Communication B.A.
Courses
COURSE OFFERINGS IN COMMUNICATION (COMM)
Lower Division
120. Oral Communication
Introduction to effective speech communication with emphasis on informative and persuasive public speaking and presentation skills. (GE=A2) (COMM 120=CAN SPCH 4) (4 units)
180. Critical Thinking Through Argumentation
Principles of oral argumentation and forensics: evidence, methods of logical analysis, reasoned discourse demonstrated through argumentative speeches and debates. (GE=A4) (COMM 180=CAN SPCH 6) (4 units)
200. Introduction to Communication Studies
Descriptive overview of how humans communicate in various contexts within the areas of public argumentation and rhetoric, human communication, and mass communication. Includes an introduction to communication processes, theories, and research methodologies. (4 units)
204. Introduction to Critical Communication Studies
Survey of the history and study of rhetoric as it contributes to a critical understanding of the role of communication in society. (4 units)
221. Small Group Communication
Theories of communication applied to small group situations emphasizing decision-making processes. (COMM 221=CAN SPCH 10) (4 units)
225. Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication
A skills development course designed to facilitate student's acquisition of basic face-to-face communication competencies such as building and maintaining communication climates, listening, perception, self-disclosure, and verbal and non-verbal communication. (COMM 225=CAN SPCH 8) (4 units)
240. Writing for Media
Development of basic writing skills and practices appropriate for print, electronic and digital media. Prerequisites: ENG 101 or equivalent and word processing ability. (COMM 240=CAN JOUR 2) (4 units)
243. Communication Practicum
Practical application of communication skills. COMM 243A, 243B, 243D, 382, 399, 444A, 444B, 444C and 444D may each be taken twice for credit, but no more than nine total units from any combination of these courses may be applied toward the major. Graded credit/no credit.
A. Journalism and Photojournalism (3 units)
B. Radio (3 units)
D. Public Relations (3 units)
245. Introduction to TV and Video Production
Introduction to equipment, theory and procedures used in studio production of television and video programming. Camera, VTR, switcher, lighting, audio character generation, and the roles of crew members will be examined. Basic principles of pictorial composition and aesthetics of the video medium for a variety of applications will also be introduced. Four hours lecture and (5 units)
Upper Division
302. Communication, Language and Culture
Contemporary theories of language as they relate to the communication process, including the coding system of signs, symbols, and meanings of cultural groups. (4 units)
304. Intercultural Communication
Description and analysis of cultural and gender factors in communication such as perception, value systems, language codes and nonverbal communication. Overcoming the communication problems that can result when members of different cultures communicate. (GE=G2) (4 units)
305. Critical Approaches to Communication
Contemporary approaches to media and rhetorical criticism, with emphasis on television, film and public discourse. (4 units)
306. Communication Perspectives
Traditional and contemporary approaches to communication theory, including an examination of the areas of rhetorical, human, and mediated communication. Prerequisite: COMM 200. (4 units)
308. Argumentation
Advanced principles of argumentation: perspectives, analysis and practice. Prerequisite: completion of General Education Critical Thinking requirement. (4 units)
309. Computer Mediated Communication
Examination of how computer technology, particularly the Internet, influences the creation, retrieval, and processing of information in a variety of communication contexts. Students will acquire the cognitive and technical skills required to become active, thoughtful communicators via computer mediated channels. Formerly COMM 509. Prerequisite: CSCI 124 or equivalent recommended. (4 units)
311. Business and Professional Communication
Presentation skills and techniques used in sales, business, professional and technical fields for the communication of information. Special emphasis on technological resources for corporate communication. Prerequisite: COMM 120 or equivalent. (4 units)
312. Persuasion
Study and application of rhetorical, social-psychological and mass behavior principles. (4 units)
320. Media History and Institutions
A historical examination of media institutions prominent in contemporary culture. Particular attention paid to media industry development and policies and processes of media production, past and present. Prerequisite: COMM 200. (4 units)
321. Media and Culture
Analysis of media texts and products as they relate to issues of social impact, identity, representation and economics. Prerequisite: completion of or concurrent enrollment in COMM 320 or consent of instructor. (4 units)
330. Nonverbal Communication
Theoretical and applied study of nonverbal communication in the shaping of human communication interactions. Emphasis on the major functions, purposes, and uses of nonverbal communication in a socio-culturally diverse society. (4 units)
331. Communication for Training Programs
