• California State University, Chico
• Table of Contents
• Schedule
• Search This Catalog
• Find Courses
• Degrees
• Home

Communication Course Offerings

Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Prerequisites: Completion of 9 units of Honors undergraduate courses; college Honors Advisor's and instructor's permission.

Student, in conference with faculty member, will develop a research proposal. This will entail developing competence in a research methodology appropriate to the field of communication and the student's interests, review of literature, collecting of data, and acceptance of a prospectus for a project or thesis.

Prerequisites: COMM 399H; college Honors Advisor's and instructor's permission.

The purpose of this course is to bring to fruition the research project or thesis which was begun in COMM 399H. It also entails a public presentation of the project or thesis. Credit/no credit grading only.

Communication Design Course Offerings

This course teaches the concepts, history, and applications of communication. The implications and ethical issues of media and the communication process are covered. CAN JOUR 4. This course is also offered as JOUR 101.

An introductory survey course demonstrating the methods and principles common to the communication design disciplines, including problem-solving, composition, idea generation, and storytelling.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130.

An introduction to the styles and formats used in writing for radio, television, multimedia, and the Web. Writing includes commericals/public service announcements, news, and informational programming. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Introduction to computer systems and applications relevant to the design, communication, and creative fields. Overview of hardware and software. The implications of working in a networked environment. Basic computer security, backup, and recovery. Macintosh, Windows, and UNIX environments.

An introduction to technical theatre production in the areas of stage and television lighting practices and equipment operation. Class includes lecture/discussion and practical assignments. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. This course is also offered as THEA 121.

Visual communication is explored through images which audiences view. Includes graphic design methodology, layout, typography, symbolism, and grid systems developed from thumbnail through comprehensive. For non-Graphic Design majors only. 1.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

For Graphic Design majors only. Visual communication is explored through images which audiences view. Includes graphic design methodology, layout, typography, symbolism, and grid systems developed from thumbnail through comprehensive. 1.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

This course will explore the elements of visual design as they apply to the production of video and film. An overview of visual literacy will be given, and the application of these elements to the critical analysis of video and film productions will be discussed. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher.

An introduction to 35mm photography, emphasizing camera control, composition, and lighting and the fundamentals of digital imaging, including scanning, image manipulation, and printing. Includes a broad-based survey of photography. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

An introduction to computer graphics utilizing both PC and Macintosh platforms. Applications for print, video, and training are stressed. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

This course provides a theoretical and practical knowledge of digital audio productions techniques for radio, video, and multimedia. Particular emphasis is placed on audio for video and production strategies for effective communication in audio. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130.

The fundamental study of the theory, practices, and interdisciplinary nature of information. The development of information in modern social and economic institutions. Theoretical foundations of information as a science. Evaluate major methodologies related to the study of information, its measurement, operational value, structure, notational form, and retrieval processes. The use and value of information in organizations. Open to non-majors.

Introduction to hypertext markup language .HTML), Web standards, and the Web publication process. Includes practical exercises in the creation and publication of Web pages and the construction of coherent Web sites. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: ARTS 122, ARTS 125, CDES 132, CDES 206, or faculty permission.

Orientation to the visual portfolio process and review. Required for students in the CDES Visual Communication/Graphic Design sequence. Successful completion of the course with a grade of A is necessary for entry into CDES 332, CDES 333, and CDES 334. Review of individual work by faculty committee. 2.0 hours activity. ABC/no credit grading only.

Motion picture beginnings. How production, distribution, and use developed to make motion pictures a powerful medium for mass communication. The significance of the motion picture as an entertainment, education, information, and propaganda device meeting unique social needs and purposes. Open to non-majors.

The origins and major movements in the area of the documentary film. The various uses relating to propaganda, social problems, and personal insight. Production motivations in seeking the mass audience through documentary. Open to non-majors.

A course in the practical application of media in radio, television, and magazine formats. 4.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Discussion and analysis of the function, structure, organization, operation, and economics of the various telecommunication industries, including broadcasting, cable, independent production, and other related new technologies. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher. Required for enrollment in upper-division Media Arts courses.

An introduction to the application of systems theory in the design and development of instruction. A sequential procedure will be considered, which begins with goal-setting and ends with instructional product evaluation and a revision cycle. Emphasis will be placed upon needs assessment, performance objectives, task outcomes, and formative evaluation.

