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Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree
Communication Studies 2.0

The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies 2.0 for Transfer (AA-T) Degree is intended to meet the lower division requirements for Communication Studies majors (or similar majors) at a CSU campus that offers a Communication Studies baccalaureate degree.

This degree is designed for students interested in the study and practice of human communication. The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer Degree offers students comprehensive knowledge of the nature of communication, including theoretical foundations and applicable skills. Students will develop skills in advocacy, critical thinking, debate, interpersonal communication, oral communication, performance, public speaking, and small group communication.

Career opportunities may include: administration, advertising, broadcasting, business communications, consulting, government services, journalism, law, marketing, performance, politics, public relations, sales, teaching, and other professions in which an understanding of and facility with the process of communication is essential.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

Apply Now!


Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2025-2026 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: SPCH 100 / SPCH 100H M3.0
SPCH 100 - Interpersonal Communication (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 003)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC (credit limit*)CSU, (*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 100 or SPCH 100H)

This course focuses on the oral communication that occurs in dyadic interactions, such as the rhetorical strategies to maintain and strengthen personal and professional relationships. Students become aware of theory and research related to the influences of language, nonverbal communication, and other communication aspects influencing the dyadic interaction. This course includes faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations in the presence of others. This course is designed for Communication Studies majors and anyone interested in the rhetorical and communicative principles involved in the social interaction in interpersonal interactions.

SPCH 100H - Interpersonal Communication Honors (3.0 units)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to:UC (credit limit*)CSU, (*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 100 or SPCH 100H)

This course focuses on the oral communication that occurs in dyadic interactions, such as the rhetorical strategies to maintain and strengthen personal and professional relationships. Students become aware of theory and research related to the influences of language, nonverbal communication, and other communication aspects influencing the dyadic interaction. This course includes faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations in the presence of others. This course is designed for Communication Studies majors and anyone interested in the rhetorical and communicative principles involved in social interaction in interpersonal interactions. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program.

ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (Cal-GETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units)

(Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101)

Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. 

Cal-GETC 3a - ArtsGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ARTS: ART 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H
GDSN 110
MUS 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
MUST 151, 152
THTR 101, 105, 105H

Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Select one:
CHST 101
EGSS 110

Total Semester Units:12.5† 
2nd Semester
Select one: COMM C1000 / COMM C1000H (Cal-GETC 1C)M3.0
COMM C1000 - Introduction to Public Speaking (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 001A, SPCH 101)

Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM C1000, COMM C1000H)

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. This course is designed for Communication Studies majors and recommended for students interested in the Forensics: Speech and Debate team, and/or Pathway to Law.

COMM C1000H - Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors (formerly SPCH 101H) (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 101H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM C1000, COMM C1000H)

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. This is an honors course. This course is designed for Communication Studies majors and recommended for students interested in the Honors Transfer Program, Forensics: Speech and Debate team, and/or Pathway to Law.

Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ENGL C1001, 1001H
PHIL 110, 110H

US HISTORY (Cal-GETC 3B)GE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

Select one: STAT C1000 / STAT C1000H / PSY 190 (Cal-GETC 2)GE4.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  STAT C1000/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190.

STAT C1000 - Introduction to Statistics (formerly MATH 130) (4.0 units)

(Formerly MATH 012, MATH 130)

Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. ENGL C1000, READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit),CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: STAT C1000, STAT C1000H)

This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines.

STAT C1000H - Introduction to Statistics - Honors (formerly MATH 130H) (4.0 units)

Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. READ 101, ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: STAT C1000, STAT C1000H)

This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This is an honors course. This course is recommended for students intending on participating in the Honors Transfer Program.

PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:ENGL 101 and the ability to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*The UC will grant credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H or PSY 190)

This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics.

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:16.0† 
Summer 1
Select one: POLS C1000 / POLS C1000H (Cal-GETC 4)GE3.0
POLS C1000 - American Government and Politics (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLS 110, 002)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology.

