2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED]
Communication Studies
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 Return to: Program, Degree and Certificate List
Dean: Joseph Poshek
Academic Chair: Gary Rybold, PhD
Faculty: Gary Rybold, PhD; Jules French, JD; Edwin Tiongson; Bill Neesen
In study after study, employers have expressed the number one skill wanted from employees is communication. Oral communication has a long, proud academic history starting as a skill 2400 years ago during the Golden Age of Greece. The ability to express yourself will give you an advantage over other less articulate peers for the rest of your life. Even if you want to major in a STEM field or Business Adminstration you should seriously consider either a double major with communication studies or taking a variety of our classes to hone your professional collaboration skills. As the world depends more and more on technology we will always need those with strong oral communication skills.
Of course, everyone should take Comm 1, Communication Fundamentals. This class introduces you to instant organizational techniques, how to use research to construct a logical argument, and how to deliver your speech like a pro. Our students develop better listening skills and confidence in what many describe as the “most fun” class they’ve ever taken. Our unique and engaging approach has received awards and been featured in journal and convention articles.
Should you find your voice in Comm 1, the next natural step is Comm 3, Argumentation and Debate. In the era of fake news it is refreshing to come to a class where you can uncover the fallacies in an opponent’s assertions. And you’ll learn from the best debate coaches in the country. If you visit our area in the middle of the second floor of the BSTIC building you will see the 19 national championship awards we’ve taken over the past 25 years. You will also see our photographs of the international debate program we sponsor. We’ve taken over 130 students and coaches to China to debate. And we’ve had debaters on campus from the United Kingdom, Ireland, China, Japan, Eastern Europe, and Rwanda. In 2019 we took students to an international tournament in Berlin.
Of course, students maximize their development with competition on the IVC Speech and Debate Team (Comm 106 - Forensics Activity). In addition to debate, students compete in individual events such as impromptu, persuasion, and poetry. Competing for the speech and debate team will always be a gold star on your resume. Many team members express an increased confidence from what is the “best of collaboration” - working with team mates - making it worth all of the effort. Often these students end up in law school. One of our debate team alumni attends Harvard Law School.
If you want to become an expert in communication, we have Persuasion (Comm 2), Interpersonal Communication (Comm 5), and Intercultural Communication (Comm 9). Our Leadership class (Comm 10) will help you prepare for the time when you need to be a leader. We even have an oral interpretation of literature class (Comm 30) for budding actors and those who want to develop a storytelling ability so needed in today’s workforce.
The Communication Studies Department was recognized as a “Model Communication Studies Program” by the Western States Communication Association (2016). The department waits to serve those students who want to become masters of their field with the skills employers really want.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the communication studies program, students will be able to
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Advocate a specific topic to an audience of any size.
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Critically assess other speakers’ format, content, and delivery and articulate constructive criticism in an oral critique.
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Articulate and dissect models of communication and apply such methods in public speaking and interpersonal settings.
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Research and construct positions on a set topic to communicate and advocate a particular point of view.
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Critically think about how meaning is exchanged and the implications of our messages.
Speech and Debate Team
The Irvine Valley College Speech and Debate Team is one of the most respected and accomplished teams in the nation, competing against colleges and universities throughout the United States. Over the past 15 years, the team has placed in the top three at 12 state championships, while winning 12 league championships. Since 2000, the team was crowned the national champions in the community college division of the National Parliamentary Debate Association 11 times. The team also has an international reputation and has hosted debate teams from the UK, Ireland, Eastern Europe, Japan, Rwanda, and China on 21 occasions. In addition, the team has traveled several times to China for debate demonstrations, competition, and study abroad programs. In the spring of 2019 the team also plans to travel to Berlin, Germany to participate in the International Forensics Association Speech Tournament.
The coaching staff takes pride in developing students to become better speakers and better thinkers. All majors are welcomed and encouraged to join. Interested students may contact Director of Forensics Jules French at jfrench7@ivc.edu or Bill Neesen at wneesen@ivc.edu.
Potential Careers
What can you do with a Communication Degree?
