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2024-25 Catalog

Communication Studies

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Academic Programs

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

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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

  • Humanities 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Math 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Social/Behavioral Science 3 Semester hour(s)

  • COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester 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: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester 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 hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

    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: None 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

Second Semester - 15 Hours

  • Personal Development 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
  • Social/Behavioral Science 3 Semester hour(s)

  • COM161 - Small Group Communication ( 3 Semester 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: None Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) MC 902 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • ENG103 - Composition II ( 3 Semester 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 hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 901R Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Third Semester - 16-17 Hours

  • Electives 3 Semester hour(s)
  • *Electives/Foreign Language 4 Semester hour(s)
  • **Life Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)
  • Social/Behavioral Science 3 Semester hour(s)

  • COM181 - Intro to Mass Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Provides an overview of the nature, functions, and responsibilities of the mass communication industries in a global environment with an emphasis on the media's role in American society Prerequisite: None Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) MC 911 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Fourth Semester - 16-17 Hours

  • Electives 3 Semester hour(s)
  • *Electives/Foreign Language 4 Semester hour(s)
  • Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
  • **Physical Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)

  • COM151 - Interpersonal Communication ( 3 Semester 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: None Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) MC 901 Semester hour(s): 3 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

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.