Communication Studies

Communication Studies is a discipline that focuses on the ability of individuals to communicate effectively in a variety of environments. Students will explore both the theory and practice of fundamental communication skills and strategies. They will examine the human, social, political, institutional and mediated dimensions of human communications.

This department offers instruction in a wide range of communication areas including Public Speaking, Mass Media, Interpersonal Communication, Multicultural Communication, Oral Interpretation and Small Group Discussion.

Students on the Communication Studies Pathway prepare themselves for a multitude of career opportunities. Those may include advertising, business, education, journalism, electronic media production, marketing, law and public relations.

Courses

CMST& 101: Introduction to Communication Studies [C]

Credits 5

Students in this survey course will explore the theory and practice of fundamental communication skills and strategies. This course emphasizes investigation and understanding in three core settings: public speaking communication, small group communication and interpersonal communication. Ancillary fields of multicultural communication and mass media will be examined. Students will also learn to prepare, deliver and critique effective presentations.

CMST& 102: Intro to Mass Media [S/B] [RE]

Credits 5

This course offers an overview of historical, cultural, economic, and social issues affected by the development and continued evolution of mass media. Media products analyzed will be both traditional (print, audio, film, etc.) and evolving (digital). Upon completing this course, students will be conscious of how viewpoints are shaped by the media and be more critical consumers of media products.

Equivalent Courses
JOR 100

CMST 103: Workplace Communication [RE]

Credits 3

Students in the workforce are able to develop a toolbox of communication strategies and techniques. These tools include interviewing, customer service, cultural diversity, and resolving conflicts topics.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 103

CMST 104: Speech Essentials [C]

Credits 3

This is a basic course in public speaking. The goal of this course is to introduce, practice, and become comfortable speaking in front of people in the workplace and in the community. This course is recommended for students with no previous speech experience. Students are taught different forms of public speaking, learn to be more effective communicators, and learn how to organize their ideas for effective and efficient oral communication. Credit not granted for both CMST 104 and CMST& 220.

Equivalent Courses
CMST 101, SPE 101

CMST 108: Voice and Articulation [RE]

Credits 3

An introduction to problems of pronunciation and enunciation. Through voice and articulation techniques and the use of the international phonetic alphabet, students gain basic knowledge of phonetics and anatomy of speech. Individual attention is given to minor speech problems.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 108

CMST 110: Communication Behavior [C]

Credits 3

An introduction to the basic elements that impact our communication with each other. The course is designed to illustrate the reasons for communication failures in two-party and small group situations. Among other areas, active listening, conflict communication, self-esteem, and assertiveness are covered. Credit not granted for both CMST 110 and CMST& 210.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 110

CMST 141: Debate I [RE]

Credits 2

Provides investigation and practice in oral problem-solving through debate format and impromptu speaking. Includes principles of argumentation and analysis of propositions; use of tests of evidence, reasoning, and logic; detection of fallacies, structure of arguments, and methods of refutation and rebuttal. Students are expected to attend a minimum of two debate tournaments. It is recommended that students complete CMST 104 prior to enrollment.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 141

CMST 142: Debate II [RE]

Credits 2

Provides investigation and practice in oral problem-solving through debate format and persuasive speaking. Includes principles of argumentation and analysis of propositions; use of tests of evidence, reasoning, and logic; detection of fallacies, structure of arguments, and methods of refutation and rebuttal. Students are expected to attend a minimum of two debate tournaments. It is recommended that students complete CMST 104 prior to enrollment.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 142

CMST 143: Debate III

Credits 2

Provides investigation and practice in oral problem-solving through debate format and extemporaneous speaking. Includes principles of argumentation and analysis of propositions; use of tests of evidence, reasoning, and logic; detection of fallacies, structure of arguments, and methods of refutation and rebuttal. Students are expected to attend a minimum of two debate tournaments. It is recommended that students complete CMST 104 prior to enrollment.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 143

CMST 201: Studies In Media & Culture: Rotating Genre Study [RE]

Credits 5

Introduces students to genre-based narrative theories in mass media studies. Each quarter a particular genre of media is selected and students critically analyze a given set of mass media artifacts, possibly including films, television shows, video games, advertisements, books, music videos, or toys. Based on this analysis, students learn to criticize and practically engage the ideologies inherent in their surrounding media environments.

CMST& 210: Interpersonal Communication [C]

Credits 5

This course is recommended for students seeking to improve their communication with friends, family, and co-workers. It is designed to heighten the students' awareness of personality styles and communication behaviors, and their respective impact on interpersonal and group communication. Credit not granted for both CMST 110 and CMST& 210.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 111

CMST& 220: Public Speaking [C]

Credits 5

This is a basic course in speech that expands beyond the three-credit requirement for an AA degree. The goal of this course is to introduce, practice, and become comfortable speaking in front of people in the workplace and in the community. This course is recommended for students with no previous speech experience. Students are taught different forms of public speaking. Students learn to be more effective communicators and organize their ideas for effective and efficient oral communication. Credit not granted for both CMST 104 and CMST& 220.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 102

CMST 240: Leadership Development [RE]

Credits 5

A study in theory and practice to develop individual leadership skills for the students' personal, professional, and academic lives. Includes substantial experiential learning opportunities to practice leadership in action.

Prerequisite

Completion of ENGL& 101 with a 0.7 or better, or instructor permission.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 240

CMST 241: Applied Leadership I [RE]

Credits 2

This course explores leadership skills, concepts, and theories as it relates to student involvement on campus.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 241

CMST 242: Applied Leadership II [RE]

Credits 2

A continuation of CMST 241, this course explores leadership skills, concepts, and theories as it relates to student involvement on campus.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 242

CMST 243: Applied Leadership III

Credits 2

A continuation of CMST 242, this course explores leadership skills, concepts, and theories as it relates to student involvement on campus.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 243

CMST 246: Oral Interpretation [H] [RE]

Credits 5

Students are taught to use their voices more effectively for character interpretation and presentation. Demonstrations, class exercises, and oral reading assignments are employed.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 246

CMST 260: Multicultural Communication [C]

Credits 5

Multicultural Communication teaches students culturally-sensitive methods of identifying basic problems involving communication failures across ethnic and racial settings. Students also learn to apply various multicultural approaches to behavior modification, racism, sexism, the valuing of cultural diversity, collaboration, and the move toward inherent pluralism.

Prerequisite

Completion of ENGL& 101 with a 0.7 or better.

Equivalent Courses
SPE 260

CMST 320: Health Communication [RE]

Credits 5

The purpose of this course is to develop a deeper understanding of how health communication concepts, theories, research methods, cases, and other practices can be applied to real-world health issues and problems. You will identify and develop ways in which practitioners can better the lives of those they support through effective and efficient communication. In this course, you will learn about the field of health communication and the approaches and action areas used to plan, implement, and evaluate health communication.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into a BAS/BSN program, completion of a two-year degree or equivalent, or instructor approval.

CMST 415: Applied Professional Communication [RE]

Credits 5

Students will study and apply effective professional workplace communication principles. Concepts include awareness and application of interpersonal and multicultural communication skills, leadership styles and application, small group dynamics, problem-solving, decision making and conflict management.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into a BAS/BSN program, completion of a two-year degree or equivalent, or instructor approval.