Communication Studies Program
2018-2019
Description
This program is designed to offer the Associate of Arts degree and Certificate of Performance as well as a broad spectrum of communication classes that provide preparation for the major in Communication, and training for occupations in which public contact and verbal skills are important.
Statement of Goals
The Communication Studies program is designed to prepare students to meet lower division transfer requirements and to allow students to participate in several areas of oral communication, including public speaking, interpersonal communication, oral interpretation, and debate.
| Award Type | Units |
|---|---|
| Associate of Arts Degree: | |
| Communication Studies | 18* |
| Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree: | |
| Communication Studies | 18 |
*and courses to meet graduation requirements, general education and electives as needed to meet the minimum of 60 units required for the degree.
Program Emphasis
The Communication Studies program emphasizes preparation for the major in Communication and provides students the opportunity to develop skill in public speaking, interpersonal and group communication, oral interpretation, and debate. In addition, students are able to participate in Speech/Debate competitions.
Career Options
Students in this program develop personal and professional communication skills that prepare them to enter careers in community service, sales, performing arts, teaching, and other communication professions. Most of these fields require an advanced degree.
Students will be assessed through a combination of performance evaluations, written assignments, and written tests and quizzes.
Speech and Debate
The Olympian Speech and Debate Program is dedicated to improving students’ speaking skills. The team will travel to several tournaments a year, competing in eleven Individual Speech Events (Informative, Persuasion, After Dinner Speaking, Poetry, Prose, Dramatic Interpretation, Programmed Oral Interpretation, Duo, Communication Analysis, Impromptu, Extemp) and Parliamentary Debate. If you wish to become a better speaker, have some fun, and enjoy a truly competitive activity, the San Diego Mesa College Olympian Speech and Debate Team is for you.
Associate of Arts Degree
Communication Studies
The Associate of Arts in Communication Studies certifies that a student has emphasized the theory and practice of communication skills, has met the preparation for the major in Communication, and is prepared to begin upper division work at a four-year college or university.
Note: Only one Communication Studies (COMS) course from the above list may be used to satisfy SDCCD general education requirements.
For graduation requirements see Requirements for the Associate Degree.
Electives as needed to meet minimum of 60 units required for the degree.
Recommended Electives: Communication Studies 99 , 117C , 117D , 165 , and courses in Dramatic Arts;Theatre Arts; Radio and Television; Journalism; Sociology; and Psychology.
| Courses Required for the Major: | Units | ||
| COMS 103 | Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Select 15 units from: | |||
| COMS 101 | Voice and Articulation | 3 | |
| COMS 104 | Advanced Public Communication | 3 | |
| COMS 111 | Oral Interpretation | 3 | |
| COMS 117A | Intercollegiate Forensics | 1-3 | |
| COMS 117B | Intercollegiate Forensics | 1-3 | |
| COMS 117C | Intercollegiate Forensics | 1-3 | |
| COMS 117D | Intercollegiate Forensics | 1-3 | |
| COMS 135 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| COMS 160 | Argumentation | 3 | |
| COMS 170 | Small Group Communication | 3 | |
| COMS 180 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | |
| COMS 290 | Independent Study | 1-3 | |
| Total Units = 18 | |||
Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer Degree
The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer Degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies or a related major in the California State University (CSU) system. It is accepted by some but not all CSU campuses. Students who complete this degree and transfer to a participating CSU campus will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. It may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus that does not accept the degree.
For graduation requirements see Requirements for the Associate Degree.
Electives as needed to meet maximum of 60 units required for the degree.
| Courses Required for the Major: | Units | |
| COMS 103 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| Category A: Select two of the following courses (6 units): | ||
| COMS 135 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMS 160 | Argumentation | 3 |
| COMS 170 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| Category B: Select two of the following courses, or any course not selected in Category A (6 units): | ||
| COMS 104 | Advanced Public Communication | 3 |
| COMS 111 | Oral Interpretation | 3 |
| COMS 180 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| Category C: Select one of the following courses, or any course not selected in Category A or B (3 units): | ||
| ENGL 101 | Reading and Composition | 3 |
| ENGL 105 | Composition and Literature | 2 |
| ENGL 205 | Critical Thinking and Intermediate Composition | 3 |
| ENGL 210 | American Literature I | 3 |
| ENGL 211 | American Literature II | 3 |
| ENGL 215 | English Literature I: 800 - 1799 | 3 |
| HIST 105 | Introduction to Western Civilization I | 3 |
| HIST 106 | Introduction to Western Civilization II | 3 |
| JOUR 200 | Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting | 3 |
| JOUR 201 | Advanced Newswriting and Reporting | 3 |
| JOUR 210A | Newspaper Production 1 | 2-3 |
| JOUR 220 | Principles of Public Relations | 3 |
| PSYC 112 | Interpersonal Relations | 3 |
| MATH 119 | Elementary Statistics or | or |
| PSYC 258 | Behavioral Science Statistics | 3 |
| Total Units = 18 | ||
Transfer Information
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete courses required for the university major and the general education pattern required by that transfer institution. See catalog TRANSFER INFORMATION section. Additional courses may be required to meet university lower-division requirements.
Course requirements at the transfer institution are subject to change and may be verified by a counselor or by consulting the current university catalog. Many Baccalaureate in Arts degrees require third semester competency in a foreign language. Consult the current catalog of the transfer institution and consult with a counselor.