Department of Communications
Department Chair: Dr. Md Naser
Office: Media Arts Center, Room 106
Phone: (661) 654-2569
Email: mnaser@csub.edu
An introduction to public speaking and communication studies. Emphasis is placed on increasing the student's understanding of theory relating to the practice and criticism of public speaking, improvement of the student's public speaking and critical thinking skills, and an understanding of library research skills. This Foundational Skills course must be completed with a grade of C- or higher. Satisfies general education requirement Area A1 Oral Communication.
Survey of the role of communication in daily life; concepts and contexts therein. Emphasis on the acquisition of media literacy skills and critique, as may be applicable, for upper division work in the discipline. Prerequisite: COMM 1008.
Study of the problems and techniques of journalism, including audiences and resources. Overview of history and development of print and digital news media. Examination of news sources, interviewing, reporting, writing, and ethics. Frequent exercises in news gathering and writing and preparing copy for publication.
Production of The Runner, the student news laboratory at CSUB. Students report for the daily website and other digital channels, the biweekly printed newspaper, and the annual magazine Converge. Students gain practical experience in various aspects of news production such as news and feature writing, sports reporting, editing, photojournalism, broadcast-style video, podcasting, print design, illustrating, website management, social media reporting, advertising sales, marketing, circulation, and business management. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 units.
An examination of the major elements of film, video, video games, and immersive media, and the fundamentals of how to communicate using these forms. Time is shared between lecture/lab.
An introduction to the richness and diversity of cinemas past and present through close viewing and active discussion of American and international films. Students learn about key critical approaches, cinematic innovation, and the foundations of cinematic language (including narrative, editing, sound, cinematography, and acting) in order to actively "read" movies within social, historical and aesthetic contexts. Prerequisite: ENGL 1109 or equivalent. Satisfies general education requirement Area C2 Humanities. This course carries credit in either COMM 2518 or ENGL 2518.
This course focuses on the principles and methods of communication in a small group setting. Group interactions such as problem solving, leadership, and decision-making will be analyzed. Students will develop individual and group communication skills to prepare for the workplace and other group communication situations. Ultimately, students will learn group communication competence. Field trips may be required.
How theories are constructed. Survey of theoretical approaches to communication drawing on the social sciences and humanities. Prerequisite: Comm 2020.
Extensive practice in writing clearly and persuasively in technical and specialized forms such as reports of experiments, abstracts, business reports and proposals, letters, memoranda. Prerequisite: junior standing or higher and completion of GE A2. Satisfies general education requirement Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement.
Designed to broaden the student's understanding of laws that pertain to the mass media. Philosophical appreciation of the legal framework within which the mass media operates and pragmatic familiarity with the legal problems most often encountered by journalists and related professionals is anticipated. The course will examine the development of the law regarding the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and such related legal areas such as libel, obscenity, censorship, privacy, free press and fair trial, journalist's privilege, the right of access to government information, access to the press, the doctrine of commercial speech (advertising), and copyright.
This course provides an analysis of ethical issues in the news media, with emphasis on news-gathering and reporting and the impact of the internet, advertising, and entertainment. Topics covered include an evaluation of the ethical cultures of newsrooms, codes of ethics, objectivity, privacy, fairness, honesty, and the public¿s right to know. Case studies will be examined, as well as other means by which students will learn how to recognize and resolve ethical conflicts. Prerequisite: Completion of GE A2 and GE A3 or equivalent. This course carries credit in either COMM 3020 or PHIL 3320.
Analysis of video games by examining design, criticism, and theory of video games. This course will focus on video game structure and major topics in the areas of interactivity. Prerequisites: at least 45 units and completion of LD Area C. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDC and Theme R: Revolutionary Ideas and Innovations.
Study of the principles by which film and video texts create meaning through screenings, lectures, and readings, with emphasis on major film theories and examination of narrative and documentary forms. Prerequisites: at least 45 units and completion of LD Area C. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDC and Theme R: Revolutionary Ideas and Innovations.
Analysis of the process of communication as it occurs between individuals and in small groups in everyday life. Attention is given to communication interactions within the family, in social situations, in organizations, and institutions. Both verbal and nonverbal codes considered.
