You are in the official 2004-2005 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Communication
COURSES
- Communication (COMM)
- Communication (COMM) --- Graduate Courses
- Communication (COMM) --- In-Service Course
Communication (COMM)
AR. Study Skills Development (2)
Development of communication skills necessary for successful learning
in a university, including reading, library research, control of anxiety,
critical analysis, listening, oral and written reports. CR /NC
grading only; not applicable toward baccalaureate degree requirements. (Formerly
COMM AR)
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)
(Formerly SPCH 3)
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) (Formerly SPCH 4)
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) (Formerly COMM 5)
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. (Formerly SPCH 7)
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. (Formerly SPCH 8)
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. (Formerly
SPCH 10T)
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. (Formerly SPCH 15)
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. (Formerly SPCH 100)
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. (Formerly SPCH 103)
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. (Formerly SPCH 105)
106. Statistical Applications in Communication (3)
Introduction to elementary statistical concepts, correlation analysis,
parametric and nonparametric tests; emphasis on the application of statistical
procedures to communication research. (Formerly COMM 106)
107. Critical Thinking in the Age of Information (3)
Examines the relationships between communication and critical thinking
in the age of information. Topics include the relationship between communication
and cognition, models of argument, the media and critical thinking, and
methods for enhancing critical thinking competence. (Formerly SPCH 107)
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. (Formerly SPCH 108)
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. (Formerly SPCH 114)
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. (Formerly SPCH 115)
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. (Formerly SPCH 188T section) (Formerly SPCH 116)
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. (Formerly SPCH 120)
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. (Formerly
COMM 140)
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.
146. British Political Communication (3)
A systems approach to the study of British institutions and communication.
Study of government, press, broadcasting, education, and the criminal justice
system to facilitate instruction in the evaluation of political messages.
Emphasis given to the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. (Formerly SPCH 146)
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. (Formerly SPCH 148)
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. (Formerly SPCH 149)
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. (Formerly
COMM 188T section) (Formerly SPCH 150)
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. (Formerly SPCH 160)
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. (Formerly
INTD 184)
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.
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.
(Formerly SPCH 163)
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. (Formerly SPCH 164)
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. (Formerly COMM 165)
166. Communication Research Methods (3)
Application of behavioral research principles to problems in quantification,
design, and analysis of data in communication research. (Formerly SPCH 166)
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. (Formerly SPCH 167)
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. (Formerly SPCH 168)
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. (Formerly SPCH 169)
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. (Formerly SPCH 170)
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. (Formerly SPCH 171)
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. (Formerly SPCH 176)
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. (Formerly
SPCH 179)
188T. Topics in Communication (1-3; max total 9)
Selected topics in communication. (Formerly SPCH 188T)
189. Projects in Communication (1-3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Projects in communication. (4
hours activity) (Formerly SPCH 189)
190. Independent Study(1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading. (Formerly SPCH 190)
GRADUATE COURSES
(See Course Numbering System.)
Communication (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. (Formerly SPCH 205)
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. (Formerly SPCH 214)
215. Seminar in Communication (3; max total 9)
Research and individually directed work within one area of specialization.
Approved for RP grading. (Formerly SPCH 215)
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.
(Formerly SPCH 241)
242M. Seminar in Contemporary Criticism (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 142, equivalent, or permission of instructor. The
role of rhetorical criticism in contemporary society. (Formerly SPCH 242,
242M)
243. Seminar in the History of American Public Address (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 142, 146, 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. (Formerly SPCH 243)
244. Seminar in Contemporary Public Address (3)
Prerequisite: COMM 142, 146, 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.
(Formerly SPCH 244)
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.
(Formerly SPCH 262)
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. (Formerly SPCH 263)
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. (Formerly COMM 264M)
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.
(Formerly SPCH 265)
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. (Formerly SPCH 266)
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. (Formerly
COMM 268)
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. (Formerly SPCH 276)
290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading. (Formerly SPCH 290)
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. (Formerly SPCH
298)
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. (Formerly SPCH 299)
Note: Students must have earned at least a C in all
courses considered as meeting the prerequisite requirements.
IN-SERVICE COURSE
(See Course Numbering System.)
Communication (COMM)
303. Topics in Communication
(1-3; max total 12; repeatable with different topics)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Application of the theories in communication.
(Formerly SPCH 303)
Communication
Degrees