Please see the section on Course Description Symbols and Terms in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Communication Studies Course Offerings

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
CMST 131	Speech Communication Fundamentals	3.0	FS	GE
Effective oral communication. Introduction to human communication theory. Practice in gathering, organizing, and presenting material in speeches to persuade, inform, and interest. 1 hour lecture, 2 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (002206)
CMST 132	Small Group Communication	3.0	FS	GE
This course examines communication in small group processes such as group development, group climate, leadership and roles, problem solving, and conflict. Student participate in a small group and practice gathering, organizing, and presenting research-based group speeches. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (002208)
CMST 133	Speech and Debate Practicum	1.0	FS
Using speeches developed for other communication classes, students will compete in a speech tournament held on a weekend designated at the beginning of each semester. Students will practice public speaking, argumentation and debate skills and will receive written feedback from a minimum of two different critics. This course is for students without any previous competitive public speaking experience. 1 hour lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002209)
CMST 139A	Forensics	1.0	FS
See description for CMST 139C below. 3 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 8.0 units. (002212)
CMST 139B	Forensics	2.0	FS
See description for CMST 139C below. 1 hour discussion, 3 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 8.0 units. (002213)
CMST 139C	Forensics	3.0	FS
Supervised preparation for participating in intercollegiate contests in debate, persuasion, informative speaking, oral interpretation, speeches to entertain, and similar events. No more than 8 units of Forensics (CMST 139 or CMST 339) may be counted toward total University requirements. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (002214)
CMST 198	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	INQ
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 1 hour discussion. (001998)
CMST 233	Foundations of Interpersonal Communication	3.0	FS
An introduction to the study of one-to-one relationships, focusing on the experience, behavior, and rules governing such interpersonal contexts as friendships, families, and employer-employee relations. Factors influencing communication are studied, such as language, perception, non-verbal, power, status, and roles. Problems of communication are identified and studied. Confidence in relating interpersonally is handled. 3 hours discussion. (002219)
CMST 234	Gender and Communication	3.0	FS	GE
Using both cognitive and experiential models, this course explores the relationships between gender and communication. Discussions focus on such topics as self-perceptions and images of men and women, language used by and about men and women, self-disclosure and self-assertion as communicative acts, gender differences in information processing and non-verbal communication, private and public contexts for gender communication, and gender communication in organizations. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (021189)
CMST 235	Intercultural Communication Theories and Practice	3.0	FS	GE USD
Focus is on the problems of communication between cultural groupings inside and outside of the U.S. Various historical and political contexts in which intercultural communication occurs are examined. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021193)
CMST 255	Argumentation and Debate	3.0	FS	GE
Study of the nature of argument, including methods of analysis, research, patterns and fallacies of reasoning, use and tests of evidence, refutation, and debate as a practical application of argumentation. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (002221)
CMST 330	Introduction to Communication Studies	3.0	FS
This course introduces students to the communication studies major or minor. It reviews and discusses the major theories, research, and related principles of the field to create general awareness for students new to the communication discipline and emphasizes the practical and professional applications of the field, enabling students to make connections among the discipline, their daily life, and potential career choices. 3 hours lecture. (002001)
CMST 331W	Communication Scholarship (W)	3.0	FS	W
Prerequisites: ENGL 130W (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; CMST majors and minors only. Writing skills course for communication studies majors that addresses issues in communication scholarship, including practical applications of theory and research in communication, communication journals and the publication process, how to conduct a scholarly literature review, how to write a scholarly research paper in communication studies, and how to write on a professional level. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. (002216)
CMST 332	Communication Research	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331 all with a grade of C- or higher. Examination, evaluation, and application of scientific methods of communication behavior analysis, especially those directly applicable to human communication. 3 hours lecture. (002023)
CMST 339A	Forensics	1.0	FS
See description for CMST 339C below. 3 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 8.0 units. (002225)
CMST 339B	Forensics	2.0	FS
See description for CMST 339C below. 1 hour discussion, 3 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 8.0 units. (002226)
CMST 339C	Forensics	3.0	FS
Supervised preparation for participating in intercollegiate contests in debate, persuasion, informative speaking, oral interpretation, speeches to entertain, and similar events. No more than 8 units of Forensics (CMST 139 or CMST 339) may be counted toward total University requirements. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (002227)
CMST 350	Foundations of Rhetorical Communication Theories and Practice	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, and CMST 331 with a grade of C- or higher. Study of representative theories of rhetoric from classical to modern times. Emphasis is on continuing questions, trends, developments, and influence upon contemporary thought, and practical applications of theory to understanding and performing rhetorical criticism. 3 hours lecture. (002217)
CMST 370	Introduction to Organizational Communication	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331 with a grade of C- or higher. The study and survey of major content areas of organizational communication theory and research. Contemporary theories related to organizational environments are reviewed with an emphasis on technology in organizations and its relationship to communication process. Content areas include ethics, networks, diversity and cultures, changing employer-employee relations, feedback, groups, home-workplace tensions, and various emerging topics in the field. 3 hours discussion. (002222)
