Communication Studies (COMS)

Preparation for the Communication Studies major. Overview of areas of study and key terms. Planning for fulfilling major requirements and choosing courses. Background on potential careers. Promotion of a learning community and resources for student success. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 lectures.

Introduction to the principles of oral communication and the tradition of public speaking in political and social life. Practical experience in the development, presentation, and critical analysis of speeches to inform and to persuade. Not open to students with credit in COMS 102. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as COMS/HNRS 101. Fulfills GE Area A1 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Introduction to the fundamentals and principles which underlie effective oral communication. Practical experience in various types of speaking situations: informative speaking, persuasive speaking, and panel discussion. Not open to students with credit in COMS 101. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as COMS/HNRS 102. Fulfills GE Area A1 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

The nature of critical thinking as applied in oral and written argument. Study of inductive and deductive reasoning. Analysis of reasoning, argument, forms of support and fallacies of argument and language. Instruction in and practical experience in crafting sound persuasive arguments and engaging in oral argumentation. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area A3 with a grade of C- or better.

The principles of reasoning in argumentation. Examination of rhetorical principles and responsible rhetorical behavior. Application of these principles to oral and written communications. Effective use of research methods and sources. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area A3 with a grade of C- or better.

Further consideration of the principles of public address. Advanced practice in manuscript, extemporaneous, and impromptu speaking. 4 lectures.

Introduction to rhetorical theory from classical to contemporary works. Explores the role of rhetoric in shaping reality and motivating human action. Students consider the ethics and effects of rhetoric and apply theories to critically analyze everyday discourses. 4 lectures.

Survey of human communication theories including interpersonal, small group, organizational, persuasion, nonverbal, intercultural, and media. Philosophical foundations for understanding communication from social science perspectives. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Formerly COMS 311.

Concepts and skills related to the performance of literature and performance as a theoretical and analytical method. Emphasis placed on understanding culture and the importance of diversity in human communication. Students develop and apply critical, analytical, performative, and communicative skills. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Introduction to the interaction process in two-person (dyadic) communication settings. Emphasis on the functions of varying messages in the initiation, development, maintenance and termination of personal and professional relationships. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area E (GE Area D4 for students on the 2017-19 or earlier catalogs).

Introduction to communication within the organization and between the organization and its environment. Effects of networks, superior/subordinate message patterns, team building, climate, message flow patterns and distortion on organizational effectiveness. 4 lectures.

Foundational content on one of the largest sub-disciplines in the field of Communication Studies. Combines social scientific and critical cultural approaches. Topics include mass communication history, media's role within modern society, media effects, and media literacy. 4 lectures.

Theories, principles and skills for small group communication and teamwork. Topics include creativity, failure, problem-solving, (dis)functional decision-making, group development, leadership, power, norms, conflict management, and group presentation. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Intermediate level course in the theory and practice of everyday argument. Select theories of argumentation, and practical experience arguing in a wide variety of contexts. 4 lectures.

Introduction to competitive debate activities. Research, analysis, and debating about contemporary issues. Any student who wishes to receive academic credit for participation in such activities during the quarter should enroll. Total credit limited to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 laboratories.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Communication skills and functions for all levels of organizational employees. Interviewing, oral briefings, motivational and conference speaking. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Examination and experience in the various modes of group performance of literature: Readers Theatre, Chamber Theatre, Story Theatre. Scripting; directing; performing and critiquing of group performance of literature. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Exploration of communication research strategies and methodologies. Basic methods of designing quantitative research in communication studies. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Exploration of ontology, epistemology, methodology, and representation inherent to qualitative inquiry. Emphasis on the following approaches: case study, grounded theory, (auto)ethnography, phenomenology, focus groups, narrative, participatory action research. 4 lectures.

Cultural aspects of communication within and among diverse groups. Particular focus on U.S. culture and history and the diversity of ethnic, subcultural, and co-cultural groups. Development of nuanced understanding of the role of culture and communication in human thought, behavior, and interaction. Not open to students with credit in COMS 416. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and USCP.

Impact of technological change upon human communication. Past, present, and future technological developments that have affected how humans communicate. Emphasis on new communication technologies. 4 lectures.

Analysis and integration of theories and methods of Cultural Studies as an interdisciplinary mode of critical qualitative inquiry. Emphasis on the role of communication in differential power relations, particularly on issues of identity, struggle, and representation in a diverse culture. 4 lectures.

