Faculty Towers, 202A
(661) 664-2144
(661) 664-2063 (fax)
email: swestmore@csub.edu
http://www.csub.edu/comm/
| Chair: | Andy Alali |
| Faculty: | A. Alali
G. Byrd O. Guevara E. Jackson J. Pratt |
Program Description
The Department of Communications offers the Bachelor of Arts in Communications (61 units). The program presents a combination of theoretical knowledge and analytical skill oriented to the recognition and solution of communication problems as they occur in their various forms and within diverse contexts and media.
Students completing a major in Communications have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in related activity and production courses as well as internships. They may concentrate their study in one of four areas of emphasis (Journalism, Public Relations, Computer Imaging, and Speech Communication), with a requirement for general familiarity in the other three areas. The general emphasis of this program is upon breadth and flexibility in preparation for a diversity of career opportunities.
The department offers a minor in Communication,
a certificate in Communications, and in cooperation with the Fine Arts
Department, an interdisciplinary Speech and Theatre minor.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR IN COMMUNICATIONS - Bachelor of Arts (61 UNITS)
Students completing a major in Communications will need to complete a minor in another field, and in consultation with a faculty advisor.
To create a portfolio, each student should
maintain evidence from all communications courses and from other experiences
that provide support for the student’s accomplishments as a Communications
major. Questions about the portfolio may be directed to the student’s advisor
or to any communica-tions faculty member.
REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE MINOR IN COMMUNICATIONS
The minimum requirements for a minor in
Communications are, four courses totaling 20-quarter units; at the 200-level
or above (at least three of which must be upper division.) Up to six units
in activities courses (212/412, 214/414, 218/418, 220/420, 222/422) may
be counted toward the minor.
CSUB Debate
CSUB Forensics is an officially recognized
and fully funded intercollegiate NDT style debate team whose members learn
critical thinking, library research, and public speaking skills. Tournament
schedule includes Salt Lake City, Dallas, Chicago, Kansas City, and locations
in central and southern California. Full-time CSUB students in good academic
standing are eligible for up to four units of academic credit per academic
year by enrolling in Communications 212/412 for two consecutive quarters.
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) - CSUB Chapter
Public Relations Student Society of America
is the preeminent public relations student organization in the world. The
CSUB Chapter is chartered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
Board of Directors. The mission of PRSSA is twofold: (1) to serve its members
by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to
professional development opportunities; and (2) to serve the public relations
profession by helping to develop highly qualified well-prepared professionals.
Membership is open to students interested in public relations.
Speech and Theatre Minor
(For requirements, see listing under "Interdisciplinary
Minors.")
Certificates in Communications
Option I: A student majoring in Communications who completes at least six courses (30 units) from the department’s offerings in one of the following areas: Journalism, Public Relations, Computer Imaging, Speech Communication, or Communication Studies is eligible to receive a certificate recognizing that achievement.
Option II: A student not majoring in Communications who completes at least six courses (30 units) from the department’s offerings in one of the following areas: Journalism, Public Relations, Computer Imaging, Speech Communication, or Communication Studies, is eligible to receive a certificate recognizing that achievement.
Option III: A student not majoring in Communications,
in consultation with an advisor and the chair of the department, may design
a general certificate program, including COMM 309 Theories of Communication,
and at least five other courses (25 units) reflecting the general scope
of the communications discipline.
Teaching Credential--Liberal Studies
Communications is a Concentration Option
for Liberal Studies majors.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Lower Division
COMM 108 Strategies of Public Communication (5)
An introduction to public speaking and communication studies. Emphasis is placed on increasing the student’s understanding of theory relating to the practice and criticism of public speaking, improvement of the student’s public speaking and critical thinking skills, and an understanding of library research skills.
COMM 206 Issues and Practices in Journalism (5)
Study of the problems and techniques of journalism, including audiences and resources. Overview of history and development of print media. Examination of news sources, interviewing, reporting, writing, and ethics. Frequent exercises in news gathering and writing and preparing copy for publication.
COMM 212 Intercollegiate Debate (2)
Participation in intercollegiate debate tournaments. Emphasis is placed on theoretical and applied aspects of debate competition. Weekly meeting attendance, coaching time, and participation in two college debate tournaments required. Four activity hours per week. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
COMM 214 Newspaper Production (2)
Production of a weekly laboratory newspaper, The Runner, to provide practical experience in news writing and editing, proofreading, photography, advertising, layout, paste-up, circulation. Minimum of six class hours per week. May be repeated three times for credit.
