Course Offerings

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) (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) (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. (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. (4 units)
240.  Writing for Media
Development of basic writing skills and practices appropriate for print, electronic and digital media. Prerequisites: satisfaction of the GE written communication (A1) requirement and word processing ability. (4 units)
243.  Communication Practicum
Practical application of communication skills. COMM 243A, 243B, 243C, 243D may each be taken twice for credit. For the practicum courses of COMM 243, 382, 399 and 444, no more than nine total units from any combination of these courses may be applied toward the major. Graded credit/no credit.

  1. Journalism and Photojournalism (3 units)
  2. Radio (3 units)
  3. Video Production for Journalism. Prerequisite: COMM 243A. (3 units)
  4. 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 two hours activity laboratory. (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 Theory
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.  Digital Media and Communication
Theory, research, and history related to the impact of digital technologies on communication and society. Students will acquire knowledge and think critically about digital media communication processes and cultures in a variety of contexts. (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)
334.  Travel Feature Writing
Mastery of essay, service, and destination travel writing, among other travel writing forms. Interpreting reporting, researching, organizing, drafting and editing travel writing. Taught during summer study-abroad program in Italy. Graded credit/no credit. (4 units)
335.  Introduction to Digital Video Editing
Theory and practice of digital video editing. Developing the narrative language of the live action material, whether fictional, documentary, or musical; composing effective visual/sound design; and establishing pace and rhythm in editing. Training in software applications for moving image editing, program titling, and visual effects. Formerly a topic under COMM 365. (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, typographics, 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)
348.  Television News Writing and Reporting
Reporting and writing for television news and community programming. Will include writing and editing a newscast, field reporting and research techniques, and writing for visual production. Formerly a topic under COMM 365. (4 units)
349.  Online Reporting and Writing
Advanced writing of online journalism, including reporting, researching, writing and editing of articles for various beats or specialties, including politics, criminal justice, environment, entertainment and arts, sports and business. Prerequisite: COMM 240. (4 units)
350.  Online Journalism Production
Accelerated multimedia design and production of current online journalism. Online storytelling; website planning, organization and production; and creation of comprehensive multimedia news packages combining videography, stills, sound; and written broadcast, online, and print content. Current issues in online publishing and ethics. Prerequisite: COMM 240. (4 units)
352.  Entertainment Media Management
Examines issues in the management of film, radio, television, and internet-based entertainment media in the context of a rapidly evolving entertainment industry environment. 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 386 and 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 public relations. May be repeated for credit as topics change. (4 units)
378.  Contemporary Cinema and Society
Contemporary cinema and cultural modernity and postmodernity in film topics of stardom, authorship, culture industries, globalized blockbuster cinema, audiences, and the politics of representation. Formerly a topic under COMM 365. (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)
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)
399.  Community Service Project
Credit for applying skills in the area of communication to community service 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. For the practicum courses of COMM 243, 382, 399 and 444, no more than nine total units from any combination of these courses may be applied toward the major. 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)
410.  Asian Media and Culture
Critical survey of Asian popular media and their relevance to Asian cultures. Explores Asian films, TV programs, print media, digital media and the extent to which they represent Asian cultures. Topics include (but not limited to) Japanese animation, Chinese martial arts genre, Bollywood films, Korean TV soap operas, and Asian cybercultures. (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)
424.  Film Analysis
Analysis of films using various theoretical frames. Emphasis on understanding and interpreting filmmakers' uses of form and style in picture and sound, including within-frame composition, image juxtaposition through editing, and sound design. (4 units)
425.  Film and New Media
Surveys theories, artistic movements and cultural artifacts that helped set the stage for incorporating new technologies into film production, making the transition to new delivery platforms, and creating a new, post-humanist consciousness in spectators. (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. Prerequisite: COMM 344. (4 units)
444.  Advanced Communication Practicum
Advanced application of communication theory and methods. COMM 444A, 444B, 444C and 444D may each be taken twice for credit. For the practicum courses of COMM 243, 382, 399 and 444, 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)
447.  Italian Cinema
Historical, theoretical, and interpretive approaches to Italian cinema, from postwar Neo-Realism to the post-modernist millennial era. Taught during summer study-abroad program in Italy. Graded credit/no credit. (4 units)
448.  Documentary Production
Digital video documentary production course with emphasis on research and pre-production planning, shooting, and editing through lectures, workshops, screenings and field production. Working in crews, students plan, shoot and finish short documentary projects. Recommended that students have completed a draft treatment for a short documentary before the course begins. Prerequisites: COMM 245, 345 and 346. (4 units)
449.  Fiction Production
Fiction/dramatic digital video production course with emphasis on producing, shooting, lighting and sound recording through lectures, workshops, screenings and field production. Working in crews, students plan, shoot and edit fiction projects. Recommended that students have completed a draft treatment for a fiction short before the course begins. Prerequisites: COMM 245, 345, and 346. (4 units)
450.  Audience Research and 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. Prerequisites: COMM 200, 304, 306, 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. 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. Prerequisite: COMM 344 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)
550.  Muslim Women in Media and Society
A cross-disciplinary and case study-based approach to the subject of Muslim women across several different regions and contexts, focusing particularly on their position in society and their representation in media. Formerly a topic under COMM 365 and 565. (4 units)
560.  Health Communication
Advanced study of issues, contexts, and theories of health communication. Examines health issues in various communication contexts such as interpersonal, intercultural, organizational and mediated communication. Formerly a topic under COMM 364. Prerequisites: COMM 200 and 306, or consent of instructor. (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. 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. 

