Department

Department of Communication

Douglas M. Fraleigh, Chair
Speech Arts Building, Room 15
559.278.2826
FAX: 559.278.4113
www.fresnostate.edu/communication

Degrees and Programs Offered

BA in Communication, B.A.
MA in Communication, M.A.
MN in Communication, Minor

Our aim is to prepare students to understand and provide leadership in a competitive communication-oriented society. We offer a balance of humanistic and scientific instruction in communication skills people need to function effectively in teaching, business, law, nonprofit organizations, public service and administration, public relations, government, and management. Outside the workplace, these skills will also enhance students' ability to be active in civic engagement and community service.
Our program requires a comprehensive understanding of the breadth and depth of our discipline, as well as its major theoretical frameworks and research methodologies. Both the major and minor are grounded in the fundamental communication contexts including public, interpersonal, group, organizational, instructional, and intercultural communication. Additionally applied contexts in business communication, gerontology communication, technology, and leadership are available. Students investigate problems in diverse cultural settings, which make the San Joaquin Valley - with its tremendous ethnic diversity - an ideal location for study.

The Communication Skills for Professionals Certificate program recognizes development in such areas as presentational speaking, problem solving and decision making, leadership, and interpersonal communication.

Our program offers a variety of exciting activities to enrich students' educational experience. We have an active student organization, the Professional Communication Association, and a debate team that participates in competitive intercollegiate tournaments and hosts public debates on campus. Our annual Peach Blossom Festival brings more than 5,000 elementary-age students to campus to present prose and poetry.

We offer you personalized advising. Our major builds on a sound core of foundation courses and is completed by courses selected to meet your needs and career objectives. Our major requirements are flexible and easily integrated into a host of minors.

Courses

Communication

COMM 3. Fundamentals of Public Communication

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: A1

COMM 4. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

Introduction to various theories of interpersonal communication; participation in experiences designed to enhance competence in interpersonal relationships. (CAN SPCH 8) (Formerly SPCH 4)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 5. Argumentation

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 SPCH 5)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: A3

COMM 7. Persuasion

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: A1

COMM 8. Group Discussion

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: A1

COMM 10T. Topics in Communication

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)

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 9 units

COMM 15. Forensics Laboratory

This course provides instruction and experience in competitive policy debate and public debate Course credit for tournament competition and public debate participation is available.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 100. Theories of Human Communication

Survey of major theories of human communication, philosophical issues, and applications; theories include interpersonal, group, organizational, intercultural, linguistic, and persuasion. A grade of C or better is required for all Communication Majors.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 103. Advanced Public Speaking

Advanced principles of expository and persuasive speaking; development of skills through analysis, preparation, organization, and delivery of various types of speech. (Formerly SPCH 103)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

COMM 105. Argumentation Theory

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

COMM 108. Communication and the Small Group

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

COMM 114. Communication and Learning

(COMM 114 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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 115. Advanced Forensics Laboratory

This course provides advanced instruction and experience in competitive policy debate and public debate. Course credit for tournament competition and public debate participation is available.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 116. Communication and Humor

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 116)

Units: 3

COMM 120. Gender Communication

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

COMM 140. Rhetorical Theory

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. A grade of C or better is required for all Communication Majors.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 142. Communication Criticism

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. A grade of C or better is required for all Communication Majors.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 148. American Public Address

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

COMM 149. Freedom of Speech

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

COMM 150. Communication and Aging

(COMM 150 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.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

COMM 160. Meaning, Language, and Communication

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

COMM 161. Family Communication

Examine communication theories and empirical findings related to interaction in relationships such as parent-child, sibling, romantic, and grandparent-grandchild. Coverage also includes blended and non-traditional family forms. Investigate positive and sub-optimal processes including conflict, relational dissolution, and abuse.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

COMM 162. Interpersonal Communication

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. (Formerly SPCH 162)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 163. Social Influence and Attitude Change

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 164. Intercultural Communication

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. Multicultural/International M/I. (Formerly SPCH 164)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 165. Computer Applications in Communication

Survey of information technologies and computer applications in human communication professions, including word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, presentation visuals, e-mail, and Internet. Advanced techniques for creating Web pages, reports, training, presentations, brochures, and newsletters. (Formerly SPCH 165)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 166. Communication Research Methods

Application of behavioral research principles to problems in quantification, design, and analysis of data in communication research. A grade of C or better is required for all Communication Majors.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 167. Leadership in Groups and Organizations

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

COMM 168. Communication in Organizations

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 169. Communication and Conflict

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

COMM 170. Business and Professional Speaking

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

COMM 171. Communication and Planning Change in the Social System

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

COMM 176. Communication Consulting and Training

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)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

COMM 179. Internship

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)

Units: 1-6, Repeatable up to 12 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 188T. Topics in Communication

