You are in the official 2008-2009 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
You are in the official 2008-2009 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
COURSES
Communication (COMM)
COMM 3. Fundamentals of Public Communication (3)
Theories of human communication and their function in contemporary public settings; experiences designed to enhance fundamental communication skills -- research, organization, reasoning, listening, and problem solving -- through a series of oral presentations. G.E. Foundation A1. (CAN SPCH 4) FS
COMM 4. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3)
Introduction to various theories of interpersonal communication; participation in experiences designed to enhance competence in interpersonal relationships. (CAN SPCH 8) FS
COMM 5. Argumentation (3)
Logical analysis, evidence, reasoning, and proof used in arriving at rational decisions as demonstrated through presentation of public speeches and debates. G.E. Foundation A3. (CAN SPCH 6) FS
COMM 7. Persuasion (3)
Analysis and practice of the use of persuasion as a social tool for resolving controversy and forming opinions from the perspectives of both the persuader and the persuaded. G.E. Foundation A1. FS
COMM 8. Group Discussion (3)
Communication in group thinking and problem solving through preparation and presentation of panels and symposia on public issues. G.E. Foundation A1. FS
COMM 10T. Topics in Communication (1-3; max total 9)
Contemporary problems and issues in communication; sections include
such topics as freedom of speech, parliamentary procedure, special communication
skills, rhetoric of protest and response, and communication processes.
COMM 15. Forensics Laboratory (1-2; max total 4)
Experience in the presentation of debates, oral interpretation programs,
persuasive and expository speaking. Intramural and intercollegiate competition
in forensics.
COMM 100. Theories of Human Communication (3)
Survey of major theories of human communication, philosophical issues, and applications; theories include interpersonal, group, organizational, intercultural, linguistic, and persuasion. FS
COMM 103. Advanced Public Speaking (3)
Advanced principles of expository and persuasive speaking; development of skills through analysis, preparation, organization, and delivery of various types of speech. S even
COMM 105. Argumentation Theory (3)
Analysis of the theories and techniques of argumentation, including models of argument, relationships between persuasion and argumentation, and the effects of argumentative discourse. F
COMM 108. Communication and the Small Group (3)
Analysis of group communication theories and their application to small group behavior in specific variables such as leadership, power, conflict-resolution, conformity, cohesiveness, and related group processes. S
COMM 114. Communication and Learning (3)
(Same as CI 158.) The nature of communication and its relationship to learning and instruction; management of oral communication strategies in the educational setting. FS
COMM 115. Advanced Forensics Laboratory (1-2; max total 6)
Experience in the presentation of debates, oral interpretation programs,
persuasive and expository speaking. Intramural and intercollegiate competition
in forensics.
COMM 116. Communication and Humor (3)
Develop your sense of humor and learn to incorporate humor into your world by examining humor theories, social and personal functions of humor. Focuses on (1) stand-up comedy, writing, and presentation, or (2) application of techniques for management, sales, marketing, teaching, and health related fields. S odd
COMM 120. Gender Communication (3)
Exploration of gender variables that affect human communication behaviors, focusing on behaviors that have some mythical or factual bases in sex similarities and differences. F
COMM 140. Rhetorical Theory (3)
An examination and analysis of significant theories and theorists of rhetoric from the classical to the modern period. Emphasis on preparation of research papers reflecting rhetorical principles of communication. FS
COMM 142. Communication Criticism (3)
Examination of historical and contemporary communication events using principles of critical evaluation from rhetorical, artistic, and media perspectives. Written papers and presentations of analyses utilizing critical principles from these perspectives. FS
COMM 148. American Public Address (3)
An examination of significant American speakers and speeches set in an environment of social and political history. The course is designed to acquaint students with the role of public address within the forces of American history. S
COMM 149. Freedom of Speech (3)
Examines the tradition of freedom of speech and expression in the American democracy. Focuses upon the First Amendment to the Constitution and major case laws which impact contemporary standards for public discourse, politics, broadcast, and journalism. F
COMM 150. Communication and Aging (3)
(Same as GERON 150.) Focusing on the communication aspects of the aging process, organized around the major communication components of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and mass communication with addition of such topics as attitudes, stereotypes, nonverbal, and the communication aspects of health care. F