POLS C1000H - American Government and Politics - Honors (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLYS 110H, POLS 110H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. This is an honors course.

Cal-GETC 5a - Physical ScienceGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*'.

Select one:
ASTR 110, 110H, 112*, 137*
GEOG 101, 101L*
GEOL 150, 151*, 152, 152L*
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*
PHY 120*, 150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

Total Semester Units:6.0† 
3rd Semester
Select one: SPCH 110 / SPCH 120 / SPCH 130 / SPCH 140 / SPCH 150 / MSCM 128 M2.0†
SPCH 110 - Forensics: Speech and Debate Team (2.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 011)

Advisory:Prior or concurrent enrollment in SPCH 101 or SPCH 101H or SPCH 130 or SPCH 140; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course trains students to participate in Rio Hondo College’s Forensic Speech and Debate Team. Emphasis is placed on preparation, including research and writing; practice; and participation in intercollegiate speech and debate tournaments and/or community events. Students learn debate, oral interpretation, limited preparation, and platform speaking. The course is appropriate for students specializing in areas involving public speaking such as law, political science, drama, and instruction. Students who sign up for the lab hours are required to compete. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.

SPCH 120 - Small Group Communication (3.0 units)

Advisory:ENGL C1000Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course focuses on oral communication in small group settings. Emphasis is placed on rhetorical principles and practices relating to small groups. Additionally, the focus is on the assessment of the efficacy of communication processes such as problem-solving, conflict management, decision-making, and leadership. The course is intended for students pursuing a Communication Studies degree or any discipline requiring effective communication in group settings. Throughout the course, students are expected to speak their own words, not recite words written by others. This course includes faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations in the presence of others (physically or virtually). As a primary focus, this course provides students with the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking in a democratic society to enable students to successfully communicate ideas of an informative and persuasive nature in the public speaking mode and to critically evaluate the speeches of others.

SPCH 130 - Oral Interpretation (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 030)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course focuses on the oral performance aspects of various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and drama. The skills needed for making such public performances are addressed and students’ knowledge of the various forms of literature will be enhanced. Emphasis is placed on creating the essence of characters in a text through facial, vocal, and kinetic methods. This course is appropriate for speech majors or anyone interested in public performance and literature.

SPCH 140 - Argumentation and Debate (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 040A)

Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 140 or SPCH 240)

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge of argumentation and debate concepts and theories to successfully dissect and deliver arguments in distinct contexts and public speaking settings and to critically evaluate the arguments of others. The course emphasizes Aristotle’s ethos, pathos, and logos, audience analysis, ethics, critical listening, and effective verbal and nonverbal practices for effective argumentation. Lastly, the course includes analysis of strong evidence and the process of reasoning needed for effective arguing and presentation of arguments to live audiences. Central to this course is the learning of the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking in a democratic society to communicate ideas through speaking in debate contexts such as to audience’s expected to refute or question the speaker’s central thesis and/or arguments.

SPCH 150 - Intercultural Communication (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is an introduction to intercultural communication. Emphasis is placed on applying intercultural theories and concepts to understand the influence of cultural membership upon communicative situations. Students who complete the course improve their intercultural communication competence. This course is recommended for students in all fields, but particularly for students majoring in communication studies and students who anticipate high levels of interaction with people from diverse cultures.

MSCM 128 - Mass Media in Modern Society (3.0 units)

(Formerly MASSC 128, 028)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MSCM 103 or MSCM 128)

This course in mass media surveys the history, format, laws, and significant contributors in American mass communications. Through projects and readings, students research and discuss such issues as free press, fair trial, foreign communications systems, and the relationship between free media and a democratic society.

