Folsom Lake College
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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Communication Studies

Communication Studies

Overview

The communication studies department at Folsom Lake College is committed to excellent teaching that provides an innovative and stimulating environment for student learning in theoretical and pragmatic applications of communication education. With the primary mission of encouraging completion of an associate degree and promoting transfer opportunities, the department provides superior educational opportunities to a diverse student population and supports a cooperative environment that reflects and honors the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and interests of all.

The department supports both students and faculty in the pursuit of continuing education to better their personal, academic, and professional lives; to help them meet the communication challenges of an increasingly complex world; and to adapt to the changing communication demands of the future.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A.-T. in Communication Studies 2.0
  • A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication and English
  • A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Applied Communication Skills Certificate
  • Division Dean Francis Fletcher
  • Department Chair Paula Cardwell
  • Phone (916) 608-6752
  • Email fletchf@flc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Communication Studies 2.0

The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer Degree 2.0 program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Communication Studies at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

This program has the following completion requirements:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (CAL-GETC).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better or a "P" in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking 3
COMM C1004 Interpersonal Communication 3
A minimum of 12 units from the following: 12
List A At least 9 units should come from List A.
COMM 305 Oral Interpretation (3)
COMM 311 Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 315 Persuasion (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
COMM 363 Introduction to Communication Theory (3)
COMM 341 Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
or JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
Group B: An additional 3 units from Group B or any course not used in Group A
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
COMM 361 The Communication Experience (3)
ENGL 301 College Composition and Literature (3)
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
Total Units: 18

The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies 2.0 for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • explain the history, evolution, and multidisciplinary nature of human communication.
  • analyze evidence and reasoning to identify and provide appropriate and credible support for written and oral communication.
  • demonstrate individual responsibility, integrity, and respect in all communication interactions.
  • design and deliver effective and appropriate written, oral, and/or visual messages in a variety of personal, professional, and social contexts.
  • utilize both nonverbal and verbal communication strategies appropriate for diverse audiences in order to demonstrate communication competency.
  • differentiate amongst various theoretical perspectives within the discipline of Human Communication.

Career Information

Public Information; Human Resources Development; Corporate Training; Motivational Speaking; Political Speech Writing; Broadcasting; Advertising; Public Relations; Teaching; Organizational Administration; Negotiation and Mediation Services; Personnel Management; Customer Service; Corporate Imaging; Campaign Management; Marketing; Community Relations.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication and English

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Communication and English. These courses emphasize the content of communication as well as the form and should provide an understanding of the psychological basis and the social significance of communication. Students will be able to assess communication as the process of human symbolic interaction. Students will also develop skills in the areas of reasoning and advocacy, organization, accuracy, and reading and listening effectively. Students will be able to integrate important concepts of critical thinking as related to the development of analysis and critical evaluation. Students will also learn to reason inductively and deductively in order to make important decisions regarding life and society at large. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: English, communication and philosophy.)

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
You must select courses from three different disciplines.
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
COMM 311 Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 315 Persuasion (3)
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
COMM 361 The Communication Experience (3)
ENGRD 310 Critical Reading as Critical Thinking (3)
ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (3)
ENGL 301 College Composition and Literature (3)
ENGL C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
PHIL 300 Introduction to Philosophy (3)
PHIL 320 Logic and Critical Reasoning (3)
PHIL 325 Symbolic Logic (3)
Total Units: 18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication and English Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze critically, argue persuasively, and communicate clearly (Communication and English).

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Interdisciplinary Studies in Social and Behavioral Science degree provides an interdisciplinary approach to academic studies. The purpose of the program is for students to gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of various social and behavioral sciences. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Social and Behavioral Sciences. These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: history, sociology, social studies, psychology, and family consumer science.)