This course is designed to enhance the student's understanding of the importance of culture in human interaction and the linkages between communication and culture. Interdisciplinary approaches examine the influence different cultural backgrounds have on communication in everyday life, social service encounters, business, and international services. Prerequisites: at least 45 units and completion of LD Area C. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDC and Theme S: Sustainability and Justice.
The nature and flow of communication in organizations and institutions. Theory and techniques of solving communication problems in organizations; practical experience in writing and speaking. Among topics discussed is the organization as a communication system, theory of organization, analytical techniques for evaluating the quality of organizational communication, the use of communication skills to facilitate organizational change.
An exploration of the impact of social issues through film. Questions surrounding gender, race, and class will be explored from the examination of stereotypes to films that strive to break through them, to create a cinema of inclusion. Prerequisites: at least 45 units and completion of LD Area C. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDC and Theme Q: Quality of Life.
The role of communication in disease prevention and control. Offers guidance for planning, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of communication programs for public health and how existing health knowledge can be effectively communicated to inform, influence, and motivate institutional or public audiences.
Analysis of the public communicator in action and the laws, strategies, and situations that influence the process of public persuasion. Specific topic determined by instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics up to a maximum of 3 units.
Analysis of the development and impact of media technology as it transforms the ways in which we generate, transmit, assess, and understand mediated messages in contemporary American society. Evaluation of the impact of media technology on the role of communication in information processing, values acquisition and personal behavior, social construction of reality, group dynamics, and social interaction. Emphasis on mass communication. Prerequisites: at least 45 units and completion of LD Area C. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDC and Theme R: Revolutionary Ideas and Innovations.
This course introduces students to differences in gender communication; analyzes how institutional, personal, and group factors affect the messages we produce and the meanings we assign to messages. It also assesses the extent to which gender can both enrich and complicate human communication, particularly in personal and professional environments. Particular attention paid to how the mass media depicts gender. The course subscribes to an interdisciplinary approach that relies heavily on literature both inside and outside the field of communication. Prerequisite: complete at least 45 units; prerequisite or corequisite GE A2. Satisfies general education requirement Junior Year Diversity and Reflection.
Designed to enable students examine, analyze and contribute to environmental discourse at the local, national and global level. Students will explore topics, such as the influence of human communication on perceptions about the environment, contexts that influence interpretations or environmental discourse, grassroots environmental advocacy and social justice, as well as how environmental issues are framed or constructed in the media. Prerequisites: at least 45 units and completion of LD Area C. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDC and Theme S: Sustainability and Justice.
This course will introduce students to the analysis of effective social media. It will help students stay abreast of current and future developments in social media design and use. The course will enable students to assess comprehensive and effective social media campaigns for corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Through a combination of case study analysis, lecture, project work, and simulations, students will develop expertise in social media planning, campaign management, production, and analysis to craft an authentic and effective voice for their organizations and communities on current and developing social media platforms. The design part of the course will allow students to build social media content, using professional-level software.
Survey of the institutional, aesthetic, political and cultural history of motion pictures around the world, from the pre-history of the medium to 21-century digital cinema. Issues in current film studies regarding globalization, diaspora, cinematic style, national identity, and visual culture will also be examined. Prerequisites: At least 45 units and completion of LD Area C. Satisfies general education upper division Area UDC and Theme R: Revolutionary Ideas and Innovations.
Study of contemporary journalism techniques and their influence on the audience they serve. Exercises in news gathering, multimedia reporting, writing for the web, audio and video production, digital photography, and web publishing.
Study of newspaper feature stories-their resources, their methods, and their appeal. Frequent exercises in the art of writing feature stories, with concentration on the human-interest feature. Prerequisite: ENGL 1109 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better and upper division standing.
Examination of major theories and techniques of photojournalism combined with practice in their application. Uses digital and film equipment to create and process photographic images for various genres. Course includes lecture, discussion, and activities that enhance students' perspectives of photographic images.
