Department Chair:  Andy Alali

Department Office:  Business Development

Center, A248

Telephone:  (661) 654-6345

email:  tgiblin@csub.edu

Website:  www.csub.edu/comm/

Faculty:  A. Alali, G. Byrd, J. Emig, E. Jackson,

K. O’Bannon, E. Megwa, J. Pratt, D. Simmons,

M. Slaughter

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Program Description

The Department of Communications offers the Bachelor of Arts in Communications (61 units).  The program presents a combination of theoretical knowledge, practice and analytical skills 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 three areas of emphasis (Journalism, Public Relations, and Computer Imaging), with a requirement for general familiarity in the other two 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 Communications and a certificate in Communications.

Requirements for the Major in Communications

(61 units)

Students completing a major in Communications will need to complete a minor in another field, and in consultation with a faculty advisor.

General Core Requirements (26 units)

A.   Lower Division Required Course (5 units)

      COMM 274 Introduction to Communication Studies

B.   Upper Division Required Courses (16 units)

      COMM 309 Theories of Communication

      COMM 315 Mass Media Law

      COMM 490 Senior Seminar

C.   Upper Division Writing Course (5 units)

      COMM 304 Technical and Report Writing

Program Options (15 units)

Choose one of the following options:

A.   Journalism Option (15 units)

      This option is designed for students interested in careers in newspapers, TV, radio, magazines, book publishing, technical writing, and web publishing.

      Required Courses:

      COMM 206 Issues and Practices in Journalism

      COMM 311 Feature Writing

      COMM 404 Public Affairs Reporting

B.   Public Relations Option (15 units)

      This option is designed for students interested in careers in public relations, organizational/corporate/intercultural communication and the related field of marketing.

      Required Courses:

      COMM 206 Issues and Practices in Journalism

      COMM 305 Public Relations

      COMM 434 Communication for Business and

      Government

C.   Digital Media Option (15 units)

      This option is designed for students interested in video production, computer graphics (animation and stills), and interactive presentation design.  This concentration is ideally suited for the student desiring to specialize in video production, graphic design, interactive gaming production/design, and web publishing.

      Required Courses:

      COMM 240 Media Arts

      COMM 307 Digital Video Production I

      COMM 387 Interactive Media I or

      COMM 388 Interactive Narrative Design

Communications Studies Courses (10 units)

Select two upper division courses from the list below:

COMM 308 Persuasive Campaigns and Social

Movements

COMM 317 Ethical Issues in the Media

COMM 360 Gender and Communication

COMM 370 Intercultural Communication 

COMM 376 Interpersonal Communication

COMM 377 Special Topics in Communications (when relevant)

COMM 378 Film Aesthetics and Criticism

COMM 405 Communication in the Organization

COMM 407 Media Technology in American Society          COMM 435 Health Communication

COMM 460 History of Film

COMM 477 Special Topics in Communications (when relevant)

Electives Courses (10 units)

Ten (10) additional upper division units selected in consultation with a faculty advisor, from the department’s offerings.

Portfolio Requirement

As part of COMM 490 (Senior Seminar), each student will prepare a portfolio that displays what has been gained from the major in Communications.  The portfolio is a collection of materials that addresses each of the goals that the program faculty expects students to achieve, and it also includes a personal statement and a brief analysis of each course taken for the major in Communications.

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 communications faculty member.

Completion of a Minor, Special Minor, or Augmented Major

Up to five units of an internship (496, 497), six units of activities courses (414, 418, 420, 422), may be counted toward the major.

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 (214/414, 218/418, 220/420, 222/422) may be counted toward the minor.

