Freedom of Speech (3)
Examines the tradition of freedom of speech and expression in the American democracy. Focuses upon the First Amendment to the Constitution and major case laws which impact contemporary standards for public discourse, politics, broadcast, and journalism. (Formerly SPCH 149)

150. Communication and Aging (3)
(Same as GERON 150.) Focusing on the communication aspects of the aging process, organized around the major communication components of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and mass communication with addition of such topics as attitudes, stereotypes, nonverbal, and the communication aspects of health care. (Formerly COMM 188T section) (Formerly SPCH 150)

160. Meaning, Language, and Communication (3)
A review and analysis of the various approaches to the study of human symbolic behavior, with focus on such theories as: General Semantics, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Epistemology, and other philosophical and scientific enquiries into the nature of language and meaning. (Formerly SPCH 160)

162. Interpersonal Communication (3)
An examination, analysis, and application of communication theories and variables involved in interpersonal contexts such acquaintanceships, courtships, friendships, and families. Attention is given to communicative practices involved in the effective management of interpersonal relationships over time.

163. Social Influence and Attitude Change (3)
Seminar on the nature and effects of social influence, with special emphasis on attitude formation and change, conformity, behavior, "brain washing," prejudice, and propaganda as functions of communication. (Formerly SPCH 163)

164. Intercultural Communication (3)
Analysis of cultural variables and factors in the communication process and strategies for the resolution of intercultural problems; consideration of implications for education and programs necessarily involving intercultural communication. G.E. Multicultural/International MI. (Formerly SPCH 164)

165. Computer Applications in Communication (3)
Study and use of various computer systems available in the study of human communication: Fortran IV, Coursewriter III, LISP, SNOBOL, General Enquirer; emphasis on processing verbal data. (Formerly COMM 165)

166. Communication Research Methods (3)
Application of behavioral research principles to problems in quantification, design, and analysis of data in communication research. (Formerly SPCH 166)

167. Leadership in Groups and Organizations (3)
Theory and practice of selected leadership variables in groups and organizations; functions of leadership in formal and informal structures, understanding and analysis of role-playing techniques. (Formerly SPCH 167)

168. Communication in Organizations (3)
Examination of organizational communication from a multiple discipline perspective. Through the study of theory and experiential learning in simulations, students develop skills necessary for planning, staffing, developing, decision-making, and problem-solving in organizations. (Formerly SPCH 168)

169. Communication and Conflict (3)
Examination of the role of communication in conflict in interpersonal, small groups, organizational, and societal settings. Through experiential learning, case study analyses, and practice of intervention skills, students address conflict styles, strategies, tactics, third-party intervention, and mediation techniques. (Formerly SPCH 169)

170. Business and Professional Speaking (3)
Development of communication skills necessary for success in business, government, and the professions. Includes theory and practice of interviewing, job instruction training, work group leadership, and proposal presentations. Class activities are adapted to students' career goals. (Formerly SPCH 170)

171. Communication and Planning Change in the Social System (3)
Provides students with an understanding of the communication processes involved in the evolution of social systems. Students will examine a full range of social settings (small groups, organizations, cultures, etc.) from a variety of theoretical and analytical perspectives. (Formerly SPCH 171)

176. Communication Consulting and Training (3)
Development of skills necessary for effective communication consulting in business, government, and the professions. Includes theory and practice of needs assessments, planning and conducting training activities, and evaluation of educational activities; topics relating to adult education and client-consultant relationships. (Formerly SPCH 176)

179. Internship (1-6; max total 12)
Prerequisites: major in communication, at least 75 units completed and permission of instructor. Supervised work experience in government, business, social agencies, or nonprofit organizations. CR/NC grading only. (Formerly SPCH 179)

188T. Topics in Communication (1-3; max total 9)
Selected topics in communication. (Formerly SPCH 188T)

189. Projects in Communication (1-3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Projects in communication. (4 hours activity) (Formerly SPCH 189)

190. Independent Study(1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for SP grading. (Formerly SPCH 190)

GRADUATE COURSES

(See Course Numbering System.)

