Practice in argumentation, critical evaluation, evidence, and reasoning. Basic principles are applied in a variety of formal and informal advocacy situations. Concepts of argument structure and context are discussed and applied.

Note: Majors must complete with a grade of "C-" or better.

Theory and technique of public speaking. Emphasis on organizing, supporting, and clearly stating ideas. Practice in informative and persuasive speaking.

Provides both theoretical and practical training in the art of public discourse. Students learn both to recognize and to demonstrate the strategic processes of organizing and delivering speeches, especially within the context of global citizenship issues. Students are also introduced to the basic idea of forming reasonable challenges to speech in the public square.

Prerequisite: Open only to Honors students.

Basic skills and introductory concepts necessary for effective communication in a variety of settings. Special emphasis on practical experiences within groups, facilitation of interpersonal relationships, and methods of conflict resolution.

Note: Not recommended for COMS majors in General, Organizational or Public Relations concentrations.

Basic skills and introductory concepts for examining and altering interpersonal communication. In addition to lectures and discussions, students engage in structured interpersonal exercises and simulations to practice interpersonal communication skills such as listening, paraphrasing, describing feelings and intentions, and giving and receiving criticism.

Note: Majors must complete with a grade "C-" or better.

Introduction to the theory and practice of audio production in radio, television, film and recording applications.

Corequisite: COMS 20B.

Cross listed: FILM 20A.

Experience in audio console operation, microphone selection and use, and audio recording in radio, television, film and recording applications.

Corequisite: COMS 20A.

Cross listed: FILM 20B.

Introduction to the nature and possible meanings of higher education, and the functions and resources of the University. Helps students to develop and exercise fundamental academic success strategies and to improve their basic learning skills. Students interact with fellow students and the seminar leader to build a community of academic and personal support.

Addresses the theory and practice of film/video production. Students will be expected to understand: camera operation, audio control, basic directing, lighting, and editing. Students will also be expected to learn the terminology of video production/post-production and use this terminology competently. Students enrolled in COMS 27A must be concurrently enrolled in COMS 27B. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Corequisite: COMS 27B.

Cross-listed: FILM 27A

Provides practical, hands-on experience in video production. Students will be expected to become proficient in all production roles: camera operation, audio control, basic directing, lighting, and editing. Students enrolled in COMS 27B must be concurrently enrolled in COMS 27A.

Corequisite: COMS 27A.

Cross listed: FILM 27B.

Introduction to the basic concepts of mass communication, including the effects, uses, and functions associated with the goods and services of mass media. Examination of the ways mass media combine with other institutions to affect the organization, design, and comprehension of messages, as well as political thought, cultural beliefs, and economic behavior.

Note: Majors must complete with a grade of "C-" or better.

Cross Listed: JOUR 55; only one may be counted for credit.

Survey of various theories of communication. Attention given to such topics as verbal and nonverbal coding, information processing, interpersonal and small group communication, organizational communication, the structure and effects of mediated communication, rhetorical criticism, and research in communication.

Note: Majors and minors must complete with a grade of "C-" or better.

Detailed examination of texts on controversial issues in order to illustrate the varied forms of rhetorical action and the diverse modes of rhetorical analysis. Examples drawn from the literature of classical/contemporary rhetors.

Note: Majors must complete with a grade of "C-" or better; Writing Intensive

Prerequisite: COMS Studies Majors only. COMS 2, COMS 4, (COMS 5 is accepted for COMS 4 for MCOM majors) or transfer equivalents and (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W).

Corequisite: COMS 100A

Empirical methods commonly applied during communication research. An introduction to the concepts fundamental to the scientific study of communication, including conceptual and operational definitions, sampling, measurement, experimental design, independent and dependent variables, and quantitative data analysis.

Note: Majors must complete with a grade of "C-" or better.

Prerequisite: COMS 100A; may be taken concurrently.

Students develop skills to use information proficiently in digital environments. In order to cope with information overload, students learn how to define and limit informational needs, how to access and evaluate information critically, and how to analyze and integrate information purposefully. The course teaches students evolving strategies and techniques for maintaining personal information spaces and security.

Advanced public speaking focusing upon persuasive strategies, principles and techniques.

Prerequisite: COMS 2, COMS 4, or instructor permission.

Theory and practice in small group communication. Topics include leadership, meeting management, evolution of group norms, phases of group development, communication networks, good communication techniques, conflict management, and problem solving in a variety of contexts.

Students learn multimedia authoring through the manipulation of digital media download legally from online repositories. Students learn how to digitally edit pixel-based images, vector images, audio, video and 3D models, while learning the principles that govern all digital media. The course uses Open Source and specialized software.

Family as a small group with emphasis on understanding and interpreting the dynamics of family communication and socio-psychological theories.

Prerequisite: COMS 8 or FACS 50 or SOC 166, or instructor permission.