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Lambda Pi Eta (The Official Honor Society of the National Communication Association)

Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) is the official undergraduate National Communication Honor Society of the National Communication Association (NCA). Established in 1985, LPH has over 200 chapters and over 4000 members nationwide. NCA directs and administers LPH, which is fully accredited by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS).  LPH represents what Aristotle described in his book, Rhetoric, as the three ingredients of persuasion: Logos (Lambda) meaning logic, Pathos (Pi) relating to emotion, and Ethos (Eta) defines as character credibility and ethics.  The CSUB Chapter received its charter on May 25, 1999. In accordance with the date of its founding, the CSUB official Greek name is Iota Zeta.  The goals of Lambda Pi Eta are to: recognize, foster, and reward outstanding scholastic achievement; stimulate interest in the field of communication; promote and encourage professional development among communication majors; provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas about the field; establish and maintain close relationships and understanding between faculty and students; and explore options for further graduate studies.  In order to qualify for membership in Lambda Pi Eta, a student must have completed at least 90 units in college; 18 units of communications study; have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0; have a communications studies GPA of at least 3.25; be in a good standing at the college or university; and display commitment to the field of communication.  Once a student is inducted in Lambda Pi Eta, he or she is a member for life.

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.

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Certificates in Communications

Option I - A student majoring in Communications who completes at least six additional courses (30 units) from the department’s offerings in one of the following areas:  Journalism, Public Relations, Computer Imaging, or Communication Studies is eligible to receive a certificate recognizing that achievement.  Two of the six courses cannot be applied towards requirement for the major.

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, 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.

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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 108 or its articulated speech course, is required for all Communications majors.

COMM 195 American Sign Language I (6)

Introduces historical perspectives, communication aspects used in the deaf community, grammar, and linguistic structure of American Sign Language (ASL).  Builds foundational vocabulary, basic components of ASL, and the manual alphabet.  Focuses on execution and techniques of signs used in ASL.  Students will learn to communicate solely through the use of American Sign Language.  Outside class activities required.

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 214 Newspaper Production (2)

Production of a weekly digital and online 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, using desktop publishing software, to determine those patterns most effective for the readers, writers, and advertisers of 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 240 Media Arts (5)

An examination of the major elements of film, video, and digital media, and the fundamentals of how these forms are used. 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 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 and educational industry.

COMM 295 American Sign Language II (6)

A continuation of American Sign Language I.  Concentrates on communication strategies using vocabulary, grammatical structure, and conceptually accurate use of the language.  Further examines use of sign placement, fingerspelling, and facial expression to increase conversational fluency.  Introduces conceptual forms of communication and issues utilizing idiomatic expressions, the sign language continuum, and cultural awareness.  Outside class activities required.  Prerequisite:  COMM 195.

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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.  Fulfills the GWAR.

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.  Fulfills the GWAR.

COMM 307 Digital Video Production I (5)

Introduces the  fundamental technical abilities and conceptual approaches to communication via moving images and sound. Emphasis on cinematic language and basic interpersonal skills of production. 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 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 for majors.

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.  Fulfills the GWAR.

COMM 312 Graphic Communication for Print Media (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 314 Photojournalism (5)

Examination of major theories and techniques of photojournalism combined with practice in their application.  Uses digital and film equipment to create and process photographic images for various genres.  Course includes lecture, discussion, and activities that enhance students’ perspectives of photographic images.

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 317 Ethical Issues in the Media (5)

This course provides an analysis of ethical issues in media, with emphasis on news gathering, reporting, advertising, and entertainment. Topics covered include an evaluation of the ethical culture of newsrooms, codes of ethics, objectivity, privacy, fairness, honesty, and the public’s right to know. Case studies will be examined, as well as other means by which students will learn how to recognize and resolve ethical conflicts. This course is 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, interoffice 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 345 Deaf History (5)

The course explores historical contexts in American Deaf culture.  Topics include the evolution of communication with regards to the Deaf community, famous deaf individuals, education, politics, language revolutions, and technological advances.  Emphasis is placed on the link between ASL, history, and the Deaf community.  Outside class activities required.

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 360 Gender and Communication (5)

This course introduces students to differences in gender communication; analyzes how institutional, personal, and group factors affect the messages we produce and the meanings we assign to messages.  It also assesses the extent to which gender can both enrich and complicate human communication, particularly in personal and professional environments.  The course subscribes to an interdisciplinary approach that relies heavily on literature both inside and outside the field of communication.  Fulfills GRE requirements.

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.  Fulfills GRE Requirement.

