Communication, Associate of Arts (AA): Communication Science Emphasis

Program Overview

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Communication, Associate of Arts (AA): Communication Science Emphasis

Overview

The Communication Department's curriculum focuses on communication in a variety of settings -- interpersonal, small group, on-the-job, speaker-to-audience, via mass media and between cultures and nations. In addition, instruction is available in argumentation and debate and communication theory. Surveys show that most employers rank effective communication at the top of desired skills. The Communication Science Emphasis provides students with the foundational knowledge in communication theory and research methods and prepares them to make a successful transition to a Baccalaureate Degree in Communication Studies at any of the UC campuses, particularly UC, Santa Barbara.

Requirements

• Complete all of the following:
  • All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
  • One of the following three General Education options:
    • OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
    • OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
    • OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
  • A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
  • A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

Course List

Code	Title	Units
COMM 101	Introduction to Communication	3
MATH 117	Elementary Statistics	4
or PSY 150	Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
or SOC 125	Introduction to Statistics in Sociology
COMM 288	Communication Research Methods	3-4
or PSY 200	Research Methods and Experimental Design in Psychology
COMM 289	Communication Theory	3
Complete two courses from the following:	6
COMM 121	Interpersonal Communication
or COMM 121H	Interpersonal Communication, Honors
or COMM 122	Mediated Interpersonal Communication
COMM 131	Fundamentals Of Public Speaking
or COMM 131H	Fundamentals Of Public Speaking, Honors
COMM 141	Small Group Communication
COMM 142	Leadership in a Global Society
COMM 151	Intercultural Communication
COMM 161	Communication in Organizations
or COMM 162	Mediated Communication in Organizations
COMM 171	Mass Media and Society
COMM 200	Rhetoric of Pop Culture
COMM 235	Argumentation and Debate
JOUR 101	Reporting/Writing I
Total Units	19.00-20.00

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate ability to analyze and critically evaluate communication practices, messages and outcomes in various contexts (e.g., interpersonal, intercultural, small group, public and professional communication, and mass media).
• Develop a repertoire of strategies for improved communication effectiveness and demonstrate the strategies in oral, written and/or presentation contexts.
• Read, evaluate and report on communication research.
• Recognize and articulate the benefits and challenges of diverse communicative practices of people living in a global/multicultural society.
• Demonstrate understanding of the ethical dimensions of communication.

Recommended Sequence

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Communication, Associate of Arts (AA): Communication Science Emphasis program at Santa Barbara City College provides students with a solid foundation in communication theory and research methods. The program is designed to prepare students for a successful transition to a Baccalaureate Degree in Communication Studies at any of the UC campuses, particularly UC, Santa Barbara.

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Objectives:

• Analyze and critically evaluate communication practices, messages, and outcomes in various contexts.
• Develop a repertoire of strategies for improved communication effectiveness and demonstrate the strategies in oral, written, and/or presentation contexts.
• Read, evaluate, and report on communication research.
• Recognize and articulate the benefits and challenges of diverse communicative practices of people living in a global/multicultural society.
• Demonstrate understanding of the ethical dimensions of communication.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program includes coursework in the following areas:

• Interpersonal Communication
• Small Group Communication
• Public Speaking
• Communication Theory
• Communication Research Methods
• Intercultural Communication
• Mass Media and Society
• Argumentation and Debate

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Program Structure:

The program requires a total of 19-20 units of coursework, including:

• 19 units of Department Requirements
• One of the following three General Education options:
• 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F)
• IGETC Pattern
• CSU GE Breadth Pattern
• 12 units through SBCC
• A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC
• A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted

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Course Schedule:

The program can be completed in two years, with courses offered during both the fall and spring semesters.

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Individual Modules:

N/A

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Assessment:

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Teaching:

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Careers:

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