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Community Relations Director
Communication Trainer
Museum Curator
Editor
Publicist
Quality Inspector
Webmaster
Radio News Director
Radio Talk Show Host
Wedding Consultant
Activities Director (Retirement Center)
Camp Director
Career and Training Advisor
Recreational Coordinator and Supervisor
Residential Housing Director
Salesperson
Accreditation Specialist
Advertising Executive
Alumni Coordinator
Arts Administrator
Sales Representative Script Writer
Newspaper Publisher
Special Events Coordinator
Secondary School Speech Teacher
Speechwriter
Sports Announcer
Sports Marketer
Public Affairs Director
Travel/Conference Manager
Sports Publicist
News Anchor
Paralegal
Student Activities Director
Student Services Director
Media Relations
Human Resources Specialist
Human Rights Officer
Instructional Designer
Tour Guide
Department Administrator
Leasing Consultant
Legal Communication Consultant
Legislative Assistant
Legislative Correspondent
Linguist
Health Services Manager
Telemarketing Manager
Television Producer
Television Reporter
National Fraternity/Sorority Chapter
Consultant
Account Manager
Hotel Manager
Human Resources Manager
Child Welfare Worker
Claims Adjuster
College Admissions Counselor
Private Investigator
Production Assistant
Promotional Specialist
Motivational Speaker
Multicultural Specialist
Patient Rights Advocate
International Students Coordinator
Journalist
Labor Negotiator
Labor Relations Consultant
Language Arts Teacher
Law Firm Recruiter
Maintenance Supervisor Manager
Market Researcher
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Media Account Executive
Media Buyer
Media Critic
Mediation Specialist
Hospital Volunteers Coordinator
Information Analyst
College Recruiter
Government Relations Officer
Public Opinion Researcher
Communication Consultant Communication Statistician
Property Manager
Administrative Aide
Lobbyist
Broadcasting Floor Manager Public Information Officer
Public Relations Coordinator
Communication Researcher
Community Affairs Liaison
Proofreader
Community College Speech Instructor
Business Manager
Instructional Development
Consultant/Specialist
Arena Director/Manager
Personnel Development Specialist
Conference Leader
Community Outreach Director
Theatre Manager
Company Spokesperson
Consulting Analyst
Copywriter
Counselor
University Administrator
Technical Recruiter
University Information Specialist
Crisis Manager
Database Analyst
Customer Service Representative
Parliamentarian
Nonprofit Organization Director
Development Officer
Child Language Specialist
Political Activist
Disc Jockey
Mental Health Professional
College Admission Counselor
Director of Admissions
Director of Corporate Communication
Diversity Consultant
Drug Company Representative
Educational Media Specialist
Systems Administrator
Broadcasting Production Supervisor
Lawyer
Employment Interviewer
Environmental Lobbyist
Editor
Events Planner
Executive Administrative Assistant
Fashion Merchandiser
Political Analyst and Campaign Director
Film Marketing
Forensics/Debate Director
Fundraiser
Gallery Manager/Owner
Press Secretary
International Program Coordinator
Intercultural Communication Consultant
Marketing Communication Manager
Marketing Product Manager
Corporate Communication Director
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Areas of Concentration in the Communication Discipline
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Electronic Media, Media Literacy
Study of media systems, mass communication theory, aesthetics and criticism, broadcasting and convergent media technologies.
Intercultural
Study of communication among individuals of different cultural backgrounds, including the study of similarities and differences across cultures.
Interpersonal, Family, Gender
Study of communication in dyads (pairs), family systems, and the similarities and differences in communication related to gender and sex.
Language and Social Interaction
Study of the structure of verbal and nonverbal behaviors occurring in social interaction.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Study of understanding, management, and resolution of conflict within intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intergroup situations.
Organizational Communication
Study of processes used to analyze communication needs of organizations and social interaction, including the design of training to improve communication between supervisors and employees.
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Performance
Study of performer(s), text, audience and context.
Political Communication, Public Address
Study of role communication plays in political systems; study of speakers and speeches, including the historical and social context of platforms, campaigns, and movements.
Public Relations
Study of managing two-way communication between an organization and its diverse publics.
Rhetoric
Study of principles that account for the impact of human communication between speaker and audience.
Small Group
Study of communication systems among three or more individuals who interact around a common purpose and who influence one other.
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Adapted from Pathways to Communication Careers in the 21st Century, National Communication Association
ProgramsAssociate in ArtsAssociate in Arts for Transfer
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