COMM 374 3D Modeling (5)

Introduction to the basic techniques of 3D modeling and animation. Survey of the role of 3D in production environments such as interactive media, virtual reality, the internet and cinematic special effects. Prerequisite: COMM 240 or permission of instructor.

COMM 375 Design Marketing Strategies (5)

The student will gain an understanding of basic principals in marketing advertising design and communication strategy.  Topics include: print media mix; corporate/commercial/institutional target market; areas of endeavor; research and development; proposal presentation; pricing and client interaction.  Portfolio and communication strategies will be evaluated with emphasis on effective advertising design and client communication.

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 378 Film Aesthetics and Criticism (5)

Study of the principles by which film and video texts create meaning through screenings, lectures, and readings, with emphasis on major film theories and examination of narrative and documentary forms.

COMM 386 Vector Graphics (5)

Investigation of the relationship between verbal and visual communication, and the complementary partnership between graphic design and illustration.  Covers production and analysis, for print and online implementation. Prerequisite: COMM 240 or permission of instructor.

COMM 387 Interactive Media I (5)

Fundamentals of interactive production for the web, with an emphasis on the expressive power of online animations and the aesthetics of human-computer interaction.  Prerequisite:  COMM 240 or permission of instructor.

COMM 388 Interactive Narrative Design (5)

Study and implementation of systems that will create dynamic narratives with which the user can interact, including the use of digital graphics, audio, video and text. Prerequisite: COMM 240 or permission of instructor.

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 (5)

Aesthetic and technical fundamentals of digital imaging. Covers  production and critical analysis, from image acquisition to print or screen implementation. Prerequisite: COMM 240 or permission of instructor.

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 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 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 414 Newspaper Production (2)

Production of a weekly digital and online 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, using desktop publishing software, to determine those patterns most effective for the readers, writers, and advertisers of 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 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 Digital Video Production II (5)

Advanced video production with emphasis on developing skills in image design, sound/image relationships and storytelling. Prerequisite: COMM 307 or permission of instructor.

COMM 450 Documentary Production (5)

Exploration of the various functions of documentaries in society, from propaganda to art.  Emphasis on student projects, and the styles and strategies that are available to the documentary form. Prerequisite: COMM 240 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.  Fulfills General Education Theme 2 Requirement.

COMM 465 Advanced Communication of  American Sign Language (6)

An intense examination of conversational skills in ASL with practicum application.  Stresses advanced communication skills in vocabulary while developing a linguistic perspective and the understanding of grammatical syntax.  Receptive and comprehension skills will be developed and utilized within the Deaf community.  Pertinent issues of American Sign Language and American Deaf culture are discussed.  Prerequisite: COMM 295.

COMM 477 Special Topics in Communication (1-5)

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 Digital Video Post Production (5)

Advanced digital video production with an emphasis on the techniques, theories and technical systems involved in digital video editing.  Prerequisite: COMM 307 or permission of instructor.

COMM 486 Interactive Media II (5)

This course builds on the skills developed in Interactive Media I. Students work with concepts and tools  for advanced integration of vector animation and internet authoring. Prerequisite: COMM 240 or consent of instructor.

COMM 488 Sound Design for Visual Media (5)

Theory and practice of sound/image relationships in film, video and interactive media. Emphasis on the development of conceptual and design tools as well as technical ability. Prerequisite: COMM 240 or permission of instructor.

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 491 Graphic Web Design (5)

Examination and implementation of the principles and techniques of fixed design for websites.  Emphasis on the relationship of design aesthetics to online audiences and design as acultural practice. Prerequisite: COMM 240 or permission of instructor.

COMM 495 Applied Communication Education (3)

This course is designed to develop effective classroom communication skills for prospective teachers.  The course combines theories and models from communication education, multicultural education, and critical pedagogy to assist in personal, professional, and societal transformation for future teachers.  Students will be assigned to a K-8 classroom for practical experience.  This course is only open to Liberal Studies majors with a concentration in Communications. Prerequisite: COMM 108 or its equivalent.

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.) Students must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA and have completed 15 or more units in residence.

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.