The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies 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.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
Select one: SPCH 100 / SPCH 120 / SPCH 140 M | 3.0 | |
SPCH 100 - Interpersonal Communication (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement This introductory course focuses on the kinds of interpersonal communication interactions that happen between two people. Designed to provide students with greater understanding of communication in everyday activities, the course focuses on self-discovery and strengthening the self-image; discovering and understanding the factors that influence communication behavior; and the establishment and maintenance of meaningful relationships in professional and social settings. This course is designed for speech communication majors or anyone with an interest in human communication. SPCH 120 - Small Group Communication (3.0 units) Transfers to: UC, CSU This course focuses on the communication principles that occur in small group settings. Emphasis is placed on the theory, application, and evaluation of group communication processes such as problem-solving, conflict management, decision making, and leadership. The course is intended for students studying communication or any discipline requiring effective communication in group settings. SPCH 140 - Argumentation and Debate (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is an introduction to the principles and techniques of argumentation and debate. Effective methods of research, critical analysis, reasoning, refutation, and listening are stressed. Through debate participation and analysis, students will gain the knowledge and skills to advocate and refute argumentative positions. This course is particularly appropriate for students anticipating entering occupations where argumentation, negotiation, and issue-analysis are likely to occur. | ||
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (CSU GE A2)GE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in research techniques, and learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of the course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete lab 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 conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the general education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
CSU GE C1 - ArtsGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU GE E - Lifelong Learning/Self DevelopmentGE | 3.0 | |
Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 12.5† | |
2nd Semester | ||
Select one: SPCH 101 / SPCH 101H (CSU GE A1)M | 3.0 | |
SPCH 101 - Public Speaking (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This introductory course is designed to prepare students to be effective oral communicators in all aspects of public presentations, including design and delivery of a public speech. The course is appropriate for all students interested in developing their public speaking knowledge and skills, such as speech communications and languages majors, future teachers, and future business leaders. SPCH 101H - Public Speaking Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This introductory course is designed to prepare students to be effective oral communicators in all aspects of public presentations, including design and delivery of a public speech. The course is appropriate for all students interested in developing their public speaking knowledge and skills, such as speech communications and languages majors, future teachers, and future business leaders. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
CSU GE A3 - Critical ThinkingGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
US HISTORY (CSU GE C2)GE | 3.0 | |
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: MATH 150 / MATH 130 / MATH 130H / PSY 190 (CSU GE B4)GE | 3.0† | |
Notes: While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: FIN 101, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190. MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 070 or MATH 070CD or MATH 073 or MATH 073B or appropriate placement In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer. MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or MATH 073B with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. The students learn to read, interpret and present data in a well-organized way. This includes frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, the students learn to make generalizations about populations. This includes probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or MATH 073B with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement; Minimum GPA of 3.0; ENGL 101 This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. The students learn to read, interpret and present data in a well-organized way. This includes frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, the students learn to make generalizations about populations. This includes probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements. PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or appropriate placement This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. The main focus of this course is on hypothesis testing and the statistics that are used to analyze it. Students will learn to present and interpret experimental data from the behavioral sciences. Topics covered include basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics. This course is designed for students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology. NOTE: MATH 62 or MATH 73 can be used to fulfill the prerequisite requirement for this class. Some majors require that students take MATH 73 (not MATH 62) and others do not. Students should see a counselor to determine which pathway will work best for them. | ||
CSU ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to CSU. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 15.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
Select one: POLS 110 / POLS 110H (CSU GE D)GE | 3.0 | |
POLS 110 - Government of the United States (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. POLS 110H - Government of the United States Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
CSU GE B1 - Physical SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 6.0† | |
3rd Semester | ||
Select one: SPCH 110 / SPCH 130 / SPCH 150 / SPCH 240 M | 2.0† | |
