General Catalog 2007-2008

Programs and Courses

Communication

• General Information
• B.S. in Speech Communication with an Emphasis in Organizational Communication (GCC/NAU)
• B.A./B.S. Communication Studies Transfer Guide
• English Language Learner Course Concentration
• Course Descriptions

General Information

For Information: Jim Reed
Phone: 623.845.3631

Student Goals:General Education, Career-related, B.S. in Speech Communication with an Emphasis in Organizational Communication

The objectives of the Communication Department are: to provide individual courses as electives in other programs; to satisfy requirements prescribed by programs in other areas; and to provide low division requirements for the GCC/NAU Bachelors in Speech Communication program; to provide lower-division courses for students who will transfer to other Arizona university Communication programs; and to provide second language learners opportunity to achieve oral communication fluency. Our courses are organized to meet practical needs of students, especially those individuals planning careers in the Human Service area. We encourage our students to participate in a very active speech and debate program as well as various other student activities. GCC’s Communication Department is affiliated with the National Communication Association (NCA) and is headquarters for the Arizona Communication Association (ACA).

Program Recommendations:
(+ indicates course prerequisites)

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B.S. in Speech Communication with an Emphasis in Organizational Communication (GCC/NAU)

That’s correct, students may now receive their bachelors degree without ever leaving GCC’s campus. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Communication is a joint offering between Glendale Community College and Northern Arizona University. Upon completion of the program, students receive their B.S. degree from Northern Arizona University. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Communication with an Emphasis in Organization Communication provides a better understanding of how organizations work and helps students develop effective leadership skills by optimizing their communication. The program explores how communication takes place in relationships, within national and international organizations, in public forums, and between cultures. It is grounded in both rhetorical and experimental approaches to the study of human communication. This innovative program gives students the opportunity to study a common core of communication courses, to design part of their program to achieve individual goals, and to take part in a communication apprenticeship experience. Faculty and students work together to integrate the classroom, research, and service with the goal of improving communicative interactions. A recent national survey of college graduates with the majors or minors in Communication revealed that graduates hold positions in education, law, the ministry, sales and marketing, information services, public relations, advertisement, government, social services, industrial and labor relations, human resources, and fund raising. Other careers in mass communications include radio, TV, and film.

Communication Core: 6 credits

Speech Communication: 18 credits

Organizational Communication Emphasis: 24 credits

Extended Major: (12 credits)

Students are required to take 12 hours of GCC courses in a concentrated area of study. Students should work in conjunction with the NAU advisor to determine these courses.

B.A./B.S. Communication Studies Transfer Guide

If you plan to complete your Communication degree at another Arizona institution, our department can help you. The Communication Department’s selection of Maricopa Community College course work meets the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC-A) as modified by MCCCD and lower-division program requirements for a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Speech Communication, and Communication Studies at any of Arizona’s universities. Depending on the university to which you plan to transfer, the following courses may be recommended:

COM100 Introduction to Human Communication
COM110 Interpersonal Communication
COM207 Introduction to Communication Inquiry
COM222 Argumentation
COM225 Public Speaking
COM230 Small Group Communication
COM241 Performance Literature
COM250 Introduction to Organizational Communication
COM259 Communication in Business and Professions*
COM263 Intercultural Communication
COM271 Voice and Diction

*For non-communication majors. Meets the business requirement for accounting majors, media arts, and other disciplines

Consult your community college advisor to ensure compliance. Students are responsible for checking all requirements and regulations at their transferring institution.

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English Language Learner Course Concentration

The Communication Department offers a series of courses for speakers of other languages. Through these offerings and an informal laboratory, or international students can further their oral communication skills and achieve oral fluency. The aim of the program is that of achieving communication competence. Please consult the Communication Department for more information concerning testing, course offerings, and available certificates.

Course Descriptions

Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally

Communication (COM)

COM080
Conversation Circles / 3 credits 3 periods
Practice in conversing in English for non-native speakers. Emphasis in developing conversational techniques to facilitate building and maintaining relationships: May be repeated for a total of six (6) credit hours. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)
NOTE: Recommended for students with CELSA test scores of 30-38; students with CELSA test scores of 39-50 may enroll in either COM080 or COM095.

COM095
Basic Oral Communication Skills / 3 credits 3 periods
Listening, speaking, and related academic performance skills, including notetaking. Emphasis on activities designed to improve and synthesize these skills. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)
NOTE: Recommended for non-native English speakers with CELSA test scores of 51-66 or ENG/RDG 071/091. Students with CELSA test scores of 39-50 may enroll in either COM080 or COM095.

