Communication Studies
8 courses · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
COMM-C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- COMM-01
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 110
In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. (Approved for C-ID COMM 110) (6/24)
COMM-C1000H Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- COMM-01H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 110
In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience, and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This is an honors course. (Approved for C-ID COMM 110). (6/24)
COMM-C1004 Interpersonal Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- COMM-15
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 130
The focus of this course is to examine the dynamics of communication in one-to-one relationships from a theoretical point of view with a focus on core concepts and methods of research in interpersonal relationships. Communication theory and skills will be investigated in order to help students gain a basic knowledge of the cultural and social organizations in which they (students) exist as well as the behavior and social organizations of other human societies. (6/24)
COMM-02 Oral Interpretation (Also: Engl-02)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 170
This course is designed to introduce students to performance studies through analysis, appreciation, and application of interpretive performance of the various forms of literature: poetry, prose and drama. (04/25)
COMM-14 Small Group Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Formerly
- COMM-04
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 140
This course emphasizes the principles of public speaking within a democratic society, focusing on the foundational knowledge and practice of delivering effective informative and persuasive messages in a small group context. Students develop speaking, participation, and leadership skills through faculty-supervised and faculty-evaluated presentations. The course introduces rhetorical theory, small group theory, and methods of rhetorical analysis, enabling students to discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas and information in public discourse. Students also explore and evaluate group communication processes, including problem-solving, conflict management, decision-making, and leadership, while considering the historical roots and key rhetorical theories that ground the study of public speaking. (11/25)
COMM-17 Argumentation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This primarily focuses on argumentation as the study of analysis, evidence, reasoning, refutation, and rebuttal in both oral and written communication. Special emphasis is placed on written argumentation, particularly the essay form. Additionally, the course explores critical thinking in relation to commercial, legal, political, and academic argumentation and persuasion. (05/25)
COMM-18 Mass Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an overview of mass communication and its connection to society, focusing on the history, structure, and current trends of media in the digital era. Students will examine major mass communication theories and explore the social, economic, technological, legal, and ethical factors that shape media content and industries. Emphasis is placed on media literacy, global communication, and the role of media in influencing culture, public opinion, and democratic processes. The course also addresses key social issues, including gender and cultural diversity, as they relate to media representation and impact. (10/25)
COMM-30 Introduction to Intercultural Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 150
This course is designed to examine the basic concepts, principles, and their application to communication between persons from different minority, ethnic, and co-cultural backgrounds within the United States and in the international arena through the scope of interpersonal communication skills. This class will assist in the understanding and evaluation of barriers to communicating with people from other cultures, which include ethnocentrism, prejudice, and lack of awareness. (12/24)