Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Communication Studies AA-T Degree
Provides students with a common core of lower division courses required to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communication in the CSU System.
Associate in Arts for Transfer | SC Program: AA-T.1001
Communication degree programs are known for equipping students with excellent skills in speaking, writing, and critical thinking. Many communications majors choose to work in mass communication and media, film, music, television, journalism, public relations, and advertising, among others.
Communication classes provide students with skills that are essential for other classes and programs at Shasta College and beyond. The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer program teaches communication theory and competencies that are crucial for success in both personal and business relationships. Students learn analytical and critical thinking skills that are essential life skills.
Good oral communication skills have been documented by research to be an important factor in the health of personal relationships, and these skills have even been linked to one's physical and psychological health. Communication courses enable students to lead richer, more satisfying and productive lives by improving their grasp of core theories and practical skills. The results are often immediate and dramatic, improving both personal and professional relationships in both large and small groups.
The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer degree aligns with the CSU Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
14 Units TotalENGL 1A
4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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SOC 3
3
Stats for Behavioral Sciences
SOC 3
This course is an introduction to the basic statistical methods and analyses commonly used in the behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics; levels and types of measurement; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal, t, and chi-square distributions; probability and hypothesis testing; and correlation and regression. Applications of statistical software to the behavioral sciences and/or other social science data is required. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CMST 60
M
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
STU 1
3
College Success
STU 1
This course is designed to help students increase their academic potential and begin learning and applying strategies for success in college and life-long learning. Topics include discovering personal and academic goals, self-discovery, study strategies, critical thinking, communication skills, and college resources and policies. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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STU 90
1
Career Choice
STU 90
A course designed for students who are undecided about their educational and/or career goals. Through a series of group exercises, and career development testing, students learn to identify personal values, interests, skills, aversions, and personality patterns and understand how they relate to choices in the world of work. Students learn to access occupational information, develop decision-making skills and set career goals. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalCMST 10
M
3
Interpersonal Communication
CMST 10
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect normal person-to-person interactions. Subjects covered are the understanding of ethical interpersonal communication based in communication theory and research, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, self-awareness/ self-concept, perception, emotions, relationships, communication climates, and conflict management. Students will increase their knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect normal person-to-person interactions. Subjects covered are the understanding of ethical interpersonal communication based in communication theory and research, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, self-awareness/ self-concept, perception, emotions, relationships, communication climates, and conflict management. Students will increase their knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ENGL 1B
3
Literature & Composition
ENGL 1B
Course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and writing skills through close study of the major genres of literature: poetry, drama, short story and novel. Students receive further instruction and practice in analytical writing, developing arguments about literary works and the critical reception of those works. In discussion and writing, students will also examine arguments as such, learning to identify sound as well as fallacious reasoning in critical assessments of literature. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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POLS 2
3
Intro to American Government
POLS 2
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or ESL 138, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
CMST 20
3
Intercultural Communication
CMST 20
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
The purpose of this course is to develop the skills necessary to build and maintain positive communication and relationships across cultures. Students will focus on similarities and differences in communication behaviors. Perceptions, language usage, nonverbal style, thinking modes, and values all will be explored to see how they influence communication between individuals of different cultures. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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The purpose of this course is to develop the skills necessary to build and maintain positive communication and relationships across cultures. Students will focus on similarities and differences in communication behaviors. Perceptions, language usage, nonverbal style, thinking modes, and values all will be explored to see how they influence communication between individuals of different cultures. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
CMST 50
3
Gender and Communication
CMST 50
This course introduces students to gender-related communication, integrating theory and practice in order to heighten awareness of the importance of gender as a communication variable. With an emphasis on perception, verbal and nonverbal similarities and differences are examined in interpersonal, small group, organizational, and public settings. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year
16 Units TotalCMST 54
M
3
Small Group Communication
CMST 54
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on small groups. Subjects covered are preparation for discussion, group participation, leadership, decision-making, interpersonal relations, managing diversity, critical thinking/problem-solving, managing conflict, and evaluation of group interaction. Students will be involved in group interactions, and emphasis will be on practical experience. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on small groups. Subjects covered are preparation for discussion, group participation, leadership, decision-making, interpersonal relations, managing diversity, critical thinking/problem-solving, managing conflict, and evaluation of group interaction. Students will be involved in group interactions, and emphasis will be on practical experience. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ESCI 12
4
General Earth Science
ESCI 12
Note: Required field trips.