Techniques and functions of training programs in professional and technical settings. (4 units)
341. Public Relations Theory and Principles
Introduction to the theoretical perspectives that form the foundation of public relations. Perspectives and principles of the public relations profession in multiple settings. Historical perspectives, current and future trends, and career opportunities explored. (4 units)
342. Publication Design and Makeup
Designing newspaper, magazine and online publications. Includes concept development, planning and composition, typo-graphics, infographics, mastheads, illustration, and desktop publishing. Ethical considerations discussed. Prerequisite: COMM 240. (4 units)
343. Nonfiction Reporting and Writing
Methods and procedures for reporting and writing long nonfiction in both public and private sectors. Prerequisite: COMM 240. (4 units)
344. Public Relations Communication
Application of public relations theory and principles through the development of public relations communication production skills: message construction and delivery in written, verbal, and visual communication. Includes special events and other communication components used by public relations professionals. Prerequisites: COMM 240 and 341 or consent of instructor. (4 units)
345. Advanced TV and Video Production
Advanced techniques and aesthetics of television and video studio production, with emphasis on multicamera shooting and switcher effects. Introduction to video editing and postproduction processes. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: COMM 245 with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better. (5 units)
346. TV and Video Field Production
Instruction in the use of portable video equipment for use in field and remote production, as well as postproduction processes associated with remote production. Nonfiction applications and theory will be emphasized. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: COMM 345 with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better. (5 units)
347. Fundamentals of Screenwriting
Focus will be on the screenplay, including structure, characters, dialogue, scene development, conflict and theme. Attention will be given to narrative structure and storytelling for film. (4 units)
352. Broadcast Management
Management styles and responsibilities of radio and television owners, programmers and producers. Prerequisites: COMM 320, MGMT 302, or consent of instructor. (4 units)
363. Topics in Public Argumentation and Rhetoric
Special topics in public argumentation and rhetoric. May be repeated for credit as topics change. (4 units)
364. Topics in Human Communication
Special topics in human communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Formerly COMM 585. (4 units)
365. Topics in Mass Communication
Special topics in mass communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Formerly COMM 587. (4 units)
366. Topics in Intercultural Communication
Special topics in intercultural communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Formerly COMM 588. (4 units)
367. Topics in Public Relations
Special topics in mass public relations. May be repeated for credit as topics change. (4 units)
387. Radio Production
Techniques and principles of recording, splicing, dubbing, and mixing sound for radio newscasts, commercials, public service announcements and promotional announcements. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: COMM 243B or consent of instructor. (4 units)
380. Visual Communication
Introduction to the principles and theory of visual literacy essential to understanding the social, cultural and ethical layers of meaning in visual communication. Media and other images are examined in view of how they are constructed, processed and integrated with other forms of communication. (4 units)
381. The Development of Motion Pictures
Survey of the historical background, commercial development and social influences of motion pictures. Course follows the medium from earliest origins through the rise and decline of the studio system and influences of television with emphasis on key directors and styles of film communication. (4 units)
382. Intercollegiate Forensics
Preparation for and participation in intercollegiate debate and/or individual events. Additional hours of supervised practice and performance required. May be repeated for credit for a total of not more than six units. COMM 243A, 243B, 243D, 382, 399, 444A, 444B, 444C and 444D may each be taken twice for credit, but no more than nine total units from any combination of these courses may be applied toward the major. Graded credit/no credit. (3 units)
399. Community Service Project
Credit for applying previously learned skills in the area of communication to academically related tasks in such agencies as governmental, social services, and educational institutions. May be repeated for a total of two units. Thirty hours of service per unit are required. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: departmental approval of a written application submitted in advance of the quarter in which the course is to be taken. (1-2 units)
400. Communication Research Methodologies
Study and application of basic historical, descriptive, critical and experimental research skills unique to communication. Data analysis. Includes ethical considerations of communication research. Prerequisites: COMM 200, 304 and 306. (4 units)