Select one: SPCH 110 / SPCH 120 / SPCH 130 / SPCH 140 / SPCH 150 / MSCM 128 M2.0†
SPCH 110 - Forensics: Speech and Debate Team (2.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 011)

Advisory:Prior or concurrent enrollment in SPCH 101 or SPCH 101H or SPCH 130 or SPCH 140; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course trains students to participate in Rio Hondo College’s Forensic Speech and Debate Team. Emphasis is placed on preparation, including research and writing; practice; and participation in intercollegiate speech and debate tournaments and/or community events. Students learn debate, oral interpretation, limited preparation, and platform speaking. The course is appropriate for students specializing in areas involving public speaking such as law, political science, drama, and instruction. Students who sign up for the lab hours are required to compete. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.

SPCH 120 - Small Group Communication (3.0 units)

Advisory:ENGL C1000Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course focuses on oral communication in small group settings. Emphasis is placed on rhetorical principles and practices relating to small groups. Additionally, the focus is on the assessment of the efficacy of communication processes such as problem-solving, conflict management, decision-making, and leadership. The course is intended for students pursuing a Communication Studies degree or any discipline requiring effective communication in group settings. Throughout the course, students are expected to speak their own words, not recite words written by others. This course includes faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations in the presence of others (physically or virtually). As a primary focus, this course provides students with the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking in a democratic society to enable students to successfully communicate ideas of an informative and persuasive nature in the public speaking mode and to critically evaluate the speeches of others.

SPCH 130 - Oral Interpretation (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 030)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course focuses on the oral performance aspects of various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and drama. The skills needed for making such public performances are addressed and students’ knowledge of the various forms of literature will be enhanced. Emphasis is placed on creating the essence of characters in a text through facial, vocal, and kinetic methods. This course is appropriate for speech majors or anyone interested in public performance and literature.

SPCH 140 - Argumentation and Debate (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 040A)

Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 140 or SPCH 240)

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge of argumentation and debate concepts and theories to successfully dissect and deliver arguments in distinct contexts and public speaking settings and to critically evaluate the arguments of others. The course emphasizes Aristotle’s ethos, pathos, and logos, audience analysis, ethics, critical listening, and effective verbal and nonverbal practices for effective argumentation. Lastly, the course includes analysis of strong evidence and the process of reasoning needed for effective arguing and presentation of arguments to live audiences. Central to this course is the learning of the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking in a democratic society to communicate ideas through speaking in debate contexts such as to audience’s expected to refute or question the speaker’s central thesis and/or arguments.

SPCH 150 - Intercultural Communication (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is an introduction to intercultural communication. Emphasis is placed on applying intercultural theories and concepts to understand the influence of cultural membership upon communicative situations. Students who complete the course improve their intercultural communication competence. This course is recommended for students in all fields, but particularly for students majoring in communication studies and students who anticipate high levels of interaction with people from diverse cultures.

MSCM 128 - Mass Media in Modern Society (3.0 units)

(Formerly MASSC 128, 028)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MSCM 103 or MSCM 128)

This course in mass media surveys the history, format, laws, and significant contributors in American mass communications. Through projects and readings, students research and discuss such issues as free press, fair trial, foreign communications systems, and the relationship between free media and a democratic society.

Cal-GETC 5b - Biological ScienceGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':

Select one:
ANTH 101, 101H, 101L*; BIOL 101*, 105, 105L*, 111, 111L*, 120, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 206, 222*, 226*;
PSY 210, 210H.

Cal-GETC 5c - LaboratoryGE1.0

Select one if lab has not been completed in IGETC 5A or 5B.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':
ANTH 101L*;
ASTR 112*;
BIOL 101*, 105L*, 111L*, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 222*, 226*;
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*;
GEOG 101L*;
GEOL 151*;
PHY 120*,150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:14.0† 
4th Semester
Select one: SPCH 110 / SPCH 120 / SPCH 130 / SPCH 140 / SPCH 150 / MSCM 128 M2.0†
SPCH 110 - Forensics: Speech and Debate Team (2.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 011)

Advisory:Prior or concurrent enrollment in SPCH 101 or SPCH 101H or SPCH 130 or SPCH 140; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course trains students to participate in Rio Hondo College’s Forensic Speech and Debate Team. Emphasis is placed on preparation, including research and writing; practice; and participation in intercollegiate speech and debate tournaments and/or community events. Students learn debate, oral interpretation, limited preparation, and platform speaking. The course is appropriate for students specializing in areas involving public speaking such as law, political science, drama, and instruction. Students who sign up for the lab hours are required to compete. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.

