Communication is a skill that impacts every aspect of human lives. Relationships, education, and jobs all rely on effective interactions. Allan Hancock College’s speech communication program will teach you to be more confident in front of an audience, communicate more clearly in your relationships, improve your negotiation tactics, and understand people better.
Career opportunities for communication degree graduates are plentiful as employers across the board rate communication as one of the most important qualities in a candidate. These skills are even more essential in fields such as social media, public affairs, sales, hospitality, politics, marketing, and consulting.
If you're ready to learn how competence and confidence in communication will help
in your personal, public, and professional life, then come talk to us in the speech
communication department.
This program will help you to:
- gain confidence in yourself
- express your thoughts more clearly
- understand more about various cultures
- understand how personalities shape communication
- become more effective at persuasion
- understand leadership and team engagement
- learn skills to adapt to different audiences and situations
- better understand the messages you send and receive
- learn to be a better listener
- build stronger relationships
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
An introduction to the theory and practice of presenting speeches for various situations and audiences. Students will become better communicators by learning how to appropriately select a topic, research, organize, outline, and effectively present informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 101.
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
Students will study and apply principles of communication that occur in relationships. The course includes the study of theory and research findings and their application to communication in interpersonal relationships in personal and professional contexts.The themes of culture and gender are integrated throughout all course content. The course is not open to students who have received credit for SPCH 103.
This course focuses on the foundations of argumentation theory through the practice of academic debate. The topics of logic and reasoning, logical fallacies, research, the preparation and presentation of case building, refutation, and ethical advocacy will be addressed. Students will develop their critical thinking skills by conducting research, reading and analyzing texts and speeches/debates, participating in formal and informal debates, and writing a minimum of 5,000 words. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 106.
Select one course from area C1: Arts or from area C2: Humanities
Recommended one from this list:
- ES 121, African American History
- HIST 107, US History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History American Institutions Requirement
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
Total Units:
16
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Through theory and practice, students will discover and communicate the intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic meaning of literature by choosing, analyzing, rehearsing, and orally presenting short selections of prose, poetry, and drama. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 108.
A study of intercultural communication theory. An understanding of cultural aspects and communication problems within and between ethnic groups is emphasized. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 110.
Select one course from this list.
1 unit
Some courses in GE categories B1: Physical Science and B2: Life Science have lab components that also fulfill this requirement. If the course you chose in either of these categories has a lab component, you have completed this requirement. You can verify whether it has a lab component by checking these lists:
If not, you can fulfill this requirement with either of these courses:
- ANTH 110: Biological Anthropology Lab
- GEOG 115: Physical Geography Lab
- GEOL 115: Oceanography Geography Lab
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 - 16
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Provides an introduction to group communication theory and effective public speaking. Through practice and research, students will explore concepts of group dynamics, leadership, decision-making, verbal/nonverbal communication, and conflict management. Students will learn how to research, organize, outline, and effectively deliver presentations. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 102.
Select one course from this list.
1 unit
Some courses in GE categories B1: Physical Science and B2: Life Science have lab components that also fulfill this requirement. If the course you chose in either of these categories has a lab component, you have completed this requirement. You can verify whether it has a lab component by checking these lists:
If not, you can fulfill this requirement with either of these courses:
- ANTH 110: Biological Anthropology Lab
- GEOG 115: Physical Geography Lab
- GEOL 115: Oceanography Geography Lab
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
NOTE: Students who started at Allan Hancock College (or any CCC or CSU) prior to Summer 2021 and have maintained continuous enrollment are not required to complete Area F for CSU GE Certification. See a counselor for further information.
Recommended one from this list:
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 - 16
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 18 units is required for the degree.
Required core courses (18 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 100 | Survey of Communication Studies | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| or | ||
| COMM 102 | Small Group Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 101 | Public Speaking | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 103 | Interpersonal Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 106 | Argumentation and Debate | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 108 | Oral Interpretation | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 110 | Intercultural Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
General Education
Electives
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
An introduction to the theory and practice of presenting speeches for various situations and audiences. Students will become better communicators by learning how to appropriately select a topic, research, organize, outline, and effectively present informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 101.
Select one course from this list.
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
Students will study and apply principles of communication that occur in relationships. The course includes the study of theory and research findings and their application to communication in interpersonal relationships in personal and professional contexts.The themes of culture and gender are integrated throughout all course content. The course is not open to students who have received credit for SPCH 103.
This course focuses on the foundations of argumentation theory through the practice of academic debate. The topics of logic and reasoning, logical fallacies, research, the preparation and presentation of case building, refutation, and ethical advocacy will be addressed. Students will develop their critical thinking skills by conducting research, reading and analyzing texts and speeches/debates, participating in formal and informal debates, and writing a minimum of 5,000 words. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 106.
