Course Catalog

Golden Gate University offers degree and certificate programs at three teaching centers and online.

NUMBER COURSE TITLE
COMM 35
Speech Communication

3 Unit(s)

Teaches the principles of effective public speaking. Students will prepare and deliver speeches, and become a supportive and critical audience for others' speeches. Their own speech video will provide a tool for, and record of, their speaking improvement and success.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024

COMM 40
Understanding Communication

3 Unit(s)

Examines the theory and practice of communication, from the ancient world through today's mass media, networked organizations and virtual workspaces. Looks at the social and cultural aspects of communication in small-group interactions, organizational development and interpersonal behavior.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024 , Fall 2023

COMM 50
Media Communication

3 Unit(s)

This course examines the relationship between various media forms and historical, scientific, social, political, and cultural forces. In this class, students will gain media literacy through processes of critical analysis and creative development. The course will focus on mass media, which involves communication to a large audience. In particular, print, audio, visual, interactive, and social media can be mass-scale modes that transmit content and meaning in ways that wittingly or unwittingly affect the receiver (reader, listener, viewer, player, etc.). Analyzing mass communication and its effects, students will be able to recognize rhetorical processes used to appeal to an audience's interests and emotions. Activating interdisciplinary fields such as anthropology, performance studies, and semiotics, this class will examine how to engage with media outlets critically and responsibly.

COMM 60
Professional Communication

4 Unit(s)

This course serves as an introduction to professional communication with an emphasis on public speaking in real-world contexts. Centered around the student and their story, the course focuses on authentic oral communication through self-exploration and storytelling. This course will arm students with confidence and communication skills for their professional journey. Students will prepare and deliver four speeches across the term, focusing on impromptu, extemporaneous, informative, and persuasive speaking framed as career-building and on-the-job scenarios. The course also places a significant emphasis on relationship-building in the workplace, imparting skills that students can leverage to speak clearly, effectively, respectfully, and impactfully across cultural contexts. This course is offered only for students enrolled in GGU Degrees+ programs, in partnership with Outlier.org.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024 , Fall 2023

COMM 198
Special Topics in Communications

13 Unit(s)

Examines specific topics, media, or methodologies in Communications. Prerequisite(s): consent of the department. Prerequisites will vary based on topic.

COMM 198B
Media Communication

13 Unit(s)

This course examines the relationship between various media forms and historical, scientific, social, political, and cultural forces. In this class, students will gain media literacy through processes of critical analysis and creative development. The course will focus on mass media, which involves communication to a large audience. In particular, print, audio, visual, interactive, and social media can be mass-scale modes that transmit knowledge in ways that wittingly or unwittingly affect the receiver (reader, listener, viewer, player, etc.). Analyzing mass communication and its effects, students will be able to recognize rhetorical processes used to appeal to an audience's interests and emotions. Activating interdisciplinary fields such as anthropology, performance studies, and semiotics, this class will examine how to engage with media outlets critically and responsibly.

COMM 199
Directed Study in Communication

13 Unit(s)

Provides individual study of selected topics under supervision of a faculty member. Students are limited to one directed study course per trimester. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor and department coordinator.