Credit
17 courses · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Formerly
- COMM 131
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- 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. (Formerly COMM 131 prior to Fall 2025.)
COMM C1000H Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Formerly
- COMM 131H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- 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. Instruction in public speaking honors focuses on audience analysis, organizing ideas, and supporting arguments. Students prepare and deliver speeches on relevant, current topics. Video recordings and instructor evaluations offer valuable feedback on student performance. The honors section requires longer speeches, more research to support main points, additional course readings, and more detailed outlines. (Formerly COMM 131H prior to Fall 2025.)
COMM 101 Introduction to Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 180
Introduction to the field of communication, with emphasis on the history of communication study, theories of communication, communication contexts, and issues in communication studies. Also serves as an introduction to the strands of communication studies, including interpersonal, group, rhetoric, intercultural, organizational and mass communication.
COMM 110 Fundamentals of Oral Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
An introduction to the basic principles and methods of oral communication with an emphasis on improving speaking and listening skills in public speaking, interpersonal, and small group communication contexts. Students will develop and apply effective research and presentation strategies, grounded in classic rhetorical theory.
COMM C1004 Interpersonal Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Formerly
- COMM 121
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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. Students learn to find, evaluate, and understand peer reviewed social science research and apply the findings to real life relationships. (Formerly COMM 121 prior to Fall 2026).
COMM 121H Interpersonal Communication, Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- COMM 130
Introduction to principles and skills of effective communication, with a focus on verbal and nonverbal channels, person perception, conflict resolution, listening, and communication barriers. Study includes the social science of interpersonal communication and presentational speaking. In-depth exploration of selected COMM C1004 topics conducted through a research paper.
COMM 141 Small Group Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 140
This course integrates foundational training in both public speaking and small group communication, providing students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in each. Students will prepare and deliver a variety of speech presentations (including informative, persuasive, and group-based speeches) while exploring key communication concepts such as rhetorical theory, audience adaptation, argumentation, leadership, and group dynamics. Emphasis is placed on critical listening, ethical communication, and collaborative problem-solving within small task-oriented groups. Students will refine verbal and nonverbal communication skills through faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated speeches delivered to a live audience.
COMM 151 Intercultural Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 150
Provides an introduction to communication between people from different cultures. Focuses on the application of theory and research to intercultural communication. The topics and activities are designed to develop communication skills that improve competence in intercultural situations.
COMM 161 Communication in Organizations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Communication in organizations examines communication practices in various organizational situations, applying effective strategies for achieving organizational and individual goals. Instructions include selecting a speech topic, determining the purpose, analyzing the audience and occasion, researching the topic and organizing, outlining, and presenting an informative and persuasive speech to a target audience. The use of logic, evidence and emotional appeals is studied and emphasized.
COMM 171 Mass Media and Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- JOUR 100
Exploration of the history, effects and role of the mass media in the U.S. Major forms of mass communication are studied. Study focuses on critical analysis of media messages, effects of media on the individual and society, and theories of communication. Students move beyond being "consumers" of media to "analysts" of media.
COMM 180 Oral Communication for Leadership and Social Change
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- Eligibility for ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or ENGL C1000H.
- Formerly
- COMM 142
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Explores leadership styles and skills needed to effectively lead for a more inclusive and just society. Students analyze real-world problems across a variety of categories to better understand how everyday people can make social change through inclusive, ethical, and informed leadership. Focus on learning oral communication skills as an important method for engagement in a democratic society, particularly public speaking. (Formerly COMM 142 prior to Fall 2026.)
COMM 200 Rhetoric of Pop Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Overview, history and critical analysis of popular culture in the United States as a mediator of cultural values and attitudes. Evaluates representations of popular culture by analyzing multiple artifacts from various theoretical perspectives. Examines pop culture artifacts as products of mass communication rooted in underlying values of American society. Focuses on developing critical thinking concerning assumptions regarding race, class and gender imbedded in popular culture.
COMM 235 Argumentation and Debate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or ENGL C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 120
Argumentation and Debate develops critical thinking and persuasive communication skills through the study and application of argumentation theory in oral and written contexts. Building on foundational composition skills, students learn to construct and evaluate complex arguments using methods of critical reasoning and inquiry-driven research. Students identify logical fallacies, engage in inductive and deductive reasoning, test evidence for credibility, distinguish fact from opinion and knowledge from belief, and recognize assumptions underlying conclusions while reflecting on their own thought processes. Through structured debates and argumentative essays addressing contemporary issues, students apply rhetorical strategies appropriate to audience, purpose, context, and genre. Texts and topics reflect cultural diversity and emphasize fairness, equity, and access. Students produce, revise, and receive feedback on research-based briefs, peer responses, and persuasive essays totaling at least 5,000 words.
COMM 288 Communication Research Methods
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- COMM 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- POLS 160
Introduction to the theoretical and practical concerns underlying procedures most commonly used in communication research. Students evaluate findings of communication research and understand research methods. Serves as preparation for advanced coursework in communication.
COMM 289 Communication Theory
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- COMM 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to major theories of human communication, Designed to give students critical understanding of key themes in the field, and to show how theories illuminate the nature of human interaction. Designed to prepare students for upper-division coursework in communication.
COMM 295 Internship in Communication
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- 210 (210 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Structured internship program in which students gain experience with community organizations related to the discipline. Course restricted to 3 repetitions
COMM 299 Independent Study in Communication
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 192 (192 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Minimum of 12 units of coursework completed at SBCC with GPA of at least 3.0. For complete information, see "Independent Study" in the Catalog Index.