Course Descriptions
Below you can find descriptions of each of the courses offered in our department. All of our courses will allow you to complete requirements under the De Anza and CSU GE patterns, while certain courses will help you finish IGETC requirements. Many of our courses also have an honors option available for interested students: Please consult the course catalog and individual instructor for more information.
COMM 1: Public Speaking (5 Units)
Meets De Anza GE Area A2: Oral Communication
Meets CSU GE Area A1: Oral Communication
Meets IGETC Area 1C: Oral Communication
Theory and techniques of public speaking in a democratic society. An introduction to a variety of perspectives and approaches used to research, organize, deliver, and evaluate public presentations.
COMM 7: Intercultural Communication (4 Units)
Meets De Anza GE Area D: Social and Behavioral Science
Meets CSU GE Area D: Social, Political and Economic Institutions transfer requirement
Meets IGETC Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Study of intercultural communication in domestic and global contexts. Examines how differing cultures, languages, and social patterns influence the way members of groups relate among themselves and with members of other ethnic and cultural groups. Emphasizes development of interpersonal skills for communicating effectively across cultures and encourages appreciation of diverse cultural voices.
COMM 8: Argumentation and Critical Inquiry in Oral Communication (5 Units)
Meets De Anza GE Area A3: Critical Thinking
Meets CSU GE Area A3: Critical Thinking
Instruction and practice in the principles of critical inquiry, advocacy, and debate including analysis of propositions, research and testing evidence, advancing reasoned positions, and defending and refuting arguments. Prepares students to confidently and responsibly engage in public and private discourse.
COMM 9: Argumentation: Analysis of Oral and Written Communication (5 Units)
Meets De Anza GE Area A3: Critical Thinking
Meets CSU GE Area A3: Critical Thinking
Meets IGETC Area 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
Study of argumentation and critical thinking in the context of reading, discussion, and writing. Argumentation is studied as a mode of discourse aimed at critically testing the acceptability of a point of view through the use of inquiry, reasoning, and discussion with the goal of establishing reasonable and defensible arguments while addressing and resolving differences of opinion.
COMM 10: Fundamentals of Oral Communication (5 Units)
Meets De Anza GE Area A2: Oral Communication
Meets CSU GE Area A1: Oral Communication
Meets IGETC Area 1C: Oral Communication
An introduction to the basic principles and methods of oral communication with emphasis on improving speaking and listening skills in the multicultural contexts of interpersonal, small group, and public communication.
COMM 15: Critical Decision-Making in Groups (5 Units)
Meets De Anza GE Area A3: Critical Thinking
Meets CSU GE Area A3: Critical Thinking
Study in communication and reasoning in the context of effective group problem solving. Emphasis on principles of evidence and reasoning. Application of group discussion concepts and methods of problem solving to understanding different points of view.
COMM 16: Interpersonal Communication (5 Units)
Meets De Anza GE Area D: Social and Behavioral Science
Meets De Anza GE Area E: Physical/Mental Wellness & Personal Development
Meets CSU GE Area E: Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Study of interpersonal communication principles including perception, self concept, listening, conflict and nonverbal communication as a means of equipping students with an understanding and development of their communication and their relationship with others.
COMM 70: Organizational Communication (5 Units)
Meets De Anza GE Area D: Social and Behavioral Science
Meets CSU GE Area D: Social, Political and Economic Institutions CSU requirement
A study of organizational communication concepts and theories. Impact of networks, superior/subordinate message patterns, team building, climate, culture and gender influences, communication technology, ethics, and globalization on organizational effectiveness. Emphasizes development of communication skills useful for working productively in a dynamic, collaborative, multicultural work environment.
For more information about classes and current quarter offerings, please see the De Anza College Catalog and Schedule of Classes.