Communication Studies Department

Liberal Studies: Helping to Prepare Elementary Teachers

Students who are completing the Liberal Studies program for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) (for elementary teachers) are required to take at least one course in Communication Studies to fulfill the core requirement in Communication Studies in what is called Area I: Communication, Language, and Literature. Liberal Studies majors may choose any of the following courses to fulfill the speech requirement:

COMM 351: Public Speaking
Principles of effective extemporaneous speaking; practice in preparation and delivery of speeches for different occasions; emphasis on delivery, style, organization, selection of materials. Class criticism of student speeches. Designed for the general student.

COMM 362: Introduction to Oral Communication
Introduction to Oral Communication Introduction to oral interpretation of literature, including excerpts from prose, poetry, and public speeches. Emphasis on analysis of literature, script development, and performance skills..

COMM 363 : Oral Interpretation of the First Person Voice
Focuses on theory and principles of reading literature aloud which is written in the first person voice (i.e., monologue, dramatic poetry, etc.) to illuminate the special properties of this literature when translated from the printed page to the spoken word.

COMM 364: Oral Interpretation of Children's Literature
Focuses on adults reading stories, poetry, and nonfiction to children ages 5 to 12 years old. Skills for translating the printed page into an oral performance.

COMM 365: Argumentation and Debate
Methods of analysis and verbal formulation of the strongest possible case for and against a position or a point of view; the support of that position through evidence and inference; practical application in debate and public speaking.

COMM 366: Persuasion
Factors involved in influencing audience attitudes through public speeches. Designed to increase critical awareness of oral persuasion as used in our society and to clarify ethical standards of responsibility of the persuader.

COMM 521: Group Discussion
Principles of group discussion; influence of group structure, norms, roles, leadership, and climate on the processes of communication and collaborative decision-making. Evaluation of group members and leaders.

Liberal Studies majors may also use some Communication Studies courses from Area I of AREA OF EMPHASIS BEYOND THE CORE. Students working in this major or program need to work closely with a Liberal Studies Advisor. Students interested in elementary teaching will also want to acquire information about our Multiple Subjects Credential Program.