Volunteer State Community College | Division of Humanities
Communication is the study of human interaction in interpersonal and group settings (among friends, families, and co-workers, for example), and in public settings (including the workplace, the community, and the mass media). Courses in each of the five programs - General Communication, Business & Professional Communication, Journalism, Radio/TV, and Speech & Forensics - balance theory with practical skills.
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COM 100 Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3)
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This course is an introduction to the communication process, interpersonal communication, group discussion, and public speaking. Students are required to prepare and deliver speeches. PREREQUISITES: DSPW 0800 and DSPR 0800 or acceptable placement scores.
COM 101 Introduction to Journalism (3)
This course is an introduction to the news, basic skills required of journalists, basic types of stories, effective writing techniques, and the rights and responsibilities of journalists. PREREQUISITES: DSPW 0800 and DSPR 0800 or acceptable placement scores.
COM 102 Reporting for Print Media (3)
This course emphasizes selecting and covering news stories, specialized types of news stories, and newsgathering and writing skills. PREREQUISITE: COM 101.
COM 103 Public Speaking (3)
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This course is an introduction to preparing and delivering public speeches, including emphasis on informative and persuasive speaking. PREREQUISITE: DSPW 0800 and DSPR 0800 or acceptable placement scores. (Same as RODP SP 110)
COM 106 Interpersonal Communication (3)
This course helps students understand and improve personal communication skills in a variety of contexts, including social, workplace, and family settings. Topics may include intra-personal communication, language, non-verbal behavior, listening, roles, supportiveness, and conflict management. PREREQUISITES: DSPW 0800 and DSPR 0800 or acceptable placement scores.
COM 110 Survey of Mass Communications (3)
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This course is an examination of the print and electronic media. Each medium is analyzed. The possible effects of the media are also examined.
COM 111 Radio Production (3)
An introductory course in radio production techniques and equipment. Includes practice in recording, editing, and microphone techniques. The proper care and cleaning of equipment are demonstrated. Analog and digital recording/production techniques are introduced. Two lecture, two laboratory hours per week.
COM 112 Television Production (3)
A basic course in television production techniques covering the principles of equipment setup, operation and care, lighting, sound, sets, props, and camera techniques. Practical experience in program production during supervised laboratory work. Two lecture, two laboratory hours per week.
COM 120 Introduction to Broadcasting (3)
An introductory study of the principles and role of broadcasting in society. A study made of broadcasting history, development, organization, and operation.
COM 130 Announcing (3)
A study of the principles of announcing for radio and television and FCC Rules and Regulations which affect typical radio announcer daily operations. Two lecture, two laboratory hours per week.
COM 200D Voice and Diction (3)
A study of the basic fundamentals of vocal expression; this course explores non-regional speech development and the use of the voice as an expressive instrument. (Same as THEA 200D). PREREQUISITE: COM 100 or COM 103.
COM 201 Media Advertising and Sales (3)
Emphasis on sales presentations, marketing techniques, rating systems, and rate structures for print and electronic media. PRE or CO REQUISITE: COM 110.
COM 202 Broadcast Programming and Promotion (3)
This course introduces students to broadcast programming and the promotion of programs. The course emphasizes ratings and the promotion of programs, formats, services, personalities, and images.
COM 210 Business and Professional Communication (3)
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This course explores communication in the workplace by blending theory with practical application and skill development. Communication behavior in organizations, including networks or 'pathways;' interviewing; group communication; and public presentations will be examined. Use of web-based and related communication technology will be emphasized.
COM 220 Writing for Broadcast Media (3)
Principles of writing for Radio-TV. Practice in wirecopy editing, rewriting, news reporting techniques, commercial writing, and commentary.
COM 240 Introduction to Public Relations (3)
An introduction to the history, theory, and functions of public relations, focusing on both principles and practice. To apply skills, students will analyze case studies, develop strategic campaigns, and write copy.
COM 250 Argumentation and Debate (3)
The study of principles of argumentation; emphasis on the student’s ability to analyze, to present evidence, to refute fallacies, to apply techniques of persuasion; actual practice in debating. PREREQUISITE: COM 100.
COM 270* Audio for Media (3)
Provides a basic understanding of the theories and technology used in audio production for CD's , radio, TV, and film, laboratory included.
COM 271* Introduction to Recording Techniques and Sound Reinforcement (3)
Develops an understanding of the techniques and technology involved in modern multi-track recording and mixing. Hands on experience. Lab included. PREREQUISITE: COM 270*.
COM 280T Special Topics in Communications (1-3)
A course designed to allow the student to pursue special interests in communications. Requires permission of the instructor. May not be taken in lieu of COM 100 or basic oral communications requirement. Only six hours may be counted toward graduation.
COM 291P* Communication Practicum: Radio (1-3)
Supervised laboratory or field work in radio broadcasting or radio station operations. Designed primarily for actual on-air experience. May be completed at the College station WVCP-FM or as an internship at a commercial station. Students may take a combination of practicum courses (291P*, 292P*, 293P*, 294P*, 295P* and/or 296P*); only 8 hours may be counted toward graduation. Not intended for transfer.
COM 292P* Communication Practicum: Newspaper (1-3)
Practical journalism experience while producing the school newspaper, The Settler. Learning by doing. The amount of required work varies with credit hours. Students may take a combination of practicum courses (291P*, 292P*, 293P*, 294P*, 295P* and/or 296P*); only 8 hours may be counted toward graduation. Not intended for transfer.
COM 293P* Communication Practicum: Magazine (1-3)
Practical journalism experience while producing the school magazine , The Pioneer. Learning by doing. The amount of required work varies with credit hours. Students may take a combination of practicum courses (291P*, 292P*, 293P*, 294P*,295P*, and/or 296P*); only 8 hours may be counted toward graduation. Not intended for transfer.
COM 294P* Communication Practicum: Video Production (1-3)
Supervised laboratory or field work in video production. A planned program of independent study and work experience. The amount of required work varies with credit hours. Students may take a combination of practicum courses (291P*, 292P*, 293P*, 294P*, 295P*, and/or 296P*); only 8 hours may be counted toward graduation. Not intended for transfer.
COM 295P* Recording Practicum (3)
Practical experience in recording operations. Learning by doing. May be completed at the Vol State Recording Studio. Students may take a combination of practicum courses (COM 291P*, 292P*, 293P*, 294P*, 295P*, and/or 296P*); only 8 hours may be counted toward graduation. Not intended for transfer. PREREQUISITE: COM 271*.
COM 296P* Forensics Practicum (3)
Speech team competition. Students will research, create, and practice for competition in various intercollegiate forensics tournaments. Students may take a combination of practicum courses (COM 291P*, 292P*, 293P*, 294P*, 295P*, and/or 296P*); only 8 hours may be counted toward graduation. Not intended for transfer.