Cross Listed: FACS 108; only one may be counted for credit.

Directed research in the current intercollegiate debate topic; identification of issues, compilation of evidence, and case building.

Note: May be taken four times for credit with instructor permission.

Critical analysis of the ways modern American media interact with the conduct of American life; emphasizes the role of commercialism and other aspects of contemporary American capitalism; examines the problem of personal development and relationships in the context of a commercially dominated media system.

Analysis of factors which influence communication between individuals of different cultures and cocultures. Discussion and practical application.

Introduces the student to publics, organization-environment relationships, structures, practices, and processes from a communication theory and research perspective. Specifically, the student is introduced to the multi-phased approach to public relations, an approach that highlights the PR subprocesses of task identification, task analysis, and task performance.

Prerequisite: At least one college writing course in ENGL or JOUR with a grade of "C-" or better.

Ways to identify, clarify, and resolve conflicts in dyads, groups, and organizations. Conflict is contrasted with disagreement, aggression, incompatible values, etc. The costs and benefits of conflict are explored.

Examination of development of major mass communication media in the U.S. and of how the economics, content, regulation and audience use of the media have been affected by the way the media have evolved. Current issues and trends are discussed, as well as possible future development.

Prerequisite: COMS 55 or JOUR 55 or equivalent; may be taken concurrently.

Cross Listed: JOUR 120; only one may be counted for credit.

Overview and analysis of the primary aesthetic tools used to create messages in video and film. The basic properties of light, color, area, space, shape, sound, time and motion are defined and discussed as they relate to media production. Introduces students to the concepts and vocabulary necessary for effectively conceiving, producing or criticizing mediated messages. Designed primarily for students with interest in digital media. Provides a foundation for students working in media criticism.

Cross listed: FILM 121.

Organization and operation of communication media; practice in publicity and public relations techniques. Emphasis on clear writing and correct public relations formats such as releases, PSAs, articles, and speeches.

Prerequisite: JOUR 30; GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70 or 71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X.

Cross listed: JOUR 123

Developing narratives, documentaries, educational, promotional, and experimental short screenplays. Students are expected to develop a writing style and master screenwriting and audio/visual scripting formats. Scripts will be developed to be produced in advanced production courses: COMS/FILM 128 and COMS/FILM 185.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1A and ENGL 20.

Cross listed: FILM 124.

Artistic and technical skills employed when capturing and editing photographic, audio, and video data files. Data files are prepared for export into multimedia authoring applications. Mastery of appropriate hardware and software.

Prerequisite: COMS 20A, COMS 20B and COMS 26 or both COMS 27A and COMS 27B each with a grade of "B-" or better or instructor permission.

Continued exploration of the digital filmmaking process through lecture, lab, and practical application. Project-based learning emphasizes working as a crew and the three distinct stages of production: prep, production, and post. Students write, produce, direct and edit original content to bring projects to fruition.

Prerequisite: FILM/COMS 20AB with a grade of "C" or better. FILM/COMS 27AB with a grade of "C" or better.

Cross-listed: FILM 128.

Management and administration of the preproduction and production process. Course to include script breakdown, budgeting, scheduling and other preproduction and production management skills needed for film or video production. Special attention on the history, development and current practices of the Production Manager.

Cross listed: FILM 129.

Introduction to the aesthetics, concepts and techniques used to control lighting in digital video productions. Aspects of staging, blocking and composition in the context of studio and location lighting.

Note: Students enrolled are required to work on productions outside of scheduled class time (1-3 hours/week).

Prerequisite: COMS 20A, COMS 20B, COMS 27A, COMS 27B, each with a grade of B- or better.

Cross listed: FILM 130.

Examines the historical, development, and present state of documentary film. Emphasis is on both understanding and critically analyzing the significance of various genres of the documentary and its uses as a tool for information, proselytizing, education, and propaganda.

Study of history and theory of film and video editing. Many films are viewed and discussed, examining how editing theory is put into practice.

Cross listed: FILM 141.

Prerequisite: COMS/FILM 27A and COMS/FILM 27B with final posted grade of C or better.

Explores the uses of film as a tool of communication.

One-to-one communication between individuals in both social and task settings. Theories of communication during the growth and decay of relationships, as well as research on the forces behind relational dynamics. Topics include nonverbal communication, self concept, communication of self, theories of conflict resolution, communication competence and the rhetoric of disconfirmation.

Prerequisite: COMS 8 or equivalent; COMS 100A may be taken concurrently.

Basic concepts of interpersonal and inter-group communication within formal and informal social organizations. Current techniques of auditing and evaluating organizational communication.

Prerequisite: COMS 100A.

Survey of the major theories dealing with the relationship between the mass media and human communication behavior. Examination of research into the social, political, economic and cultural effects of mass communication.

Prerequisite: COMS 55 or JOUR 55 or equivalent; and COMS 100A which may be taken concurrently.

