Communication Studies

Associate in Arts for Transfer
2022-2023

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About the Program

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.

About the Degree

The Las Positas College Communication Studies program offers courses that lead to an Associate in Communication Studies for Transfer degree. The major requirements for this degree align with the Intersegmental Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for Communication Studies. Students will have guaranteed admission to a California State University (CSU) campus upon successful completion of the program requirements. Students should talk with a counselor to determine whether or not this degree is the best option for their transfer goals. General education requirements should be selected carefully based on the intended transfer institution. The course work required for the AA-T in Communication Studies provides students with fundamental understanding of the principles of speech communication as well as experience in the application of these principles. Participation in Communication Studies classes develops critical thinking, personal growth, research abilities, presentation skills, and an understanding of the theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts behind human communication.

Completion Requirements

1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or CA State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.
   2. 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. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s) also require that students must earn a "C" (or "P'') or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Career Opportunities

The Associate in Communication Studies for Transfer is intended to provide an option for students who plan on completing a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Communication Studies classes enrich students and prepare them for careers where strong communication skills are essential, such as teaching, law, public relations, sales, speech writing, and performance. A degree in Communication Studies can lay an amazingly effective foundation for a wide variety of innovative and communication-oriented careers.

Program Outcomes

• Upon completion of the AA-T in Communication Studies, students are able to describe the Communication discipline and its central questions.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Communication Studies, students are able to employ communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Communication Studies, the students are able to engage in communication inquiry.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Communication Studies, students are able to create and deliver messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Communication Studies, students are able to critically analyze messages.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Communication Studies, students are able to apply ethical communication principles and practices.
• Upon completion of the AA-T in Communication Studies, students are able to utilize communication to embrace difference.

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Required Core: (3 Units)

Course	Units
CMST 1 Fundamentals of Public Speaking	3

List A: Select Two (6 Units) Units

Course	Units
CMST 3 Group Communication	3
CMST 10 Interpersonal Communication	3
CMST 46 Argumentation and Debate	3

List B: Select Two (6 Units)

Course	Units
Any List A course not already used	3
CMST 2 Oral Interpretation of Literature	3
CMST 11 Intercultural Communication	3
CMST 48 Activities in Forensics	3
JAMS 1 Introduction to Mass Communications	3

List C: Select One (3 Units)

Course	Units
Any List A or B course not already used	3
ANTR 3 Cultural Anthropology	3
CMST 4 Introduction to Communication Studies	3
CMST 5 Readers Theater	3
ENG 4 Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature	3
ENG 7 Critical Thinking and Writing Across Disciplines	3
JAMS 11 Introduction to Reporting and Newswriting	3
PSYC 1 General Psychology	3
SOC 1 Principles of Sociology	3

Units

Units Category	Units
Total Units in the Major	18
Additional General Education And Elective Units	42
Total Units	60

See the Las Positas College California State University General Education-Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program and the optional course(s) taken. Elective units are CSU transferable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.

Updated: July 2022