Course Descriptions

COM 111: Public Speaking (3 units) 

Principles and practice of effective oral communication; analysis of the speaking-listening process; includes informative, persuasive and impromptu speaking experiences.

COM 211: Introduction to Argumentation and Debate (3 units) 

A performance-based course in which students learn argument design, including use of reason and evidence, and practice in competitive, academic debate. This course is focused primarily on critical thinking, research skills and orally expressing arguments with rhetorical and presentational power.

COM 216: Interpersonal Communication (3 units) 

Analysis of person-to-person communicative behavior in relationships ranging from informal to intimate; classroom experiences with topics such as attraction, trust, language and nonverbal behavior.

COM 222: Theory and Practice of Journalism (3 units) 

Extensive news gathering, writing and editing; experiences include general, simple, complex and special story types.

COM 280: Theories of Human Communication (3 units) 

Social scientific inquiry into human communication; a multi-theoretical approach, including systems, symbolic interaction and critical perspective.

COM 311: Advanced Public Speaking (3 units) 

Advanced work in speech communication research, preparation and delivery. Some media enhancement required. Oral presentations will include expository, extemporaneous, impromptu and persuasive speeches. Great speeches viewed and analyzed. Prerequisite: Com 111 or 211 or consent of instructor.

COM 321: Mass Communication (3 units) 

Analysis of the forms, content, environments and strategies of the mass media; emphasis on an historical and critical understanding of media structures, functions and effects.

COM 324: Intercultural Communication (3 units) 

Social and cultural variables in speech communication processes; strategies for resolving communication problems in intercultural settings with an emphasis on variables such as perception, roles, language codes and nonverbal communication.

COM 328: Small Group Communication (3 units) 

Group process theories relevant to communicative behavior in small group settings; analysis of critical thinking and problem-solving techniques in various group discussion settings.

COM 335: Nonverbal Communication (3 units) 

Theory and research on nonverbal aspects of communication with emphasis on developing effective communication skills as they relate to physical appearance and dress, body movement, face and eye communication, vocal cues and the use of environment and space.

COM 344: Theory and Practice of Interviewing (3 units) 

Theory and techniques of oral communication in the process of interviewing. Practical application in employment, information gathering and persuasive interviews.

COM 412: Writing for the Broadcast Media (3 units) 

Script writing for radio, television and film; projects include announcements, commercials, news, features, documentaries, comedy, game and music shows.

COM 422: Studies in Public Relations (3 units) 

Public relations elements and principles applied to business and congregational settings including production and/or analysis of press releases, press kits, advertisements, brochures, newsletters, case studies, research and public relations campaigns.

COM 451: Organizational Communication (3 units) 

Role of communication in achieving organizational goals; theory and practice of communication in private and public organizations; techniques to enhance understanding in organizations.

COM 485: Communication Criticism (3 units) 

Analysis and criticism of public communication events from a variety of rhetorical perspectives. Prerequisite: junior standing.

COM 488: Communication Research Methods (3 units) 

Introduction to the research process that examines how research is planned and designed; introduces the processes of data collection and analysis; explores methodology for communication research, including sampling, questionnaire design and introduction to statistics; provides experiences in conducting original research.

ITP 261: Information Technology (3 units) 

This class covers theoretical and practical aspects of business application programs like spreadsheets, databases, word processing, publishing and Internet tools as used to develop and maneuver information and business processes. Office application programs like MS Visio, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Web and email applications are used for business analysis and problem solving strategies.

THR 330: Performance Studies and Readers Theatre (3 units) 

In-depth work in solo and group oral interpretation, including selection, adaptation and presentation of reader's theatre programs for adults and children. Topics include: intercultural issues in performance, performing for religious audiences and performance of non-fiction. Field trips required.