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
Select courses from at least 3 different disciplines.
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ADMJ 302 Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3)
ADMJ 320 Concepts of Criminal Law (3)
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
ANTH 319 Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3)
ANTH 323 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
ANTH 330 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3)
ANTH 341 Introduction to Linguistics (3)
BUS 320 Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
   or ECON 320 Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
BUS 330 Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3)
BUS 345 Law and Society (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 341 Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
COMM 363 Introduction to Communication Theory (3)
ECON C2002 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON C2001 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
ECON 307 Global Issues in the Political Economy (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECE 330 Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 430 Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3)
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3)
ETHNS 320 Introduction to African American Studies (3)
ETHNS 350 Introduction to Native American Studies (3)
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family (3)
ETHNS 330 Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
ETHNS 351 Native American Policy and Law (3)
ETHNS 360 Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
GEOG 310 Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)
GEOG 322 Geography of California (3)
HIST 301 History of Europe and Mediterranean World to 1550 (3)
HIST 302 History of Europe Since 1500 (3)
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST C1001 United States History to 1877 (3)
HIST C1002 United States History since 1865 (3)
HIST 314 Recent United States History (3)
HIST 319 American Environmental History (3)
SOC 379 Making Social Change (3)
HIST 331 Women in American History (3)
HIST 344 Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HIST 368 History of France (3)
JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society (3)
KINES 416 Psychology of Sport (3)
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World (3)
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics (3)
POLS 302 Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
SWHS 302 Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3)
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
Total Units: 18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate (Social and Behavioral Sciences).

Certificate

Applied Communication Skills Certificate

Effective communication skills allow people to improve many areas of their lives, but especially their social, academic, and professional lives. Effective communication skills are among the top skills sought by organizations. The Certificate in Applied Communication Skills provides meaningful and marketable skills designed to further a student's personal, academic and professional growth. Courses in this certificate may be applied towards associate degree and/or transfer requirements.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking (3) 3
   or COMM 361 The Communication Experience (3)
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 9
COMM 311 Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 315 Persuasion (3)
COMM C1004 Interpersonal Communication (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
COMM 341 Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351 Mass Media and Society (3)
Total Units: 12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • design and relate messages clearly for effective and appropriate oral communication.
  • apply effective listening skills to comprehend spoken messages, analyze information critically, and consider multiple perspectives.
  • compose ideas clearly in effective, appropriate, and well-organized written messages.
  • demonstrate effective communication appropriate to diverse contexts and people.
  • demonstrate and apply effective group communication strategies.
  • demonstrate effective problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

Career Information

Virtually every employer survey identifies effective communication skills as highly desired and sought-after. Students can utilize their Applied Communication Skills in every employment context.

Communication (COMM) Courses

COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L1B; Cal-GETC Area 1C
  • C-ID:C-ID COMM 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course was formerly known as COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking.

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. By the end of the course, students will be more confident about managing public speaking anxiety and be effective in oral communication situations with diverse audiences. Audio/video recording equipment may be used as an aid to self-analysis and improvement.

This course was formally known as COMM 301. It is not open to students who have successfully completed COMM 301.

COMM 305 Oral Interpretation

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:COMM C1000 or ENGL C1000
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • C-ID:C-ID COMM 170
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces students to the field of performance studies through the oral interpretation of various literary genres, including Western and Non-Western literature. The focus is on audience analysis, selection and thematic analysis of literature, script writing, discussion and application of vocal and physiological delivery techniques, program performance, and post-performance evaluation. Theoretical issues and historical developments are examined and applied to the current performance trends in solo, duo and interpreters' theatre.

COMM 311 Argumentation and Debate

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better; or ESLW 340 (Advanced Composition) with a grade of "C" or better, or ENGWR 480 (Honors Composition) with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Advisory:COMM C1000
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L1B; Cal-GETC Area 1B
  • C-ID:C-ID COMM 120
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers critical reading, writing, thinking and speaking through the preparation and practice of argumentation. Special consideration will be given to the relationship between claims, evidence, and reasoning, and the standards of interpreting information and research. Students will learn to effectively develop reasoned written and oral arguments, recognize fallacies, and understand the relationship language has with logic and reasoning.