COMM 218 Copy Editing (1)
Essentials of newspaper copy editing, including newswriting, proofreading, and headline writing. Includes work on material submitted for publication in the weekly laboratory paper, The Runner. Two activity hours per week. May be repeated three times for credit.
COMM 220 Page Layout (1)
Focus on the principles of effective page composition to determine those patterns most effective for the readers, writers, and advertisers in both tabloid and standard newspapers. Two activity hours per week. May be repeated three times for credit.
COMM 222 Small Newspaper Management (1)
Fundamentals of newspaper management, including circulation, advertising, distribution, production supervision, and finances. Two activity hours per week. May be repeated three times for credit.
COMM 228 Public Speaking and Persuasion (5)
Discussion of advanced theories of persuasion and practical application of theories in prepared, researched speeches. Performance oriented course, augmented by written speech analyses and exams. Theory and speeches will build on ideas introduced in COMM 108 and will emphasize ethical responsibilities of the speaker and critical analytic skills. Prerequisite: COMM 108 or its equivalent or instructor permission.
COMM 240 Media Arts (5)
An examination of the major aesthetic image elements—light, space, time-motion, and sound—and how they are used in video and film. Prerequisite: COMM 108 or the equivalent.
COMM 274 Introduction to Communication Studies (5)
Survey of the role of communication in daily life. Concepts and contexts of communication. Development of writing skills necessary for upper division work in the discipline. Prerequisite: COMM 108.
COMM 286 Computer Imaging (5)
An overview of computer hardware and software systems as they apply to developing a computer-based presentation. Integration of the various computer based presentations will be presented. The computer’s function as an intermediate format will be explored. Students will develop a comprehensive overview of software and hardware systems currently used in the communications industry (television, newspapers, printers, advertising agencies, radio, etc.).
COMM 289 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)
Evaluation and assessment of learning which
has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the
curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or
documentation. Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis.
Not open to post-graduate students. Interested students should contact
the department office.
Upper Division
COMM 303 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism (5)
Introduction to methods employed in the description, interpretation and evaluation of discursive and non-discursive rhetorical artifacts. Survey of a range of rhetorical perspectives: traditional, experiential, dramaturgical, sociological, and postmodern. Students will engage in seminar discussion and complete written rhetorical analyses. Emphasis will be placed on the comprehensive and application of rhetorical perspectives/tools in written criticism. Prerequisite: COMM 108 or its equivalent or permission of instructor.
COMM 304 Technical and Report Writing (5)
Extensive practice in writing clearly and persuasively in technical and specialized forms such as reports of experiments, abstracts, business reports and proposals, letters, memoranda. Prerequisite: ENGL 110 or the equivalent with a grade of "C-" or better, and upper division standing. Cross-listed as ENGL 304.
COMM 305 Public Relations (5)
A study of public relations emphasizing mass communications, and including communications among such entities as business, education, labor, and their various audiences. Expository writing, publicity releases, photography, and use of news media in two-way communication. Prerequisite: COMM 206 for majors.
COMM 306 News Writing and Reporting (5)
Study of contemporary journalism techniques and their influence on the audience they serve. Exercises in news gathering, newspaper writing and interviewing. Prerequisite: ENGL 110 or the equivalent with a grade of "C-" or better and upper division standing.
COMM 307 Video Production I (5)
Examination of the theories and development of the skills necessary to work with video equipment. Visual literacy is a primary component of this course. Students will learn to effectively manage moving images in both a linear and nonlinear video editing situation. Prerequisite: COMM 240 or permission of instructor.
COMM 308 Persuasive Campaigns and Social Movements (5)
Critical analysis of the role of persuasion in contemporary discourse, with specific attention on issues involving political campaigns, social movements, advertising and consumerism. Consideration of the symbiotic relationship between society and the function and sustenance of these persuasive discourses. Course will employ a variety of analytic perspectives. Prerequisite: COMM 108 or ENGL 110 or its equivalent or instructor permission.
COMM 309 Theories of Communication (5)
How theories are constructed. Survey of theoretical approaches to communication drawing on the social sciences and humanities. Prerequisite: COMM 274 or the equivalent and completion of General Education Goal IV (Mathematical Reasoning).
COMM 311 Feature Writing (5)
Study of newspaper feature stories—their resources, their methods, and their appeal. Frequent exercises in the art of writing feature stories, with concentration on the human interest feature.
