Communication Studies | Cal Poly Academic Catalog

https://coms.calpoly.edu

Understanding the process of communication is no less important in today's Information Age than it was during the Golden Age of Athens, when skill in oral communication determined one's success in life. The study of the human capacity for speech as a means of influence, entertainment, and information was at the foundation of Western Civilization. A course of study in communication, always one that required knowledge of many cognate fields such as psychology and logic, remains interdisciplinary in nature. Faculty in Communication Studies teach aesthetic, historical, critical, and empirical methods for understanding communication.

The aims of the discipline are both conceptual and practical. In broad terms, students who enroll in a liberal arts curriculum do so to develop the ability to analyze and reason critically, write and speak effectively, and appreciate the influences of culture upon their lives. The first goal of the department is to advance these objectives.

The department offers fully articulated major and minor programs. Courses focus on the history, theory, and practice of human communication across personal, professional, and civic contexts. Required courses introduce students to the importance of communication in several key areas: debate, interpersonal communication, media studies, organizational communication, performance of literature, rhetoric, and small group communication. Through the use of electives, the major can be shaped to assist students in preparing for their educational and career objectives.

Students use a Communication Studies major to prepare for careers in business, advertising, public relations, human relations, law, education, the mass media, non-profit work, theatre, and the clergy. In addition to providing students with an option to select from a broad range of internships and to participate in various Learn by Doing activities, the department houses an extensive program in competitive debate. It also offers individual and sequenced courses to develop practical skills in oral composition, critical thinking, and effective human communication.

Mission Statement

The Communication Studies program at Cal Poly offers a comprehensive curriculum, focusing broadly on the composition and influence of messages across the contexts of personal, professional, and civic life. Graduates of the program gain knowledge and skills to effectively engage in and change the world around them. Students learn foundational theories and study human communication from historical, critical, humanistic, and social scientific approaches to uncover how, why, and with what effects people communicate. Upon completing this program, students possess a robust facility for creating ethical, culturally aware, and inclusive communication as citizens of a dynamically mediated world.

Undergraduate Programs

Communication Studies (BA)

Undergraduate Minors

Communication Studies Minor

COMS

How to Read Course Descriptions

COMS Courses

COMS 1100 Introduction to the Communication Studies Major (2 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC

Preparation for the Communication Studies major. Overview of areas of study and key terms. Planning for fulfilling major requirements and choosing courses. Background on potential careers. Promotion of a learning community and resources for student success. Credit/No Credit grading only. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 lectures. Formerly COMS 100.

COMS 1101 Public Speaking (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 1C
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area A1

Introduction to the principles of oral communication and the tradition of public speaking in political and social life. Practical experience in the development, presentation, and critical analysis of speeches to inform and persuade. Not open to students with credit in COMS 102 or COMS 1102. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as COMS/HNRS 1101. Fulfills GE Area 1C (GE Area A1 for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly COMS/HNRS 101.

COMS 1102 Public Speaking in Digital Spaces (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 1C
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area A1

Introduction to the principles of oral communication and the tradition of public speaking in political and social life with emphasis on digital spaces and use of technology. Practical experience in the development, presentation, and critical analysis of speeches to inform and to persuade. Not open to students with credit in COMS 101 or COMS 1101. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as COMS/HNRS 1102. Fulfills GE Area 1C (GE Area A1 for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly COMS/HNRS 102.

COMS 1126 Argument and Advocacy (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 1B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area A3
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1C with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for the 2022-26 catalog); and completion of GE Area 1A with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Critical thinking as applied in oral and written argument. Study of inductive and deductive reasoning. Analysis of reasoning, argument, forms of support, and fallacies. Instruction and practical experience in crafting sound persuasive arguments and engaging in oral argumentation. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as COMS/HNRS 1126. Fulfills GE Area 1B with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A3 for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly COMS 126.

COMS 1145 Reasoning, Argumentation, and Writing (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 1B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area A3
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1A with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for the 2022-26 catalog). Recommended: Completion of GE Area 1C with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for the 2022-26 catalog).

The principles of reasoning in argumentation. Examination of rhetorical principles, argumentative fallacies, and ethical rhetorical behavior. Application of these principles to oral and written communication. Effective use of research methods and sources. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 1B with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A3 for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly COMS 145.

COMS 2205 Rhetorical Studies (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1C with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for the 2022-26 catalog). Recommended: Completion of GE Area 1A with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for the 2022-26 catalog); and COMS 100 or COMS 1100.

The role of rhetoric in shaping reality and motivating human action. Consideration of ethics and influence of rhetoric. Application of rhetorical theories to critically analyze everyday discourses. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 205.

COMS 2206 Communication Theory (3 units)

Survey of human communication theories including interpersonal, small group, organizational, persuasion, nonverbal, intercultural, and media. Philosophical foundations for understanding communication from social science perspectives. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 206.

