Communication Studies

pcc.edu/programs/communication-studies/

Description

Communication Studies is the study of human communication processes. Our courses focus on both theory and practice to help students improve communication competence in a variety of contexts. Communication Studies courses build communication knowledge and skills needed to develop, manage and maintain various types of relationships. Students learn how humans share symbols to create meaning; students critically analyze and apply methods of informing and persuading in interpersonal, small-group, intercultural, business, public speaking, mass media and new media contexts.

Communication Studies is a dynamic discipline. Courses at PCC provide foundation in the discipline and prepare students for transfer into upper division courses. An Oral Communication course is a requirement for completion of the AAOT (Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer) and ASOT-BUS (Associate of Science Oregon Transfer - Business). Select COMM courses fulfill this requirement as well as requirements for specific certificate programs.

A Communication Studies Focus Award recognizes students who have gained considerable knowledge in Communication Studies by completing four courses and earning 15-16 COMM (Communication Studies) or J (Journalism) credits. For more information and specific requirements, please see the Focus Award section of the catalog.

COMM 100Z. Introduction to Communication (COMM100=COMM100Z). 4 Credits.

Provides an overview of the communication discipline that emphasizes the development of best communication practices in different contexts. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. COM 100 and COM 100Z are equivalent. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

COMM 101. Oral Communication Skills. 3 Credits.

Improve listening and speaking skills. Includes oral reports, conference procedures and everyday conversation. Audit available.

COMM 105. Listening. 4 Credits.

Emphasizes understanding and appreciation of listening as an integral part of the communication process. Investigates and applies current research in listening theory. Analyzes and provides practice in the appropriateness and application of the major types of listening in academic, business, media and interpersonal contexts. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

COMM 110. Voice and Articulation. 3 Credits.

Present prepared and impromptu assignments with emphasis on understanding the vocal mechanism for production of Standard American speech while learning the International Phonetic Alphabet. Includes group or individual work designed to improve articulation, breathing, projection, expressiveness, and pronunciation. Audit available.

COMM 111Z. Public Speaking (COMM111=COMM111Z). 4 Credits.

Develops communication skills by examining and demonstrating how self-awareness, audience, content, and occasion influence the creation and delivery of speeches and presentations. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. COMM 111 and COMM 111Z are equivalent. Prerequisites: MTH 20 or equivalent placement test score, and WR 121Z or any writing course for which WR 121Z is a prerequisite. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

COMM 111HZ. Public Speaking: Honors (COMM111H=COMM111HZ). 4 Credits.

Honors version. Develops communication skills by examining and demonstrating how self-awareness, audience, content, and occasion influence the creation and delivery of speeches and presentations. GPA 3.25 minimum. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. COMM 111H and COMM 111HZ are equivalent. Prerequisites: MTH 20 or equivalent placement test score, and WR 121Z or any writing course for which WR 121Z is a prerequisite. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

COMM 112. Argumentation, Advocacy, and Debate. 4 Credits.

Explores theories of persuasion. Examines argumentation in human interaction with an emphasis on how argumentation influences self, others, and community. Provides opportunities to develop skills of inquiry and advocacy through oral discourse, including critical analysis of reasoning and evidence. Investigates how argumentation, advocacy, and deliberation help communities in decision-making processes. Prerequisites: MTH 20 or equivalent placement test score, and WR 121Z or any writing course for which WR 121Z is a prerequisite. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

COMM 130. Business & Professional Communication. 4 Credits.

Focuses on communication as it relates to business and professional settings. Explores the climates, settings, philosophies, and practices of organizational communication, including effective business presentations. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

COMM 140. Introduction to Intercultural Communication. 4 Credits.

Focuses on understanding messages mediated by cultural frameworks in various political, economic and social contexts. Examines similarities and differences within and across cultures and co-cultures, as reflected in communication behaviors. Discusses verbal and nonverbal behaviors, worldviews, value systems, beliefs, identities, perceptions, and relational norms. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Arts and Letters/AL, Cultural Literacy/DIV

COMM 204. Visual Communication for Media. 4 Credits.

Studies the theory and application of visual communication in media. Develops visual literacy and media skills for message creators/consumers. Critically examines visual message components, goals, effects and ethical practices. Analyzes cultural and societal impact of visual media messages. This course is also offered as J 204; a student who enrolls in this course a second time under either designator will be subject to the course repeat policy. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

COMM 212. Voice & Diction. 4 Credits.

Voice production and articulation of speech sound, with attention to elementary speech physiology and phonetics. Develops more effective speech for teachers, radio and television speakers, public speakers and others who require special competence in speaking. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

COMM 215. Communicating in Teams and Small Groups. 4 Credits.

Explores the theory and practice of communication in team settings. Examines the composition and function of teams, developmental stages of small groups, leadership, diversity in teams, norms and roles, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

COMM 218Z. Interpersonal Communication (COMM214=COMM218=COMM218Z). 4 Credits.

Covers the knowledge and use of competent communication skills to better understand oneself, others, and the role of communication in interpersonal relationships. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. COMM 214, COMM 218, and COMM 218Z are equivalent. Prerequisites: MTH 20 or equivalent placement and WR 121Z or any writing course for which WR 121Z is a prerequisite. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

COMM 227. Nonverbal Communication. 4 Credits.

Introduces nonverbal communication and its impact on the interpretation of messages and creation of meaning. Emphasizes the functions and socio-cultural, as well as bio-evolutionary, influence of nonverbal behaviors. Examines nonverbal codes such as voice, body movement, eye behavior, touch, space, time, smell, and physical and social environments. Explains how people of diverse backgrounds use nonverbal communication to express identity and create relational messages of intimacy and affection, as well as power, dominance and social influence in various contexts. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

COMM 228. Mass Communication and Society. 4 Credits.

Explores mass media and the social, cultural and political influences and effects on society and the individual. Introduces the history, development and technological advances of mass communication systems. Includes an analysis of print and broadcast journalism, advertising, public relations, television, film, new media and digital convergence. This course is also offered as J 201; a student who enrolls in this course a second time under either designator will be subject to the course repeat policy. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

COMM 237. Gender and Communication. 4 Credits.

Examines the similarities and differences in masculine, feminine, and androgynous communication styles and patterns. Discusses the differences between sex and gender and the impacts on perception, values, stereotypes, language use, nonverbal communication, and power dynamics in human relationships. Covers the influence of both interpersonal and mass communication on the social/cultural construction of gender identities, performances, and gender roles. Offers strategies for improving communication in gendered relationships. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Arts and Letters/AL, Cultural Literacy/DIV