Communication Studies, AA

The Communication Studies curriculum emphasizes the ability to speak and perform in front of audiences. Courses teach students the skills required for presenting a speech such as analyzing an audience, listening, and coping with fear. Students will learn how to prepare a speech by researching a topic, analyzing arguments and texts, plus organizing and outlining ideas and themes. Courses offered through the program meet transfer requirements for general education, and they may be applied toward an Associate in Arts degree with a major in Communication Studies.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Advocate a specific topic to an audience of any size.
Critically assess other speakers’ format, content, and delivery and articulate constructive criticism in an oral critique.
Articulate and dissect models of communication and apply such methods in public speaking and interpersonal settings.
Research and construct positions on a set topic to communicate and advocate a particular point of view.
Critically think about how meaning is exchanged and the implications of our messages.

Complete the following course:

COMM 1 COMMUNICATION FUNDAMENTALS 3 Units
or
COMM 1H COMMUNICATION FUNDAMENTALS HONORS 3 Units

Complete 15 units from any of the following courses:

COMM 2 PERSUASION 3 Units
COMM 3 ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE 3 Units
COMM 9 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION 3 Units
COMM 30 INTRODUCTION TO ORAL INTERPRETATION 3 Units
COMM 35 VOICE AND DICTION 3 Units
COMM 10 GROUP DYNAMICS AND LEADERSHIP 3 Units
COMM 5 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 3 Units
COMM 106A FORENSIC ACTIVITY A 1 Unit *
COMM 106B FORENSIC ACTIVITY B 2.5 Units *
COMM 106C FORENSIC ACTIVITY C 4 Units *
TA 1 ACTING 3 Units
TA 12 DIRECTING 3 Units
COMM 106A , B, or C is recommended each semester.

Total Units Required: 18-20.5

To earn the associate degree:

See Earning an Associate Degree for associate degree graduation requirements.

To transfer:

Courses required for the associate degree major at IVC may not be the same as those required for the major at a four-year school. If you plan to transfer, consult a counselor to identify the courses needed for the major at your transfer school and to develop a plan that will best meet your goals. View more information about transferring at Transfer to a Four-Year Institution .

Catalog and Student Handbook

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