COMS 2208 Performance, Literature, and Culture (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 3A
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area C1
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1C with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for the 2022-26 catalog); and completion of GE Area 1A with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Concepts and skills related to performing literature and performance as a theoretical lens. Emphasis placed on understanding culture and the importance of diversity in human communication. Development and application of performative, analytical, critical, and oral communication skills. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 3A (GE Area C1 for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly COMS 208.

COMS 2211 Interpersonal Communication (3 units)

Introduction to the interaction process in two-person (dyadic) communication settings. Emphasis on the functions of varying messages in the initiation, development, maintenance, and termination of personal and professional relationships. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly COMS 211.

COMS 2213 Organizational Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1C with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Introduction to major theories and concepts within the field of organizational communication. Analysis of communication issues experienced by members of organizations. Application of organizational communication theory and research to organizational situations and training programs. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 213.

COMS 2215 Media Studies (3 units)

Foundational content on one of the largest sub-disciplines in the field of Communication Studies. Combines social scientific and critical cultural approaches. Topics include mass communication history, media's role within modern society, media effects, and media literacy. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 215.

COMS 2217 Small Group Collaboration and Creativity (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1C with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for the 2022-26 catalog). Recommended: Completion of GE Area 1A with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Theories, principles and skills for small group communication and teamwork. Topics include creativity, failure, problem-solving, (dis)functional decision-making, group development, leadership, power, norms, conflict management, and group presentation. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2022-26 catalog).

COMS 2226 Applied Argumentation (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Intermediate level course in the practice of engaging and understanding everyday arguments. Evaluate, synthesize, and analyze situated arguments. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 226.

COMS 2250 Building Advocacy Skills (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1C with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for the 2022-26 catalog). Corequisite: One course in GE Area 1B (GE Area A3 for the 2022-26 catalog). Recommended: Completion of GE Area 1A with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A2 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Development and practice of advocacy skills related to public controversy and criticism. Researching, analyzing, informing, persuading, deliberating, and debating contemporary issues. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 activities. Formerly COMS 250.

COMS 2270 Special Topics (1-3 units)

Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 270.

COMS 3301 Business and Professional Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Communication skills and functions for all levels of organizational employees. Interviewing, oral briefings, motivational and conference speaking. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 301.

COMS 3302 Advanced Public Speaking (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1C with a grade of C- or better (GE Area A1 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Further consideration of the principles of public address. Advanced practice in manuscript, extemporaneous, and impromptu speaking. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Replaces COMS 201.

COMS 3305 Persuasion (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2022-26 catalog); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Theories of persuasion with emphasis on social psychological principles of influence. Analysis of various historic and current forms of persuasion, social influence, and propaganda. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2022-26 catalog).

COMS 3308 Group Performance of Literature (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for the 2022-26 catalog); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2022-26 catalog); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 3 (GE Areas C1 or C2 for 2022-26 catalog).

Concepts and skills related to performing literature in small groups. Performance as theory and method. Emphasis placed on understanding culture and the importance of diversity in human communication. Development and application of performative, analytical, critical, and oral communication skills. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly COMS 308.

COMS 3312 Quantitative Research Methods in Communication Studies (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; one of the following: COMS 206, COMS 311, or COMS 2206; and one of the following: STAT 217, STAT 218, or STAT 1110.

Exploration of communication research strategies and methodologies. Emphasis on surveys, experiments, and content analysis. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 312.

COMS 3313 Qualitative Research Methods in Communication Studies (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; one of the following: COMS 206, COMS 311, or COMS 2206; and one of the following: STAT 217, STAT 218, or STAT 1110.

Exploration of communication research strategies and methodologies. Emphasis on interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and auto(ethnography). Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 313.

COMS 3316 Intercultural Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
USCP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2022-26 catalog); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Cultural aspects of communication within and among diverse groups. Particular focus on U.S. culture and history and the diversity of ethnic, subcultural, and co-cultural groups. The role of culture and communication in human thought, behavior, and interaction. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2022-26 catalog) and USCP. Formerly COMS 316.

COMS 3317 Technology and Human Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Examination of impact of technological change upon human communication and their effects on society. Emphasis on current theoretical perspectives and historical contexts relating to technology and its effects. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 317.

COMS 3319 Critical Cultural Studies and Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Analysis and integration of theories and methods of Cultural Studies as an interdisciplinary mode of critical qualitative inquiry. Emphasis on the role of communication in differential power relations, particularly on issues of identity, struggle, and representation in a diverse culture. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 319.

COMS 3320 Intergroup Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2022-26 catalog); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Surveys theory and research on communication between members of different social groups, highlighting how communication influences and is influenced by social identities such as ability, age, gender, race, social class, and sexuality. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly COMS 320.

