Communication

Course Descriptions

We offer many practical, student-oriented courses. Below is a list of those courses, and their descriptions.  To check course availability, please check the College Class Schedule.

COMM 1000
Introduction to Mass Media
A survey of mass media: newspapers, magazines, books, radio, films and television. A study of their historical development and the impact they made on the American public, through content and technology. A study of the current issues, problems and trends in the mass media.
Prerequisite:  None

COMM 1010
Public Speaking
This course is a practical performance course in public speaking. The course combines readings, lectures, discussion, and presentations to help the student become a more competent, confident and effective public speaker. The main topics covered include: researching and organizing a speech, audience analysis, using visual aids, effective delivery, handling stage fright, proposing arguments, and making persuasive appeals.
Prerequisite: None

COMM 1030
Interpersonal Communication
This course combines reading, discussions, lectures and exercises to explore a wide variety of topics and skills in
face-to-face interaction. The student will become aware of current research in the human communication field as well as become more effective communicators in their relationships with friends, family, co-workers, and intimates. Here is a sampling of topics and skills included in the course: nonverbal communication, perception, handling interpersonal conflict, improving listening and response skills, and enhancing communication in intimate relationships.
Prerequisite: None

COMM 1040
Introduction to Human Communication
From ancient Greece to the present day, scholars have studies human communication.  This course considers a variety of theories that help us better understand intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, and mass communication.  Students interested in the study of communication - from the power of language, to the dynamics of close relationships, to the effects of the television on society - will find this course to be interesting and worthwhile.
Prerequisite: None

COMM 1050
Conflict Management & Mediation
This course blends theory, research, and practical skills to help us better understand and manage our conflicts. Additionally, this course offers guidance for those who sometimes find themselves playing the role of mediator–a neutral third party who assists disputants create their own solutions.
Prerequisites: COMM 1030

COMM 1200
Signing Exact English I
This course is designed to familiarize students with the language of Signing Exact English. This language was developed to teach hearing-impaired individuals the mechanics of the English language while allowing them to use signed communication. Classes will include signing practice, learning new words, quizzes, finger spelling practice and games. New vocabulary will be introduced each session for practice in the classroom and at home. Students who complete this course will be able to sign approximately 700-1000 words, the alphabet, numbers, time and money, using these in sentences and conversation.
Prerequisite: None

COMM 1230
American Sign Language I
American Sign Language (ASL) is a true language that is used within the deaf community. This course will introduce
students to basic expressive and receptive skills in American Sign Language (ASL), including conversation strategies,
body language, facial expressions and finger spelling. Students who complete this course should be able to produce 1500 words with signs learned in class, along with having an awareness of deaf culture.
Prerequisite: None

COMM 1240
American Sign Language II
This course will enable students to continue to develop expressive and receptive skills, along with conversation skills in ASL. Students will build their vocabulary, linguistic features, and continue to study deaf culture. Students who complete this course should be able to produce 3000 words with signs along with continuing their awareness of deaf culture.
Prerequisite: COMM 1230

COMM 1370, 1375, 2370, 2375
Publications Production I-IV: (Topic will vary)
This course provides practical journalistic experience for students interested in producing the college newspaper. Areas for participation include newswriting, editing, photography, advertising sales and design, and layout. The goals are 1) to provide the student with hands-on training and instruction in the various areas of production, and 2) to produce a quality college newspaper.
Prerequisite: None

COMM 2090
Introduction to Persuasion
Persuasion is communication intended to influence the beliefs, values, and/or behaviors of other people. This course is designed to make the student aware of major theories and research in persuasion; to help the student become a more critical receiver of persuasive messages; and help the student become a more competent persuasive speaker. As a result of the course, the student should have an understanding of how persuasion happens interpersonally, in advertising, in political campaigns, and in public speech.
Prerequisite: None

COMM 2100
Cross reference UW Transfer Guide CMJR 1100
Reporting & Newswriting
A study of the fundamentals of writing the news story through practice in writing and analysis of the form.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010

COMM 2110
Nonverbal Communication
This course surveys contemporary research findings in the study of human nonverbal behavior. Topics include: physical appearance, touch, distance, face and eye behavior, scent, time, gestures, and other nonverbal cues. The student will gain a deeper understanding of nonverbal's impact in our daily lives. Attention will be given to nonverbal's impact on relationships between superiors and subordinates, women and men, teachers and students, and members of different cultures.
Prerequisite: None

COMM 2270
Public Relations
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of public relations - the profession, its processes, its publics, the kinds of organizations in which it is practiced, and the critical issues that confront it.  It also addresses a variety of public relations theories, case studies, and tactics including those involving print, broadcast, and electronic media.  It is designed to increase the competence and build confidence in students interested in the public relations field, and to build skills in writing, speaking, listening, research, critical thinking, and creative thinking.  Lectures, videos, issue and case study debates and analyses, practice exercises and projects, readings, and discussions are incorporated into the class.  Basic keyboarding skills recommended.
Prerequisite: None

COMM 2300
Graphic Design I
This course introduces the fundamentals of graphic design to students interested in desktop publishing. Students learn to use type, layout and other design elements to produce effective ads, brochures, newsletters and other documents on personal computers. Adobe PageMaker is used to design visually-appealing and communicative artwork for print. May not receive graduation credit for both ART 2120 and COMM 2300. (Crosslists with ART 2120)
Prerequisite: None

COMM 2330
Graphic Design II
This course builds on the fundamental design principles and practices introduced in Graphic Design I.  The purpose of this course is to develop confidence and competence in creating computer generated art based on sound design principles, strong original concepts, and polished execution.  In completing five art projects, students are encouraged to take risk, to develop their own voices as designers, and to build on software, art technique, and presentation skills.  May not receive credit for both ART 2130 and COMM 2330. (Crosslists with ART 2130)
Preqequisite: ART 2120 or COMM 2300 or Instructor Permission