Selected topics in communication. (Formerly SPCH 188T)

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 9 units

COMM 188T. Rhetoric of Terrorism

This course will examine the rhetorical practices involved in communicating the threat of terrorism to public audiences. Readings will consider the discourse of foreign policy officials, the news media, pop culture, and terrorists themselves in order to explore the relationship among these rhetorics, public perceptions of terrorism, and political argumentation regarding the "war on terrorism." (Offered Fall 2018)

Units: 3

COMM 188T. Communication of Science and Technology

This class will study the nature of Communicating About Science and Technology. The focus will be on the complex interplay of societal values, economic considerations, ethical implications, and public opinion. Longstanding issues such as climate change, energy, and biotechnology will be discussed, as well as contemporary issues, including space travel, driverless cars, and human gene editing.

Units: 3

COMM 188T. The Dark Side of Communication in Close Relationships

This course will examine communication in close relationships that is considered "dark." The dark side metaphor allows researchers to highlight (1) aspects of communication that are typically seen as destructive, dysfunctional, malicious, manipulative, abusive, etc.; (2) aspects of communication that are presumed dark but should not be (i.e., ones that appear to be negative but are functional or produce desirable outcomes); (3) aspects of communication that are poorly understood. Topics we will discuss include infidelity, mean girls, deception, hurtful messages, bullying, intimate partner violence, obsessional relational intrusion and stalking, and relational uncertainty.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 9 units

COMM 188T. Culture & Conflict

As society becomes more diverse, the potential for intercultural misunderstanding and conflict increases. The purpose of the workshop is to address the communication process involved in intercultural conflict. Among the issues explored are the role of culture in communication, prejudice, cultural values, norms, and perceptions. As a result of taking the workshop, participants will develop a better understanding of culture and communication.

Units: 1, Repeatable up to 9 units

COMM 189. Projects in Communication

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Projects in communication. (4 hours activity) (Formerly SPCH 189)

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 190. Independent Study

See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for RP grading. (Formerly SPCH 190)

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

COMM 205. Seminar in Argumentation

Prerequisite: COMM 105, COMM 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)

Units: 3

COMM 210. Teaching Practicum

Instruction in the development of effective public speaking, including course/material design and instructional strategy. Supervision of graduate teaching associate preparation, classroom teaching, and assessment. Required for all first-semester graduate teaching associates.

Units: 3

COMM 214. Seminar in Instructional Communication

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)

Units: 3

COMM 215. Seminar in Communication

Research and individually directed work within one area of specialization. Approved for RP grading.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 9 units

COMM 241. Seminar in Rhetorical Theory

Prerequisite: COMM 140, equivalent, or permission of instructor. A seminar which deals with the development of specific principles by selected theorists. (Formerly SPCH 241)

Units: 3

COMM 242M. Seminar in Contemporary Criticism

Prerequisite: COMM 142, equivalent, or permission of instructor. The role of rhetorical criticism in contemporary society. (Formerly SPCH 242M)

Units: 3

COMM 243. Seminar in Public and Strategic Discourse

A detailed study of the theory and practice of public discourse used to persuade audiences regarding the nature and resolution of political, social, religious, and economic problems.

Units: 3

COMM 262. Seminar in Communication Theory and Research

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)

Units: 3

COMM 263. Seminar in Group Communication

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)

Units: 3

COMM 264M. Seminar in Communication Research Methods

Prerequisite: Application of quantitative, qualitative, and/or critical methodologies to a variety of problems studied in human communication. Discussion of design, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative and/or experiences.

Units: 3

COMM 265. Seminar in Interpersonal Communication

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)

Units: 3

COMM 266. Seminar in Communication and Culture

An examination of current critical, humanitsitc, and/or social scientific approaches to studying the communicative construction, negotiation, and performance of cultural identities and practices.

Units: 3

COMM 268. Seminar in Organizational Communication

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 SPCH 268)

Units: 3

COMM 275. Seminar in Applied Communication

An extended examination of theories, research methodologies, and professional practices regarding communication in a specific applied context (e.g., health communication, risk communication, legal communication, etc.).

Units: 3

COMM 276. Seminar in Communication Training and Development

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)

Units: 3

COMM 290. Independent Study

See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for RP grading. (Formerly SPCH 290)

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units

COMM 298. Project

Prerequisite: prior advancement to candidacy, appropriate methodological tools (COMM 242M or COMM 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 activites, etc. Requires scholarly report similar in format to thesis and final oral defense. Approved for RP grading. (Formerly SPCH 298)

Units: 2-6

COMM 298C. Project Contiunation

Pre-requisite: Project 298. For continuous enrollment while completing the project. May enroll twice with department approval. Additional enrollments must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Units: 0

COMM 299. Thesis

Prerequisite: appropriate methodological tools (COMM 242M or COMM 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)

Units: 2-6

COMM 299C. Thesis Continuation

Pre-requisite: Thesis 298. For continuous enrollment while completing the thesis. May enroll twice with department approval. Additional enrollments must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Units: 0

EHD 155B. Studt Tchg Spch

Prerequisites: admission to student teaching, EHD 155A, CI 161 (or concurrently, depending on major departmental policy); senior or post baccalaureate standing; approval of major department including subject matter competency approval; completion of the subject matter preparation program or passing the subject matter examination(s) designated by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Supervised teaching in single subject classroom; assignment is for the full day; five days per week. CR/NC grading only.