Thorough introduction to issues related to freedom of speech and censorship, sections of the historical origins of free speech, seditious speech, libel and slander, pornography and obscenity, commercial speech and advertising, symbolic speech and hate speech. The class brings a communication focus to addressing issues related to the First Amendment.

Laws and regulations that govern print, broadcast, and the electronic mass media in the U.S. Discusses the process by which laws and regulations are enacted and interpreted as well as legal and regulatory issues concerned with the content, control, political role and responsibilities of media practitioners, regulators, Congress, and the public.

Cross listed: JOUR 153

The creation and analysis of video artwork; including techniques of video production, post-production manipulation and critique, within the context of art and communication. The techniques and theory of producing and editing video will serve as a foundation for the pursuit of individual, creative projects.

Prerequisite: ART 97 or COMS 27A/Film 27A and COMS 27B/Film 27B.

Cross-listed as ART 147; only one may be counted for credit.

Theoretical concepts to the solution of problems for pre-selected non-profit and campus clients by forming small group PR agencies; completing needs assessments; profiling target and secondary audiences; developing and implementing a strategic public relations plan; producing targeted messages for media kits and other uses; developing and evaluating formative and summative evaluation plans; and making formal in-class presentations to peers, clients and invited PR professionals. Students will also learn how to negotiate contracts, maintain client relations, track work on projects and develop timelines and budgets.

Prerequisite: COMS 118 and COMS 123 or JOUR 123 with grade of "C-" or better.

Cross Listed: JOUR 158; only one may be counted for credit.

Analyzes the relationship between mass media and political decision-making, including a structural analysis of political and media institutions. Particular attention on the formation of public opinion through messages and strategies, and the impact of public opinion on public policy.

Scholarly, theoretical and critical writings on the production and circulation of gender roles, images, and gender-types attributes through communication, with a special focus on mass-mediated communication such as television, video, and film.

Prerequisite: COMS 100A

Comprehensive overview of the theoretical concepts and communication methodologies appropriate for analysis of contemporary visual messages. Focuses on rhetorical analysis of visual messages. Significant research and critical writing required

Prerequisite: COMS 100A and 100B or equivalent, with a grade of C- or better.

Various theories of persuasion and attitude change, both classical and empirical, in terms of their effectiveness and social impact. Includes units on production and consumption of persuasive messages.

Historical survey of theories of rhetoric. Comparison/contrast of scope and value of rhetorical theories. Practice in critical writing.

Prerequisite: COMS 100B or equivalent with a grade of "C-" or better.

Introduction to television criticism theory and to various critical methods with which television program texts may be analyzed. Current theoretical and critical issues in the function of criticism and the role of the critic are addressed through readings, writing assignments, screenings and discussion.

Prerequisite: COMS 100B with a grade of C- or better; completion of 12 units of upper division COMS courses; or unclassified graduate student status; or instructor permission.

Introduction to the application of data analysis to the study of communication processes.

Prerequisite: COMS 100C or equivalent with a grade of "C-" or better; or instructor permission.

Techniques of survey research in communication, including sampling, questionnaire construction, interviewing, data analysis, and report writing. Each student designs and executes a research project.

Prerequisite: COMS 100C or equivalent with a grade of "C-" or better; or instructor permission.

Movement of mediated messages across and between national boundaries. Topics include news and entertainment flow, media systems and philosophies, cultural dependency and imperialism, the new world information order and communication development.

Prerequisite: COMS 100A.

Seminar on communication theories, techniques and research methodologies in the field of social and governmental organizational systems.

Prerequisite: COMS 145; completion of 12 units of upper division COMS courses including COMS 100A.

Seminar on the ways theories of group communication are realized in actual social settings.

Prerequisite: COMS 105; completion of 12 units of upper division COMS courses including COMS 100A.

Seminar on advanced theories of interpersonal communication. Sample topics include relational development, relational termination, communication and interpersonal attraction, and communication competence. Students present one in-class report and complete a major research paper.

Prerequisite: COMS 8, COMS 143, and completion of 12 units of upper division COMS courses including COMS100A.

Seminar on the functions and roles of communication media in contemporary society. Includes issues and ethical considerations associated with freedom, responsibility and control examined from the points of view of the media, the government and the public. Specific topics will vary.

Prerequisite: COMS 55 or JOUR 55; COMS 150; completion of 12 units of upper division COMS courses including COMS 100A.

Assignments in various phases of video production including creative use of camera, sound and lighting, editing production design, production planning and management, and directing and producing. Students in first semester function as crew members for productions.

Note: May be repeated once for credit. Repeating students are expected to produce and direct a major student project.

Cross listed: FILM 185.

Prerequisite: COMS/FILM 124 with a final posted grade of C or better; COMS/FILM 128 with a final posted grade of C or better.