COMM 312 Graphic Communication (5)
Analysis of the ways in which typography, color, paper, ink, and illustration work together to enhance effective print communication. Comparative discussion of design elements of magazines, newsletters, newspapers, and brochures. Frequent exercises in design layout and preparing camera-ready copy using desktop publishing software.
COMM 313 News Editing (5)
Analysis of current news editing theories and their application in the publication of a major daily newspaper. Focus on the role of the managing editor. Frequent exercises to develop students’ ability to make sound editing decisions.
COMM 314 Photojournalism (5)
Analysis of major theories and techniques of photojournalism combined with practice in their application. Three lecture/discussion and four activity hours per week.
COMM 315 Mass Media Law (5)
Designed to broaden the student’s understanding of laws which pertain to the mass media. Philosophical appreciation of the legal framework within which the mass media operates and pragmatic familiarity with the legal problems most often encountered by journalists and related professionals is anticipated. The course will examine the development of the law regarding the First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution and such related legal areas such as libel, obscenity, censorship, privacy, free press and fair trial, journalist’s privilege, the right of access to government information, access to the press, the doctrine of commercial speech (advertising), and copyright.
COMM 316 Principles of Group Discussion (5)
Theory and methods of group discussion, practice in organizing and conducting informal and public discussion for the solving of problems; attention to the role of group discussions in the contemporary world.
COMM 317 Ethical Issues in the Media (5)
Analysis of ethical dilemmas in the media, with emphasis on ethical issues as they influence news gathering, reporting, advertising, and entertainment. Evaluation of the ethical culture of newsrooms and their codes of ethics; analysis of case studies as the basis for learning how to recognize and resolve ethical conflicts. Cross-listed as PHIL 317.
COMM 330 Speech Communication Skills for Management (5)
Speaking skills necessary for effective management. Includes training in presenting oral reports, using visual aids, interviewing strategies, conducting business conferences, inter-office and interpersonal communications, representing the company in the community, effective listening, and conflict/grievance resolution.
COMM 335 Negotiation (5)
Theoretical understanding of the communications concepts of bargaining and negotiation in diverse contexts—business, politics, industry, and labor. Practical skills in communication techniques commensurate with successful negotiating, e.g., role playing, problems solving, interpersonal communication, argumentation, arbitration, and principled negotiation. Emphasis on verbal messages, authority, suggestion, deadlines, timing.
COMM 350 Public Relations Writing (5)
Study of and frequent exercises in the principal types of writing used in the practice of public relations, including news and feature releases, reports, memoranda, radio and television copy, video scripts, institutional advertisements, and magazine articles. Study of communication flow, diffusion process, and semantics. Discussion of media relations and placement. Prerequisite: COMM 305.
COMM 370 Intercultural Communication (5)
This course is designed to enhance the student’s understanding of the importance of culture in human interaction and the linkages between communication and culture. Interdisciplinary approaches examine the influence different cultural backgrounds have on communication in everyday life, social service encounters, business, and international services.
COMM 376 Interpersonal Communication (5)
Analysis of the process of communication as it occurs between individuals and in small groups in everyday life. Attention is given to communication interactions within the family, in social situations, in organizations, and institutions. Both verbal and nonverbal codes considered.
COMM 377 Special Topics (1-5)
Analysis of the public communicator in action and the laws, strategies, and situations that influence the process of public persuasion. Specific topic determined by instructor. May be repeated for different course content.
COMM 386 Computer Graphics (5)
The introduction of students to the basics of effective graphic communication. Students will acquire a working knowledge of the principles of design and the elements of visual communication as they relate to computer graphics. Students will be able to solve communication problems through an understanding of the concepts of symbolic and representational graphics. Aspects of visual perception will be considered as part of the communication process.
COMM 388 Multimedia Development I (5)
This course offers theories and ways of integrating text, audio, graphics, still images, and motion pictures into a computer-controlled multimedia product. The participants will learn how to make logical connections among these elements and make the entire package interactive.
COMM 390 Publishing on the World Wide Web (5)
This course guides students through the history and current use of the Internet, especially the World Wide Web. Students will learn to set up and maintain Web pages. Emphasis is on the types of information found on the Web, how they are organized, how search engines operate, and how communicators use the Web to disseminate and investigate information. Students build their own Web pages with links to relevant sections of existing Web sites.
COMM 391 Digital Imaging I (5)
An introductory/intermediate class focusing on theory and the creation and production of high quality digital images. A series of hands-on lessons covering paths, masks, layers, color correction, scanning, resolution, resizing, modes, file formats, importing and exporting as well as an overview of graphic design/visual communication techniques.