Beginning broadcast news writing, reporting and production for radio, television and the Web. Emphasis on developing news judgment, field reporting, script writing, vocal skills, video and audio editing, and producing broadcast news pieces.
Analysis of the ways in which typography, color, illustration, photography, and other graphic elements work together to enhance effective communication in print and on the Web. Comparative discussion of design elements of magazines, newspapers, newsletters, websites, blogs and social media pages. Frequent exercises in design layout using publishing software and open source Web platforms.
A study of the theory and practice of public relations with an emphasis on two-way communication, the four-step process of public relations, publics in public relations, and settings for public relations including business, education, labor, government, and other organizations. Explores the roles of public relations professionals in their organizations and the importance of public relations in contemporary organizations. Introduction to the basic tools of the public relations professional including the news release and other forms of public relations communications.
Study and application of strategies and tactics used in the public relations profession with an emphasis on written communication through news releases, brochures, newsletters, annual reports, magazines, media kits, and other public relations communication tools. Discussion of media relations and placement. Emphasis on the planning and execution of public relations communication. Discussion and application of communication theories that inform public relations writing and communication. Prerequisite or corequisite: COMM 3210.
Learning multiple research methods (case study, field research, survey, focus group, content analysis, experiment, etc.) executed in different contexts of public relations practices.From the basic to the advanced knowledge, study of systematic research applicable in the entire public relations planning and practice process. Prerequisite: COMM 3210.
Study of and application of the communication processes and practices in business, government, and other professional settings including organizational roles, climate, and culture; listening and feedback; interviewing; resume and cover letter writing; development of formal presentations used within organizational settings; importance of groups and teams in contemporary organizations, and power and politics in the organization. Prerequisite or corequisite: COMM 3210.
Analysis and application of public relations management strategies, with an emphasis on public relations research. Focus on the four-step process of public relations and current management practices in the profession including the use of research to identify organizational goals and objectives in public relations planning and research. Emphasizes crisis communications and issues management. Also addresses other important management elements of the profession and the advisor/counselor role of the public relations professional. Prerequisite: COMM 3210.
This course is designed to provide Public Relations Major students with the opportunity to integrate their public relations education through supervised application of these skills in a public relations setting. It covers three general areas: PR practice in applied learning; experience; and evaluation. Lecture/lab. Corequisite: 3 units of a 3000-level Public Relations course.
Introduces the fundamental technical abilities and conceptual approaches to communication via moving images and sound. Emphasis on cinematic language and basic interpersonal skills of production. Lecture/lab. Prerequisite: COMM 2310 or instructor approval.
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of interaction design. Stresses the conceptual, aesthetic, and technical concerns of interactivity. The course is designed to develop a combination of critical, technical, and design skills. Prerequisite: COMM 2310 or instructor approval.
Theory and practice of sound/image relationships in film, video and interactive media. Emphasis on the development of conceptual and design tools as well as technical ability. Time is divided between lecture and lab. Prerequisite: COMM 2310 or instructor approval.
Exploration of modeling, rigging, and animation techniques for video and games. Students will examine aesthetics, story development, and workflows for gaming and video. One-hour lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: COMM 2310 or ART 2210.
Exploration of the various functions of documentaries and other nonfiction media in society. Emphasis on the creation and development of student projects, and the styles and strategies that are available to nonfiction forms. Prerequisite: COMM 2310 or instructor approval.
Exploration of writing for media projects for film, video, and interactive works. Students will examine structures and story development for linear and non-linear structures while working on screenplays and game design documents. Prerequisite: ENGL 1109 or equivalent with a grade of "C-" or better.
An advanced study of the principles and processes of effective communication in public contexts and public communication. The course will build on your foundational skills to further your development as a public speaker in a variety of settings. Emphasis is on preparing and delivering extemporaneous speeches that are appropriate and effective for a particular audience, purpose, and context. Pre-requisite: COMM 1008
Introduction to methods employed in the description, interpretation and evaluation of discursive and non-discursive rhetorical artifacts. Survey of a range of rhetorical perspectives: traditional, experiential, dramaturgical, sociological, and postmodern. Students will engage in seminar discussion and complete written rhetorical analyses. Emphasis will be placed on the comprehensive and application of rhetorical perspectives/tools in written criticism.