Examines how health messages impact individuals, communities, and mass audiences. Critiques health communication research, raises awareness about health-related messages in our daily lives, applies theories of health communication, and critically analyzes how the creation, sending, and reception of health messages impacts society. Sample topics include doctor-patient communication, cross-cultural communication about health, and mass media effects of health-related images in media.

Examines the management of issues in the public and private sectors including knowledge and skills in the communication activities and thinking processes that affect an issue's development. Uses case studies of organizations--governmental agencies, businesses, and not-for-profit entities to assess issue development and management by examining the fundamental questions confronting organizations: What should the particular organization do and how should it do it? Examines criteria for selecting among alternative options, and the relation of the organization to its environment. Explores the broader social, legal, and ethical implications of the organization's activities.

Prerequisite: COMS 118; completion of 12 units of upper division COMS courses.

Critically examines and analyzes complex dynamics and concepts in communication and culture in a pluralistic society. Also relates various perspectives on intercultural communication theories and methods to an analysis of social interaction processes among culturally diverse groups. An interactive dimension includes problem-solving strategies.

Prerequisite: COMS 116; completion of 12 units of upper division COMS courses including COMS 100A.

Research seminar that provides an in-depth investigation of film as an art form, a medium of mass communication and a means of personal expression. Subject will vary according to instructor.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Film Studies upper and lower division core or COMS 142, and (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W).

Cross listed: FILM 192.

Supervised employment in a company or agency working on communication studies-related assignments, arranged through the Department of Communication Studies and the Cooperative Education Program office. Requires preparation of application packet, completion of a 6 month full-time or part-time work assignment, and a written report.

Prerequisite: Open only to upper division or graduate students with appropriate course preparation. Units may not be used to meet COMS major, minor or graduate course work requirements. Consent of Communication Studies Department faculty advisor required. No more than 12 units may be counted toward the degree.

Directed work experience in the internship program. Supervision is provided by both instructional staff and the cooperating agency. Faculty approval required.

Prerequisite: COMS 100A, minimum 2.3 overall GPA.

Corequisite: COMS 100A.

Individual projects or directed reading open to students who wish to attempt independent work. Faculty approval required.

Prerequisite: COMS 100A.

This course introduces students to graduate-level research in Communication Studies, acquainting students with the discipline generally, and the CSUS Department of Communication Studies specifically. During this course, students will learn the: culture and expectations of graduate study, areas of inquiry in the discipline, sources for advanced research (including journals and databases, etc.), and conventions such as academic writing. Students will also learn about disciplinary structures, requirements for various degrees, types of academic/scholarly organizations, and venues for showcasing research.

Note: Required; COMS 200A and 200B can be taken in any order, and must be completed in the first two semesters of graduate study.

This course critically examines the theoretical and paradigmatic foundations of the communication discipline. Students will learn the role of theory in research, and analyze general theories of communication and specific theories of rhetoric, symbolic interaction, information processing, interpersonal communication, small group communication, persuasion, organizational communication, and mass communication. Students practice analyzing, synthesizing, and contrasting relevant bodies of literature and theory. Must be taken within first two semesters of graduate enrollment.

Note: Graduate standing or instructor permission required; Graduate Writing Intensive

Introduction to advanced quantitative research methods. Students will demonstrate their ability to apply at least one research perspective to a significant topic of interest in the discipline. Students are expected to produce a well-crafted research proposal as part of a culminating experience.

Prerequisite: Graduate student status or instructor permission.

This course explores the foundations, research, and theories of organizational communication. Students examine and critique foundational theories and concepts in organizational research, and explore contemporary research topics. Students are expected to produce a well-crafted research project as part of a culminating experience.

Examination of communication theory and research in instructional or training contexts. Designed for beginning teachers or organizational trainers. Centers on those communication principles which contribute to greater student/client learning and satisfaction. Emphasis on the development and implementation of instructional communication packages for adult learners.

This colloquium is designed to facilitate the development, refinement, and maintenance of effective pedagogical methods and strategies for teaching communication studies courses. Strongly encouraged for student teachers across all disciplines.

Note: May be repeated up to three times with permission of instructor.

This one-unit module provides an in-depth look at a particular communication research topic or theory. Content varies.

Note: Course may be repeated so long as the topic is different.

Structured and supervised reading program for MA candidates preparing for comprehensive examinations. Should be taken after completion of all other requirements for the degree. Credit given upon successful completion of comprehensive examinations. Examining committee determines the number of units to be credited.

Note: Open to students who have been advanced to candidacy and have secured permission of the chair of their examining committee and the Graduate Coordinator.

Prerequisite: Must be advanced to candidacy.

Completion of a thesis or project approved for the Master's degree. Thesis or project prospectus committees determine the number of units to be credited.

Prerequisite: Advanced to candidacy and chair permission of his/her thesis or project committee.