Curriculum: Associate of Arts in Communication

This course serves as a First Year Experience for Communication majors at UCBA. The course introduces students to the different sub-disciplines and careers in Communication. Students will become familiar with college resources and begin developing skills for success in Communication courses.

Project-based course, emphasizing problem-solving, model-building, and basic data manipulation in real world contexts. Topics include: problem-solving, statistical reasoning, linear and exponential modeling, and modeling with geometry. Prerequisite: at least 30 on the ALEKS Math test or 420 on the Math Placement Test (MPT) is recommended.

Business Communication covers principles that establish written and oral communication standards in preparation for the workplace. Students will learn to analyze different writing situations, to plan and design communications, and to write in appropriate styles. Effective oral communication utilizing appropriate technologies, strategies, and skills will be discussed and developed.

This course emphasizes critical reading, writing, and textual analysis with particular focus on argument and research-based writing.

Introduction to theory and practice in interpersonal communication. Topics include verbal and nonverbal communication, perception, listening, emotions, relationship development, conflict and power. Focus is on the development of an understanding of fundamental interpersonal dynamics and basic skills.

This course is designed for non-science majors to understand the science behind zombies in popular culture. It will start with the basics of biology and environmental science and expand to include the physical, chemical and biological principles of environmental systems as they relate to a zombie uprising. CDC emergency preparedness will also be covered.

This experiential course covers the basic principles and theories of small group communication. Students will learn to identify behavioral outcomes of others and analyze, adjust and improve on their own communication skills. Students will be equipped to demonstrate understanding of group participation variables including: individual roles, leadership, goal achievement, conflict management, power dynamics, decision making, impact of personal image and business, social and system's theory models.

World Cultures: Spain introduces students to the cultures of Spain and everyday customs including traditions, celebrations, family, religion, food, music, the arts. The course of Spanish history will be examined to discover the interrelations of history, everyday customs, tradition and regional cultures and how they shaped present-day Spain. This course is taught in English.

Special event production utilized as a fundraising management tool is a blend of art and science needed to build awareness, increase member support and raise gifts for non-profit, health and education clients. This course will introduce the fundamentals of resource development: philosophy of philanthropy and the various motivations for giving; process (research, planning, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship & evaluation); and best practices by which managers can utilize event planning to develop an effective fundraising program. Through case studies and guest lectures, students will learn the essentials of how to create high quality events including developing objectives, invitation/marketing materials, selecting and negotiating price with venue and service providers, volunteer management, design, budget, logistic, publicity and promotion strategies and tactics.

This course will be an in-depth examination of selected environmental issues introduced in EVST1011. The course will provide greater detail on particular environmental problems and focus on possible solutions ranging from scientific and technological approaches to policy, regulation and the law. Students will participate in the analysis of the issue(s), synthesis and integration of the available information, and problem solving activities.

Introduction to Public Relations is an introduction to the history, theories and practices of the public relations profession. The ethics of PR, and PR as a process that is integral to successful organizational functioning, will be explored. Students will also develop some of the writing, planning and organizational skills of a PR professional.

This course explores the settlement and expansion of the American colonies, the establishment and expansion of the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century and the social, economic and political divisions that lead to the outbreak of Civil War and continuing regional rifts following 1865.

Advanced Public Speaking is a course that explores practices and develops skills in areas such as audience adaptation, advanced communication strategies, organization, use of technology, active listening, verbal and nonverbal delivery. This course will help students refine their speaking skills and ready them for professional settings.

This is a course, taught in English, about the cultures in the world where French is spoken. The course explores the Francophone world as a political and cultural influence, and as an historical force, using historical and contemporary texts and media.

This is a basic course designed to examine the role of media in contemporary political and cultural contexts. It will cover historical perspectives on the development, nature, and functions of mass media in society, and will deal with governmental regulations, ethical issues, ownership, audience response, professional versus personal use, and career pathways.

The general focus of this course is the American political system, explained by examining American political ideology and the development of the American Constitution. The student will learn the dynamics of the American political system including: the ebb and flow of public opinion and voting behavior; how pressure groups and politicalparties influence political decisions and public policy. The course also explores issues within theAmerican political system such as civil rights andcivil liberties. Finally, the course will trace the historical development of the American political system, including debates between those who drafted the American Constitution and clashes throughout American History between those who interpreted the Constitution differently. The assigned readings complement these themes and dealwith concepts, structures, theories, and processesof the American political system and its institutions.

An introduction to (X)HTML, emphasizing semantic use of elements and the benefits of using standards-based, valid code. The use of CSS is strongly emphasized to separate content from presentation and to generate grid-based page designs. Students will employ web standards concepts, as well as graphic design considerations, in the incorporation of dynamic page elements.

This course emphasizes critical reading and writing, advanced research and argument skills, and rhetorical understanding of language as it is used in different discourse communities.

Interviewing for Communication Careers exposes students to the wide range of career choices available in the communication major through in-depth self analysis, research and guest lectures by professionals. Students will prepare acomplete portfolio; write a five year career plan;and improve their interviewing skills through mockinterviews and activities encompassing employee, employer and persuader perspectives.

Develops awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural diversity is today's world. Theory and research findings in sociology and other social sciences are drawn upon to examine social structure and culture, cultural diversity, how culture and social structure influence people's behavior, and how to interact effectively across cultures.