CMST 382	Advanced Communication and Career Skills	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 132, CMST 330 all with a grade of C- or higher. The course is designed for junior level communication studies majors to develop advanced public speaking skill while working concurrently on knowledge development in general career environments and/or specific professional contexts. Potential career choices and strategies for the communication major are identified and explored. This course challenges the student to prepare for the post graduation goals via knowledge accumulation, skill advancement, and development of communication competence. 3 hours discussion. (002244)
CMST 384	Advanced Interviewing Skills	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331 all with a grade of C- or higher; CMST 132 for CMST majors or by faculty permission for non-majors. Corequistie: CMST 370. This course extends students' interviewing knowledge and experience beyond job search interviews into complex contexts such as focus groups, needs assessments, performance appraisals, and employee counseling and disciplinary action. Attention is given to listening and nonverbal behavior in interview contexts, interview development and management, facilitation skills for group interviews, and analysis and interpretation of interview data. Technology as a medium for interviews is also explored. 3 hours discussion. (002248)
CMST 389	Internship in Com Studies	1.0 -3.0	FS
3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (002232)
CMST 398	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	INQ
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 1 hour discussion. (002020)
CMST 399	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Special projects (research or production) in communication study. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002234)
CMST 424	Public Opinion and Propaganda	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331, CMST 350 with a grade of C- or higher for CMST majors only. This course is also offered as JOUR 424, POLS 424. Analysis of major factors in group and individual opinion formation, with emphasis on politics, opinion measurement, and the role of mass media in the political process. 3 hours lecture. (002029)
CMST 428	Politics and the Media	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331W, and CMST 350 with a grade of C- or higher for CMST majors only. This course is also offered as JOUR 428, POLS 428. An examination of the relationships of politics and the mass media. Topics may include politics, visual rhetoric, the public sphere studies, media analysis, public policy decisions, political media campaigns, and social movements. 3 hours seminar. (002246)
CMST 452W	Freedom of Speech (W)	3.0	FS	GW W
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331, CMST 350, and CMST 370 with a grade of C- or higher; for CMST majors or by faculty permission for non-majors. Study of freedom of speech, with attention to issues of dissent and responsible communication. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (020262)
CMST 453	Persuasion & Rhetoric	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331, CMST 350, and CMST 370 with a grade of C- or higher for CMST majors. Theories of persuasion from rhetorical perspectives, focusing on the political, economic, and cultural aspects of persuasive discourses. This course aims to develop students' abilities as an observer and informed practitioner of persuasive communication. 3 hours discussion. (002220)
CMST 459	Health Communication	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331, CMST 350, and CMST 370 with a grade of C- or higher. This course introduces students to the theory/practice of health communication, a field that addresses how we locate, process and share health information. The history, current issues, and future concerns associated with health communication are examined as well as significant influences on our interpretation of health information (e.g. culture, gender, race). In addition, the varied contexts within which health communication occurs (e.g. family/friends, health provider/patient, support groups, community, mass media) are addressed along with public health campaigns. 3 hours discussion. (002235)
CMST 470	Organizational Communication Theories	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331, and CMST 370 with a grade of C- or higher for CMST majors or by faculty permission for non-majors. In-depth theoretical approaches and research perspectives are studied from the field of organizational communication. Theories studied include classical to modern theories of organization, as well as contemporary and critical theories in the communication field. Research areas reviewed include network analysis, socialization, control practices, and others. Application of theory into research is also explored. 3 hours lecture. (002030)
CMST 472W	Organizational Leadership and Decision Making (W)	3.0	FS	GW W
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331, and CMST 370 with a grade of C- or higher; CMST 132 for CMST majors or by faculty permission for non-majors. This course represents an advanced exploration and application of leadership and associated decision making with particular focus on communication processes in a variety of contexts. Discussion topics include, but are not limited to, traditional and contemporary leadership theory, leadership communication competence, leadership and dissent, gender and cultural issues associated with leadership and decision making, followers as an integral part of the leadership equation, and ethical issues related to leadership communication. A group project offers students the opportunity to witness first-hand concepts discussed and to apply what they have learned. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (002247)
CMST 488	Communication Issues in Nonprofits	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331, CMST 350, and CMST 370 with a grade of C- or higher. This course examines the communication concerns of the nonprofit, or third sector, and its changing role in society. Students extend their knowledge of communication theory, analysis, and presentation skills while examining topics such as internal and external communication at the national, state, and local levels of nonprofits, volunteer and other stakeholder communication, crisis and advocacy communication, and communicating for sustainability. Innovations in nonprofit organizing are also covered. 3 hours discussion. (020249)
CMST 489	Internship Program	1.0 -10.0	FS