Prerequisites: CDES 271 or concurrent enrollment or faculty permission. Students taking the course for the Minor in Education should request faculty permission.

An introduction to the area of media for instruction and training. The course is divided into three general areas: (1) Hardware; (2) Theory; (3) Application. Students will design and carry out plans for actual use of media in teaching and learning situations. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

An introductory survey of the printing, publishing, and packaging areas of graphic arts. Systems of digital printing, including inkjet, subliminal dye, dry toner, and liquid ink systems. Emphasis on industry organization and structure, printed products for mass distribution, and methods of graphic arts reproduction. 2.0 hours lecture, 1.0 hours discussion. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 114, CDES 281, or faculty permission.

Introduction to digital pre-publishing (print and WWW). Examination of document layouts and page makeup, including software applications. Proper use of type as alphanumeric symbols and concepts of character and paragraph formatting are stressed. The course includes an introduction to file importing techniques and strategies for complex document construction. This course is appropriate for students who want an understanding of introductory content creation techniques for publication. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.

Study of various approaches to the critical examination of communication. Application of principles to selected examples. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Communication Design. 2.0 hours lecture, 1.0 hours discussion. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

Prerequisites: CDES 102.

Students will acquire a qualitative understanding of how various information and communication technologies work, the social needs that drive technology developments, and the future impact of new information technologies on work and society. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Communication Design. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 261 (with a grade of C or higher) or faculty permission.

A review of the legal assumptions of telecommunication regulation; a review of the major legal issues, cases, and legislative acts which form the corpus of telecommunication regulation.

Prerequisites: CDES 103 or JOUR 260.

An analysis of the role of the copywriter in the creation of media advertising. Emphasis on effective copywriting. Training in the creation of complete campaigns. Includes brief study of ethics and regulations of advertising. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: Basic computer literacy, faculty permission.

A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 261 (with a grade of C or higher) or faculty permission.

An examination of contemporary trends in the telecommunication industry.

Examines the use of computer systems and technology in expanding and improving traditional communication methods. The role of computers in production and distribution of mass media forms will be studied as well as implications for individualizing information and communication modules with large automated information data bases connected to terminals in the home or office. Telecommunication networks using satellites, fiber-optics, packet switching burst communication transmissions will be explored. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: Senior standing or faculty permission.

An exploration, by means of a team project, of the new technologies related to communication and information media. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: CSCI 100 or equivalent experience with computers.

Develop knowledge of (a) the role of information and specialized information systems in modern organizations and (b) how changes in the world information environment challenge organizations. Introduces methods of designing and preparing specifications of information systems for a variety of specialized tasks.

Prerequisites: CDES 222.

Modern Web technologies for the production and publication of Web pages and sites. Production of client-side and server-side dynamic Web pages to accept user input and retrieve information from databases. Style sheets for controlling Web page appearance. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: CDES 222.

The nature of the human interface. Issues in human interface design with strong emphasis on the WWW and E-commerce. Principles of usability and their underpinnings in cognitive psychology. Web accessibility and adaptive technologies. Students critically analyze the usability of existing E-Web sites and recommend changes.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing.

Relationships between governmental processes and the availability of public information and channels of communication. Intergovernmental agencies and federal, state, and local governments as sources of published and unpublished information and as forces in the development of communication systems.

Prerequisites: CDES 214, CDES 282.

Introduction to typographic and diagramatic information design with an emphasis on improving the accessibility and usability of complex data for print and interactive media. Topics include principles of visual and typographic composition, visual perception and cognition, visual symbols, visual representations of hierarchical structures and quantitative information, interaction and navigation in visual interface design. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.

The course is designed to expose visual communication students to significant graphic forms, personalities, and movements. Students will relate symbolic, typographic, photographic, and illustrative imagery to informative and persuasive media.

Prerequisites: CDES 230.

Exploration of letterforms; historical through contemporary. Alphabet development and modification for visual communication. Experience with traditional letterform techniques and how they interface with current computer technologies. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 230 for CDES majors. Other majors require instructor permission.

Study of methods, materials, and techniques used by designers to translate literary or verbal messages into visual terms. Designed to equip students with foundation techniques for interpreting and explaining visual concepts. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 230, CDES 282; concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of CDES 214.

Introduction to typographic syntax, with an emphasis on the organization and visual structure of typographic information. Topics include principle of composition, form-counterform relationships, modular grids, proportion, and visual hierarchy. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 333 or CDES 334.