401. Gender, Race and Media
Critical and historical examination of images and representations of gender and race in the mass media. Course focuses primarily on film, television, advertising, and the press. (GE=G2) (4 units)
402. Ethnography of Communication
Ethnographic frameworks and principles for conducting research on communication within and across cultural boundaries. Includes foci on case studies, interviewing and field work. Prerequisites: COMM 302 and 304 or equivalent or consent of instructor. (4 units)
403. Interpersonal Relations
An overview and examination of current concepts, issues and research in the study of human relationships. Primary focus on relational development, maintenance and disengagement in a variety of contexts. (4 units)
405. Mass Media Effects
History of research in understanding media effects on individuals and society. Prerequisite: COMM 400. (4 units)
409. Latina/os, Media and Culture
Examines mass media representations of and by Latina/os in the United States and how these representations construct culture and society. Formerly a topic under COMM 584. (4 units)
411. Gender and Communication
A critical and sociological examination of how gender is socialized, constructed, communicated and performed in various communicative contexts. (4 units)
415. Advertising as Social Communication
Theories of advertising: social, political and economic roles in modern society. (4 units)
421. Organizational Communication
Study of current organizational communication theory and application to the management of communication within the organization. (4 units)
422. Communication and Conflict
Communication theories and models relevant to analyzing and understanding the causes, functions, styles, and effects of conflict. The skills of negotiation and third party intervention in conflict resolution. (4 units)
431. Classroom Communication
Communication skills in instructional settings, including strategies to facilitate understanding and analysis of classroom behavioral models. Prerequisite: COMM 120 or equivalent. (4 units)
441. Interviewing
Interviewing in formal and informal settings. Understanding of employment, journalistic, informative and persuasive interviews. Prerequisite: COMM 120 or equivalent. (4 units)
442. Public Relations Campaigns
Advanced course in public relations that focuses on informational and persuasive communication campaigns to achieve commercial, political and social goals. Emphasis on case analysis and campaign development and campaign implementation. Prerequisites: COMM 341 and 344. (4 units)
444. Advanced Communication Practicum
Advanced application of communication theory and methods. COMM 243A, 243B, 243D, 382, 399, 444A, 444B, 444C and 444D may each be taken twice for credit, but no more than nine total units from any combination of these courses may be applied toward the major. Graded credit/no credit.
A. Television Production. Prerequisites: COMM 245, 345, and 346, with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better in COMM 346. (3 units)
B. Research. Prerequisites: COMM 306 and 400. (3 units)
C. Research. Prerequisites: COMM 306 and 400. (2 units)
D. Mentoring. Prerequisite: COMM 225, 331 or 403 or equivalent or permission of instructor. (3 units)
450. Broadcast Research and Audience Analysis
Methods used for understanding the relationship between media producers, the audience, and other social forces. Prerequisite: COMM 400. (4 units)
471. International Communication
Political, economic, and cultural analysis of the structure, context, and impact of communication across national boundaries, including news, entertainment, advertising, corporate communication, transborder data flows and the Internet. (4 units)
481. History and Development of Documentary
Examination of the historical background, economic development, and social influences of documentaries. Theories of cultural representation, rhetorical strategies, and ethical considerations will be studied, with particular emphasis on their application to alternative and experimental documentary forms. (4 units)
491. Ethical Aspects of Communication
Focuses on exploring and assessing issues of responsibility and ethical standards of communication in areas such as interpersonal, political, print, TV/film, organizational and electronic communication contexts. Goals of the course include stimulation of the moral imagination; recognition of ethical issues; and development of critical/analytical skills. Formerly COMM 501. Prerequisites: COMM 200, 306 and 400 or consent of department. (4 units)
499. Senior Project
Preparation and submission of a portfolio of course related products reflecting the goals and objectives of the communication major, accompanied by a reflective essay demonstrating how the portfolio reflects successful achievement of those goals and objectives. Required of all communication majors. Formerly COMM 599. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisite: COMM 200, 304, 306, 309, 400 and completion of 132 units with a minimum of 44 units in the major. (1 unit)
502. Communication Law and Policy
Exploration and application of laws and regulations as they affect communication. Includes consideration of freedom of speech, libel and slander, intellectual property, broadcast regulations and privacy. (4 units)