SPCH 110 - Forensics: Speech and Debate Team (2.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement; Prior or concurrent enrollment in SPCH 101 or SPCH 101H or SPCH 130 or SPCH 140 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 130 - Oral Interpretation (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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 150 - Intercultural Communication (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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) Prerequisite: SPCH 140 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. | ||
Select one: SPCH 100 / SPCH 120 / SPCH 140 M | 3.0 | |
SPCH 100 - Interpersonal Communication (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement This introductory course focuses on the kinds of interpersonal communication interactions that happen between two people. Designed to provide students with greater understanding of communication in everyday activities, the course focuses on self-discovery and strengthening the self-image; discovering and understanding the factors that influence communication behavior; and the establishment and maintenance of meaningful relationships in professional and social settings. This course is designed for speech communication majors or anyone with an interest in human communication. SPCH 120 - Small Group Communication (3.0 units) Transfers to: UC, CSU This course focuses on the communication principles that occur in small group settings. Emphasis is placed on the theory, application, and evaluation of group communication processes such as problem-solving, conflict management, decision making, and leadership. The course is intended for students studying communication or any discipline requiring effective communication in group settings. SPCH 140 - Argumentation and Debate (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is an introduction to the principles and techniques of argumentation and debate. Effective methods of research, critical analysis, reasoning, refutation, and listening are stressed. Through debate participation and analysis, students will gain the knowledge and skills to advocate and refute argumentative positions. This course is particularly appropriate for students anticipating entering occupations where argumentation, negotiation, and issue-analysis are likely to occur. | ||
CSU GE B2 - Biological SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU GE B3 - Lab ScienceGE | 1.0 | |
Select one if lab has not been completed in CSU B1 or B2. | ||
CSU GE C1 or C2 - Arts or HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Arts Humanities | ||
Total Semester Units: | 12.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
Select one: SPCH 110 / SPCH 130 / SPCH 150 / SPCH 240 M | 2.0† | |
SPCH 110 - Forensics: Speech and Debate Team (2.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement; Prior or concurrent enrollment in SPCH 101 or SPCH 101H or SPCH 130 or SPCH 140 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 130 - Oral Interpretation (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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 150 - Intercultural Communication (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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) Prerequisite: SPCH 140 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. | ||
Select one: SPCH 110 / SPCH 130 / SPCH 132 / SPCH 150 / SPCH 240 / ANTH 102 / ANTH 102H / ENGL 201 / ENGL 201H / JOUR 120 / PSY 101 / PSY 101H / SOC 101 / SOC 101H M | 2.0† | |
SPCH 110 - Forensics: Speech and Debate Team (2.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement; Prior or concurrent enrollment in SPCH 101 or SPCH 101H or SPCH 130 or SPCH 140 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 130 - Oral Interpretation (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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 150 - Intercultural Communication (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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) Prerequisite: SPCH 140 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. ANTH 102 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 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. ENGL 201 - Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This advanced composition course is open to all students who have successfully completed ENGL 101 and is designed for those who expect to transfer to four-year colleges or universities. Students will read and write extensively, while applying critical thinking skills and research techniques. Students will demonstrate these abilities in advanced composition as they research and write a series of argumentative essays, which demonstrate the ability to analyze issues, evaluate positions, and argue persuasively through clear, concise prose. The lab component of this course is designed to assist students in advancing and refining their writing and language skills and will augment their ability to exercise critical thought. Students will complete lab activities that further enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct documentation form. Students will meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. ENGL 201H - Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking Honors (3.5 units) Prerequisite:ENGL 101 This advanced composition course is open to all students who have successfully completed ENGL 101, and is designed for those who expect to transfer to four-year colleges or universities. In the course, students read and write extensively while applying critical thinking skills and research techniques, demonstrating advanced composition acumen by researching and writing a series of argumentative essays that demonstrate the ability to analyze issues, evaluate positions, and argue persuasively through clear and concise prose. The lab component of the course is designed to assist students in advancing and refining writing and language skills, and augments students' ability to exercise critical thought. Students complete lab activities that further enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address their specific writing concerns. The course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements. JOUR 120 - Communications Reporting and Writing (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement The course is an introduction to the writing and editing techniques used in the newspaper industry, with an emphasis on gathering information and the principles of clarity and conciseness. Students will use computers during class and lab times. This course is intended for students who are pursuing the Associate of Science Degree/Certificate of Achievement in Mass Communications with either Mass