Course designed to enable student exploration of broad professional field of visual advertising design, special creative technique and presentation methods; interface with corporations, institutions, and government. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.

Prerequisites: CDES 230.

The study of graphic technical processes as they relate to the graphic designer, illustrator-artist. Explains methods of preparing art work for reproduction. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.

Prerequisites: CDES 333, CDES 334.

To prepare the student to develop communication methodology for solving experimental packaging problems; to develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional package simulation techniques; to understand the marketing aspects of packaging, technical reproduction methods of packaging, and interface them with the visual media. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: ART 125 is strongly recommended.

Course defines illustration theory and illustrator's role in visual communication process. Explores use of illustration as method of visual problem-solving. Designed to help students explore professional field of illustration design, its special characteristics, and techniques. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.

Prerequisites: Junior standing, CDES 103, CDES 206, CDES 216; CDES 141, CDES 261 (both with a grade of C or better); faculty permission.

This course examines the development of radio/television formats, programming types, ideology, and genres from historical and critical standpoints. The impact on cultural functions, political agendas, social judgment, art forms, and human communication will be addressed through interpretation of mediated content.

Prerequisites: CDES 103.

An advanced writing course for non-print media which provides experience in writing narrative scripts for television and film. Consideration will be given to format and style as well as aspects of dramatic structure. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 366.

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the responsibilities of the producer in all media productions.

Prerequisites: CDES 261 (with a grade of C or higher) or faculty permission.

A thorough review of the basics of broadcast and online programming practices and theory including both qualitative and quantitative audience analysis. Programming for broadcast, cable, satellite, premium, public, and online media are discussed and analyzed.

Prerequisites: CDES 103, CDES 216.

The skills and techniques of announcing in audio, slide tape, film, and video presentations. Areas covered include copy interpretation and the objective delivery of scripted and ad-lib material in a variety of audio, film, video, and live presentations. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 103, CDES 216.

Theory, practice, and techniques involved in gathering, writing, and reporting broadcast news. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.

Prerequisites: CDES 261 (with a grade of C or higher) or faculty permission.

The programming and management principles involved in the operation of telecommunication facilities. Course content includes sales, advertising, programming, legal and ethical management responsibilities, and other related topics. Industry professionals are frequent guest speakers. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 103, CDES 206, CDES 216; CDES 141, CDES 261 (both with a grade of C or higher).

Theory and techniques of video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of electronic field video production. The course includes all pre-production, production, and post-production videotape editing elements related to the production of all video programs. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 103, CDES 216; CDES 261 (with a grade of C or higher).

The planning, researching, writing, and production of news and informational programs related to public affairs. Course content includes interview, discussion, and documentary styles of public affairs programming. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.

Prerequisites: CDES 272.

Application of systematic instructional design and development techniques. The student functions as an instructional planner and performs key instructional design/product development tasks such as assessing instructional needs and developing detailed design specification, prototypes and final instructional products. Emphasis on developing products for incorporation into an instructional design portfolio. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 206 (with a grade of C or higher).

In-depth study of contemporary photographic techniques, stressing advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging for high-quality output. Emphasis will be placed on furthering aesthetic and creative vision in conjunction with refining technical proficiency. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

This course is for special topics offered for 1.0–3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. Credit/no credit grading only.

Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0–3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.

Prerequisites: CDES 314.

Project-based course designed to develop the student's ability to function as a multimedia development team member. Emphasis on design and development of multimedia programs for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. 1.0 hours discussion, 4.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 222.

Techniques and strategies for arriving at reliable cost estimates for digital WWW media projects, to include direct, indirect, and contingency costs and profits. Critical path analysis and computational techniques are stressed. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.

Prerequisites: CDES 222 or faculty permission. Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, CDES 323 is recommended.

The role of the computer in handling office functions is examined. Emphasis will be on the analysis of office services and operations in terms of organizational structure and individual requirements. System design and implementation will be covered in terms of user acceptance, equipment requirements, and cost/benefits. Comparisons will be made between centralized and decentralized systems. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 333, CDES 334.

Creation of documents to affect audiences, including book, magazine, annual report, newsletter, and experimental formats. Includes publication formula, analysis, and relation to electronic platforms. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 333, CDES 334.

Environmental signage and information systems design for exhibits, retail, transportation, parks, museums, and related architecture. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: Graphic Design students: CDES 230, CDES 206, CDES 333, CDES 334. Media Arts students: CDES 206, CDES 313. All students: faculty permission.