Units: 5-10, Repeatable up to 20 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

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Requirements

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

Communication Major

The communication major is designed to provide broad-based competencies in oral and written communication, critical analysis of human discourse, and social scientific and humanistic research methods. The major also emphasizes how this theoretical knowledge is applied in specific contexts ranging from personal relationships to business management to public advocacy.

1. Major requirements (42 units)
Fundamental communication processes and skills (6 units)
Select two from COMM 3, 4, 5, 6H, 7, 8, 15

Core competencies (12 units)***
COMM 100, 140, 142, 166

Personal and professional communication (18 units)
Select a minimum of two courses in each area

• Personal and relational settings: COMM 108, 120, 150, 161, 162, 164, 169
• Advocacy in public settings: COMM 103, 105, 115**, 148, 149, 160, 163
• Organizational and professional settings: COMM 114, 165, 167, 168, 170, 171, 176, 179, 189

Electives in major (6 units)**
Select an additional 6 units of upper-division communication coursework.

2. General Education requirements (49 units)

3. Other requirements (6 units)
Upper-division writing and Multicultural and International (MI)

4. Sufficient elective units to meet required total units (varies)

5. Total units (120)****

* See Advising Note 1.
** See Advising Note 2.
*** See Advising Note 6.
**** G.E. and MI courses can be double-counted with major requirements. The writing requirement may be met by taking the upper-division writing exam.  See advisor for details. 

Advising Notes

1. The 6 units of COMM 3, 5, 7 and/or 8 may be applied to fulfill General Education Foundation A1 and A3 requirements.
2. No more than 3 units from COMM 15 and 6 units from COMM 115 can count toward fulfillment of the communication major. No more than 3 units from COMM 115 can be applied to the Advocacy in Public Settings Area.
3. CR/NC grading is not permitted in the communication major with the exception of COMM 179 (Internship).
4. No more than 6 units of COMM 179 (Internship) may be applied toward completion of the communication major.
5. Students are allowed only 3 units of COMM 190 and no more than 6 units toward the baccalaureate degree.
6. A grade of C or better is required in COMM 100, 140, 142, and 166 to fulfill the core competencies requirement.

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Faculty

For faculty phone numbers and e-mail, see the campus directory.

For more on the faculty, see the faculty pages.
The faculty pages are updated by the department or program.

Roadmap

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

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Careers

The communication program presents a balance of humanistic and scientific instruction including communication skills people need to function effectively in teaching, business, law, the communication professions, public service, politics and management. Students have an opportunity to explore the full range of human communication.

Recognizing that some careers require extensive knowledge about specific communication practices (in occupations ranging from politics and law to human resources and public relations), while virtually every field demands competence in oral and written communication skills, the Department’s undergraduate program offers degree and certificate options tailored to our students varying needs.

What You Can Earn

Public Relations Specialist
$47,107 (in our region)

Communications Manager
$91,101 (in our region)

Vendor Management Analyst
$48,599 (in our region)

Source: HR Reported data on salary.com as of December 2012

Interesting Classes You Might Take

• Communication and Humor
• American Public Address
• Family Communication
• Computer Applications in Communication

What You Can Learn

• Various theories of interpersonal communication
• Communication in group thinking and problem solving
• The use of persuasion as a social tool for resolving controversy and opinions from the perspectives of both the persuader and the persuaded
• The nature of communication and its relationship to learning and instruction

About the College

The College of Arts and Humanities provides a diverse student population with the communication skills, humanistic values and cultural awareness that form the foundation of scholarship. The college offers intellectual and artistic programs that engage students and faculty and the community in collaboration, dialog and discovery. These programs help preserve, illuminate and nourish the arts and humanities for the campus and for the wider community.

College Contact Information

College of Arts & Humanities
Office of the Dean
2380 E. Keats MS/MB99
Fresno CA 93740-8024

(559) 278-3056
FAX: (559) 278-6758
Email

Where We Are Located

We are located in the west wing of the Music Building in Room 186.

Deparment Contact Information

Department of Communication
5201 North Maple Ave, Mail Stop SA 46
Fresno, CA 93740-8027

Office Location: Speech Arts 15

Phone: 559.278.2826
FAX: 559.278.4113