Communication Skills (COMM) (see also English, Technical Communication, and Theater) 

Note: Courses taught at a distance (Distance Learning) may have a higher lab fee than traditionally taught courses.

COMM 105 Speech (A, W, SP, SU,  DL)

3 credits
Emphasis is placed on both verbal and nonverbal communication techniques in public speaking. Individual presentations, including at least three major speeches, are required. The fundamental principles of interpersonal communications and small group discussion are introduced. Audio and/or videotaping of selected projects will occur. This course, or its equivalent, is required for all degrees.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or 111
Lab fee: $1.00

COMM 110 Conference and Group Discussion (A, W, SP, SU)

3 credits
Through role play, discussion and participation, students will develop attitudes, skills and knowledge of methods necessary to effectively participate in discussion at conferences, in committees and in other small groups. This course is recommended as a substitute for COMM 105 in some technologies; check with academic advisor.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or 111
Lab fee: $1.00

COMM 115 Oral Interpretation (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

3 credits
Students will read literature orally and listen critically. They will then practice techniques for presenting literature dramatically. The cultural and social functions of oral literature will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing literary works, recognizing their emotional and dramatic values, and projecting those qualities through oral presentations. Writing assignments include response journals and short critical papers. This course is recommended as a substitute for COMM 105 for all Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degree students.
Lecture: 3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or 111
Lab fee: $1.00

COMM 150 Video Art Production (A, W, SP)

5 credits
This course introduces students to the art of independent film and video through analysis of short films and production of digital video shorts. Students will analyze independent films and videos to develop a descriptive definition of video as a collaborative art form. Students will learn digital video photography, conversion of VHS to digital form, script writing, editing, and post production in iMovie (Macintosh nonlinear editing software for nonprofessionals). Students will create short videos in selected genre, such as biographical narrative, the parody, or the community-interest documentary.
Lecture: 4 hours- Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or higher required; ENGL 245–Introduction to Film is recommended
Lab Fee: $25.00

COMM 200 Business Communications (A, W, SP, SU, DL)                                            
3 credits
Emphasis is placed on principles of effective business writing. Students practice writing business letters and memos. A problem-solving or technical report related to the student’s area of concentration is required. Resume preparation and job search techniques are covered.  Lecture:  3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 102 or ENGL 111 with a grade of “C” or higher and at least two quarters (or equivalent) work experience in a technology
Lab fee:  $5.00

COMM 202 Writing for Health and Human Services (A, W, SP, SU)                                  
3 credits
Students specializing in human services and health care fields practice the kinds of writing essential to record keeping and research in their professions. Legal and ethical interdisciplinary communication is emphasized. Using practice and real-life cases, students write descriptions, summaries and evaluations. Job search techniques and letter, memo, and report formats are covered. A short research paper using APA documentation is required. This course may substitute for COMM 200 or COMM 204 in certain technologies; check with academic advisor.
Lecture:  3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 102 or ENGL 111 with a grade of “C” or higher, enrollment in a technical program, and current clinical /field placement
Lab fee:  $7.00  

COMM 204 Technical Writing (A, W, SP, SU, DL)         
3 credits
Students learn the principles of technical writing and practice the types of writing required of technicians, including letters, memos, and reports as required in a student’s technology. A problem-solving report is written. Resume preparation and job search techniques are covered. Oral reports using visual aids are required.
Lecture:  3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 102 or ENGL 111 with a grade of “C” or higher and at least two quarters (or equivalent) in the student’s technology
Lab fee:  $5.00  

COMM 206 Governmental Communications (On Demand)                                                   
3 credits
The course emphasizes the principles of effective writing practiced in government settings. The student learns to write various types of correspondence in a variety of formats, in addition to researching and writing a report adhering to specific guidelines. The student will also prepare selected components of a job application package.
Lecture:  3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 111 with a grade of “C” or better Lab fee:  $5.00  

 COMM 207 Writing for the Web (A, W, SP, SU, DL)      
3 credits
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of writing on the Web. It examines the stylistic and rhetorical dimensions of creating text for the Web, examines which combination of media should be employed to support text, and considers basic issues of design and usability, including how reading strategies on the WWW differ from reading strategies for paper documents.
Lecture:  3 hours – Lab 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 111  
Lab fee:  $7.00  

COMM 208 Communication for the Mass Media (W, SP)
3 credits
This course prepares students to communicate effectively with the mass media including newspapers, magazines, radio and television through press conferences, news releases, feature stories, research reports and statements. Students will prepare and present a portfolio that may include news and feature stories, brochures, flyers, research and other assignments completed for the course.
Lecture:  3 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 111
Corequisite: COMM 105 or equivalent is recommended
Lab fee:  $7.00

COMM 220 Introduction to Mass Communication (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
Students will become better consumers of news and other mass media through the study and discussion of the history, roles and impact of mass media in American society. Principal ethical, policy and legal questions confronting reporters and media are reviewed. Students are introduced to news writing, advertising and public relations techniques.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 111
Lab fee: $1.00

COMM 245 Introduction to Film (A, W, SP, SU, DL)      
5 credits
This course introduces students to cinema by analyzing the elements of film technique: literature, story, drama, editing, movement, acting, sound, photography, staging and theory. Film as a cultural product is also discussed. Class activities include critical viewing, discussion and writing assignments.
Lecture:  5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 111 with a grade of “C” or higher
Lab fee:  $7.00

COMM 250 Advanced Video Art Production (On Demand)

5 credits
This course is a continuation of COMM 150 Video Art Production. Students will further develop their skills in digital video photography scriptwriting, editing, and post-production in iMovie. Students will create short videos in selected genres, such as the biographical narrative, the parody or community-interest documentary.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite: COMM 150 and permission of the instructor
Lab fee: $25.00

COMM 297/298/299 Special Topics in Communication (On Demand)

1-5 credits
Lecture hours: Vary – Lab hours: Vary
Prerequisite: Varies