This course offers communication Design students the opportunity to create an advertising campaign for a national competition. Students are responsible for research, design, copywriting, production, and presentation under faculty supervision. This course works in collaboration with a similar class in the College of Business, which is responsible for research, marketing and strategic aspects of the competition.

Prerequisites: CDES 334.

Introduction to typographic semantics, with an emphasis on the expression of meaning, experimentation, and discovery. Topics include contemporary typographic theory, font design, mixing messages, non-linear composition and sequence. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 333, CDES 334.

Analysis, creation, and presentation of identity, branding, and licensing for corporate, government, education, medical, and non-profit organizations. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 214 and CDES 282, or faculty permission.

Introduction to time-based information design and kinetic typography, exploring relationships between music and typographic composition for new media. Topics include historical relationships between music and typography, form and space, hierarchy and structure, texture and depth, time and movement. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 333, CDES 434, CDES majors only.

This course is studio practice offered for 3 units. The course is designed to provide actual studio practice in graphic design and focuses on client relationships, design management, specifications, cost analysis, printer interface, and quality control. Students function as design studio staff members with a faculty member as art director. Recommended for Visual Communication majors only. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 366.

This course will focus on the design and creation of television programs used in corporate training, interactive video, and other non-dramatic settings. Students will be responsible for the television producer's functions in planning and supervising the execution of television programs, with emphasis on content, organization, and use of production techniques to secure the intended audience response. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: CDES 366.

Involves complicated and detailed editing of video-based materials using digital and analog linear and nonlinear video editing procedures and techniques.

Prerequisites: CDES 366.

Theory and techniques of color video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of video production. This course includes pre-production and production elements related to the production of all video programs. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 366.

Selected video production projects involving advanced techniques not covered in other production courses, including integration of other media forms into complete video programs. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 366 or faculty permission.

Provides students with opportunities to further define their skills and abilities in video-related experiences. 3.0 hours discussion. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units.

Prerequisites: CDES 373 or faculty permission.

Theory and practice of evaluation as it relates to instructional products and programs. Consideration of formative and summative evaluation techniques that are particularly applicable to instructional technology, including peer and expert review, pilot testing, and cost-benefit analysis. Examination of sampling techniques and measurement methods that support the evaluation effort.

Prerequisites: CDES 373.

Theoretical frameworks and strategic approaches to analyzing the source of human/organizational performance problems are discussed. Emphasis on analytical approaches to needs analysis that result in recommended interventions to solve performance problems such as training, organizational development, and workplace redesign. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 373.

An overview of the scholarly theory, research literature and application of the field of instructional technology. Classic models and theories about instruction, learning, perception, systems and communication are examined. Research findings that have potential applications in the design, production or delivery of instruction are featured. Micro-theories such as component display theory and elaboration theory, which have particular relevance to instructional design, are considered.

Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

This course is an internship offered for 1.0–12.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. The internship is a program designed to provide the student with occupational experience — within the industrial environment — in the information and communication profession prior to graduation. The internship is designed as a transition to professional practice wherein the student will work full-time within an industrial firm for a length of time to be established between the cooperating firm, the intern, and California State University, Chico. The student will experience a wide range of industrial situations, conditions, and practice. Students will serve their internship under the direct supervision of a practicing member of the profession. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units.

Prerequisites: CDES 206, CDES 396, or faculty permission.

Enrichment of the student's visual literacy. Extension of the student's ability to develop concepts visually and to reinforce these concepts with words/music/sound effects. The course is designed for both instructional technology and media arts students. Students will be able to verbalize a concept and illustrate it with synchronous images, words, music, and sound effects in a single-sequence slide tape. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: CDES 206.

This course is designed to teach students concepts and skills in photographic copying and titling techniques and their applications to motion picture, instructional media, and TV production. 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: CDES 396.

Students will develop effective communication and analytical skills in areas such as product and illustration photography. Emphasis will be placed on camera and lighting control, problem solving, composition, and art direction. Primarily for graphic design students. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: CDES 396 or faculty permission.

This course explores specialized techniques including posterization, solarization, high-contrast printing, masks, dual print, etc., of both color and black and white materials. The stress is on darkroom manipulation and will deal with camera- and non-camera-generated negatives.

This course is for special topics offered for 1.0–3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.