Theoretical and practical communication issues regarding socially constructed aspects of identity; concentrating on gender, race, sexuality, social class, ability, age, and language through the lens of social constructionism. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Theory of persuasion with particular emphasis upon social psychological principles of influence. Analysis of various forms of persuasion, social influence and propaganda. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Early development of rhetorical theory in Greco-Roman civilization. Analysis of the canons of rhetoric. Rhetorical thought of Sophists, Isocrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Rhetoric's role in contemporary culture. Issues: political advocacy; science, technology and mass persuasion; ethics and rhetoric. Representative theorists: Burke, Weaver, Richards, Toulmin and McLuhan. 4 lectures.

Theory and method used in the analysis and evaluation of rhetorical discourse. Study of critical essays. Practice in interpreting and evaluating persuasive discourse. 4 lectures.

Advanced development of argumentation and debate skills. Focus on preparation and presentation of intramural exhibition debates. Optional participation in intercollegiate debates. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 laboratories.

Advanced participation in competitive intercollegiate speech activities. Intercollegiate tournament competition, judging speech competition and other communication-related public service on campus and in the community. Field trip may be required. Total credit limited to 8 units. Course offered in hybrid format with classroom-based and online learning. 2 laboratories. Crosslisted as COMS/HNRS 351.

Effects of media on individuals and society. Influence of mass media message producers and content on perceptions of social norms, violence, sexuality, gender, race, and ethnicity. Empirical approaches in media studies and literacy development. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Theory and method used in analyzing media from critical, rhetorical, and cultural perspectives. Practice in interpreting and evaluating news, advertising, prime-time television, the Internet, and other mass-mediated texts, with special attention to relationships among media, identity, and political action. 4 lectures.

Political communication and the U.S. mass media system, including role of the media in democratic society; news norms, government regulation of media, and media ownership; the changing media landscape and implications for news construction, polarization, and selective exposure; and incivility and bias. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Examination of the interrelationship between sports and community including participant, sports organization, sports media, and sports fan. Explores how these interrelationships reinforce social values, challenge social norms, and social identities relevant to sports and cultural values. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as COMS/JOUR 387.

Recent developments in the field of environmental communication, including how and with what effect environmental messages are transmitted among scientists, policymakers, and the public. Critical/rhetorical and mediated perspectives that inform contemporary understandings of the human-nature relationship are addressed. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Examination of science communication in a variety of contexts. Issues covered may include: scientific journal articles, boundary-work, information deficit models, public understanding/awareness of science, accommodated science, mediated science, popular science. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as COMS/ISLA 395.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units.

Influence of video games on individuals and society. Emphasis on why people play video games, how games influence players, and broader cultural impacts of gaming. Examines franchises, characters, gamers, avatars, gamification, and digital interactions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Describing and measuring the organization's human message system. Planning and implementing communication training and development for the organization. New functions, careers and opportunities for the communication professional. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Communication in health contexts. Topics include interpersonal communication (e.g., health professional/patient), group and organizational communication (e.g., health-related groups), and mass communication (e.g., persuasive health campaigns). Open to all majors and valuable to laypersons who are consumers of health care, and pre-health professionals. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Influence of kinesic, proxemic, artifactual, olfactory, paralinguistic and environmental factors in human communication. Theory, research and practice in nonverbal communication. 4 lectures.

Explores the theory and practice of how gender is created, maintained, and transformed through communication; examines how gender roles are enacted and interpreted in various public and private contexts. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Examination of rhetorical strategies and persuasive techniques used within scientific, technical, and medical discourses. Topics include genre features of scientific articles, rhetorical topoi in scientific discourse, pop-culture depictions of science, the scientific ethos, and risk communication. 4 lectures.

Communication theory and practice within family structures. Examination of relationship communication in marital/partnership, parent/child, intergenerational, and sibling relationships. Topics include family communication regarding identity, attachment, conflict, relational dialectics, storytelling/narratives, family transitions, cultural influences, and family support. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

In-depth exploration of concepts, theories, and research associated with interpersonal communication traditionally considered negative and destructive (e.g., jealousy, infidelity, stalking, gossip, revenge, bullying) to understand the potentially (dys)functional aspects of interpersonal communication behaviors and processes. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Role of oratory in American political and social history since Lincoln. Historical and rhetorical analyses of important political speeches delivered by presidents, activists, demagogues, and leaders of social movements. 4 lectures.

Supervised practicum and application of principles and theories of communication in organizational settings. Total credit limited to 8 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format.

Apply human-centered design practices to address a social or an environmental challenge, specific to a local community. Achieve revenue-generating social impact through innovative business models. Practice team competencies including problem-solving, interviewing, brainstorming, prototyping, and written, visual, and oral communication. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as BUS/COMS 458.

Preparation and design for senior project; exploration of scholarship related to project ideas. Credit/No Credit grading only. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 seminar.

Completion of approved project under faculty supervision. Project results are presented in a formal written report. Minimum 90 hours total time.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 4 lectures.

Part-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 4 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.