Communication (COMM)

205. Seminar in Argumentation (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 105, 140, or permission of instructor. Examination of traditional and contemporary argumentation theory and research. Analysis of argument fields, theories of argument, argument as epistemic, argument and persuasion, argument and critical thinking. (Formerly SPCH 205)

214. Seminar in Instructional Communications (3)
An examination of the relationships of learning theories to communication study and research. Research in instructional communication, teaching strategies in communication education, and techniques for applying these concepts in educational and training settings. (Formerly SPCH 214)

215. Seminar in Communication (3; max total 9)
Research and individually directed work within one area of specialization. Approved for SP grading. (Formerly SPCH 215)

241. Seminar in Rhetorical Theory (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 140, equivalent, or permission of instructor. A seminar which deals with the development of specific principles by selected theorists. (Formerly SPCH 241)

242M. Seminar in Contemporary Criticism (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 142, equivalent, or permission of instructor. The role of rhetorical criticism in contemporary society. (Formerly SPCH 242, 242M)

243. Seminar in the History of American Public Address (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 142, 146, 148, equivalent, or permission of instructor. A detailed study of selected men and women who have influenced political, religious, and social problems in American history. (Formerly SPCH 243)

244. Seminar in Contemporary Public Address (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 142, 146, 148, equivalent, or permission of instructor. The study of contemporary figures in public address who have influenced political, religious, economic, and social problems in the 20th century. (Formerly SPCH 244)

262. Seminar in Communication Theory and Research (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 100, equivalent, or permission of instructor. An examination and evaluation of mathematical, philosophical, sociological, psychological, and rhetorical theories of human communication. Emphasis upon the assumptions and implications of various theories, models, and constructs. (Formerly SPCH 262)

263. Seminar in Group Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 108, equivalent, or permission of instructor. A critical examination of the scientific research and theories in group communication including research variables and methodologies. Implications of research findings for contemporary communication problems. (Formerly SPCH 263)

264M. Seminar in Strategies and Applications of Communication Research (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 106, 166, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Application of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to a variety of problems studied in human communication. Discussion of design, instrumentation, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. (Formerly COMM 264M)

265. Seminar in Interpersonal Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 162, equivalent, or permission of instructor. An examination of current quantitative and qualitative theory and research in interpersonal communication. Implications and applications to various kinds of human relationships and various aspects of those relationships, e.g., stages, relational communication, attraction, conflict, self-disclosing. (Formerly SPCH 265)

266. Seminar in Intercultural Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 164, equivalent, or permission of instructor. An examination of current quantitative and qualitative theory and research in intercultural communication. Implications and applications to various kinds of human relationships and various aspects of those relationships, e.g., interpersonal, organizational, national, international, communication competence, and acculturation. (Formerly SPCH 266)

268. Seminar in Organizational Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 168, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Theory and application of organizational communication, including interpersonal and group communication in planning, staffing, development and decision making in complex organizations; organizational systems and environments; recognizing, diagnosing, and solving organizational problems. (Formerly COMM 268)

276. Seminar in Communication Training and Development (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 176, equivalent, or permission of instructor. In-depth view and application of approaches to training in communication skills in organizations including needs assessment for training, workshop and seminar development, and evaluation of interventions. (Formerly SPCH 276)

290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for SP grading. (Formerly SPCH 290)

298. Project (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: prior advancement to candidacy, appropriate methodological tools (COMM 242M, or 264M), equivalent, or permission of student's committee. See Criteria for Thesis and Project. Preparation, design, conduct, and evaluation of project applying rhetorical and communication theories; e.g., communication campaign for public agency, communication audit of corporate organization, extensive consulting or training activities, etc. Requires scholarly report similar in format to thesis and final oral defense. Approved for SP grading. (Formerly SPCH 298)

299. Thesis (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: appropriate methodological tools (COMM 242M, or 264M), equivalent, or permission of student's committee. See Criteria for Thesis and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable thesis for the master's degree. Approved for SP grading. (Formerly SPCH 299)

Note: Students must have earned at least a C in all courses considered as meeting the prerequisite requirements.

IN-SERVICE COURSE

(See Course Numbering System.)

Communication (COMM)

303. Topics in Communication
(1-3; max total 12; repeatable with different topics)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Application of the theories in communication. (Formerly SPCH 303)

Communication Degrees

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