COMM 160. Meaning, Language, and Communication (3)
A review and analysis of the various approaches to the study of human symbolic behavior, with focus on such theories as: General Semantics, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Epistemology, and other philosophical and scientific enquiries into the nature of language and meaning. F
COMM 161. Family Communication (3)
Introduction to communication phenomena in the family setting. The overall goal is to help students understand how, through communication, we develop, maintain, enhance, or disturb family relations. Teaches verbal and nonverbal communication skills to promote healthy family relationships. S (Formerly INTD 184)
COMM 162. Interpersonal Communication (3)
An examination, analysis, and application of communication theories and variables involved in interpersonal contexts such acquaintanceships, courtships, friendships, and families. Attention is given to communicative practices involved in the effective management of interpersonal relationships over time. FS
COMM 163. Social Influence and Attitude Change (3)
Seminar on the nature and effects of social influence, with special emphasis on attitude formation and change, conformity, behavior, "brain washing," prejudice, and propaganda as functions of communication. FS
COMM 164. Intercultural Communication (3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. Analysis of cultural variables and factors in the communication process and strategies for the resolution of intercultural problems; consideration of implications for education and programs necessarily involving intercultural communication. G.E. Multicultural/International MI. FS
COMM 165. Computer Applications in Communication (3)
Study and use of various computer systems available in the study of human communication: Fortran IV, Coursewriter III, LISP, SNOBOL, General Enquirer; emphasis on processing verbal data. FS
COMM 166. Communication Research Methods (3)
Application of behavioral research principles to problems in quantification, design, and analysis of data in communication research. FS
COMM 167. Leadership in Groups and Organizations (3)
Theory and practice of selected leadership variables in groups and organizations; functions of leadership in formal and informal structures, understanding and analysis of role-playing techniques. F odd
COMM 168. Communication in Organizations (3)
Examination of organizational communication from a multiple discipline perspective. Through the study of theory and experiential learning in simulations, students develop skills necessary for planning, staffing, developing, decision-making, and problem-solving in organizations. FS
COMM 169. Communication and Conflict (3)
Examination of the role of communication in conflict in interpersonal, small groups, organizational, and societal settings. Through experiential learning, case study analyses, and practice of intervention skills, students address conflict styles, strategies, tactics, third-party intervention, and mediation techniques. S
COMM 170. Business and Professional Speaking (3)
Development of communication skills necessary for success in business, government, and the professions. Includes theory and practice of interviewing, job instruction training, work group leadership, and proposal presentations. Class activities are adapted to students' career goals. S
COMM 171. Communication and Planning Change in the Social System (3)
Provides students with an understanding of the communication processes involved in the evolution of social systems. Students will examine a full range of social settings (small groups, organizations, cultures, etc.) from a variety of theoretical and analytical perspectives. F even
COMM 176. Communication Consulting and Training (3)
Development of skills necessary for effective communication consulting in business, government, and the professions. Includes theory and practice of needs assessments, planning and conducting training activities, and evaluation of educational activities; topics relating to adult education and client-consultant relationships. S
COMM 179. Internship (1-6; max total 12)
Prerequisites: major in communication, at least 75 units completed and permission of instructor. Supervised work experience in government, business, social agencies, or nonprofit organizations. CR/NC grading only. FS
COMM 188T. Topics in Communication (1-3; max total 9)
Selected topics in communication. FS
COMM 189. Projects in Communication (1-3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Projects in communication. (4
hours activity)
COMM 190. Independent Study(1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading.
(See Catalog Numbering System.)
Communication (COMM)
COMM 205. Seminar in Argumentation (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 105, 140, or permission of instructor. Examination
of traditional and contemporary argumentation theory and research. Analysis
of argument fields, theories of argument, argument as epistemic, argument
and persuasion, argument and critical thinking.