SPCH 120 - Small Group Communication (3.0 units)

Advisory:ENGL C1000Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course focuses on oral communication in small group settings. Emphasis is placed on rhetorical principles and practices relating to small groups. Additionally, the focus is on the assessment of the efficacy of communication processes such as problem-solving, conflict management, decision-making, and leadership. The course is intended for students pursuing a Communication Studies degree or any discipline requiring effective communication in group settings. Throughout the course, students are expected to speak their own words, not recite words written by others. This course includes faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations in the presence of others (physically or virtually). As a primary focus, this course provides students with the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking in a democratic society to enable students to successfully communicate ideas of an informative and persuasive nature in the public speaking mode and to critically evaluate the speeches of others.

SPCH 130 - Oral Interpretation (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 030)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course focuses on the oral performance aspects of various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and drama. The skills needed for making such public performances are addressed and students’ knowledge of the various forms of literature will be enhanced. Emphasis is placed on creating the essence of characters in a text through facial, vocal, and kinetic methods. This course is appropriate for speech majors or anyone interested in public performance and literature.

SPCH 140 - Argumentation and Debate (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 040A)

Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 140 or SPCH 240)

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge of argumentation and debate concepts and theories to successfully dissect and deliver arguments in distinct contexts and public speaking settings and to critically evaluate the arguments of others. The course emphasizes Aristotle’s ethos, pathos, and logos, audience analysis, ethics, critical listening, and effective verbal and nonverbal practices for effective argumentation. Lastly, the course includes analysis of strong evidence and the process of reasoning needed for effective arguing and presentation of arguments to live audiences. Central to this course is the learning of the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking in a democratic society to communicate ideas through speaking in debate contexts such as to audience’s expected to refute or question the speaker’s central thesis and/or arguments.

SPCH 150 - Intercultural Communication (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is an introduction to intercultural communication. Emphasis is placed on applying intercultural theories and concepts to understand the influence of cultural membership upon communicative situations. Students who complete the course improve their intercultural communication competence. This course is recommended for students in all fields, but particularly for students majoring in communication studies and students who anticipate high levels of interaction with people from diverse cultures.

MSCM 128 - Mass Media in Modern Society (3.0 units)

(Formerly MASSC 128, 028)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MSCM 103 or MSCM 128)

This course in mass media surveys the history, format, laws, and significant contributors in American mass communications. Through projects and readings, students research and discuss such issues as free press, fair trial, foreign communications systems, and the relationship between free media and a democratic society.

Select one: SPCH 110 / SPCH 120 / SPCH 130 / SPCH 132 / SPCH 140 / SPCH 150 / SPCH 240 / MSCM 128 / ANTH 102 / ANTH 102H / LIT 102 / LIT 102H / PSYC C1000 / PSYC C1000H / SOC 101 / SOC 101H M2.0†
SPCH 110 - Forensics: Speech and Debate Team (2.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 011)

Advisory:Prior or concurrent enrollment in SPCH 101 or SPCH 101H or SPCH 130 or SPCH 140; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course trains students to participate in Rio Hondo College’s Forensic Speech and Debate Team. Emphasis is placed on preparation, including research and writing; practice; and participation in intercollegiate speech and debate tournaments and/or community events. Students learn debate, oral interpretation, limited preparation, and platform speaking. The course is appropriate for students specializing in areas involving public speaking such as law, political science, drama, and instruction. Students who sign up for the lab hours are required to compete. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.

