Communication Studies
About the Program
The Communication Studies Program currently offers a Certificate of Achievement Level 1 and an Associate in Arts for Transfer. Communication Studies is the study of human communication. It includes public speaking, argumentation and persuasion, and interpersonal, intercultural, and small group communication. The importance of communication awareness, training, and skills are essential for successful and fulfilling personal, professional, and academic relationships and activities. Communication skills, theory, and practice are useful in any career including: education, business management, communication management, journalism, law enforcement, mass media and media arts, political science, public policy and administration, social work, public relations, advertising, broadcasting, technology, and finance.
Certificates/Degrees
- Certificate of Achievement – Level 1
- A.A.-T Degree
To be awarded the Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer degree, students must:
(1) Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units which are eligible for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system, including both of the following:
(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
For additional information, see a counselor, visit the Career/Transfer Center, or contact the following:
| Name/Office | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Communication Studies Department | (408) 288-3719 |
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
Recommended: Prior completion of ENGL 001A is highly recommended
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 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
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: 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
Recommended: Prior completion of ENGL 001A is highly recommended
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: A1 IGETC: 1C District GE: A1
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 will develop appropriate learning outcomes and activities. The number of units to be earned will be determined by the faculty and Division Dean. 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