The Communication Department offers a variety of courses designed to meet students’ needs for graduation, transfer, and personal and professional development. Students earning the Associate of Arts degree in Communication will be able to understand and apply human communication concepts relating to presentational speaking, critical thinking, group and interpersonal relationship development, and professional growth.

Transfer: Courses offered by the Communication Department meet a wide range of lower division transfer requirements for CSU and UC colleges. The department offers many courses designed to prepare students for transfer to a variety of disciplines including Business, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Education, Liberal Arts, Pre-Law, Mass Media, Management, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work.

Forensics: The Los Rios Forensics team helps students improve their critical thinking and oral presentation skills. The Forensics team provides a high level of intercollegiate competition through the Forensics Laboratory course. Students who participate in this award-winning team compete in debate, public speaking, oral interpretation of literature and drama, impromptu speaking, and reader’s theater. This program enhances the college experience and polishes the skills that employers actively request.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ demonstrate an understanding of classical and contemporary human communication theories and their intra- and interdisciplinary natures.

✔ critically analyze a wide array of evidence and reasoning to identify and provide appropriate and credible support for written and oral communication.

✔ identify and demonstrate effective and appropriate written and oral communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, in a variety of communication contexts and with diverse populations.

✔ identify and demonstrate ethical communication across a variety of contexts.

✔ perform as an active listener and provide appropriate feedback..