Courses

Communication Studies

The Communication Studies program is designed to provide students with fundamental understanding of the principles of speech communication as well as experience in the application of these principles. Participation in these classes develops critical thinking, personal growth, research proficiency, presentation skills, and an understanding of diversity. Classes prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions and entry into careers in which effective communication skills are important, such as teaching, public relations, and law.

The Speech and Debate Team, otherwise known as "Forensics" or "The Talk Hawks" provides students with an intensive focus on enhancing research, writing, and performance skills. Forensics students compete on an intercollegiate basis at tournaments in the areas of Public Speaking, Oral Interpretation, and Debate. Besides traveling to competitions, students in the nationally and internationally renowned program also host a tournament and two Speech Performance nights per year. With this opportunity, students experience accelerated growth in their communication skills and self-esteem. More information can be found on the Communication Studies website.

Degrees:

• AA-T – Communication Studies

Communication Studies Courses

CMST 1 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking

3 units

Theory and techniques of public speaking. Discovery, development, and criticism of ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, presentation, and evaluation of various types of speeches including informative and persuasive speeches; includes developing the faculties of critical listening and problem solving. Strongly Recommended: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: A1; IGETC: 1C.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CMST 2 - Oral Interpretation of Literature

3 units

Critical analysis, appreciation, and application of theories and techniques used to perform various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and drama. Students will learn to evaluate, analyze, edit, and creatively perform selections of literature for an audience. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C2; C-ID# COMM 170.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CMST 3 - Group Communication

3 units

Principles of communication in a variety of group contexts. Theory, application, and evaluation of group communication processes, including norms, roles, problem solving, conflict management, decision making, and leadership. Includes participation in simulation exercises and group activities. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: E.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CMST 4 - Introduction to Communication Studies

3 units

Introduction to the breadth of the communication discipline with a focus on the foundations of interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public speaking. Examination and practice of basic human communication principles and theories to develop critical thinking and communication competencies in a variety of contexts. Strongly Recommended: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D7; IGETC: 4; C-ID# COMM 115.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CMST 5 - Readers Theater

3 units

Introduction to the various principles and techniques used in readers theater, a style of theater that combines oral interpretation and conventional theater to make literature come alive for the audience. Using prose, poetry, and drama literature, students will create, compile, analyze, stage, and perform one or more readers theater productions. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: C2.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CMST 10 - Interpersonal Communication

3 units

Exploration, discussion, and evaluation of the principles of the verbal and non-verbal communication process in relationships. Study of theory and research findings and their application to communication in interpersonal relationships in personal and professional contexts. Strongly Recommended: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: A1, D7, E; IGETC: 1C, 4G.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CMST 11 - Intercultural Communication

3 units

Introduction to intercultural communication in domestic and/or global contexts. Influence of cultures, languages, and social patterns on how members of groups relate among themselves and with members of different ethnic and cultural groups. Theory, knowledge, appreciation, practical application and comparison of effective communication among diverse groups of people from different domestic and international cultures. Strongly Recommended: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D3, D7, E; IGETC: 4G.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: GR

CMST 46 - Argumentation and Debate

3 units

Methods of critical inquiry and advocacy of contemporary moral, political, economic, and philosophical issues in a diverse multicultural society. Identifying fallacies in reasoning and language, testing evidence and evidence sources, advancing a reasoned position, and defending and refuting arguments. Analysis, presentation, and evaluation of oral and written arguments. Strongly Recommended: ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: A1, A3; IGETC: 1C.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP

CMST 48 - Activities in Forensics

1 - 4 units

Competition in the areas of public speaking and oral interpretation. Preparation, including research and writing; practice; and participation and performance in intercollegiate speech and debate tournaments. 54-216 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU. Number of times course may be taken for credit: 4.

Degree Applicable, Credit
Grading Option: OP