Communication Studies

Associate in Arts Degree with a Concentration in
Communication Studies (610)

The Communication Studies concentration will prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree in Communication or other discipline, such as business, in which communication is fundamental.

Communication Studies - IAI Recommended Baccalaureate Curriculum

Follow this link for career information.

Transfer Considerations

Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program. Transfer guides for some universities are available at svcc.edu/transfer.

The Communication Studies program seeks to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of the nature of human communication, the symbol systems by which it functions, the environments in which it occurs, its media, and its effects. This program focuses on communication interaction between individuals and the impact each has on the other.

Competitive Admissions

Since admission is competitive, completing the recommended courses does not by itself guarantee admission.

Special Considerations

Students should be computer literate. Computer skills may be acquired before or early in the college experience.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

• Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
• Dr. Patricia Fulfs, Professor of Communication, 815-835-6224
• Dr. Paul Edleman, Professor of Communication/Political Science, 815-835-6265

 

Minimum Total Credit Hours - 64 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

First Semester - 16 Hours

Course #	Course Title	Hours
	Humanities	3 Hours
	Mathematics	3 Hours
	Social / Behavioral Science	3 Hours
COM131	Intro to Oral Communication	3 Hours
The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The course 1 develops awareness of the communication process 2 provides inventional organizational and expressive strategies 3 promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts and 4 emphasizes critical skills in listening reading thinking and speaking.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C2 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
ENG101	Composition I	3 Hours
This course 1 develops awareness of the writing process 2 provides inventional organizational and editorial strategies 3 stresses the variety of uses for writing and 4 emphasizes critical skills in reading thinking and writing.Prerequisite Required placement score on approved English placement test high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher or a grade of C or higher in ELA 099.3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
FYE101	First Year Experience	1 Hour
The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills goal setting academic planning time and money management and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek

 

Second Semester - 15 Hours

Course #	Course Title	Hours
	Personal Development	3 Hours
	Fine Arts	3 Hours
	Social / Behavioral Science	3 Hours
COM161	Small Group Communication	3 Hours
An introduction to the theory and practice of small group communication. Emphasis is placed on social norms the nature and types of groups and leadership development. Students are expected to demonstrate both practical and theoretical understanding of problem-solving information-providing decision-making and conflict management. Prerequisite NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI MC 902Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
ENG103	Composition II	3 Hours
An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition students receive instruction in logic and reasoning including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 901RLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Third Semester - 16-17 Hours

Course #	Course Title	Hours
	Electives	3 Hours
*	Electives / Foreign Language	4 Hours
**	Life Science	3-4 Hours
	Social / Behavioral Science	3 Hours
COM181	Intro to Mass Communication	3 Hours
Provides an overview of the nature functions and responsibilities of the mass communication industries in a global environment with an emphasis on the medias role in American society Prerequisite NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI MC 911Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Fourth Semester - 16-17 Hours

Course #	Course Title	Hours
	Electives	3 Hours
*	Electives / Foreign Language	4 Hours
	Humanities / Fine Arts	3 Hours
**	Physical Science	3-4 Hours
COM151	Interpersonal Communication	3 Hours
An introduction to the basic theories and concepts relevant to interpersonal interaction. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the creation maintenance and termination of social romantic familial and professional relationships. Prerequisite NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI MC 901Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Footnotes

* Three to four semesters of a college level foreign language or three to four years of a high school level foreign language may be required for a Bachelor of Arts degree.

** One lab science required.