Academic Catalog

COMM 3: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

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

Exploration of the nature and history of human communication in multiple forms and contexts. Critical examination of human communication theories, methods, and processes. Overview of research methods for the evaluation of human communication phenomena. Discussion of ethical perspectives and intercultural aspects of communication. Application of communication theory through critically evaluated exercises and oral presentations.

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

A. When taught on campus: computer with internet access, projector, screen, document camera, video camera, television, DVD/VHS player and recorder; for online work, student access to a computer with email and internet capability.
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

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

A. Oral presentations
B. Peer critique of speech presentations
C. Writing assignments and exercises
D. Examinations on course material

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

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.
 

Discipline(s)

Communication Studies