COMM 402 Public Relations Strategies (5)
Analysis and application of the multiple stages of planning and implementing effective public relations programs, including anticipating and defining problems, strategic planning, taking action, and evaluation. Emphasis on taking a proactive approach to crisis management. Prerequisite: COMM 305.
COMM 404 Public Affairs Reporting (5)
Detailed investigation of covering public affairs, including reporting on public and government agencies, researching public records, and writing clear articles. Students will be trained in Computer Assisted Reporting. Study of structure and function of state and local government, state open meeting and public records laws, structure of judicial and criminal justice systems. Students will adopt a local government agency, attend meetings, establish news sources within the agency, and write articles about agency meetings and issues. Prerequisite: COMM 206 or 306 or permission of instructor.
COMM 405 Communication in the Organization (5)
The nature and flow of communication in organizations and institutions. Theory and techniques of solving communication problems in organizations; practical experience in writing and speaking. Among topics discussed are the organization as a communication system, theory of organization, analytical techniques for evaluating the quality of organizational communication, the use of communication skills to facilitate organizational change.
COMM 406 Broadcast News Writing (5)
Analysis of the specialized forms of writing used in film, photography, radio, and television. Students will examine non-fiction script forms and formats for radio and television news, advertising copy, films, instructional media. Students may work with several media.
COMM 407 Media Technology in American Society (5)
Analysis of the development and impact of media technology as it transforms the ways in which we generate, transmit, assess, and understand mediated messages in contemporary American society. Evaluation of the impact of media technology on the role of communication in information processing, values acquisition and personal behavior, social construction of reality, group dynamics, and social interaction. Emphasis on mass communication.
COMM 409 Theories of Argumentation (5)
Survey of European and American argument theorists throughout the classic and contemporary period. Emphasis placed on the writings of Aristotle, Isocrates, Chaim Perelman, Stephen Toulmin, Jurgen Habermas and others. Applied topical discussion focuses on legal, political, and socio-economic argumentation. Prerequisite: COMM 108 or its equivalent or COMM 212/412 or permission of instructor.
COMM 412 Intercollegiate Debate (2)
Participation in intercollegiate debate tournaments. Emphasis is placed on theoretical and applied aspects of debate competition. Weekly meeting attendance, coaching time, and participation in two college debate tournaments required. Four activity hours per week. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
COMM 414 Newspaper Production (2)
Production of a weekly laboratory newspaper, The Runner, to provide practical experience in news writing and editing, proofreading, photography, advertising, layout, paste-up, circulation. Minimum of six class hours per week. May be repeated three times for credit.
COMM 418 Copy Editing (1)
Essentials of newspaper copy editing, including news writing, proofreading, and headline writing. Includes work on material submitted for publication in the weekly laboratory paper, The Runner. Two activity hours per week. May be repeated three times for credit.
COMM 420 Page Layout (1)
Focus on the principles of effective page composition to determine those patterns most effective for the readers, writers, and advertisers in both tabloid and standard newspapers. Two activity hours per week. May be repeated three times for credit.
COMM 422 Small Newspaper Management (1)
Fundamentals of newspaper management, including circulation, advertising, distribution, production supervision, and finances. Two activity hours per week. May be repeated three times for credit.
COMM 425 Magazine Editing (5)
Principles of magazine editing and production, including editorial concepts, creative editing, editorial research and administration, production efficiency, and layout design. Frequent exercises in copy editing and creating titles that sell. Lecture/discussion, production. Prerequisite: COMM 312: Graphic Communications or permission of the instructor.
COMM 430 News as Ideology (5)
Investigation of cultural world-views and professional values that structure news coverage in the United States. Emphasis on socio-economic relations and theories of knowledge from which these world-views and values emerge. Analysis of news coverage of contemporary and historical events, including representations of non-western cultures and of nondominant social groups in the United States. Prerequisite: COMM 274 or PHIL 100 or PHIL 201 or permission of instructor. Cross-listed as PHIL 430.
COMM 432 Case Studies in Public Relations (5)
Detailed investigation of the theory and practice of public relations through study of major public relations cases. Examination of constraints involved in research, setting objectives, designing and executing programs, and evaluating results. Analysis of cases as models for effective relations with media, internal audiences, community members, government agencies, investors, consumers, and special interest groups. Prerequisites: COMM 305 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 434 Communication for Business and Government (5)
Application of public relations strategies and theories to directing and participating in organization meetings, conferences, and seminars; to development of technical reports and manuals; and to making presentations at trade shows. Exercises in making videos, slide presentations, and brochures/magazines to enhance organizational communication. Prerequisite: COMM 305 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 435 Health Communication (5)
The role of communication in disease prevention and control. Offers guidance for planning, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of communication programs for public health and how existing health knowledge can be effectively communicated to inform, influence, and motivate institutional or public audiences.
