Course Outline for Communication Studies 50
Introduction to Communication Studies

Effective: Fall 2025
SLO Rev:

Catalog Description:

COMM 50 - Introduction to Communication Studies

3.00 Units

A survey of the discipline of Communication Studies with emphasis on multiple epistemological, theoretical, and methodological issues relevant to the systematic inquiry of human interaction. The course explores communication theories from the humanistic, social scientific and critical traditions.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000 or Eligibility for ENGL C1000 (Formerly ENGL 1)
CB03: TOP Code 1506.00 - Speech Communication
CIP Code 09.0101 - Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. explain and apply the basic concepts of the field of communication
  2. discuss the history of the study of human communication
  3. critically discuss and write about human communication theories and events
  4. compare and contrast the basic research methods for the evaluation of human communication
    demonstrates an appreciation of the diverse range of individuals, communities,and viewpoints
  5. explain the contextual, cultural, and social foundations of human communication
  6. demonstrate a basic knowledge of the specializations within the communication discipline
  7. demonstrate an understanding of ethical perspectives in communication
  8. summarize and explain an expanded worldview which reveals how the various forms of communication impact social justice issues in our world

Course Content:

  1. Foundations of Communication
    1. models of communicaiton
    2. sending and receiving messages
    3. listening
    4. perception
    5. audience analysis
  2. History of Communication Study 
    1. Ancient rheotrical traditions
    2. modern rhetorical outlooks 
    3. post-modern ideologies. 
  3. Verbal and Nonverbal Communication (may include) 
    1. What is language/non-verbal communication
    2. The impact and/or power of language/non-verbal communication 
    3. Types of non-verbal communication 
    4. Functions of language/non-verbal communication
    5. Investigage the impact of culture in language/non-verbal communicaiton 
  4. Basic Communication Theories which may include 
    1. Rhetoric 
    2. Interpersonal theories 
    3. Critical theory 
  5. Investigate and analyze basic communication research methods, including
    1. Qualitative Research 
    2. Quantitative Research 
    3. Rhetorical/Communicaiton Analysis 
    4. Critical Scholarship 
  6. Introdutory information about specializations (may include)
    1. Rhetoric/Public Speaking
    2. Forensics
    3. Argumentation and Debate
      Persuasion
    4. Interpersonal Communication
    5. Group Communication
    6. Performance Studies
    7. Intercultural Communication
    8. Gender Communication
    9. Organizational Communication
    10. Emerging areas - Health Communication, Mediated Communication, etc.

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Activity play
  2. Research Report
  3. Distance Education
  4. Lecture
  5. Multimedia
  6. Roleplays/Activities
  7. Small group discussion
  8. Student Presentations

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. In small groups, prepare and present a 10 minute workshop for the class on a specific area of nonverbal communication (haptics, proxemics, etc.)
  2. Write a 2-3 page paper identifying and describing an area of specialization within the Communication discipline
  3. Create a handout that explains a basic communication theory or research method. Disseminate to the class and explain the handout in a 5 minute presentation.
  4. Thinking about our discussion of haptics, write a 3-4 page paper explaining the differences and similarities of haptic behaviors from 2 different cultures
  5. Prepare and deliver a 4-5 minute presentation applying systems theory to a specific, identifiable small group.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Quizzes
  3. Projects
  4. oral and written assignments
  5. Class Participation
  6. journals
  7. Final Examination
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Recognize, define, and apply the principles of communication theory.
  2. Listen to, evaluate, and respond appropriately to the ideas of others.
  3. Adopt an ethical perspective when presenting original ideas and/or incorporating the ideas of others
  4. Understand the variety of value systems people use in communication

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Jonas, R. G. Jr. (2018). Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies (2nd). Flatworld.
Additional Materials:
  • None

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Students will explore theories of communication, discovering what communication is, how and why it works, the power of communication, and a view of Communication Studies as a discipline. Students will also learn strategies for improving communication skills.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000 or Eligibility for ENGL C1000 (Formerly ENGL 1)