Study, analysis, and/or production in various media or in speech communication. Specific course content to be determined by instructor. May include directed field study in technical communication. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Detailed investigation of covering public affairs, including reporting on public and government agencies, researching public records, and writing clear articles. Students will be trained in Data Literacy. Study of structure and function of state and local government, state open meeting and public records laws, structure of judicial and criminal justice systems. Students will adopt a local government agency, attend meetings, establish news sources within the agency, and write articles about agency meetings and issues. Prerequisite: COMM 2110.
Production of The Runner, the student news laboratory at CSUB. Students report for the daily website and other digital channels, the biweekly printed newspaper, and the annual magazine Converge. Students gain practical experience in various aspects of news production such as news and feature writing, sports reporting, editing, photojournalism, broadcast-style video, podcasting, print design, illustrating, website management, social media reporting, advertising sales, marketing, circulation, and business management. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 units.
Field experience in management of The Runner, the student news laboratory at CSUB. Emphasizes leadership, collaboration, editing and production of the newspaper, its website, magazine, podcasts, video channel, and social media. Includes goal-setting and assessment. Intended for students in leadership positions at The Runner. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: COMM 4160 or equivalent or consent of Instructor.
This course examines the use of technology and emerging technologies in the execution of media projects. The focus will be on the use of various media tools to prepare and create projects for various distribution platforms. Time is split between lecture and lab. Prerequisite: COMM 2310 or instructor approval.
Examines the role of the producer or project manager in digital media, from idea generation during research and development to final delivery. Students will learn how to maneuver business aspects, define the target audience, break down projects, schedule, manage a team, deal with assets, and overall logistics of media creation. Prerequisite: COMM 2310 or instructor approval.
Theoretical understanding of the communications concepts of bargaining and negotiation in diverse contexts-business, politics, industry, and labor. Practical skills in communication techniques commensurate with successful negotiating, e.g., role playing, problems solving, interpersonal communication, argumentation, arbitration, and principled negotiation. Emphasis on verbal messages, authority, suggestion, deadlines, timing.
Learning through teaching and tutoring. Work may include contact hours with tutees, tutorial preparations, consulting with instructors, reporting-analysis-evaluation of tutorial experiences, and participation in university programs for tutors. A maximum of three units may count toward the degree. Prerequisite: permission of the department and 3.0 GPA. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 3 units.
Special projects developed by the individual student in consultation with the designated instructor. Prerequisite: Admission with consent of department chair. No retroactive credit will be allowed. .
Designed to permit the student to gain practical experience in the field of professional communication, primarily at an off-campus site. Students are assigned to various business firms or agencies and work under joint supervision of supervisors and the course instructor-internship coordinator. Requires participation in staff and internship conferences, assigned readings/projects where appropriate. Offered only on a credit, no-credit basis. (Arrangements should be made with the internship coordinator well in advance of the semester in which the internship is to be taken, as the number of available internships is limited.) Prerequisite: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have completed 15 or more units in residence. No retroactive credit will be allowed.
The Cooperative Education program offers a sponsored learning experience in a work setting, integrated with a field analysis seminar. The field experience is contracted by the Cooperative Education office on an individual basis, subject to approval by the department. The field experience, including the seminar and reading assignments, is supervised by the cooperative education coordinator and the faculty liaison (or course instructor), working with the field supervisor. Students are expected to enroll in the course for at least two semesters. The determination of course credits, evaluation, and grading are the responsibility of the departmental faculty. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only; no retroactive credit will be allowed.
Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation. Available by petition to the department only on a credit/no credit basis. Not open to post-graduate students. Interested students should contact the department office. May be repeated.
An advanced course in analysis and application of communication research methods. Specific topics will vary. Individual student research projects and reports. When possible, students contribute to ongoing faculty research. Students will submit a portfolio demonstrating skills and knowledge gained in the Communications major. Prerequisite: At least 90 units and completion of JYDR. Satisfies general education requirement Senior Capstone.