SPCH 120 - Small Group Communication (3.0 units)

Advisory:ENGL C1000Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course focuses on oral communication in small group settings. Emphasis is placed on rhetorical principles and practices relating to small groups. Additionally, the focus is on the assessment of the efficacy of communication processes such as problem-solving, conflict management, decision-making, and leadership. The course is intended for students pursuing a Communication Studies degree or any discipline requiring effective communication in group settings. Throughout the course, students are expected to speak their own words, not recite words written by others. This course includes faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations in the presence of others (physically or virtually). As a primary focus, this course provides students with the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking in a democratic society to enable students to successfully communicate ideas of an informative and persuasive nature in the public speaking mode and to critically evaluate the speeches of others.

SPCH 130 - Oral Interpretation (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 030)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course focuses on the oral performance aspects of various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, and drama. The skills needed for making such public performances are addressed and students’ knowledge of the various forms of literature will be enhanced. Emphasis is placed on creating the essence of characters in a text through facial, vocal, and kinetic methods. This course is appropriate for speech majors or anyone interested in public performance and literature.

SPCH 132 - Readers Theatre (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 132A, 132B)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This is a creative communication course focusing on group presentations of literature. Students will perform prose, drama, and/or poetry in groups so that a communicative message emerges and fosters imaginative responses in the minds of an audience. Emphasis is placed on the fusion between rhetoric, interpretation, and acting. Readers Theatre is designed for Speech Communication majors and those interested in literature and performance.

SPCH 140 - Argumentation and Debate (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 040A)

Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 140 or SPCH 240)

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge of argumentation and debate concepts and theories to successfully dissect and deliver arguments in distinct contexts and public speaking settings and to critically evaluate the arguments of others. The course emphasizes Aristotle’s ethos, pathos, and logos, audience analysis, ethics, critical listening, and effective verbal and nonverbal practices for effective argumentation. Lastly, the course includes analysis of strong evidence and the process of reasoning needed for effective arguing and presentation of arguments to live audiences. Central to this course is the learning of the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking in a democratic society to communicate ideas through speaking in debate contexts such as to audience’s expected to refute or question the speaker’s central thesis and/or arguments.

SPCH 150 - Intercultural Communication (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is an introduction to intercultural communication. Emphasis is placed on applying intercultural theories and concepts to understand the influence of cultural membership upon communicative situations. Students who complete the course improve their intercultural communication competence. This course is recommended for students in all fields, but particularly for students majoring in communication studies and students who anticipate high levels of interaction with people from diverse cultures.

SPCH 240 - Argumentation and Discussion (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 040B)

Prerequisite: SPCH 140
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SPCH 140 or SPCH 240)

This course provides students with expanded practice and theory in argumentation. Students further develop their argumentation knowledge and skills through debate participation, observation, and discussion. The course is particularly appropriate for students anticipating entering occupations that involve extensive argumentation and deliberation such as law, communication, negotiation, and any area where argumentation and debate occur frequently.

MSCM 128 - Mass Media in Modern Society (3.0 units)

(Formerly MASSC 128, 028)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MSCM 103 or MSCM 128)

This course in mass media surveys the history, format, laws, and significant contributors in American mass communications. Through projects and readings, students research and discuss such issues as free press, fair trial, foreign communications systems, and the relationship between free media and a democratic society.

ANTH 102 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3.0 units)

(Formerly ANTHR 102)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (Credit limit*)CSU (*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ANTH 102 or ANTH 102H)

The emphasis of this general education course is the investigation of human culture. By learning about the diversity of cultural practices around the world, students will be able to evaluate their identities within their own societies. In addition to discovering the theories and methods important to cultural anthropology, the course includes an extensive examination of cross-cultural diversity. Students learn about how people in different cultures obtain their food, exchange goods, organize themselves in groups, engage in politics, raise children, and worship supernatural beings. Also addressed is the issue of how cultural anthropology can contribute to addressing important problems in the modern world. The course is designed for anthropology majors, those with an interest in anthropology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human culture.