COMS 3330 Classical Rhetoric (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog). Recommended: COMS 205 or COMS 2205.

Exploration of philosophical and pragmatic questions about rhetoric and its influence on society from Aristotle to Twitter. Analysis of texts from classical thinkers such as the Sophists, Isocrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 330.

COMS 3331 Contemporary Rhetorical Approaches (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog). Recommended: COMS 205 or COMS 2205.

Examines rhetoric's influence at the intersections of contemporary culture and society. Reviews critical contributions that have shaped the field and influenced our comprehension of contemporary political and social issues. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 331.

COMS 3332 Rhetorical Criticism (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
GWR
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog). Recommended: COMS 205 or COMS 2205; and COMS 330 or COMS 3330.

Theory and method used in the analysis and evaluation of rhetorical discourse. Study of critical essays. Practice in interpreting and evaluating persuasive discourse. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GWR.

COMS 3333 Race and Rhetoric (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog). Recommended: COMS 205 or COMS 2205; and one of the following: COMS 332, COMS 385, COMS 3332, or COMS 3385.

Study of racial discourse guided by rhetorical theories and methods. Practice in critically analyzing texts to identify the relationship between race and rhetoric. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures.

COMS 3350 Advocacy Coaching and Consulting (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); and COMS 250 or COMS 2250.

Advanced development of coaching and communication skills focused on preparing others for speeches, presentations, advocacy, and debates. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. Repeatable up to 6 units. 3 activities. Formerly COMS 350.

COMS 3351 Speech and Debate Team (2 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); and COMS 250 or COMS 2250.

COMS 3352 Spanish-language Speech and Debate Team (2 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: SPAN 233 or SPAN 2233; and consent of instructor. Recommended: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); COMS 250 or COMS 2250; and previous competitive debate experience.

Advanced participation in competitive intercollegiate speech activities conducted in Spanish. Intercollegiate tournament competition, judging speech competition and other communication-related public service on campus and in the community. Field trip may be required. Repeatable up to 16 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 laboratories.

COMS 3384 Media Effects (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2022-26 catalog); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Effects of media on individuals and society. Influence of mass media messages and perceptions of social norms, violence, sexuality, gender, race, and ethnicity. Empirical approaches in media studies and literacy development. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly COMS 384.

COMS 3385 Media Criticism (3 units)

Theory and method used in analyzing media from critical, rhetorical, and cultural perspectives. Practice in interpreting and evaluating news, advertising, prime-time television, the Internet, and other mass-mediated texts, with special attention to relationships among media, identity, and political action. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GWR.

COMS 3386 Communication, Media, and Politics (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: SU
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 3
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area C
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2022-26 catalog); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Political communication and the United States mass media system. The role of the media in democracy including news norms, government regulation of media, and media ownership. The changing media landscape and implications for news construction, polarization, selective exposure, and incivility and bias. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 3 (GE Area Upper-Division C for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly COMS 386.

COMS 3387 Sports Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Examination of the interrelationship between sports and community including participants, sports organizations, sports media, and sports fandom. How these interrelationships reinforce social values, challenge social norms, and influence social identities relevant to sports and cultural values. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as COMS/JOUR 3387. Formerly COMS/JOUR 387.

COMS 3390 Environmental Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog). Recommended: Completion of GE Area 5A (GE Area B1 for the 2022-26 catalog) or completion of GE Area 5B (GE Area B2 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Recent developments in the field of environmental communication, including how environmental messages are transmitted among scientists, policymakers, and the public. Examination of how communication influences understandings of the human-nature relationship. Communication strategies for environmental advocacy. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 390.

COMS 3395 Science Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); and completion of one course in GE Area 5 (GE Areas B1, B2, or Upper-Division B for the 2022-26 catalog).

Examination of science communication in a variety of contexts. Scientific journal articles, models of science communication, public understanding of and attitudes toward science, mediated science, popular science, science fiction, and pseudoscience. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as COMS/ISLA 3395. Formerly COMS/ISLA 395.

COMS 4400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1-3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Repeatable up to 3 units. Formerly COMS 400.

COMS 4402 Rhetorics of Science, Technology, and Medicine (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Examination of rhetorical strategies and persuasive techniques used within scientific, technical, and medical discourses. Common themes in discussing science, technology and medicine. Use of metaphor in technical discourse, science in popular culture, and risk communication. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 422.

COMS 4404 Video Games and Society (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Influence of video games on individuals and society. Emphasis on why people play video games, how games influence players, and broader cultural impacts of gaming. Examines franchises, characters, gamers, avatars, gamification, and digital interactions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 404.

COMS 4413 Training and Development (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of training and development for a partnering organization. Creation of a needs assessment, client training proposal, and final training presentation. Examination of theoretical and practical aspects of instructional communication and workplace learning. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 413.