Media or Print Media Specializations. PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed as a general introduction to psychology for psychology majors, those with an interest in psychology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human behavior. It provides an overview of the field of psychology, introducing students to the research methods used to advance the science of psychology and the various areas that comprise this diverse discipline. Research and theories are presented, discussed, and evaluated. Topics covered include biological psychology, sensation and perception, lifespan development, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, cognition, personality, psychopathology and social psychology. PSY 101H - Introductory Psychology Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is designed as a general introduction to psychology for psychology majors, those with an interest in psychology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human behavior. It provides an overview of the field of psychology, introducing students to the research methods used to advance the science of psychology and the various areas that comprise this diverse discipline. Research and theories are presented, discussed, and evaluated. Topics covered include biological psychology, sensation and perception, lifespan development, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, cognition, personality, psychopathology and social psychology. This course is intended for those who meet Honors Program requirements. SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed for those with an interest in Sociology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human group behavior and the organization of society. The student, using several theoretical points of view, will study and analyze: (1) the organization of social life; (2) problems of inequality – of age, sex, race and ethnicity, social class and life style; (3) the basic social institutions: family, education, politics, economics, and religion; and (4) global issues of population, 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) and completion of ENGL 101 This course is designed for those with an interest in Sociology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human group behavior and the organization of society. The student, using several theoretical points of view, will study and analyze: (1) the organization of social life; (2) problems of inequality – of age, sex, race and ethnicity, social class and life style; (3) the basic social institutions: family, education, politics, economics, and religion; and (4) global issues of population, technology, social movements and social change. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
CSU GE D - Social SciencesGE | 3.0 | |
Notes: | ||
CSU GE F - Ethnic StudiesGE | 3.0 | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to CSU. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
Total Units for Communication Studies AA-T program (Transfer to CSU) | 58.5† | |
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
Select one: SPCH 100 / SPCH 120 / SPCH 140 M | 3.0 | |
SPCH 100 - Interpersonal Communication (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement This introductory course focuses on the kinds of interpersonal communication interactions that happen between two people. Designed to provide students with greater understanding of communication in everyday activities, the course focuses on self-discovery and strengthening the self-image; discovering and understanding the factors that influence communication behavior; and the establishment and maintenance of meaningful relationships in professional and social settings. This course is designed for speech communication majors or anyone with an interest in human communication. SPCH 120 - Small Group Communication (3.0 units) Transfers to: UC, CSU This course focuses on the communication principles that occur in small group settings. Emphasis is placed on the theory, application, and evaluation of group communication processes such as problem-solving, conflict management, decision making, and leadership. The course is intended for students studying communication or any discipline requiring effective communication in group settings. SPCH 140 - Argumentation and Debate (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is an introduction to the principles and techniques of argumentation and debate. Effective methods of research, critical analysis, reasoning, refutation, and listening are stressed. Through debate participation and analysis, students will gain the knowledge and skills to advocate and refute argumentative positions. This course is particularly appropriate for students anticipating entering occupations where argumentation, negotiation, and issue-analysis are likely to occur. | ||
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (IGETC 1A)GE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in research techniques, and learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of the course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete lab 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 conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the general education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
IGETC 3A - ArtsGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
IGETC 6 - Foreign Language (UC ONLY)GE | 4.5 | |
Notes: Proficiency equivalent to two years of high school study in the same language or select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.0† | |
2nd Semester | ||
Select one: SPCH 101 / SPCH 101H (IGETC 1C)M | 3.0 | |
SPCH 101 - Public Speaking (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This introductory course is designed to prepare students to be effective oral communicators in all aspects of public presentations, including design and delivery of a public speech. The course is appropriate for all students interested in developing their public speaking knowledge and skills, such as speech communications and languages majors, future teachers, and future business leaders. SPCH 101H - Public Speaking Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This introductory course is designed to prepare students to be effective oral communicators in all aspects of public presentations, including design and delivery of a public speech. The course is appropriate for all students interested in developing their public speaking knowledge and skills, such as speech communications and languages majors, future teachers, and future business leaders. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