COM100
Introduction to Human Communication / 3 credits 3 periods
Theory and practice of communication skills in public, small group, and interpersonal settings. Includes study of the speech communication process. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su1,2)

COM110
Interpersonal Communication / 3 credits 3 periods
Theory and practice of communication skills which affect day-to-day interactions with other persons. Topics may include using verbal and nonverbal symbols, interactive listening, resolving interpersonal conflict, developing and maintaining personal and professional relationships. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,Su1,2)

COM120
Pronunciation of American Speech / 3 credits 3 periods
Analysis of American speech production problems due to accents produced by another language, correction of misarticulated American speech sounds, critical listening to sound production, understanding American English speech patterns, practicing American idioms and expressions, and preparing and delivering group and individual speech presentations. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)

COM125
Presentational Speaking / 3 credits 3 periods
Techniques for developing oral presentations which include visual media. Principles of verbal message development and related visual design stressed. Techniques of managing the presentational environment including question and answer periods and the operation of common equipment. Prerequisites: None. (O)

COM150
Digital Storytelling / 3 credits 6 periods
Enables students to find and develop their personal stories. Emphasis on the use of digital technology to create, edit, produce and archive a digital story. Prerequisites: None. (O)

COM207
Introduction to Communication Inquiry / 3 credits 3 periods
Overview of theory and methodological practice in communication with particular attention to scholarly writing skills. Emphasis on development of critical thinking skills through active participation in the research process. Prerequisites: ENG101 or ENG107 or equivalent, and COM100 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (F,S,E)

COM215
Listening / 3 credits 3 periods
Emphasis on diagnosis of individual listening, corrective procedures, and reinforcement of improved habits through normal and speeded listening drills. Includes everyday communication experiences. Prerequisites: None. (O)

COM220
Student Leadership / 3 credits 3 periods
Leadership strategies, skills, and practice for student leaders. Focus on leadership styles, relational and task communication skills, conducting meetings, problem solving/conflict resolution techniques, and managing change. Specific application to projects in public relations, services, advocacy, and clubs. Prerequisites: Participation in Student Leadership Forum or permission of instructor. (O)

COM221
Oral Fluency in American Speech / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed for English Language Learner (ELL) students to develop greater oral fluency in spontaneous speaking contexts and presentational speaking. Emphasis on development of speech, language, and vocal clarity; basic skills in presentational speaking; and use of English to interact spontaneously with others. Prerequisites: COM120. (O)

COM222
Argumentation / 3 credits 3 periods
Discussion and practice of the use of evidence, applied reasoning, recognition of fallacies, selection of arguments, and methods of analyzing issues. Prerequisites: ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. (F,S,D,E)

COM225
Public Speaking / 3 credits 3 periods
Designed to enhance the student's ability to present public speeches confidently and competently. Also designed to improve information literacy and critical thinking skills. Prerequisites: ENG101 or ENG107, or equivalent. (F,S,D,E,Su1,2)

COM230
Small Group Communication / 3 credits 3 periods
Principles and processes of small groups and development of skills for participation and leadership in small group settings. Practice in problem solving, decision making, and information sharing. Prerequisites: ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. (F,S,D,E,Su1,2)

COM232
Adult/Child Communication / 3 credits 3 periods
Application of communication skills that enhance the personal relationships between adults and children. Assessment and improvement of your individual communication skills in your relationships with children. Prerequisites: None. (O)

COM241
Performance of Literature / 3 credits 3 periods
The study, analysis, and preparation for performance of prose, poetry, and dramatic literature. Preparation of material for public audiences. Prerequisites: ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. (F,S,D)

COM243
Interpreters Theatre / 3 credits 4 periods
Study, analysis, rehearsal, and performance of various types of literature. Prerequisites: None. (O)

COM250
Introduction to Organizational Communication / 3 credits 3 periods
Introduction to the study of communication in organizations including identification of variables, roles and patterns influencing communication in organizations. Prerequisites: COM207. (O)

COM251
Interviewing / 3 credits 3 periods
Principles and techniques of interviewing, including practice through real and simulated interviews in informational, persuasive, and employee-related situations. Prerequisites: None. (O)

COM259
Communication in Business and Professions / 3 credits 3 periods
Interpersonal, group, and public communication in business and professional organizations. Emphasis on oral communication. Prerequisites: ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. (F,S,D,E,SuD)

COM260
Communication of Sex and Sexual Identity / 3 credits 3 periods
Communication of personal, interpersonal, and cultural messages about sexuality. Prerequisites: COM100, or COM110, or ENG101. (O)

COM263
Elements of Intercultural Communication / 3 credits 3 periods
Basic concepts, principles, and skills for improving oral communication between persons from different minority, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D,E,SuO)

COM271
Voice and Diction / 3 credits 3 periods
Exercises and techniques to free the voice and improve projection, resonance, and articulation. Covers international phonetic alphabet and standard stage speech. Prerequisites: None. (S,D,O)

COM275
Nonverbal Communication / 3 credits 3 periods
Effects of space, time, body movements, environment, objects, and voice quality on human communication and interaction. Prerequisites: None. (O)

COM277
Group Facilitation Theory and Practice / 2 credits 2 periods
Theory and practice of group facilitation skills. Emphasis on leading organizational groups in problem solving and decision-making. Prerequisites: Associates degree or equivalent, or 3 to 5 years work experience, or permission of instructor. (O)

COM281AB
Communication Activities / 3 credits 5 periods
Designed to provide students with competence and confidence in a variety of speech situations beyond the classroom setting. May include presentations to service organizations and/or competition at other colleges and universities. Prerequisites: None.

COM282
Volunteerism for Speech Communication: A Service Learning Experience / 1 -3 credits
Service-learning field experience within private/public agencies, educational institutions, and citizen volunteer groups. May be repeated for a total of four (4) COM282 credit hours; may not repeat specific agency assignment for more than two (2) credit hours. Standard grading available according to procedures outlined in catalog. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. (O)

COM298
Special Projects / 1-3 credits
Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment are made available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or instructor.

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