Prerequisites: Completion of 18 units within either the Major Core, Organizational Communication Option, or Communication and Public Affairs Option. To enroll in CMST 489, students must apply for an internship directly with the internship coordinator, who can be found through the CMST main office. Applications must be completed by the end of the second week of the semester and by the first day of a special session. The internship program provides students with a culminating experience that links their educational experience with practical organizational experience prior to graduation. Student learning objectives for the internship are jointly established by the student, the cooperating organization, the internship coordinator, and California State University, Chico. Students serve their internships under the direct supervision of a member of the cooperating organization. Students can only enroll in the course through the coordinator. This course is offered for 1.0-15.0 units, and only 3.0 units count toward graduation requirements in the organizational and human communication options. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002039)
CMST 498	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 9 hours supervision. (002044)
CMST 499	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002253)
CMST 601	Seminar in Communication Studies	3.0	FA
This course introduces graduate students to the field of communication studies and the philosophical and meta-theoretical debates that under gird communication research. The major forms of theory and research that represent the history of the field and current contemporary discourse in communication are surveyed. 3 hours seminar. (002045)
CMST 602	Seminar in Communication Research Methods	3.0	FS
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of research methods associated with the field of communication. The predominant focus is quantitative inquiry with attention to surveys, experiments, content analysis, and evaluation research. Also included is experience in computer analysis of statistical data and construction of a research proposal. 3 hours seminar. (002046)
CMST 603	Interpretive Approaches to Human Communication Research	3.0	FS
This course is an introduction to qualitative research methods in communication studies including: conceptualization, research design, data collection procedures, and analyses. The role of communication theory in guiding and informing research design in the field is emphasized, as are the ethical and political dimensions of conducting qualitative research. 3 hours seminar. (002254)
CMST 604	Seminar in Political Communication	3.0	FS
This course is also offered as POLS 604. This seminar examines various political communication phenomena both in the United States and the international stage. Aspects of political communication research covered include: media and politics, image politics, visual rhetoric, and public sphere studies. The course emphasizes literature on political communication while simultaneously encouraging students to consider the boundaries of the political as it relates to the study of communication. 3 hours seminar. (002255)
CMST 606	Seminar in Interpersonal Communication Theories	3.0	FS
This course is designed to acquaint students with classic and contemporary theories, and their associated research findings, in the area of interpersonal communication. The course explores a number of topics in the field of interpersonal communication and relationships that are currently generating research attention and/or have been influential in moving the field to where it is today. 3 hours seminar. (002256)
CMST 607	Seminar in Organizational Communication	3.0	FS
This course takes a communicative perspective to the study of organizations, and intends to help students develop familiarity with major communication theories, research orientations, and issues regarding both organizations and the relationship among individuals organizations, and society. 3 hours seminar. (002257)
CMST 609	Seminar in Health Communication	3.0	FS
Health communication is an emerging specialty in the field of communication. The course includes issues such as provider-client communication, provider-provider communication and education, intercultural health communication, alternative medicine, health ethics, and mass media health images. 3 hours seminar. (002259)
CMST 611	Seminar in Intercultural Communication	3.0	FS
This seminar is intended to introduce students to some central topics of intercultural communication from diverse theoretical perspectives. Various intellectual, historical and political contexts in which intercultural communication occurs are examined. The seminar also addresses discussions about the relationship between self and other, identities and differences, nationalism (or nation-state), immigration, citizenship, and globalization with an explicit focus on communication in intercultural communication contexts. 3 hours seminar. (002260)
CMST 612	Seminar in Rhetorical Theory	3.0	FS
This seminar is intended to introduce students to classical and modern theories of rhetoric with an eye toward their value and applicability in the present day. The seminar focuses on critical examination of selected theories of rhetoric, with an emphasis on the relation of rhetoric to knowledge, power, deliberation, display, and action. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (002261)
CMST 613	Seminar in Rhetorical Criticism	3.0	FS
This seminar provides an in depth examination of rhetorical criticism. Historically, the course covers rhetorical criticism from its break with English based literary criticism in the early twentieth century through contemporary developments in the study of rhetoric as a distinct field of study. Students in the course are expected to comprehend several methods and demonstrate mastery of at least one through the construction of a fully formed rhetorical criticism of significant communication artifacts, acts, and/or events. 3 hours seminar. (002262)
CMST 620	Teaching Strategies for Communication Studies Teaching Associates	1.0	FS
A weekly seminar in the theory and practice of teaching. Designed for CMST teaching associates. 1 hour seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020260)
CMST 697	Independent Study	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Research or creative project supervised by a faculty member and separate from the 699P or 699T terminal degree requirement. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (002266)
CMST 698	Special Topics in Communication Studies	3.0	INQ
Course content varies but always focuses on an innovative trend and/or advanced area within the field of communication studies. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 9.0 units. (002265)
CMST 699P	Master's Project	3.0	FS
A media project in lieu of the traditional research thesis (699T) as the terminal degree requirement. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002267)
CMST 699T	Master's Thesis	3.0	FS
The terminal requirement for the master's degree. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (002268)