IGETC 1B - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
US HISTORY (IGETC 3B)GE | 3.0 | |
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: MATH 130 / MATH 130H / PSY 190 (IGETC 2)GE | 4.0 | |
Notes: While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: MATH 130/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190. MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or MATH 073B with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. The students learn to read, interpret and present data in a well-organized way. This includes frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, the students learn to make generalizations about populations. This includes probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or MATH 073B with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement; Minimum GPA of 3.0; ENGL 101 This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. The students learn to read, interpret and present data in a well-organized way. This includes frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, the students learn to make generalizations about populations. This includes probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements. PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or appropriate placement This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. The main focus of this course is on hypothesis testing and the statistics that are used to analyze it. Students will learn to present and interpret experimental data from the behavioral sciences. Topics covered include basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics. This course is designed for students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology. NOTE: MATH 62 or MATH 73 can be used to fulfill the prerequisite requirement for this class. Some majors require that students take MATH 73 (not MATH 62) and others do not. Students should see a counselor to determine which pathway will work best for them. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
Select one: POLS 110 / POLS 110H (IGETC 4)GE | 3.0 | |
POLS 110 - Government of the United States (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. POLS 110H - Government of the United States Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
IGETC 5A - Physical SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 6.0† | |
3rd Semester | ||
Select one: SPCH 110 / SPCH 130 / SPCH 150 / SPCH 240 M | 2.0† | |
SPCH 110 - Forensics: Speech and Debate Team (2.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement; Prior or concurrent enrollment in SPCH 101 or SPCH 101H or SPCH 130 or SPCH 140 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 130 - Oral Interpretation (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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 150 - Intercultural Communication (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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) Prerequisite: SPCH 140 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. | ||
Select one: SPCH 100 / SPCH 120 / SPCH 140 M | 3.0 | |
SPCH 100 - Interpersonal Communication (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement This introductory course focuses on the kinds of interpersonal communication interactions that happen between two people. Designed to provide students with greater understanding of communication in everyday activities, the course focuses on self-discovery and strengthening the self-image; discovering and understanding the factors that influence communication behavior; and the establishment and maintenance of meaningful relationships in professional and social settings. This course is designed for speech communication majors or anyone with an interest in human communication. SPCH 120 - Small Group Communication (3.0 units) Transfers to: UC, CSU This course focuses on the communication principles that occur in small group settings. Emphasis is placed on the theory, application, and evaluation of group communication processes such as problem-solving, conflict management, decision making, and leadership. The course is intended for students studying communication or any discipline requiring effective communication in group settings. SPCH 140 - Argumentation and Debate (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is an introduction to the principles and techniques of argumentation and debate. Effective methods of research, critical analysis, reasoning, refutation, and listening are stressed. Through debate participation and analysis, students will gain the knowledge and skills to advocate and refute argumentative positions. This course is particularly appropriate for students anticipating entering occupations where argumentation, negotiation, and issue-analysis are likely to occur. | ||
IGETC 5B - Biological SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
IGETC 5C - Lab ScienceGE | 1.0 | |
Select one if lab has not been completed in IGETC 5A or 5B. | ||
IGETC 3A / IGETC 3BGE | 3.0† | |
IGETC 3A - Arts (3.0† units) Notes: Select one: IGETC 3B - Humanities (3.0† units) Notes: Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 12.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
Select one: SPCH 110 / SPCH 130 / SPCH 150 / SPCH 240 M | 2.0† | |
SPCH 110 - Forensics: Speech and Debate Team (2.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement; Prior or concurrent enrollment in SPCH 101 or SPCH 101H or SPCH 130 or SPCH 140 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 130 - Oral Interpretation (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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 150 - Intercultural Communication (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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) Prerequisite: SPCH 140 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. | ||
Select one: SPCH 110 / SPCH 130 / SPCH 132 / SPCH 150 / SPCH 240 / ANTH 102 / ANTH 102H / ENGL 201 / ENGL 201H / JOUR 120 / PSY 101 / PSY 101H / SOC 101 / SOC 101H M | 2.0† | |
