Communications Concentration

The concentration in communications allows students to gain knowledge about the complex field of human communication.

Program Requirements:

Students may earn the concentration in communications by completing six units.

Required
COMM 101 Introduction to Communication Studies

Two 200-level courses
COMM 202 Mass Communication
COMM 220 Public Speaking
COMM 260 Interpersonal Communication

Three 300-400 level courses
COMM 301 Special Topics
COMM 311 Video Field Production
COMM 317 Professional Communication
COMM 319 Journalism
COMM 330 Small Group Communication
COMM 360 Studies in Intercultural Communication
COMM 405, 406, 407 Independent Study
COMM 416 Internship

Students interested in pursuing the concentration in communications are encouraged to complete Statistics 101 as part of their Mathematical and Scientific Reasoning requirements.

Course Descriptions:

Communications 101: Introduction to Communication Studies
Introduction to oral communication and communication theory. Course includes study of various communication models and situations and the processes and techniques that function within them. It also examines cultural, symbolic, and perceptual variants and their effects on the communications process. (1)

Communications 202: Mass Communication
A survey of the theories, processes, effects, and media of mass communication. The course will focus on issues of concern principally to the mass media within the United States, but issues of globalization will be addressed. (1)
Prerequisite: COMM 101

Communications 220: Public Speaking
Study of voice, production, and management in various forms of public address. (1)
Prerequisite: GST 102

Communications 260: Interpersonal Communication
An introduction to issues in interpersonal communication, examined from the perspective of communication competence. Using scientific concepts and theories, students will be asked to become critics of everyday conversation. Students will also use theoretical principles to improve personal effectiveness, appropriateness, and adaptability in conversing with others.
Prerequisite: COMM 101

Communications 301: Special Topics
A concentrated study of a topic or issue related to the field of communications. (1)
Prerequisite: one COMM 200-level course

Communications 311: Video Field Production
The study and practice of the fundamentals of professional videography. Students will receive instruction in practical applications in the areas of videography, editing, production, and media literacy.
Prerequisite: any COMM 200-level course or permission. Cross-listed with TART 311

Communications 317: Professional Communication
The study and practice of communication theories, concepts, and skills as they apply to business and professional settings including interpersonal and group dynamics, written communication, business & professional presentations, and meeting management skills.
Prerequisite: COMM 220

Communications 319: Journalism
A practical introduction to journalism, with special emphasis on reporting skills and writing newspaper news and features, broadcast news, and public relations products. (1)
Prerequisite: COMM 202

Communications 330: Small Group Communication
Introduction to and practice in the structured small group, with primary emphasis on preparation for, analysis of, and participation in problem-solving oriented groups.
Prerequisites: COMM 260

Communications 360: Studies in Intercultural Communication
An examination of major issues related to intercultural and cross-cultural communication. The course will explore those communication issues in particular cultures both within and beyond the United States.
Prerequisites: COMM 260

Communications 405, 406, 407: Independent Study
Supervised reading and research of a specific subject within media or communication studies resulting in a written report. (1/2, 1, 1/2)
Prerequisites: one COMM 300-level course

Communications 416: Internship
Experience in a field of applied communications (for example, newspaper, radio, television), under supervision from the agency involved and the course instructor. (1) Laboratory: 10 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: one COMM 200-level course and permission.