  1. Africa (4 units)
  2. Asia-Pacific (4 units)
  3. Europe (4 units)
  4. Latin America (4 units)
595.  Independent Study
Special topics involving library research, experimental or field research, or media production. A total of ten 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)

Graduate / Postbaccalaureate

May not be taken by undergraduate students.  

600.  Introduction to Graduate Study
Theory building in communication research. The assumptions, methods, perspectives and theoretical frameworks for advanced research in communication studies. Recommended for first quarter of graduate study, must be taken within first year. (4 units)
601.  Intercultural Communication Theories
Study of the relationship between culture and communication with emphasis given to an examination of current quantitative and interpretative theory and research. Implications and applications to various kinds of human relationships and various aspects of those relationships (e.g. interpersonal, organizational, national, international and mediated). Recommended for first quarter of graduate study, must be taken within the first year. (4 units)
602.  Quantitative Research Methods in Communication Studies
Study, design, data collection, and appropriate multivariate procedures for research through behavioral/quantitative approaches. Emphasis on research conducted in multicultural settings. Extensive work designing research instruments and employing computerized statistical applications. Prerequisites: COMM 400 and 600, or consent of department. (4 units)
603.  Qualitative Research Methods in Communication
Survey of study design, data collection and appropriate procedures for research through qualitative and interpretive approaches. Emphasis on research conducted in multicultural settings. Advanced study in such methods include ethnography, interviewing, discourse analysis, and rhetorical and cultural criticism. Prerequisite: COMM 600 or 605. (4 units)
605.  Introduction to Graduate Studies in Integrated Marketing Communication
Theory building in integrated marketing communication research. The assumptions, methods, perspectives, theoretical frameworks and case study analysis for advanced research in communication studies, marketing and advertising. Recommended for first quarter of graduate study, must be taken within first year. (4 units)
609.  Digital Culture
Examination of the interactions among communication technology, new media, and culture with particular focus on intercultural and global communication. Prerequisite: COMM 309 or consent of department. (4 units)
610.  Media and Intercultural Relations
Focus on how media and intercultural communication shape one another, including the relationship between the public and private processes of technologically-mediated interaction, transformations in interpersonal relations, and the social construction of contemporary discourses and lifestyles. (4 units)
620.  Communication in Multicultural Organizations
Study and analysis of communication patterns in multinational and multicultural organizational settings. Analysis of intercultural communication theories as sources of explanations and strategies for developing and managing a culturally diverse organization. (4 units)
630.  Instructional Communication
Study of educational philosophies, models, approaches, and research in teaching communication, to include course design and student evaluation instruments with emphasis on application of instructional strategies in their teaching presentations. May not be taken in lieu of EDUC 603. (4 units)
670.  Seminar in Conflict and Conflict Resolution
Survey course on the origins, history, models and theories of conflict and conflict resolution. Includes cultural issues, nonviolent social movements, and the developing field of online conflict resolution. (4 units)
671.  International Communication
Advanced study of issues in international communication in the context of globalization. Examination of the political, economic and cultural impact of communication across national boundaries, including news, entertainment, advertising, corporate communication, transborder data flows, and the Internet. (4 units)
672.  Intercultural Peacemaking
Study of communication strategies for international and domestic peacemaking among diverse groups and interests. (4 units)
673.  Advanced Mediation Skills
Application of selected mediation theories and skills such as group facilitation, group development, and language analysis. Prerequisite: COMM 522 or equivalent. (4 units)
685.  Thesis or Project Proposal/Comprehensive Examination Preparation