SPCH 110 - Forensics: Speech and Debate Team (2.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 022 or appropriate placement; Prior or concurrent enrollment in SPCH 101 or SPCH 101H or SPCH 130 or SPCH 140 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 130 - Oral Interpretation (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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 150 - Intercultural Communication (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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) Prerequisite: SPCH 140 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. ANTH 102 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement 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) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 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. ENGL 201 - Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This advanced composition course is open to all students who have successfully completed ENGL 101 and is designed for those who expect to transfer to four-year colleges or universities. Students will read and write extensively, while applying critical thinking skills and research techniques. Students will demonstrate these abilities in advanced composition as they research and write a series of argumentative essays, which demonstrate the ability to analyze issues, evaluate positions, and argue persuasively through clear, concise prose. The lab component of this course is designed to assist students in advancing and refining their writing and language skills and will augment their ability to exercise critical thought. Students will complete lab activities that further enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct documentation form. Students will meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. ENGL 201H - Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking Honors (3.5 units) Prerequisite:ENGL 101 This advanced composition course is open to all students who have successfully completed ENGL 101, and is designed for those who expect to transfer to four-year colleges or universities. In the course, students read and write extensively while applying critical thinking skills and research techniques, demonstrating advanced composition acumen by researching and writing a series of argumentative essays that demonstrate the ability to analyze issues, evaluate positions, and argue persuasively through clear and concise prose. The lab component of the course is designed to assist students in advancing and refining writing and language skills, and augments students' ability to exercise critical thought. Students complete lab activities that further enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address their specific writing concerns. The course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements. JOUR 120 - Communications Reporting and Writing (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement The course is an introduction to the writing and editing techniques used in the newspaper industry, with an emphasis on gathering information and the principles of clarity and conciseness. Students will use computers during class and lab times. This course is intended for students who are pursuing the Associate of Science Degree/Certificate of Achievement in Mass Communications with either Mass Media or Print Media Specializations. PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed as a general introduction to psychology for psychology majors, those with an interest in psychology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human behavior. It provides an overview of the field of psychology, introducing students to the research methods used to advance the science of psychology and the various areas that comprise this diverse discipline. Research and theories are presented, discussed, and evaluated. Topics covered include biological psychology, sensation and perception, lifespan development, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, cognition, personality, psychopathology and social psychology. PSY 101H - Introductory Psychology Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course is designed as a general introduction to psychology for psychology majors, those with an interest in psychology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human behavior. It provides an overview of the field of psychology, introducing students to the research methods used to advance the science of psychology and the various areas that comprise this diverse discipline. Research and theories are presented, discussed, and evaluated. Topics covered include biological psychology, sensation and perception, lifespan development, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, cognition, personality, psychopathology and social psychology. This course is intended for those who meet Honors Program requirements. SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed for those with an interest in Sociology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human group behavior and the organization of society. The student, using several theoretical points of view, will study and analyze: (1) the organization of social life; (2) problems of inequality – of age, sex, race and ethnicity, social class and life style; (3) the basic social institutions: family, education, politics, economics, and religion; and (4) global issues of population, 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) and completion of ENGL 101 This course is designed for those with an interest in Sociology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human group behavior and the organization of society. The student, using several theoretical points of view, will study and analyze: (1) the organization of social life; (2) problems of inequality – of age, sex, race and ethnicity, social class and life style; (3) the basic social institutions: family, education, politics, economics, and religion; and (4) global issues of population, technology, social movements and social change. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
IGETC 4 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE | 3.0 | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
IGETC 4 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE | 3.0 | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
UC ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
Total Units for Communication Studies AA-T program (Transfer to UC/CSU) | 58.0† | |
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet. |
Students will identify conflict management strategies in an interpersonal relationship context.
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.
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.
Students will argue in favor of a thesis with a supportive example and refute an opposing position with an accompanying example.
Students will think critically in order to construct a debate position, including the debater’s reasoning.
Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
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