Select one course from area Area 3A: Arts or from area Area 3B: Humanities
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, select one course from this list.
Total Units:
16
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Through theory and practice, students will discover and communicate the intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic meaning of literature by choosing, analyzing, rehearsing, and orally presenting short selections of prose, poetry, and drama. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 108.
A study of intercultural communication theory. An understanding of cultural aspects and communication problems within and between ethnic groups is emphasized. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 110.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
Select one course from this list.
Some courses in GE categories Area 5A: Physical Science and Area 5B: Biological Science have lab components that also fulfill this requirement. If the course you chose in either of these categories has a lab component, you have completed this requirement. You can verify whether it has a lab component by checking these lists:
If not, you can fulfill this requirement with either of these courses:
- ANTH 110: Biological Anthropology Lab
- GEOG 115: Physical Geography Lab
- GEOL 115: Oceanography Geography Lab
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 - 16
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Provides an introduction to group communication theory and effective public speaking. Through practice and research, students will explore concepts of group dynamics, leadership, decision-making, verbal/nonverbal communication, and conflict management. Students will learn how to research, organize, outline, and effectively deliver presentations. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 102.
Select one course from this list.
Some courses in GE categories Area 5A: Physical Science and Area 5B: Biological Science have lab components that also fulfill this requirement. If the course you chose in either of these categories has a lab component, you have completed this requirement. You can verify whether it has a lab component by checking these lists:
If not, you can fulfill this requirement with either of these courses:
- ANTH 110: Biological Anthropology Lab
- GEOG 115: Physical Geography Lab
- GEOL 115: Oceanography Geography Lab
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, select one course from this list.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 -16
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 18 units is required for the degree.
Required core courses (18 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 100 | Survey of Communication Studies | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| or | ||
| COMM 102 | Small Group Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 101 | Public Speaking | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 103 | Interpersonal Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 106 | Argumentation and Debate | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 108 | Oral Interpretation | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 110 | Intercultural Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
General Education
Electives
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
An introduction to the theory and practice of presenting speeches for various situations and audiences. Students will become better communicators by learning how to appropriately select a topic, research, organize, outline, and effectively present informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 101.
Through theory and practice, students will discover and communicate the intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic meaning of literature by choosing, analyzing, rehearsing, and orally presenting short selections of prose, poetry, and drama. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 108.
Total Units:
6
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
This course focuses on the foundations of argumentation theory through the practice of academic debate. The topics of logic and reasoning, logical fallacies, research, the preparation and presentation of case building, refutation, and ethical advocacy will be addressed. Students will develop their critical thinking skills by conducting research, reading and analyzing texts and speeches/debates, participating in formal and informal debates, and writing a minimum of 5,000 words. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 106.
Total Units:
4 - 6
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 101 | Public Speaking | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 106 | Argumentation and Debate | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 108 | Oral Interpretation | 3.000 - 0.000 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Students will study and apply principles of communication that occur in relationships. The course includes the study of theory and research findings and their application to communication in interpersonal relationships in personal and professional contexts.The themes of culture and gender are integrated throughout all course content. The course is not open to students who have received credit for SPCH 103.
A study of intercultural communication theory. An understanding of cultural aspects and communication problems within and between ethnic groups is emphasized. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 110.
Total Units:
6
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
An introduction to the theory and practice of presenting speeches for various situations and audiences. Students will become better communicators by learning how to appropriately select a topic, research, organize, outline, and effectively present informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 101.
Total Units:
3
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 101 | Public Speaking | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 103 | Interpersonal Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 110 | Intercultural Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Students will study and apply principles of communication that occur in relationships. The course includes the study of theory and research findings and their application to communication in interpersonal relationships in personal and professional contexts.The themes of culture and gender are integrated throughout all course content. The course is not open to students who have received credit for SPCH 103.
A study of intercultural communication theory. An understanding of cultural aspects and communication problems within and between ethnic groups is emphasized. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 110.
Total Units:
6
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Provides an introduction to group communication theory and effective public speaking. Through practice and research, students will explore concepts of group dynamics, leadership, decision-making, verbal/nonverbal communication, and conflict management. Students will learn how to research, organize, outline, and effectively deliver presentations. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 102.
Total Units:
4- 6
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 102 | Small Group Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 103 | Interpersonal Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| COMM 110 | Intercultural Communication | 3.000 - 0.000 |
Programs you may also be interested in exploring:
Contact Information
Department Chair
Andrea Sanders
805-922-6966 ext. 3530
asanders@hancockcollege.edu
Administrative Assistant
Brent Dionisio
805-922-6966 ext. 3732
brent.dionisio@hancockcollege.edu
Dean, Academic Affairs
Mary Patrick
805-922-6966 ext. 3475
mary.patrick@hancockcollege.edu
Location
Santa Maria CampusBldg. C, Rm. 25
805-922-6966 ext. 3732