COMM 214. Seminar in Instructional Communications (3)
An examination of the relationships of learning theories to communication
study and research. Research in instructional communication, teaching strategies
in communication education, and techniques for applying these concepts in
educational and training settings.
COMM 215. Seminar in Communication (3; max total 9)
Research and individually directed work within one area of specialization.
Approved for RP grading.
COMM 241. Seminar in Rhetorical Theory (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 140, equivalent, or permission of instructor. A seminar
which deals with the development of specific principles by selected theorists.
COMM 242M. Seminar in Contemporary Criticism (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 142, equivalent, or permission of instructor. The
role of rhetorical criticism in contemporary society.
COMM 243. Seminar in the History of American Public Address (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 142, 148, equivalent, or permission of instructor.
A detailed study of selected men and women who have influenced political,
religious, and social problems in American history.
COMM 244. Seminar in Contemporary Public Address (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 142, 148, equivalent, or permission of instructor.
The study of contemporary figures in public address who have influenced
political, religious, economic, and social problems in the 20th century.
COMM 262. Seminar in Communication Theory and Research (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 100, equivalent, or permission of instructor. An
examination and evaluation of mathematical, philosophical, sociological,
psychological, and rhetorical theories of human communication. Emphasis
upon the assumptions and implications of various theories, models, and constructs.
COMM 263. Seminar in Group Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 108, equivalent, or permission of instructor. A critical
examination of the scientific research and theories in group communication
including research variables and methodologies. Implications of research
findings for contemporary communication problems.
COMM 264M. Seminar in Strategies and Applications of Communication Research
(3)
Prerequisite: COMM 106, 166, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Application
of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to a variety of problems studied
in human communication. Discussion of design, instrumentation, and analysis
of quantitative and qualitative data.
COMM 265. Seminar in Interpersonal Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 162, equivalent, or permission of instructor. An
examination of current quantitative and qualitative theory and research
in interpersonal communication. Implications and applications to various
kinds of human relationships and various aspects of those relationships,
e.g., stages, relational communication, attraction, conflict, self-disclosing.
COMM 266. Seminar in Intercultural Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 164, equivalent, or permission of instructor. An
examination of current quantitative and qualitative theory and research
in intercultural communication. Implications and applications to various
kinds of human relationships and various aspects of those relationships,
e.g., interpersonal, organizational, national, international, communication
competence, and acculturation.
COMM 268. Seminar in Organizational Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 168, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Theory
and application of organizational communication, including interpersonal
and group communication in planning, staffing, development and decision
making in complex organizations; organizational systems and environments;
recognizing, diagnosing, and solving organizational problems.
COMM 276. Seminar in Communication Training and Development (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 176, equivalent, or permission of instructor. In-depth
view and application of approaches to training in communication skills in
organizations including needs assessment for training, workshop and seminar
development, and evaluation of interventions.
COMM 290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading.
COMM 298. Project (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: prior advancement to candidacy, appropriate methodological
tools (COMM 242M, or 264M), equivalent, or permission of student's committee.
See Criteria for Thesis and Project.
Preparation, design, conduct, and evaluation of project applying rhetorical
and communication theories; e.g., communication campaign for public agency,
communication audit of corporate organization, extensive consulting or training
activities, etc. Requires scholarly report similar in format to thesis and
final oral defense. Approved for RP grading.
COMM 299. Thesis (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: appropriate methodological tools (COMM 242M, or 264M),
equivalent, or permission of student's committee. See Criteria
for Thesis and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an
acceptable thesis for the master's degree. Approved for RP
grading.
Note: Students must have earned at least a C in all
courses considered as meeting the prerequisite requirements.
(See Catalog Numbering System.)
Communication (COMM)
COMM 303. Topics in Communication
(1-3; max total 12; repeatable with different topics)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Application of the theories in communication.
Communication
Degrees