Communication Studies (COMS)

COMS 010     Interpersonal Communication     3 Units

Students will study principles of verbal and nonverbal transactions that occur in relationships. The course includes the study of theory and research findings and their application to communication in interpersonal relationships in personal and professional contexts. (C-ID COMM 130)


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Recommended: Prior completion of ENGL 001A

Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: A1, D   IGETC: 1C, 4   District GE: A1, D

COMS 018     Introduction to Communication Studies     3 Units

Students examine the discipline of communication studies with emphasis on multiple epistemological, theoretical, and methodological issues relevant to the theoretical inquiry and pursuit of knowledge about human communication. Students explore the basic history, assumptions, principles, processes, methods, and specializations of human communication as an academic field of study. (C-ID COMM 180)


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Recommended: Prior completion of ENGL 001A is highly recommended

Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: D   IGETC: 4   District GE: D

COMS 020     Oral Communication     3 Units

Students will acquire theory and technique of public speaking. Students focus on the following basic elements: rhetorical theory, researching, organizing and outlining a topic, analyzing an audience, effective use of language, ethics, effective presentation aids, critical listening, credibility, and physical delivery. Students taking this course online must be able to record and upload audiovisual files. (C-ID COMM 110)


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: A1   IGETC: 1C   District GE: A1

COMS 035     Intercultural Communication     3 Units

Students will study intercultural communication in domestic and global contexts. They will examine the influence of cultures, languages, and social patterns on how members of groups relate among themselves and with members of different cultural groups. They will develop skills for appreciation and comparison of communication among diverse groups within the larger context of U.S.-American culture. (C-ID COMM 150)


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Recommended: Prior completion of ENGL 001A is highly recommended

Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: D   IGETC: 4   District GE: D, ES

COMS 040     Introduction to Argumentation     3 Units

Students will learn methods of critical inquiry and advocacy. Students will develop skills in identifying fallacies in reasoning and language, testing evidence and evidence sources, advancing a reasoned position, and defending and refuting arguments. Students engage in analysis, presentation, and evaluation of oral and written arguments. (C-ID COMM 120)


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: A1, A3   IGETC: 1C   District GE: A1, A3

COMS 045     Small Group Communication     3 Units

Students will study the principles of communication in a variety of group contexts. They will learn about theories, applications, and the evaluation of group communication processes. Students will acquire skills including problem solving, conflict management, decision making, and leadership. (C-ID COMM 140)


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None

Transfer Status: CSU/UC     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: A1   IGETC: 1C   District GE: A1

COMS 050     New Media Today     3 Units

Students will be able to describe and explain the use of each "new" medium and design a multimedia presentation using one of the "new" media formats that major companies use today to provide information. This course introduces students to identifying today's "new" media, such as music streaming, social media applications, and podcasting. Students will learn multimedia hands-on skills that will be applied to the mass media industry.


Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 2  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

COMS 098     Directed Study in Communication Studies     0.5-9 Units

Individual or small groups of students, with previous course work in the discipline, who would benefit from Independent Study under the direction of faculty members in specific or related disciplines, may develop individualized learning contracts designed to enhance their individual instructional programs. The students and the faculty member in consultation with the Division Dean will determine appropriate learning objectives and activities as well as the number of units to be earned. Instructions and the Learning Contract forms are available in the Division Office. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 units across all disciplines.


Lecture Hours: None  Lab Hours: 2.07  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: O

Prerequisite: COMS 010 or COMS 018 or COMS 035 or COMS 045; all with C or better.

Advisory Level: Read: 2 Write: 2 Math: 1

Transfer Status: CSU     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

COMS 170     Introduction to Visual Communications     3 Units

Students will be introduced to the theories of visual communication using still images found in mass media. Students will analyze images in newspapers, advertising, television, magazines, billboards, films, and videos to interpret messages. Discussion and demonstration of the tools used in analyzing visual communication as well as creation and analysis of images for print, Web, and video are included in this course. Students will design their visual imagery and create sound to help tell a story and enhance the image's impact.


Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Transfer Status: CSU/UC     Degree Applicable: AA/AS

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None