Communication

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)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Course: COMM 001
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 002 Gender and Communication 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Course: COMM 102
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 004 Interpersonal Communication 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course introduces basic principles of interpersonal communication and provides a survey of major communication theories and research with an emphasis on research methods from a psychological and behavioral perspective. Students will examine the overlapping influences of identity, perception, culture, age, gender, emotion, verbal and nonverbal messages, listening and more. Students will learn to view interpersonal communication and relationships through a theoretical lens by examining interpersonal principles and competencies that help establish and maintain meaningful and successful relationships in a diverse society and in a variety of contexts (romantic, family, friend, workplace). Students will be challenged to learn through engaged discussions, research, reflective writing, and systematic application of course concepts and theories to everyday life.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 001 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C. (C-ID COMM130)
COMM 005 Argumentation and Debate 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
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)
Prerequisites: ENGL 001 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
COMM 007 Persuasion 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
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)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
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)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
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)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course will examine the impacts of socialization, culture, and gender, in relation to health and Communication. Students will be introduced to current theories of health communication, and examine the function/s of communication in health care settings. This course will further provide an analysis of key concepts in identifying health care variations by examining perception, social and mass media, historical contexts, language and the impact of power.
COMM 112 Public Speaking for Business 4 unit(s)
Hours: 4 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Courses: BUS 112, SPCH 112
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.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: BUS 270 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.

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