Preparation of the thesis or project proposal, or preparation for comprehensive examination. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisites: completion of 24 units in the program, advancement to candidacy, and consent of graduate coordinator. (2 units)
686.  Graduate Project
Preparation of a graduate project under the direction of a faculty member, with the approval of the graduate director, and if an interdisciplinary study major, with the approval of the graduate program coordinator. Project proposals should be approved by the program coordinator in the quarter prior to enrollment in the course. Prerequisite: advancement to candidacy. (4-8 units)
689.  Practicum for Teaching Assistants in Communication Studies
For students appointed as teaching assistants in communication studies. The course is designed to facilitate the development, refinement and maintenance of effective teaching methods and strategies. May be repeated for a total of three units. Graded credit/no credit. (1 unit)
690.  Seminar in Organizational Communication
Intensive study of selected topics in organizational communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: COMM 421 or consent of department. (4 units)
691.  Seminar in Public Relations
Intensive study of selected topics in public relations. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: COMM 341 or equivalent. (4 units)
692.  Seminar in Interpersonal Communication
Intensive study of selected topics in interpersonal communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. (4 units)
693.  Seminar in Mass Communication
Intensive study of selected topics in mass communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. (4 units)
694.  Seminar in Intercultural Communication
Intensive study of selected topics in intercultural communication. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Prerequisite: COMM 304 or equivalent. (4 units)
695.  Graduate Independent Study
Advanced reading/research on a specific topic relevant to the student's program of study. Prerequisite: approval by the student's committee. (2-5 units)
696.  Practicum in Intercultural Living
Students will complete academic assignments based on, and during residence in a domestic or foreign community other than their own. Graded credit/no credit. Prerequisites: COMM 602 or 603, approval of student's committee; graduate level status with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0. Student must secure a written agreement with a sponsoring agency and departmental approval of that agreement. (2-5 units)
697.  Internship in Communication
Supervised work experience in which the student completes academic assignments integrated with off-campus paid or volunteer activities. Graded credit/no credit. A maximum of five units of credit in COMM 697 will be accepted toward the M.A. degree. Prerequisites: approval of student's committee; graduate level status with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 ("B"). Student must secure a written agreement with the supervising agency in which the internship will take place and departmental approval of that agreement. (2-5 units)
698.  Continuous Enrollment for Graduate Candidacy Standing
Independent study leading to completion of requirements (other than course work) for the master's degree. To retain classified standing in the master's program, a student must enroll in 698 each quarter until the project or thesis is accepted or the comprehensive examination passed. Cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements. Students who enroll in 698 through the university have full use of all university facilities. Prerequisites: advancement to candidacy and approval of program graduate coordinator or, if an interdisciplinary studies major, consent of the Dean of Graduate Studies. 698 is a variable unit course. Earned units are not degree-applicable nor will they qualify for financial aid. (0-6 units)
699.  Thesis
Independent graduate research culminating in a written thesis. Prerequisites: approval of prospectus by the student's advisory committee, advancement to candidacy, completion of all other required courses for the M.A. or consent of department. (5 units)
999.  Comprehensive Examination
An assessment of the student's ability to integrate the knowledge of the area, show critical and independent thinking and demonstrate mastery of subject matter. Prerequisites: COMM 685, advancement to candidacy, approval of department, completion of course work in the master's program, and in good academic standing. (0 units)

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