2025-2026 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Jul 03, 2025  
2025-2026 Pierce College Catalog
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CMST& 101 Introduction to Communication (5 credits)



Distribution Area Fulfilled Humanities; General Transfer Elective
Course Description
An investigation into communication theory including perception, verbal and non-verbal communication, listening, and various contexts of communication. Communication processes, barriers, and management of conflict will also be studied.

Course Content
A. Introduction to the various models of communication B. The role of identity, such as gender and culture, in communication processes C. The role and structure of verbal messages in the communication process D. The role and structure of nonverbal messages in the communication process E. The role and skills of effective listening in the communication process F. The evolution of the interpersonal relationship G. The role of self-disclosure in communication H. Effective methods for conflict management

Student Outcomes
 

  1. Apply effective communication techniques to different communication contexts, such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, and small group communication.

  2. Self-assess how the role of self, perception, and communication influence communication processes.

  3. Identify and explain appropriate non-verbal and verbal codes along with their functions.

  4. Demonstrate an understanding of effective listening techniques, such as empathetic and critical listening.

  5. Explain how and why we seek interpersonal relationships with others.

  6. Identify factors and skills that influence intercultural communication.

  7. Explain how the group development process can lead to conflict.



Degree Outcomes
Humanities: Graduates acquire critical skills to interpret, analyze, and evaluate forms of human expression, which can include creation and performance as an expression of human experience.

Effective Communication: Graduates will be able to craft and exchange ideas and information in a variety of situations, in response to audience, context, purpose, and motivation.

Critical, Creative and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.

Global Citizenship: Graduates will be able to critically examine the relationship between self, community, and/or environments, and to evaluate and articulate potential impacts of choices, actions, and contributions for the creation of sustainable and equitable systems.

Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50

Potential Methods
1. Tests and Exams 2. Discussion Posts/Replies 3. Group projects. 4. Essays/Research Papers



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