COMM 315 Persuasion

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L1B; Cal-GETC Area 1B
  • C-ID:C-ID COMM 190
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course presents fundamental theories and techniques of persuasion as they occur in various communication contexts, including commercial, interpersonal, public, and mass media. Students develop critical thinking skills by engaging in oral and written analysis, evaluation, and composition of persuasive messages and by examining the personal, political, cultural, and social impacts of persuasion. Students explore ethical considerations of persuasive communication, learn about types of reasoning, and identify fallacious arguments as they occur in persuasion. Students will write a minimum of 5,000 written words in a variety of essay formats.

COMM C1004 Interpersonal Communication

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B
  • C-ID:C-ID COMM 130
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course was formerly known as COMM 321 Interpersonal Communication.

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. Students will explore theoretical perspectives of individual, situational, and cultural influences on human interaction with attention given to perception, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, interpersonal dynamics, power and conflict. Previously known as COMM 321. Not open to students who have completed COMM 321.

COMM 325 Intercultural Communication

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID COMM 150
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces students to the challenges and promises of intercultural communications in the United States. Variations and commonalities in communication patterns across cultures are examined as well as processes and outcomes among persons of different group-based experiential backgrounds. Practical application of factors which influence communication among individuals of different cultures is emphasized.

COMM 331 Group Discussion

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L1B
  • C-ID:C-ID COMM 140
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Group communication is pervasive in all academic, professional, and social environments. This course is designed to increase students’ understanding of group communication and to prepare students to function more effectively in various types of groups. Students will learn about the dynamics of group roles, the multiple functions of groups, leadership styles, conflict management, problem-solving, and decision-making. Individual and group presentations are required. Video recording equipment may be used as an aid to the student’s self-analysis and improvement. Access to a computer with online capabilities may be required and computer access is available on campus.

COMM 341 Organizational Communication

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L1B; Local GE L4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed to allow students to examine both theoretical and pragmatic essentials of effective organizational messages from preparation and presentation to effective observation and analysis. Students will explore the dynamics of organizational communications in various situations including conflict negotiation teams and problem solving/decision making groups. The dynamics of leadership and communication will be explored. Current techniques of evaluating organizational communication for the purpose of improving organizational effectiveness will also be examined.

COMM 351 Mass Media and Society

  • Same As:JOUR 310
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID JOUR 100
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The class will offer a survey of the mass media: history, philosophy, structure and trends, as well as theories, which help to explain effects and the importance of media as a social institution. The course will explore economics, technology, law, ethics, and social issues, including cultural and ethnic diversity. This course is the same as JOUR 310; only one of these courses may be taken for credit.

COMM 361 The Communication Experience

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L1B; Cal-GETC Area 1C
  • C-ID:C-ID COMM 115
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the principles and methods of oral communication with an emphasis on improving speaking and listening skills in the multicultural contexts of interpersonal, small group, and public communication. Students will learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society.

COMM 363 Introduction to Communication Theory

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L1B; Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID COMM 180
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

A survey of the discipline of communication studies with emphasis on multiple epistemological, theoretical, and methodological issues relevant to the systematic inquiry and pursuit of knowledge about human communication. This course explores the basic history, assumptions, principles, processes, variables, methods, and specializations of human communication as an academic field of study.

COMM 494 Topics in Communication

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

A survey of contemporary communication topics that allows students to choose a particular option from several. Possible options may include, but are not limited to: extemporaneous speaking, intercultural communication in the workplace, communication in the classroom, conflict, principles of visual communication, readers' theatre, parliamentary procedure and decision making techniques. Students may receive one unit of credit in each topic area. Consult class schedule for specific topics offered.

COMM 495 Independent Studies in Communication

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

COMM 498 Work Experience in Communication and Media Studies

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Student must be in a paid or non-paid internship, volunteer opportunity, or job related to career interests.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of Communication and Media Studies. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the semester, the student is required to attend orientation. Students must complete 27 hours of related paid or unpaid work experience for .5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional .5 unit. The course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and some computer media such as a USB drive to store data files. Online students must have an email account. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

COMM 499 Experimental Offering in Communication

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog