COMM 3: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Units: | 5 |
| Hours: | 5 lecture per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | Demonstrated proficiency in English by placement via multiple measures OR through an equivalent placement process OR completion of ESLL 125 & ESLL 249; not open to students with credit in SPCH 3. |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Area V: Communication & Analytical Thinking |
| Transferable: | CSU/UC |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- A successful student will be able to critically examine verbal and nonverbal communication.
- A successful student will be able to analyze forms of communication in various contexts.
Description
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. discuss the history of the study of human communication.
B. demonstrate the meaning of perception and its effect on communication.
C. compare, contrast, and utilize research methods for the field of human communication.
D. critically analyze various forms of communication with an intercultural perspective.
E. demonstrate an understanding of ethical perspectives in communication.
Course Content
A. History of human communication
1. Overview of the history of communication in multiple forms and contexts
2. Exploration of interpersonal, intercultural, persuasive, oral, and mediated communication
B. Communication and perception
1. Meaning of perception
2. Language and the semantics of knowing
3. Dimensions of interpersonal communication and the self
4. Confirmation bias
C. Communication theory research methods
1. Compare and contrast representative theories in both general and applied communication fields
D. Critical analysis with an intercultural perspective
1. Paralanguage and body language
2. Models of relationship development
a. Affinity-seeking function and social cognition
b. Conflicts and relational disengagement
3. Cultural communication contexts and forms
4. Dimensions of cultural variability
E. Ethics and communication
1. Behavioral guidelines, rights and responsibilities, dispositional traits, community values
2. Historical examination of ethics in communication
Lab Content
Not applicable.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
B. When taught via Foothill Global Access: on-going access to computer with email software and capabilities; email address; JavaScript-enabled internet browsing software.
Method(s) of Evaluation
A. Oral presentations
B. Peer critique of speech presentations
C. Writing assignments and exercises
D. Examinations on course material
Method(s) of Instruction
A. Lecture
B. Discussion
C. Cooperative learning exercises
D. Oral presentations
E. Electronic discussions/chat
F. Demonstration
G. Internship/preceptorship
H. Community service
I. Field trips
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Adler, Ronald B., Athena du Pré, and George Rodman. Essential Communication. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, 2018.
Fujishin, Randy. The Art of Communication: Improving Your Fundamental Communication Skills. 3rd ed. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016.
Young, Kathryn Sue, and Howard Paul Travis. Oral Communication: Skills, Choices, and Consequences. 4th ed. Waveland Press, 2017.
When taught via Foothill Global Access: supplemental lectures, handouts, tests, and assignments delivered via email and/or internet; feedback on tests and assignments delivered via email and/or internet; class discussion may be delivered in chat rooms, listservs, and newsgroups.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. Assigned textbook and supplemental reading.
B. Writing assignments include speech outlines and peer critiques.
C. Quizzes and tests based on assigned reading.
D. Short-answer written responses to questions about course material.