Communication

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.miracosta.edu.

The Communication Studies program provides students with a theoretical and methodological foundation of the nature of communication in its various forms and contexts as well as the uses, effects, and relevancy of communication in their own lives. Students take communication courses to prepare to transfer with a major in communication or to meet general education requirements. A bachelor's degree in communication can lead to a career in advertising, broadcasting, community relations, consulting, counseling, education, film, foreign service, fundraising, human resources, journalism, international relations, law, management, marketing, mediation, ministry, politics, public relations, sales, speech writing, and social work.

Academic and Career Pathway: Languages, Communication, and Humanities

Contact Information

Chair: Eric Robertson

Dean: Russell Waldon

https://www.miracosta.edu/academics/degree-and-certificate-programs/languages-communication-and-humanities/communication-studies/index.html

Department: Communication Studies

Office: Administration Building, San Elijo Campus, 760.634.7876

Full-Time Faculty

Sam Arenivar
Rachel Hastings
Anthony Ongyod

Leola Powers
Eric Robertson

Associate Degree

Associate in Arts Degree

Communication Studies for Transfer

Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a communications degree, an emphasis or option within a communications degree, or a degree considered similar to communications at a participating California State University (CSU) campus. Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor’s degree; however, some CSU campuses may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a communications major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.

To complete the degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:

Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
Complete all courses required in the major with a “C” or "P" or better.
Complete the CSU-GE (Plan B) or IGETC (Plan C)* general education pattern.
Obtain a minimum CSU-transferable GPA of 2.0.
Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.

* Students completing IGETC may be awarded the degree, but they must complete a course from Area IC: Oral Communication to meet CSU admission requirements.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

Upon completion of this program, the student will

have developed the ability to present clear and effective messages.
understand the relevance of the theories and methods of communication.
be prepared for transfer to a communication studies program in a California State University.

Required Core:
COMM 101	Public Speaking ^*	3
List A: 6 Units. Select two courses.		6
COMM 106	Group Communication ^*
COMM 207	Interpersonal Communication ^*
COMM 212	Argumentation ^{, *}
List B: 6 Units. Select two courses.		6
Any course from List A not already used.
COMM 111	Narrative Performance ^*
COMM 120	Principles of Human Communication ^{, *}
COMM 215	Intercultural Communication ^*
COMM 220	Introduction to Mass Communication ^*
List C: 3 Units. Select one course.		3
Any course from List A or B not already used.
COMM 135	Gender Studies in Communication ^*
Total Units		18

*: Course satisfies a general education requirement on the CSU-GE or IGETC general education pattern. To ensure this degree is completed with no more than 60 units, students should select courses that will also satisfy a general education requirement.
**: Course is required major preparation at CSU San Marcos (CSUSM). Students planning to transfer to CSUSM are advised to select these courses to complete this degree. For more information on this major at CSUSM, please refer to the articulation agreement at assist.org.

NOTE: Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.

How to Read Course Descriptions

For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available on the Courses and Programs webpage at https://www.miracosta.edu/governance/courses-and-programs-committee/curriculum-management-system.html.

Courses

COMM 101: Public Speaking

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course provides training in the basic principles of oral expression. Students learn how to select and research subjects, organize and support ideas, and prepare and deliver various forms of speeches. C-ID COMM-110.

COMM 106: Group Communication

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces students to group communication processes and principles and the necessary role of discussion in society. While addressing current topics of controversy, students learn and apply theories of group problem solving, roles, conflict resolution, leadership, ethics, and decision making. Students develop group communication skills in verbal and nonverbal interaction, participation, organization, and cultural diversity. C-ID COMM-140.

COMM 111: Narrative Performance

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall or Spring

This course introduces narrative performance and analysis of narrative works of art in their intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic forms. Class readings include traditional and contemporary approaches to storytelling and types of narratives, such as prose, poetry and drama. Students develop methods for constructing narratives and performance strategies for telling stories, including vocal and physical expressiveness, variety, and flexibility through narrative performance. C-ID COMM-170.

COMM 120: Principles of Human Communication

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course introduces human communication concepts and theories. It focuses on the role and significance of communication in and across different contexts, and it covers the basic structures and processes of communication. Topics include message production, message reception, and varying influences on human communication, such as interpersonal, intercultural, and mediated contexts. C-ID COMM-180.

COMM 135: Gender Studies in Communication

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: ACE 150, ENGL 50, ESL 150, or eligibility determined by the English placement process.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall or Spring

This course examines the communication patterns typically exhibited by men and women. It studies differences and similarities in verbal and nonverbal behaviors, perception, conflict, leadership, and interpersonal relationships. Students develop an awareness and appreciation of gender as an important variable in human communication, in both public and private settings.

COMM 207: Interpersonal Communication

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course provides for the study of communication within an interpersonal context. It includes the study of the communication process, perception, the symbolic nature of language, nonverbal codes, principles of effective communication, and the effects of communication on people in society. C-ID COMM-130.

COMM 212: Argumentation

This course examines the psychological and logical basis of argument and principles of effective organization. It teaches the development and application of critical thinking skills as well as the practice of creating and evaluating arguments so students can become more skilled and responsible advocates. C-ID COMM-120.

COMM 215: Intercultural Communication

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: ENGL 100 or ENGL 100H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course analyzes the cultural factors and variables that influence human-communication choices and actions. It focuses on perception, language, reasoning, nonverbal messages, values, beliefs, attitudes, and rules. Students learn to identify the cultural principles and variables of communication so as to act effectively and responsibly when interacting with diverse persons in various contexts. C-ID COMM-150.

COMM 220: Introduction to Mass Communication

This course covers the history, role, and impact of mass media in the United States. It demonstrates various media operations in the U.S. and their societal and cultural effects. The course enables students to be informed, critical consumers of mass media, and to understand how the media influence attitudes, values, beliefs, and perceptions. C-ID JOUR-100.

COMM 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

COMM 296: Topics in Communication

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Communications that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.

COMM 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

Occupational Cooperative Work Experience Education is intended for students employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

Communication

Communication

Contact Information

Full-Time Faculty

Associate Degree

Associate in Arts Degree

Communication Studies for Transfer

Courses

Campus Locations

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