Communication Studies
15 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
COMS 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Communication Studies 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Communication Studies not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Communication Studies projects (54 hours per unit).
COMS 120 Critical Thinking Through Argumentation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- English C1000 or English C1000H with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Communication Studies 4
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on methods of critical inquiry and advocacy. It also provides instruction in the use of language, argument structure and strategies, types of reasoning, evaluation of evidence, and fallacies in reasoning. Students compose, present, and evaluate oral and written arguments.
COMS 120H Honors Critical Thinking Through Argumentation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- English C1000 or English C1000H with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, focuses on methods of critical inquiry and advocacy. It also provides instruction in the use of language, argument structure and strategies, types of reasoning, evaluation of evidence, and fallacies in reasoning. Students compose, present, and evaluate oral and written arguments. Note: Students may take either Communication Studies 120 or Communication Studies 120H. Duplicate credit will not be awarded.
COMS 140 Small Group Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Formerly
- Communication Studies 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students plan and participate in a variety of group projects, such as panel and symposium discussions. Topics include decision making, role identification, interpersonal needs within a group, team participation, appropriate interdependency on group members, effective leadership skills, cohesiveness, conflict resolution and professional presentation styles.
COMS 180 Data-Driven Persuasion
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- MATH 67 or MATH 73 or MATH 80 with a minimum grade of C or qualification by appropriate assessment.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students will analyze digitized data by using statistical and quantitative reasoning. Students will interpret data to develop insights and understanding of the information and will cre-ate visual infographics and story narratives to make persuasive arguments in order to put their ideas into action.
COMS 250 Oral Interpretation of Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Formerly
- Communication Studies 8
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students will study how to orally interpret literature through reading poetry, drama, short stories, and essays. Emphasis will be placed on the techniques of exploring, illuminating, and orally presenting the logical, emotional, and aesthetic meanings of literature.
COMS 260 Introduction to Intercultural Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Formerly
- Communication Studies 14
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines the study, practice, and application of general communication theories; cross-cultural communication styles; and cultural, ethnic and individual identity development, including African American, Native American, Asian, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and other non-dominant cultures. Intercultural communication is enhanced through assignments that facilitate competence and minimize prejudice and discrimination in various cross-cultural communication contexts.
COMS 265 Mass Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Formerly
- Communication Studies 5
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the history and effects of major forms of mass media in U.S. society, including television, radio, cinema, print, and new media. It encourages critical analysis of media messages and their cultural impact. The course appreciates works of philosophical, historical, literary, aesthetic, and cultural importance, recognizes diverse contributions to civilization, and promotes a humanizing perspective for holistic personal development.
COMS 265H Honors Mass Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, students will explore the history and effects of major forms of mass media in U.S. society, including television, radio, cinema, print, and new media. It encourages critical analysis of media messages and their cultural impact. The course appreciates works of philosophical, historical, literary, aesthetic, and cultural importance, recognizes diverse contributions to civilization, and promotes a humanizing perspective for holistic personal development.. This honors course is enriched through extensive, rigorous reading, writing, and research assignments.
COMS 270 Organizational Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL 1 or eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) or qualification by appropriate assessment
- Formerly
- Communication Studies 11
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines the theories, methods and practices of communication that contribute to productivity and efficiency in private and public organizations. Emphasis is placed on the social science implications of communication and includes topics such as internal and external communication, interpersonal and group processes, and international communication.
COMS 275 Gender Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL 1 or eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) or qualification by appropriate assessment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an examination of communication patterns existing between males and females. The course is designed to integrate theory and practice, and to heighten students' awareness of the importance of gender as a communication variable. Emphasis is placed on perception, verbal and nonverbal communication in interpersonal, small group and public settings. Communication problems relating to gender are addressed along with listening, assertiveness, negotiation and other conflict management strategies.
COMS 290abcd Forensics - Winter Events
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture TBA, 3 hours lab TBA
- Advisory
- COMS 293abcd
- Formerly
- Communication Studies 25abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides training for and participation in winter forensics events at winter intercollegiate speech competitions. Students receive instruction and direction for the preparation, creation, and delivery of various speech, debate, and performance styles offered at winter forensics competitions. All students will compete in winter intercollegiate forensics competitions.
COMS 292abcd Forensics - Individual Events
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Formerly
- Communication Studies 22abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides training for and participation in individual forensics events at intercollegiate speech competitions. The student will receive instruction and direction for the preparation, creation, and performance of interpretation of literature programs, limited preparation speeches, and general public address. Students will compete in intercollegiate forensics competitions.
COMS 293abcd Forensics - Team Events
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL 1 or eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) or qualification by appropriate assessment
- Formerly
- Communication Studies 23abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides Team Forensics events training for and participation in intercollegiate forensics competitions. The student will receive instruction and direction for the creation and performance of Readers Theater. Students will receive instruction and preparation for current event debates and Limited Preparation Parliamentary Debate. Students will compete in intercollegiate forensics competitions.
COMS 294abcd Forensics: Lincoln-Douglas Debate
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides training for Lincoln-Douglas Debate events at intercollegiate forensics competitions. The student will receive instruction and direction for the preparation of National Forensics Association Lincoln-Douglas Debate and International Public Debate Association individual debate. Students will be competing in intercollegiate forensics competition.