COMM 440 Video Production II (5)
Development of visual literacy, image juxtaposition, and composition. Advanced practice in writing, designing, producing, and editing video programs, including special editing techniques in both audio and video. Three class demonstration hours and four activity hours per week. Prerequisite: COMM 307 or permission of instructor. A field trip fee may be required. Consult Class Schedule for specific details.
COMM 450 Documentary Production (5)
Analysis of the subject, purpose, forms, and production methods of the documentary film/video. Historical review and individual student productions are the primary emphasis in the course. Prerequisite: COMM 440 or permission of instructor.
COMM 460 History of Film (5)
History of film from the Edison Kinetoscope through Citizen Kane. Industrial, social, stylistic, and theoretical aspects in a variety of national and cultural contexts. Emphasis on commercial and avant-garde forms and their connection to twentieth-century aesthetic, economic, and political currents. Cross-listed as ENGL 460.
COMM 477 Special Topics in Communication (variable units)
Study, analysis, and/or production in various media or in speech communication. Specific course content to be determined by instructor. May include directed field study in technical communication. Prerequisite for topics in technical communication: COMM 304.
COMM 480 Advanced Technical Communication (5)
Principles and practices of writing material particular to science and technology. Includes expanded definitions, technical descriptions, process explanations, instruction pamphlets, manuals, laboratory reports, proposals, and presentations. Prerequisite: COMM 304. Cross-listed as ENGL 480.
COMM 481 Advanced Business Communication (5)
Principles and practices of writing material particular to business administration, management, and marketing. Includes special purpose letters (request, inquiry, claim, adjustment, accommodation, sales, refusal, credit, collection, good will), promotional literature, news releases, policy statements, informal reports to stockholders, adaptation of the language of contracts, guarantees, and warranties for customers with no legal background. Prerequisite: COMM 304. Cross-listed as ENGL 481.
COMM 484 Interactive Video Production (5)
The concepts and principles of interactive video and the use of video in interactive learning will be examined. The application of interactive programming in the market place will be discussed and students will plan, produce, and evaluate their own interactive program integrating graphics, sound, and video. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
COMM 486 Computer Advertising Design (5)
The course will introduce students to the basics of effective advertising design. Students will learn to render effective, comprehensive layouts for various advertising media. They will acquire a working knowledge of the graphic design principles and elements of visual communication that relate to advertising design and be able to solve advertising problems through an understanding of form and content. The concepts of product benefit, research, and design briefs will be presented along with aspects of visual perception as part of the design process.
COMM 489 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)
Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation. Available by petition to the department only on a credit, no-credit basis. Not open to post-graduate students. Interested students should contact the department office.
COMM 490 Senior Seminar (6)
An advanced course in analysis and application of communication research methods. Specific topics will vary. Individual student research projects and reports. When possible, students contribute to ongoing faculty research. Students will submit a portfolio demonstrating skills and knowledge gained in the Communications major. Prerequisite: COMM 309.
COMM 496 Internship in Applied and Professional Communication (1-5)
Designed to permit the student to gain practical experience in the field of professional communication, primarily at an off-campus site. Students are assigned to various business firms or agencies and work under joint supervision of supervisors and the course instructor-internship coordinator. Requires participation in staff and internship conferences, assigned readings/projects where appropriate. Offered only on a credit, no-credit basis. (Arrangements should be made with the internship coordinator well in advance of the quarter in which the internship is to be taken, as the number of available internships is limited.)
COMM 497 Cooperative Education (5)
The Cooperative Education program offers a sponsored learning experience in a work setting, integrated with a field analysis seminar. The field experience is contracted by the Cooperative Education office on an individual basis, subject to the approval by the department. The field experience, including the seminar and reading assignments, is supervised by the cooperative education coordinator and the faculty liaison (or course instructor), working with the field supervisor. Students are expected to enroll in the course for at least two quarters. The determination of course credits, evaluation, and grading are the responsibility of the departmental faculty. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only; no retroactive credit will be allowed.
COMM 499 Individual Study (5)
Special projects developed by the individual student in consultation with the designated instructor. Admission with consent of department chair.