COMS 4418 Health Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Communication in health contexts. Interpersonal communication, health professional/patient, group and organizational communication, health-related groups, mass communication, and persuasive health campaigns. Open to all majors and valuable to pre-health professionals as well as laypeople who are consumers of health care. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 418.

COMS 4420 Nonverbal Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Interpretation and use of body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues to effectively convey messages in various contexts. Theory, research, and practice in nonverbal communication. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 420.

COMS 4421 Gender and Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Explores the theory and practice of how gender is created, maintained, and transformed through communication; examines how gender roles are enacted and interpreted in various public and private contexts. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 421.

COMS 4428 Family Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: SU
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); and COMS 211 or COMS 2211.

Communication theory and practice within family structures. Examination of relationship communication in marital/partnership, parent/child, intergenerational, and sibling relationships. Family communication regarding identity, attachment, conflict, relational dialectics, storytelling/narratives, family transitions, cultural influences, and family support. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 428.

COMS 4430 The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); and COMS 211 or COMS 2211.

Exploration of concepts, theories, and research associated with interpersonal communication traditionally considered negative and destructive, including jealousy, infidelity, stalking, bullying, and narcissism to understand the (dys)functional aspects of interpersonal communication. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 430.

COMS 4435 Rhetoric and Social Change (3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog).

Examines role of oratory in United States political and social history. Explores historical and rhetorical analyses of important political and social changes that have taken place since 1901 to the present. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 435.

COMS 4458 Solving Big World Challenges (4 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Apply human-centered design practices to address a social or an environmental challenge, specific to a local community. Achieve revenue-generating social impact through innovative business models. Practice team competencies, including problem-solving, interviewing, brainstorming, prototyping, and written, visual, and oral communication. 4 discussions. Crosslisted as BUS/COMS 4458. Formerly BUS/COMS 458.

COMS 4460 Undergraduate Seminar (1 unit)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Junior standing; one of the following: COMS 312, COMS 313, COMS 3312, or COMS 3313; and one of the following: COMS 332, COMS 385, COMS 3332, or COMS 3385; and Communication Studies major.

Preparation and design for senior project; exploration of scholarship related to project ideas. Credit/No Credit grading only. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 seminar. Formerly COMS 460.

COMS 4461 Senior Project (2 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing; COMS 460 or COMS 4460; and Communication Studies major.

Design and completion of a faculty-supervised project in communication. Project results are presented in a formal, written report. Formerly COMS 461.

COMS 4470 Special Advanced Topics (1-3 units)

Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); and consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly COMS 470.

COMS 4480 Internship: Communication Studies (2-3 units)

Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Junior standing; 2.5 GPA; and consent of instructor.

Supervised practicum and application of principles and theories of communication in organizational settings. Repeatable up to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Formerly COMS 450.

COMS 4485 Cooperative Education Experience (6 units)

Term Typically Offered: SU
CR/NC
Prerequisite: 2.5 GPA and consent of instructor.

Work experience in business, industry, government, or other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive semesters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor is required. Repeatable up to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Formerly COMS 485.

Aubrie S. Adams
B.A., Sonoma State University, 2005; M.A., Sacramento State University, 2013; Ph.D. Univeristy of California at Santa Barbara, 2017.

David A. Askay
B.S., University of California at San Diego, 2004; M.A. University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2011; Ph.D. 2013.

Jnan A. Blau
B.S., Arizona State University West, 1999; M.S., Southern Illinois University, 2002; Ph.D., 2007.

Darrian R. Carroll
B.A., University of North Texas, Denton, 2016; M.A., University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2018; Ph.D., University of Maryland, 2022.

Alison Y. Cheung
B.A., Westmont College, 2013; M.A., San Diego State University, 2016; Ph.D., University of Utah, 2021.

Bethany A. Conway-Silva
B.A., University of New Mexico, 2007; M.A., University of Arizona, 2011; Ph.D., 2015.

Anuraj Dhillon
B.C.A., GND University, 2004; M.B.A., ICFAI University, 2006; Ph.D., University of Connecticut, 2018.

Lorraine D. Jackson
B.A., University of Western Ontario, 1987; M.A., Pennsylvania State University, 1989; Ph.D., 1992.

Sergio F. Juárez
B.A., California State University Channel Islands, 2010; M.A., New Mexico State University, 2012; Ph.D., University of Delaware, 2017.

Megan M. Lambertz-Berndt
B.A., Delaware State University, 2009; M.A., University of Nevada Las Vegas, 2011; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2016.

Leslie R. Nelson
B.A., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2012; M.A., University of Missouri, 2014; Ph.D., 2018.

Sasha J. Sanders
B.A., California State University Long Beach, 2015; M.A., California State University Long Beach, 2017; Ph.D., University of South Florida, 2021.