Communication Studies
12 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
COMS 104 Advanced Public Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- COMM C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course covers theory, practice, and critical analysis of public communication, including speeches on subjects of current interest both local and global. It includes an introduction to the relationship between rhetorical theory and criticism and rhetorical practice in public communication. Special emphasis is placed on advanced platform speaking and limited preparation speaking. This course is designed for students majoring in communication studies or anyone interested in advancing fundamental speech skills.
COMS 111 Oral Interpretation of Diverse Literatures
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an introduction to performance studies and issues of diversity and social justice through works that bring these issues to light. Through the critical analysis, selection, and interpretation of genres such as poetry, oral history, prose, humor, and drama, students deepen their appreciation for literature, gain skill in performance, and insight into the role of voice, identity, and social justice in spoken arts. Focus on critiquing performance in context with key concepts from the field Includes analysis of literature for themes, script writing, delivery, and the co-production of solo and/or group performance events.
COMS 117A Intercollegiate Forensics
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours lab
This course is for students participating in their first semester of intercollegiate forensics (speech and debate) competition. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of platform speeches (informative, persuasive and after-dinner) at the novice intercollegiate level. Students taking the course for one unit participate in one event at one tournament; for two units, two events at two tournaments; for three units three events at three tournaments.
COMS 117B Intercollegiate Forensics
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- COMS 117A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is for students participating in their second semester of intercollegiate forensics (speech and debate) competition. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of oral interpretation events (poetry, prose, dramatic interpretation, dramatic-duo, informative, persuasive, after-dinner, program of oral interpretation, impromptu and extemporaneous speeches) at the novice to junior intercollegiate level. Students taking the course for one unit participate in one event at one tournament; for two units, two events at two tournaments; for three units three events at three tournaments.
COMS 117C Intercollegiate Forensics
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- COMS 117B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is for students participating in their third semester of intercollegiate forensics (speech and debate) competition. Emphasis is placed on limited preparation speech events (impromptu and extemporaneous) and debate at the intermediate to advanced level. Students taking the course for one unit participate in one event at one tournament; for two units, two events at two tournaments; for three units, three events at three tournaments.
COMS 117D Intercollegiate Forensics
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- COMS 117C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is for students participating in their fourth semester of intercollegiate forensics (speech and debate) competition. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of five (pentathlon) speech events, debate and team leadership at the advanced level. Students taking the course for one unit participate in one event at one tournament; for two units, two events at two tournaments; for three units, three events at three tournaments.
COMS 135 Interpersonal Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a study of effective interpersonal skill development and practice in oral and written communication. Emphasis is placed on the personal, situational, and cultural influences of interaction. Topics include human perception, interpersonal dynamics, listening, conflict management, and verbal and nonverbal symbol systems. The course is intended for students who communicate in one-on-one situations, including communication, fashion, allied health, public service, and business majors as well as those interested in further development of effective interpersonal skills in work, volunteer, and personal environments.
COMS 160 Argumentation and Critical Thinking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of argumentation and development of critical thinking through the rhetorical tradition. Emphasis is placed on research, analysis of propositions, testing of evidence, and development of constructive and refutation cases through the writing and revision of a sequence of critical compositions as a foundation for oral debate. Students locate, evaluate, and integrate outside sources into their writing assignments, which total at least 6,000 words for the semester. This course is designed for communication studies majors and anyone interested in argumentation and the development of critical thinking skills through composition and spoken discourse.
COMS 170 Small Group Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- COMM C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of the concepts and theories related to group formation and development, and basic group communication dynamics. Students lead and participate in various forms of group discussion and activities. This course is designed for communication studies and business majors as well as for anyone interested in working effectively in small group settings.
COMS 180 Intercultural Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a study of communication between members of diverse cultures. This study includes how cultures, cultural identity, languages, and social patterns affect communication between ethnic and cultural groups. Topics include interdependency in global society, verbal and nonverbal language systems, conflict styles, and contextual cultural implications. Students apply the principles of intercultural communication to contemporary cultural and global communication issues. This course is designed for communication majors and all students interested in developing intercultural communication skills.
COMS 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in a specific discipline/subject area and is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students will have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analysis, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.
COMS 401 Advanced Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- COMS 135 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides an overview of essential communication skills for healthcare professionals. The concepts include examination and application of relevant health communication theories, effective professional communication skills; specialized oral communication and presentation techniques; intercultural competencies; collaborative proficiencies; organizational communication methods; and professional approaches to technology facilitated communication. The course is designed for health information management majors.