Division: Language & Communication Studies
The Communication department offers multiple programs that prepare students for entry-level employment and/or potential further study in the fields of Communication or Communication Studies. Students completing these degrees will have a basic foundation in communication skills that include planning, organization, speech writing and presentation, group and interpersonal relations, intercultural awareness, assuming responsibility, preparing reports, argumentation theories, carrying out instructions and delegating responsibilities. These important skills benefit the workplace regardless of the type of career the student chooses to pursue.
Career opportunities upon successful completion of this degree may include business, advertising, communication education, human resources, electronic media and print, journalism, speech writing, advocacy, public relations, government, media, and social and human services.
Contact Information
Language and Communication Studies Division Chair
Aimee Ahle | aimeea@cos.edu
Kaweah: 251B | Visalia Campus
Dean of Language and Communication Studies/Educational Support Services
Dr. Francisco Castillo, Ed.D. | (559) 737-5362 | franciscoc@cos.edu
Educational Support Services: 113 | Visalia Campus
For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking
3 unit(s)
Common Description: In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. (C-ID: COMM110)
COMM C1004 Interpersonal Communication
3 unit(s)
This course covers theory, research, and application of ethical one-to-one communication practices in various and diverse interpersonal relationships including in personal, professional, and social situations. COS Course Description: This course covers theory, research, and application of ethical one-to-one communication practices in various and diverse interpersonal relationships including in personal, professional, and social situations. COS Course Description: Interpersonal Communication introduces students to the social-scientific study of human interaction, emphasizing empirical research methods, theoretical perspectives, and cultural analysis of relational behavior. Students investigate how identity, perception, language, emotion, and power operate within interpersonal contexts such as family, friendship, romantic, and professional relationships. Coursework integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches, critical evaluation of peer-reviewed research, and applied analysis to explain and predict patterns of interpersonal communication in a diverse and interconnected society.
COMM 002 Gender and Communication
3 unit(s)
This course will examine the impacts of socialization and gender roles in relation to communication. Further, the course will examine the roles of men and women in same-sex or gender and mixed sex or gender contexts. The course will introduce students to current theories of gender communication, and examine the function/s of communication in gender role development. This course will further provide an analysis of key concepts in identifying gender variations by examining culture, perception, social and mass media, historical contexts, language and the impact of power.
COMM 005 Argumentation and Debate
3 unit(s)
An introductory course in argumentation and debate, this course covers research into, and critical analysis of, major public issues through written and spoken formats. The course will provide practice in persuasive speaking, writing and formal debate, with emphasis on research, organization, logical proof, and effective presentation. Students will engage in analysis and critical deconstruction of written and spoken presentations. Students will also learn how to understand and avoid fallacies in their persuasive presentations. (C-ID COMM120)
COMM 007 Persuasion
3 unit(s)
Theoretical examination of the principles and practices of persuasion in various communication settings as well as exploring the historical and contemporary approaches to persuasive messages throughout time. Additionally, this course will coach students on the presentation of persuasive appeals, and learning to construct, deliver, and critique persuasive messages in an inclusive environment.
COMM 008 Group Communication
3 unit(s)
This course focuses on oral communication and presentation in small group settings. Students are provided with the foundational knowledge and practice of speech making in a democratic society, while simultaneously emphasizing theory and research about communication in a variety of small group contexts. This course exposes students to rhetorical theory, small group theory and public speaking fundamentals within the context of their interpersonal interactions, group communication processes, and live presentations (including informative and persuasive speeches). Students will learn historical roots and key rhetorical theories that ground the study and practice of public speaking, and be able to discover, develop and critically analyze ideas and information in public discourse. Students will also explore and evaluate group communication processes, including problem-solving, conflict management, decision-making and leadership. (C-ID COMM140).
COMM 009 Intercultural Communication
3 unit(s)
This course will provide the student with an understanding of the different cultures in our country by providing an insight into the communicative behaviors each culture possesses. A variety of cultures will be studied, with specific emphasis placed on the different skills in verbal and nonverbal communication, communication climates and language interpretation of those cultures. (C-ID COMM150)
COMM 103 Health Communication
3 unit(s)
Health Communication examines the social, cultural, and behavioral dimensions of communication in health contexts. Using communication and social science theories, students examine how culture, identity, and social systems shape health beliefs and behaviors in interpersonal, organizational, and mass media settings. Topics include provider–patient communication, cultural differences, how communication affects health outcomes, and the social construction of health through media and public discourse. Through case studies and applied analysis, students learn how communication influences health outcomes and the way societies understand wellness, illness, and care.
COMM 112 Public Speaking for Business
4 unit(s)
This is an introductory course in public speaking and presentation software. This course covers a variety of formal public speaking styles and formats. Students will also learn how to create a computerized slide show, as well as speaker outlines/notes and audience handouts to assist in their presentations.
Communication
Ahle, Aimee
B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara
M.A., California State University, Fresno
Brooks, Jonathan
B.A., California State University, Fresno
M.A., California State University, Fresno
Johnson, Cynthia
B.A., California State University, Fresno
M.A., California State University, Fresno
M.A., North Central University, Arizona
Kennedy, Shailin
A.A., Reedley College
B.A., California State University, Fresno
M.A, California State University, Fresno
Mc Gehee, Robin
B.A., William Carey College
M.A., California State University, Fresno