Communication Studies
8 courses · Porterville College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
COMM P101 Introduction to Public Speaking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- 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.
COMM P102 Interpersonal Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Formerly
- COMM P102
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 110
This course covers theory, research, and application of ethical one-to-one communication practices in various and diverse interpersonal relationships including in personal, professional, and social situations. This course in interpersonal communication offers a unique opportunity to understand ourselves, our relationships with others and the situations in which we find ourselves. The course will examine how the process of communication shapes individual behavior, how individuals interact in interdependent communication situations, and how individuals can improve their interpersonal communication skills. The function of varying messages in the initiation, development, maintenance, and termination of interpersonal relationships are emphasized. Students will deliver faculty-supervised speeches. This course will be taught in English.
COMM P103 Persuasion
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 190
This course is an introduction to persuasion and will examine historical and contemporary approaches to persuasive messages throughout time. It will also focus on the presentation of persuasive appeals, and learning to construct, deliver, and critique persuasive messages. Students will deliver faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated speeches to a live audience. This course will be taught in English.
COMM P105 Argumentation and Debate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL C1000 or equivalent.
- Advisory
- COMM C1000.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 120
Argumentation is designed to provide students with methods of critical inquiry and advocacy. Emphasis is placed on analysis, presentation and evaluation of oral and written argumentation. This course focuses on identifying fallacies, testing evidence, and advancing a reasoned position while defending and refuting arguments. Students are required to write a minimum of 5,000 words during the course of the semester.
COMM P106 Intercultural Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 150
Study of basic theory and skills of intercultural communication. Emphasis is given to communicating effectively in diverse social and professional environments. Focus will also be given to the analysis and comparisons of message perception and transmission in interactions between people from different cultures. Practical application of these skills will also be highlighted.
COMM P111 Introduction to Mass Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Survey of mass communication and the interrelationships of media and society, including history, structure, and trends in a digital age. Discussion of theories and effects, economics, technology, law and ethics, global media, media literacy, and social issues, including gender and cultural diversity.
COMM P140 Small Group Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 140
Principles of communication in a variety of group contexts. Theory, application, and evaluation of group communication processes, including problem solving, conflict management, decision making, and leadership.
COMM P170 Oral Interpretation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 170
Introduction to performance studies; analysis, appreciation, and application of theories of interpretive performance of various forms of literature including poetry, prose, and drama (plays, scripts and screenplays).