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• Prerequisite: None.

Continue learning more advanced word processing skills, including terminology, software, and processing possibilities. Designed for those who have knowledge of word processing on an IBM compatible machine. Bring a two-sided, double density computer disk to class.

• Prerequisite: None.

Beginners learn about data files, including terminology, software, and processing possibilities. Hands-on experience in a popular software applications on an IBM compatible machine. Bring a two-sided, double-density computer disk to class.

• Prerequisite: None.

Beginners learn about search engines for browsing the internet, terminology, software, and safety precautions. Hands-on experience in popular software applications on an IBM compatible machine. Bring a two-sided, double-density computer disk to class for transferring information.

• Prerequisite: None.

Beginners learn through hands-on experience about using the computer keyboard, learn what a mouse is and how to use it, and the fundamentals of how a computer works. Learn to use a computer safely and comfortably while learning computer terminology. Bring a two-sided, double-density computer disk to class.

C-ID: COMM 110.

IGETC AREA 1C (Oral Communication)

• Prerequisite: None.

Formerly Speech 1.

This is a course in public speaking for students learning to prepare and deliver platform speeches. Assignments include speeches of description, exposition, and persuasion. Techniques for controlling tension, building self-confidence, and effective listening are emphasized.

C-ID: COMM 190.

IGETC AREA 1C (Oral Communication) or 3B (Humanities)

• Advisory: Communication Studies 11.

Formerly Speech 2.

This course focuses on the development of persuasion in rhetorical perspective, with an emphasis on balancing logic, emotion and credibility in public speaking. The history of classical rhetoric in Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as great speakers in American history, are emphasized.

• Prerequisite: None.

Formerly Speech 3.

This course focuses on improvement in voice and articulation. It features analysis of the student’s voice and articulation problems and offers specific strategies for improvement. Techniques in relaxation, breath control, articulation, vocal variety and pronunciation are emphasized. In addition, students learn skills in oral interpretation, public speaking, and transcription of the International Phonetic Alphabet.

C-ID: COMM 170.

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Advisory: Communication Studies 11.

Formerly Speech 4.

This course focuses on the oral interpretation of poetry and prose, with a special emphasis on literature by and about cultural groups in the United States including African-Americans, Asian-Americans, European-Americans, Jewish-Americans, Latino/a-Americans, Arab-Americans, Indigenous peoples of the United States and others. Through the process of oral interpretation, students will analyze works of literature, discover a personal connection to the material, and share their emotional and intellectual creation -- using voice and body -- with an audience. By studying and performing multicultural literature, students will learn to appreciate the similarities and differences among cultures and how culture affects the author’s voice.

C-ID: COMM 140.

IGETC AREA 1C (Oral Communication)

• Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1.

Formerly Speech 6.

This course focuses on the identification and analysis of processes and challenges of communication as affected by small group interactions. This course helps students develop competence and confidence as a group member and leader through a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge of small groups in everyday life. The course focuses on the principles of communication theory as they apply to the small group setting with an emphasis on practical application through study and practice in various group activities.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Prerequisite: None.

This class explores the role of agitational and protest communication in the formation, processes, and goals of different historical and contemporary movements. Agitational and protest communication includes the strategies, tactics, and communication utilized by movements to resist or provide different perspectives, including those that have been excluded or silenced. Attention is given to theories, contexts, and strategies related to agitational and protest movements, as well as numerous examples of diverse protest movements in modern and contemporary history.

C-ID: COMM 120.

IGETC AREA 1C (Oral Communication).

• Prerequisite: None.
• Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1.

Formerly Speech 11.

Principles of argumentative discourse applied to contemporary issues are studied in this course. An analysis of the relationship between evidence and the process of reasoning is included.

• Prerequisite: None.

Formerly Speech 22.

This class provides the training, rehearsal, and performance practice to develop speech and debate skills necessary to participate on a competitive collegiate speech and debate team. Students will have the option to choose areas of interest and to compete on the SMC Speech and Debate Team.

C-ID: COMM 180.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

• Prerequisite: None.
• Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1.

This course introduces the major theoretical approaches to, applications of, and issues in Communication Studies. Examining and analyzing theories from the various areas of the field, such as interpersonal, group, organizational, rhetorical, intercultural, mass, and health communication, students will apply communication theories and concepts to everyday communication phenomena.

IGETC Area 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

• Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1.

This course introduces the tenets and methods of social science research in general, and communication research in particular. The course provides an overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Particular attention is given to experimental design, survey research, content analysis, and field research. The goal of this course is to prepare students for reading empirical research reports as well as prepare them for upper division research.

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Prerequisite: English 2 and Admission to the SMC baccalaureate degree program.

In this course students discuss and apply organizational communication theories with an emphasis on small group dynamics, particularly in diverse workplace environments. Students will investigate numerous theories about organizational communication and case studies to explore the experiences of diverse groups in different workplace environments in history and in contemporary society. Students will identify the problems that diverse groups may face in organizational settings and design programmatic solutions to such problems. The readings and course materials will be used to enhance students’ intercultural awareness and understanding of organizational communication theory in practice.

This course is open only to students who have been admitted to SMC’s Bachelor of Science program in Interaction Design. See ixd.smc.edu for more information.

C-ID: COMM 130.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

• Prerequisite: None.

Formerly Speech 5.

Techniques for effective interpersonal communication are studied with emphasis on developing awareness of one’s own actions and their impact on relationships. Verbal and nonverbal communication styles are analyzed and practiced in one-to-one and small group situations. Lecture, discussion, and class participation are utilized to demonstrate a variety of skills including listening conflict resolution, and the effective use of language in personal and professional interactions. In addition, exercises in body language, role playing, and self-disclosure and positive/negative thinking help students understand the power of the communication process.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Prerequisite: None.

Exploring the role, influence, effects, and significance of gender on our everyday communication interactions, this course critically analyzes issues of gender and communication by examining the theoretical perspectives used to explain gender phenomena, gender socialization, and male and female interactions and stereotypes. With an emphasis on improving communication skills, we will explore the relationship between gender and communication as it pertains to the nature of gender(s), the language of gender, and gender differences in verbal and nonverbal communication.

C-ID: COMM 150.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1.

Formerly Speech 7.

This course focuses on the identification and analysis of processes and challenges of communication as affected by different cultures, especially as it affects communication among the various cultures found within the United States (e.g. African American, Asian American, Latino/a, Middle Eastern, Native American, European American and Gay/Lesbian cultures) and among the various cultures throughout the world. The course focuses on the principles of communication theory as they apply to the intercultural setting with an emphasis on the effects of differences in beliefs, values, attitudes, socio-political organization, role expectations, language and nonverbal behavior, etc. -- all of which are interrelated.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

This course explores critical and intercultural theories and research related to Latina/o/x communication patterns, processes, media, and performance in different historical, contemporary, and political contexts. Additionally, the course explores how Latina/o/x communication is influenced by different processes, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and/or age in different Latina/o/x communities. Lastly, the course looks at the historical and contemporary intersections between Latina/o/x communication, cultural identity, and other relevant themes, including technology and media.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.