This course is a survey course designed for non-science majors which spans the Earth-related sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In general, the course focuses on physical processes and materials as related to each discipline. Topics include the geologic evolution of the Earth, economic resources derived from the Earth, Earth materials, evolution and character of the oceans, ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric processes including weather and climate, the solar system and Earth as part of the universe. Using an Earth systems approach, lecture and laboratory will consider concepts centered about the sustainable use of natural resources. The laboratory portion of this course provides hands-on activities that support and demonstrate lecture concepts. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey course designed for non-science majors which spans the Earth-related sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In general, the course focuses on physical processes and materials as related to each discipline. Topics include the geologic evolution of the Earth, economic resources derived from the Earth, Earth materials, evolution and character of the oceans, ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric processes including weather and climate, the solar system and Earth as part of the universe. Using an Earth systems approach, lecture and laboratory will consider concepts centered about the sustainable use of natural resources. The laboratory portion of this course provides hands-on activities that support and demonstrate lecture concepts. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
HUM 4
3
Humanities Through the Film
HUM 4
An examination of the motion picture as an art form. This course offers a concise introduction to the history of film against the broader changes in popular culture since the late nineteenth century. Students will see how elements of film can provide valuable insights into how movies communicate and convey meaning to their audiences using a unique network of techniques. Students will see how film, film genres, and developments within the film industry offer a first-hand look at how specific films illuminate important aspects of philosophical, historical, aesthetics and social life and analyze how film connects with the larger world. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 2
3
World Civilization to 1500 CE
HIST 2
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
CMST 30
M
3
Oral Interpretation
CMST 30
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on the oral interpretation of literature. It covers the following subjects: analyzing the literature, using nonverbal and verbal communication in the interpretation of literature, and the understanding, appreciation, and performance of prose and poetry. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course includes oral performance of literature. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on the oral interpretation of literature. It covers the following subjects: analyzing the literature, using nonverbal and verbal communication in the interpretation of literature, and the understanding, appreciation, and performance of prose and poetry. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course includes oral performance of literature. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalCMST 40
M
3
Argumentation and Debate
CMST 40
Advisory: Completion of a class in public speaking or public speaking experience.
This course presents basic argumentation theory including research, methods of analysis, use and tests of evidence, refutation, and the logical and ethical responsibilities of advocacy. Emphasis is placed on the preparation and presentation of cases for and against propositions or points of view through extensive research, writing, debate, and public address. Basic principles are applied in a variety of formal and informal debate situations. Public speaking training and/or experience are recommended for enrollment. This course may be offered in a distance education format. (C-ID COMM 120)
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This course presents basic argumentation theory including research, methods of analysis, use and tests of evidence, refutation, and the logical and ethical responsibilities of advocacy. Emphasis is placed on the preparation and presentation of cases for and against propositions or points of view through extensive research, writing, debate, and public address. Basic principles are applied in a variety of formal and informal debate situations. Public speaking training and/or experience are recommended for enrollment. This course may be offered in a distance education format. (C-ID COMM 120)
JOUR 21
M
3
Intro to Mass Communications
JOUR 21
This course is designed principally as a survey of the mass media, including newspapers, magazines, radio, television, motion pictures, books, the Internet and new technologies. The course will include study of mass communication theories, the effect of new technologies on society and the history of mass communication media. Students will research and analyze current mass media phenomena and will produce a term paper reflecting their discoveries. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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PSYC 1A
M
3
General Psychology
PSYC 1A
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course provides an introduction to psychology as a science and as an applied field. The course provides an integration of physiological, cognitive, social-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include research methods, the nervous system, perception, learning, thinking, memory, human development, social behavior, emotions, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course provides an introduction to psychology as a science and as an applied field. The course provides an integration of physiological, cognitive, social-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include research methods, the nervous system, perception, learning, thinking, memory, human development, social behavior, emotions, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ART 1
3
Introduction to Art
ART 1
This course provides a general introduction to art that offers a look at works of art through the study of theory, terminology, themes, design principles, media, and techniques, with an introduction to the visual arts across time and diverse cultures. This course is recommended as a Humanities elective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGNR 60
3
Environmental Science
AGNR 60
Advisory: Students who wish to add a lab component to this class should co-enroll in AGNR 61.
This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
- Communication Studies AA-T - Full-Time Pathway (PDF)
*These printouts are currently not yet available, but they will be linked as soon as they're ready!
People, Culture, & Society Interest Area Counselors
Position
Educational Counselor
Phone
(530) 242-7951
Location
Redding Main Campus | Room 130
Degree
Ph.D., University of Dallas
Language
Fluent in Spanish
Position
Counselor - General Counseling
Phone
(530) 242-7736
Location
Redding Main Campus | Room 134
Degree
M.S.W,, University of Washington
For Appointments
(530) 242-7724
Academic/Instructional Division Office
Arts, Communications & Social Sciences
Contact Info
Phone
(530) 242-7730
Interest Area: People, Culture, Society
Play
A young man remembers his struggles in life, the prospects of starting over, and how going to Shasta College helped him discover his strengths. His communications and psychology instructors show him how to relate to people through his life experiences, and he discovers his passion is to ensure that others have the chance to tell their stories and be heard.
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