506. Media Sex and Violence
Critical and empirical examination of the practices and consequences of portraying human aggression and sexuality in the mass media including television, movies, magazines, video games, and the Internet. Formerly a topic under COMM 587. (4 units)
511. Feminist Contributions to Communication Theories
Examination of how diverse feminist theories contribute to an understanding of communication and rhetoric, integrating feminist theories with communication theories, and focusing on how gender distinctions influence our thinking and communication. Will explore diversity in feminism, including ethnicity, relational orientation, religion and class. Formerly a topic under COMM 365. (4 units)
520. Integrated Marketing Communication
An integrated perspective on the process of communicating marketing messages to promote products, services, ideas, people, causes and events. Advertising, direct marketing, personal selling, public relations, and sales promotion strategies are explored with consideration given to global, ethical and technology-related issues. (Also offered as MKTG 520. Students may not receive credit for both.) (4 units)
522. Mediation Theory and Practice
Exploration of the theories, methods, and techniques of mediation as a collaborative process of resolving conflicts among individuals, groups, organizations, and nations. Third party intervention skills needed to serve as a mediator are developed through simulation exercises. Formerly a topic under COMM 364. Prerequisite: COMM 422 or permission of instructor. (4 units)
542. Issue Management and Crisis Communication
Principles and methods of issue evaluation and crisis management in public relations communication including issue monitoring, issue analysis, policy options, program design, evaluation, and identification. Formerly a topic under COMM 364. Prerequisite: COMM 442 or equivalent or consent of instructor. (4 units)
543. Environmental Communication
Examination of communication involving environmental issues in national and international contexts. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between communication and environmental problems and issues. Formerly a topic under COMM 584. (4 units)
563. Advanced Topics in Public Argumentation and Rhetoric
Advanced special topics in public argumentation and rhetoric. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: junior, senior or graduate standing. (4 units)
564. Advanced Topics in Human Communication
Advanced special topics in human communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: junior, senior or graduate standing. (4 units)
565. Advanced Topics in Mass Communication
Advanced special topics in mass communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: junior, senior or graduate standing. (4 units)
566. Advanced Topics in Intercultural Communication
Advanced special topics in intercultural communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: junior, senior or graduate standing. (4 units)
567. Advanced Topics in Public Relations
Advanced special topics in public relations. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: junior, senior or graduate standing. (4 units)
580. Culture and Ethnicity in Language
Critical examination of the way language shapes perceptions, behaviors, and attitudes about culture and ethnicity. Formerly a topic under COMM 584. Prerequisite: COMM 304 or equivalent. (4 units)
581. Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric
Study of 20th century conceptualizations of rhetoric and intercultural communication with an emphasis on contemporary public discourse in different cultural settings. (4 units)
591. Internship/Externship in Communication
Supervised work and study of communication processes in private and public settings. A total of ten units in COMM 591 may be applied toward graduation. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisites: junior or senior status with a minimum of 16 units of communication course work completed on this campus; minimum overall grade point average of 2.5; written consent from a supervising agency within which the internship will take place; departmental approval of a contract between the intern and the supervising agency to be filed prior to the quarter in which the course is to be taken. (2-5 units)
593. Communication Approaches to Area Studies
Examination of communication practices and issues within world regions and among cultural groups which may include the role of communication in political, economic, social and cultural conflict and change. May be repeated for credit as focus area changes. Prerequisite: COMM 304 or equivalent.
A. Africa (4 units)
B. Asia-Pacific (4 units)
C. Europe (4 units)
D. Latin America (4 units)
595. Independent Study
Special topics involving library research, experimental or field research, or media production. A total of 10 units in COMM 595 may be applied toward graduation. Prerequisites: a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 ("B"), consent of instructor and departmental approval of a written proposal of a project submitted on a standard application filed in advance of the quarter in which the course is to be taken, and junior or senior status. (2-5 units)
Please refer to the University catalog at http://catalog.csusb.edu for official information.