ANTH 102H - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Honors (3.0 units)

(Formerly ANTHR 102H)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (Credit limit*) CSU (*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ANTH 102 or ANTH 102H)

The emphasis of this general education course is the investigation of human culture. By learning about the diversity of cultural practices around the world, students will be able to evaluate their identities within their own societies. In addition to discovering the theories and methods important to cultural anthropology, the course will include an extensive examination of cross-cultural diversity. Students will learn about how people in different cultures obtain their food, exchange goods, organize themselves in groups, engage in politics, raise children, and worship supernatural beings. Also addressed will be the issue of how cultural anthropology can contribute to addressing problems important in the modern world. This course is designed for anthropology majors, those with an interest in anthropology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human culture. This course is intended for those who meet Honors Program requirements.

LIT 102 - Approaches to Literature (3.0 units)

(Formerly LIT 001B)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: LIT 102 or LIT 102H)

This course is designed for students who wish to study the four general literary forms: poetry, drama, short story, and novel. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, critical reading, and composing. Compositions will be based upon discussion, analysis and interpretations of literature, and upon the relationship of Western and Non-Western literature to contemporary thought.

LIT 102H - Approaches to Literature Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: LIT 102 or LIT 102H)

This course is designed for students who wish to study the four general literary forms: poetry, drama, short story, and novel. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, critical reading, and composing. Compositions will be based upon discussion, analysis and interpretations of literature, and upon the relationship of Western and Non-Western literature to contemporary thought. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program.

PSYC C1000 - Introduction to Psychology (3.0 units)

(Formerly PSY 001A, PSY 101)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC C1000, PSYC C1000H)

This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations.

PSYC C1000H - Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3.0 units)

Formerly: PSY 101H
Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSY 101 or PSY 101H)

This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations. This is an honors course..

SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3.0 units)

(Formerly SOC 001A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SOC 101 or SOC 101H)

This course is designed for students with an interest in the discipline of sociology, or anyone who wants to further their understanding of human group behavior and the organization of society. Using several theoretical points of view, students study and analyze the organization of social life; problems of inequality, including age, sex, race and ethnicity, social class, and lifestyle; the basic social institutions of family, religion, and economics; and global issues related to technology, social movements, and social change.

SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: Enrollment is restricted to those who meet Honors Program requirements (minimum GPA of 3.0);completion of ENGL 101 and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: SOC 101 or SOC 101H)

This course is designed for students with an interest in the discipline of sociology, or anyone who wants to further their understanding of human group behavior and the organization of society. Using several theoretical points of view, students study and analyze the organization of social life; problems of inequality, including age, sex, race and ethnicity, social class, and lifestyle;the basic social institutions of family, religion, and economics; and global issues related to technology, social movements, and social change. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program.

Cal-GETC 4 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE3.0

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
A total of 6 units required in Social and Behavioral Sciences from 2 different disciplines.

 Select one:
AJ 101
ANTH 102, 102H, 103, 110, 115, 125
CD 106, 208
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150
ECON 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 106, 135
EGSS 110, 120, 130
GEOG 102, 103
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158,159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130
MSCM 128
PHIL 128, 128H, 135
POLS C1000, C1000H, 115, 125, 128, 128H, 130,135, 140, 150
PSY 112, 114, 200
PSYC C1000, C1000H
SOC 101, 101H, 102, 105, 110, 114, 116, 120, 127, 130
SPCH 150

UC/CSU ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

UC/CSU ElectiveEL2.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:12.0† 
Total Units for Communication Studies 2.0 AA-T program (Transfer to Cal-GETC)60.5† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will identify conflict management strategies in an interpersonal relationship context.


2

Students will deliver a coherent speech inclusive of a distinctive introduction, body, and conclusion, as well as 2-3 substantive main points within the body and appropriate transitions.


3

Students will control/manage their verbal and nonverbal communication to enhance the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the speech message appropriate to the specific audience.


4

Students will argue in favor of a thesis with a supportive example and refute an opposing position with an accompanying example.


5

Students will think critically in order to construct a debate position, including the debater’s reasoning.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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