Communication Studies
13 courses · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- 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 101. C-ID COMM-110.
COMM C1004 Interpersonal Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM-130
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. This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and practice of speech making and the necessary role of public address in a democratic society, while simultaneously emphasizing theory and research about communication in a variety of interpersonal contexts. This course exposes students to rhetorical theory, interpersonal theory, and public speaking fundamentals within the context of their interpersonal communication processes and live presentations including informative and persuasive speeches. Formerly COMM 207. C-ID COMM-130.
COMM 106 Group Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM 140
This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and practice of speech making and the necessary role of public address in a democratic society, while simultaneously emphasizing theory and research about communication in a variety of group contexts. This course exposes students to rhetorical theory, group theory, and public speaking fundamentals within the context of their group communication processes and live presentations (including informative and persuasive speeches). Students will learn historical roots and key rhetorical theories that ground the study and practice of public speaking and be able to learn, develop, and critically analyze ideas and information in public discourse. Students will explore and evaluate group communication processes, including roles, problem-solving, conflict management, leadership, ethics, and decision-making. C-ID COMM 140.
COMM 111 Narrative Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM-170
This course introduces narrative performance and analysis of narrative works of art in their intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic forms. Class readings include traditional and contemporary approaches to storytelling and types of narratives, such as prose, poetry and drama. Students develop methods for constructing narratives and performance strategies for telling stories, including vocal and physical expressiveness, variety, and flexibility through narrative performance. C-ID COMM-170.
COMM 120 Principles of Human Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM-180
This course introduces human communication concepts and theories. It focuses on the role and significance of communication in and across different contexts, and it covers the basic structures and processes of communication. Topics include message production, message reception, and varying influences on human communication, such as interpersonal, intercultural, and mediated contexts. C-ID COMM-180.
COMM 135 Gender Studies in Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines the different gender communication patterns. It studies differences and similarities in verbal and nonverbal behaviors, perception, conflict, leadership, and interpersonal relationships. Students develop an awareness and appreciation of gender as an important variable in human communication, in both public and private settings.
COMM 144 Race and Ethnicity in Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides both a theoretical and a practical exploration of how we communicate race and ethnicity in the United States. Topics include how contemporary and historical constructions of race and ethnicity influence identity construction, everyday interactions, and intercultural social dynamics. The course emphasizes developing racial and ethnic awareness concerning situations where perceived racial or ethnic differences factor into communication outcomes. Students engage with qualitative analysis, social, cultural, and political theories, and power relations related to the representations of Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and/or Latinas/os in contemporary popular culture in the US.
COMM 186 Social Media Strategies for Communication Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores the growing need for social media technology from a communication perspective within and across multiple online contexts. Students gain the knowledge and skills to effectively apply communication theories and concepts to social media and digital contexts to gain an understanding of online behaviors and practices. Students learn how to communicate messages for an intended audience within social media environments and are introduced to social media technologies and digital communication methods, such as branding, content creation, team organization, distribution channels, strategies, and ways to assess digital platforms.
COMM 212 Argumentation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM-120
This course examines the psychological and logical basis of argument and principles of effective organization. It teaches the development and application of critical thinking skills as well as the practice of creating and evaluating arguments so students can become more skilled and responsible advocates. C-ID COMM-120.
COMM 215 Intercultural Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- COMM-150
This course analyzes the cultural factors and variables that influence human-communication choices and actions. It focuses on perception, language, reasoning, nonverbal messages, values, beliefs, attitudes, and rules. Students learn to identify the cultural principles and variables of communication so as to act effectively and responsibly when interacting with diverse persons in various contexts. C-ID COMM-150.
COMM 220 Introduction to Mass Communication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- JOUR-100
This course covers the history, role, and impact of mass media in the United States. It demonstrates various media operations in the US and their societal and cultural effects. The course enables students to be informed, critical consumers of mass media and to understand how the media influence attitudes, values, beliefs, and perceptions. C-ID JOUR-100.
COMM 292 Internship Studies
- Units
- 0.5-14
- Corequisite
- Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.
COMM 299 Occupational Work Experience Education
- Units
- 0.5-14
- Corequisite
- Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major or career area of interest. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.