The Communication
Studies Major
Revised for the 2006-2008 Undergraduate Bulletin
About the Major
All students in the Communication Studies major must complete
36 units of course work in the major, including 12 unites of lower-division
core courses, 9 units of upper-division core courses, and 15 units within their
area of concentration.
Students who complete the major
will have knowledge of foundational theories of communication; prevailing communication
research paradigms; media industry structure and practices; prevailing criticism
of media practice and performance; media influence on individuals and groups;
the interplay of media systems in a global context; roles and functions of
communication in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public contexts;
conventions of public address and advocacy; and the impact and ethics of persuasion. Students
will also have the ability to think critically; develop and present an argument;
conduct and evaluate social scientific, interpretive, and critical research;
communicate effectively in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public
contexts; and invent, arrange, and deliver effective and ethical messages via
oral, print, and electronic modes.
Students who major in Communication
Studies are encouraged to participate in practicum (491, 492) and internship
(498) courses as part of their upper-division elective experience. No more
than three units of 498, and a maximum of six units combined of 491, 492, and
498, may be applied toward the major. COMM 101, 103, and 130 satisfy
the Core Curriculum requirement in the social sciences.
REQUIRED LOWER-DIVISION CORE (12 units)
COMM 101 – Introduction to Human Communication
COMM 103 – Public Speaking
COMM 130 – Introduction to Media Studies
COMM 220 – Introduction to Media Writing
REQUIRED UPPER-DIVISION CORE (9 units)
COMM 300 – Human Communication Theory
COMM 336 – Communication Criticism
COMM 365 – Communication Investigations
CONCENTRATIONS (15 units)
Students are required to choose one of four areas of concentration within
the major: Foundations and Contexts, Communication and Contemporary Practice,
Images and Influence, and Media Arts and Culture. These concentrations are intended
to provide students with the knowledge, background, and skills necessary to
work in a communication-related profession, or to pursue advanced study in the
field of communication or a related field. There are two required courses
in each concentration (6 units); students must take an additional 9 units in
the concentration or in consultation with an advisor.
FOUNDATIONS AND CONTEXTS
A broad survey of the discipline designed to give students both depth in the
foundations and breadth in approaches to the study of communication. Particularly
suited for students interested in a liberal arts education or preparation for
graduate work. Required: 325 – Interpersonal Communication;
370/W– Rhetorical Theory.
Electives in the Concentration
330 -- Media Processes and Effects
350 -- Small Group Communication
353 – Organizational Communication
366W – Interpretive Research Methods
380 – International Communication
422W – Family Business Communication
432/W – Film and Cultural Politics
445/W – Gender and Communication
460 – Persuasion and Propaganda
462 – Political Communication
466W – Interpretive Research
475 – Intercultural Communication
482/W – Children and Media
COMMUNICATION AND CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE
Advances understanding of and competency in communication practices across
professional contexts. Particularly suited for students interested in
studying business, leadership, education, law, and/or relational communication. Required: 325 – Interpersonal
Communication; 353 – Organizational Communication.
Electives in the Concentration
350– Small Group Communication
403 – Advanced Public Speaking
422W – Family Business Communication
435 – Video Production
445/W – Gender and Communication
455 – Interviewing and Negotiation
460 – Persuasion and Propaganda
462 – Political Communication
475 – Intercultural Communication
485W – Writing for Electronic Media
IMAGES AND INFLUENCE
Explores the role of public communication in a mediated world, with a focus
on issue and image management. Particularly suited for students interested in
studying broadcasting, journalism, advertising, marketing, and public relations. Required: 338 – Media
and Conflict; and either
460 -- Persuasion and Propaganda or 370/W – Rhetorical Theory.
Electives in the Concentration
330 – Media Processes and Effects
370/W – Rhetorical Theory
380 – International Media
403 – Adv. Public Speaking
421W – Advanced Journalism
432/W – Film and Cultural Politics
435 – Video Production
439 – New Media and Technology
455 – Interviewing and Negotiation
460 – Persuasion and Propaganda
462 – Political Communication
482/W – Children and Media
485W – Writing for Electronic Media
MEDIA ARTS AND CULTURE
Explores the relationship of media to identity and cultural production. Particularly
suited for students interested in various forms of mediated expression and activism,
such as television, radio, film, theater, and advertising. Required: 330 – Media
Processes and Effects; 380 – International Media
Electives in the Concentration
338 – Media and Conflict
366W – Interpretive Research Methods
432/W – Film and Cultural Politics
435 – Video Production
439 – New Media and Technology
445/W – Gender and Communication
475 – Intercultural Communication
482/W – Children and Media
485W – Writing for Electronic Media
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