Language Arts
A.A. Degree Communication · Laney College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Coursework in Language Arts emphasizes both the form and content of linguistic communication. Students will learn to examine communicative acts within a wider social context, and to apply the principles of language and rhetoric toward the development of logical thought, precise and effective expression, and critical evaluation.
For the Associate of Arts Degree in Language Arts, students must complete the General Education pattern and elective courses for an additional 42 units. Students must complete 18 units in the area of emphasis courses with a grade of “C” or better, 18 units of general education requirements, and an additional 23 units of elective courses for a total of 60 units. As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to continue at the UC or CSU system should meet with a counselor to develop a transfer plan which addresses all general education and lower-division transfer requirements.
Career Opportunities
Language teacher, communications director, communications instructor, translator.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Speak clearly, listen effectively, resolve conflict, and deliver a message/presentation concisely, while using appropriate nonverbal communication, and voice shared goals to create, build and maintain relationships.
- Use conflict resolution to strengthen groups and individual cohesion.
- Analyze, research and think critically about effective communication skills to influence and impact mass communication.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select a minimum of 18 units from the following: | 18 | |
| Communications: | ||
| COMM 1A | Introduction to Speech | 3 |
| COMM 2A | The Fundamentals of Oral Interpretation of Literature | 3 |
| COMM 19 | Survey of Mass Media | 3 |
| COMM 44 | Argumentation | 3 |
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| English: | 4 | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
| ENGL C1002 | Introduction to Literature | 4 |
| ENGL 10A | Creative Writing I | 3 |
| ENGL 10B | Creative Writing II | 3 |
| ENGL 17A | Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENGL 17B | Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENGL 30A | Introduction to American Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 30B | Introduction to American Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 31 | Survey of African-American Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 43 | Introduction to the Study of Poetry | 3 |
| ENGL 210A | Creative Writing I | 3 |
| ENGL 210B | Creative Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 217A | Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENGL 217B | Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENGL 231 | Survey of African-American Literature | 3 |
| Journalism | ||
| JOURN 18A | News Production I | 4 |
| JOURN 21 | Newswriting | 3 |
| JOURN 62 | Survey of Mass Media | 3 |
| Modern Languages | ||
| CHIN 1 | Elementary Chinese (Mandarin) | 5 |
| CHIN 2 | Elementary Chinese (Mandarin) (Continuation) | 5 |
| CHIN 3 | Intermediate Chinese (Mandarin) | 5 |
| CHIN 4 | Intermediate Chinese (Mandarin) (Continuation) | 5 |
| CHIN 40A | Conversational Chinese (Mandarin) | 3 |
| CHIN 40B | Conversational Chinese (Mandarin) | 3 |
| FREN 1A | Elementary French | 5 |
| FREN 1B | Elementary French | 5 |
| FREN 2A | Intermediate French | 5 |
| FREN 30A | Beginning Conversational French | 3 |
| JAPAN 1A | Elementary Japanese | 5 |
| JAPAN 50A | Conversational Japanese and Culture | 3 |
| JAPAN 50B | Conversational Japanese and Culture | 3 |
| SPAN 1A | Elementary Spanish | 5 |
| SPAN 1B | Elementary Spanish | 5 |
| SPAN 2A | Intermediate Spanish I | 5 |
| SPAN 2B | Intermediate Spanish II | 5 |
| SPAN 22A | Spanish for Bilingual Speakers I | 5 |
| SPAN 22B | Spanish for Bilingual Speakers II | 5 |
| SPAN 30A | Beginning Conversational Spanish | 3 |
| SPAN 30B | Beginning Conversational Spanish | 3 |
| SPAN 40 | Hispanic Civilization and Culture | 3 |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
| General Education Requirements: | 21 | |
| Electives to meet 60 units: | 3 | |
| Total Units: | 60 | |