This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

COMM 0001. Fundamentals of Public Speaking

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL N
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
An introduction to the theory and techniques of public speaking in a democratic society including essential principles and skills of public speaking. Discovery, development, and criticism of popular speaking in public discourse through research, reasoning, creative expression, culture, organization, composition, and presentation including informative, persuasive, and storytelling modes. Research and formal outlines are required for all major speeches. (C-ID COMM 110) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

COMM 0002. Argumentation and Rhetorical Criticism

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
An exploration of argumentation and the influence of rhetoric on thought in theory and cultural practice. Includes critical evaluation of claims, how to conduct expertise-based research, share evidence, engage in reasoning and critical thinking, and recognize popular forms of communication fallacies. (C-ID COMM 120) (CSU, UC)

COMM 0003. Small Group Communication

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Principles of communication in a variety of small group contexts. Explores theory, application, and evaluation of small group communication processes. Topics critically engage the nuances of problem solving, conflict management, decision making, and leadership in relational and cultural settings. Content may include some individual public speaking and speech outlining. (C-ID COMM 140) (CSU, UC)

COMM 0005. Communication Foundations

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to concepts and skills needed for effective communication in a variety of contexts. Includes practical experiences and skill building in small group, interpersonal, intercultural and public speaking contexts. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

COMM 0006. Performance of Diverse Literatures

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to performance studies and issues of diversity and social justice through a focus on key texts that bring these issues to light. Through the analysis, selection, and interpretation of genres such as poetry, oral history, prose, and dramatic works, students deepen their appreciation for literature, gain skill in performance, and insight into the role of voice, identity, and social justice. Focus on critiquing performance in context and the application of oral interpretation techniques, analysis of literature for themes, script writing, delivery, and the production of solo and group performance events. (C-ID COMM 170) (CSU, UC)

COMM 0007. Intercultural Communication

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Emphasis on knowledge and skill to develop greater competence in intercultural communication at both global and local levels. A study of research and theory of communication between cultures. Topics of examination include social and historical processes that have influenced cultures, societal perspectives, and contexts for theoretical and practical application of intercultural communication skills. (C-ID COMM 150) (CSU, UC)

COMM 0008. Interpersonal Communication

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Exploration of relationships through the principles and theories of interpersonal communication. Analysis and study includes an examination of (non)verbal transactions, dynamics of communication in personal and professional contexts, as well as development of ability to participate competently in relationships formed with others and in groups. (C-ID COMM 130) (CSU, UC)

COMM 0010. Communication Theory, Methods, and Practice

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A; completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in COMM 1 or 5
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of communication theory and practice through an examination of critical approaches, key concepts, and methods that serve as specializations to the field. Application of methods through hands-on research and a culminating capstone project. (C-ID COMM 180) (CSU, UC)

COMM 0012. Visual Communication

Units: 3
Also known as AAD 12
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of visual communication including design principles, aesthetics, visual perception, non-verbal messages, relationship to verbal communication, audience analysis, mass media and persuasion. Historical overview of visual media as well as current trends and technology. (C-ID JOUR 170) (CSU, UC)

COMM 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU)

COMM 0031A. Introduction to Digital Filmmaking

Units: 3
Also known as AAD 79
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Use of digital cameras for producing short form video projects. Introduction to principles, techniques and the terminology of video production and digital filmmaking. Guided classroom exercises and projects, including pre-production planning, video and audio recording techniques, on-location set-ups and studio set-ups, lighting for filmmaking, and basic video editing and output. (CSU)

COMM 0070. Mass Communication: Media and Society

Units: 3
Formerly known as COMM 15
Advisory: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of mass communication focused on juxtapositions of media, society, and journalism. Examines the historical connections between race/class/gender/sex and other various identity positions, and how we analyze and critique media as part of national and international cultures. (C-ID JOUR 100) (CSU, UC)

COMM 0071. Newswriting and Reporting Techniques

Units: 3
Formerly known as COMM 21
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
An introduction to gathering, synthesizing/organizing and writing news in various journalistic and media styles across multiple platforms. Includes role journalists play in relating voice and agency, as well as evaluating legal issues and ethical implications. Introduction to the role of reporting and writing based on original interviews, storytelling, and research to produce content and define context. Addresses the history of journalism and the effects of mass communication and media on the self and broader cultures and society. (C-ID JOUR 110) (CSU, UC)

COMM 0072. Multimedia Reporting

Units: 3
Formerly known as COMM 30
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to multimedia storytelling with a journalism emphasis. Techniques explored include use of video, photos, audio, animation, and text to convey interactive news and feature stories through the Internet and other electronic media. Also includes techniques in digital research, critical thinking, and synthesis. (C-ID JOUR 120) (CSU)

COMM 0078. Media Production I

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Application of the principles of Journalism and Communication Studies to develop work for distribution to a campus and community audience. Includes weekly assignments to access a variety of student media across multiple platforms, including print, podcast, radio, and online, to develop news and non-fiction feature products. Practical experience in visual communication, online setting, multimedia journalism and emerging mass-communication technologies. (C-ID JOUR 130) (CSU)

COMM 0079. Media Production II

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of COMM 78 with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Completion with grade of "C" or better, or concurrent enrollment in ENGL 1B or 1C
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Intermediate student journalism and media practicum that regularly produces a news or non-fiction feature product by and for students and distributed to a campus or community audience. Includes weekly news assignments that provide practical experience in design/layout, visual, online, multimedia journalism, emerging technologies, and performance. May include a variety of student media across multiple platforms, including print, broadcast, podcast, radio, and online. (C-ID JOUR 131) (CSU)

COMM 0095. Internship in Communication Studies

Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to each 60 hours of non-paid work, or each 75 hours of paid work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)