California State University, Bakersfield: Department of Communications

Introduction:

I entered CSUB in the fall of 2013 to finish my BA in Communications. I had no idea I was in for the

adventure of my life. In just two years I met amazing students who eventually became my friends, and I built

relationships with them and my professors. I was educated by premium instructors from all over the world and

I learned about how important education is, not just for the piece of paper, but for my future and my goals in

life.

The goals which the CSUB Department of Communications set out for me were stimulating and rewarding. I

fulfilled each goal and objective during my constant two years at CSUB and achieved more than just

qualifications, I found my passion and my place in the world. Thank you, CSUB, I know what I want to be

when I grow up!

Goal 1: Understand and apply concepts and theories:

Communications 274: Introduction to Mass Communications and Communications 309: Theories of

Communication both courses with Dr. Jackson were inspiring. In just ten short weeks, we covered over twenty

theories and constantly wrote papers on different theories. Dr. Jackson’s main goal for each student was to

understand the term praxis and be able to apply it for life. Her classes were excellent stepping stones for the

future communication courses I would be challenged with.

Goal 2: Understand communications concepts regarding: journalism, public relations and digital media:

Communications 306 with Professor Burger fulfilled both journalism concepts and digital media. We

were asked to adopt a local nonprofit, I chose Dress for Success. Over the course of the quarter, I created over

fifteen different news articles. I made photography stories, audio stories and produced, edited and stared in my

very first video story. You can view it on YouTube.com, I’m kind of famous now. We used the

bakersfieldbside.com to post our productions and I learned how to blog and communicate with other community

members.

Continued Goal 2:

I chose Public Relations as my concentration and I am so glad I did, because I had a chance to work with

the keenest woman on campus, Dr. Simmons. I took all three classes with her; Communications 305: Public

Relations, Communications 350: Public Relations Strategies and Tactics, and Communications 432: Case

Studies in Public Relations. In all three classes I learned how to apply public relations concepts in real world

situations. Whether I was working on a PR campaign for the SPCA or writing papers and creating power point

presentations, I was in constant motion and always using my creativity. Each class was equally as challenging

as the next and I never stopped learning. I know Dr. Simmons loves her career and it shows in her extreme

dedication to her classes and her students. I know if I give her cookies, she will do just about anything. I love

you Dr. Simmons!! And I’m not writing this to get an A, I mean it.

Goal 3: Establish ethical communication skills and apply them diversely and culturally.

All of my communication courses fulfilled both of these areas, but two courses in particular were

specific to the topic. Communications 370: Intercultural Communications and Communications 432: Health

Communications, both taught by Dr. Alali. I absolutely loved the classroom atmosphere in Comm. 370, there

were over ten different cultures and people from all over the world. I met two amazing exchange students from

Canada, a basketball player from Jamaica and a beautiful dancer from Japan. This class is a must for anyone,

not just communication majors. Health communications was online and the interaction was constant. We were

required to post at least 60 comments throughout the quarter and write papers and take exams. I feel this course

prepared me for the future of my health and my parents when it comes to communicating to health care

providers.

Goal 4: Communication Law:

This course kicked my rear. The only B- I have ever received in any of my communication courses, and

I worked my tail off to get it. Communications 315: Mass Media Law with Dr. Alali online. My only

recommendation for future communications students, try to take this class on campus, not online. The core

concepts and subjects were intense. I felt this course could almost be applied to law degrees.

Goal 5: Effective oral and written communication:

Communication 304: Technical and Report Writing with Professor Garcia was key to establishing

excellent written and oral communication skills. The use of group work to perform oral communication

presentations were edifying. Communications 460: History of Film with Dr. Miller was enlightening. I was

able to use creative licensing for his required papers and I loved writing essays for all of his exams.

In order of acquisition: Courses, Grades, And Course Objectives & Papers:

COMM 274: A- : Enhance media literacy, mass media knowledge, glean cultural perspective and

participate as better consumers. Papers included: Banned Book Report, oral presentation & media

presentation. Fulfilled.

COMM 304: A: Develop effective research skills, organize technical information & learn to write

for specific audiences. Papers include: Bad-Ass Coffee Proposal, Interoffice Communication, Dear

Nicole Brown, To the editor, Recommendation Report, Final project Presentation, Cover letter &

Resume. Fulfilled.

COMM 305: A-: List and provide four models of PR, risk analysis, research PR, major legal

issues, crisis communication, issues management & describe PR and how it’s practiced. Papers included:

Case study, case analysis, PR museum, CSR areas, Models and Exercises, Revise website, Ethnic PR,

Crisis Communication, Planning and Public Relations Research, Professional Panel Response, Crisis lit

review. Fulfilled.

COMM 309: B+: Create and understand connections and theories, research methods, examine

contexts and traditions. Papers included: Afterlife the movie, Crime through an interpretive lens,

Communication theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Standpoint Theory, Muted Group Theory, Cultural

studies theory and Face-Negotiation theory. Fulfilled.

COMM 370: A: Overview of cultural influences, develop skills and appreciation of other

cultures. Public speaking assignment and group theories assignments. Fulfilled: 98 on final, class

presentations and group presentations completed.

COMM 315: B-: Online class, introduce principals of media law, legal framework, first

amendments, media technologies, rights and privileges of communication practice. Fulfilled.

COMM 350: A-: Use informative and persuasive techniques, write feature story, create brochure,

radio spots and blogging. Papers included: News Feed, News source analysis, feature writing, web site

analysis, blogging and brochure. Fulfilled.

COMM 432: A: Identify explain and describe PR campaigns, and adopt a nonprofit to set up a

campaign. Papers included: REP analysis, Rope process, MIDTERM, Group Project, Eye Street

Productions, brochure. Fulfilled.

COMM 460: A: Understand interactions between culture and creative expression in film,

understand works of cinematic art within cultural context. Papers included: Midterm and essay, Movie

Review, Critique analysis of anti-protagonists in Dog Day Afternoon and Do the Right Thing. Fulfilled.

COMM 435: A-: Course was Online: Objectives Identify communications processes in public

health, health promotion program, theories and stratagies and investigate health issues in the media.

Paper included: Analysis of Recent New Coverage Regarding Immunization in US. Fulfilled.

COMM 306: A-: All Projects saved to a flash drive or go online: bakersfieldbside.wordpress.com

Jpayne9. Photo story, audio story, video story. BLOG 1-8, comments and curriculums.

COMM 490: A?: You’re looking at it.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 1-2: WHERE IT ALL STARTED & UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT

PAGE 3-6: INTRODUCTION, COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT

GOALS 1-5, COURSE OBJECTIVES AND TITLES OF PAPERS

APPENDIX A-K: NOT LISTED BY PAGE

APPENDIX A: COMM 274 SYLLABUS AND PAPERS

APPENDIX B: COMM 304 SYLLABUS AND PAPERS

APPENDIX C: COMM 305 SYLLABUS AND PAPERS

APPENDIX D: COMM 309 SYLLABUS AND PAPERS

APPENDIX E: COMM 370 SYLLABUS AND PAPERS

APPENDIX F: COMM 315 SYLLABUS AND PAPERS

APPENDIX G: COMM 350 SYLLABUS AND PAPERS

APPENDIX H: COMM 432 SYLLABUS AND PAPERS

APPENDIX I: COMM 460 SYLLABUS AND PAPERS

APPENDIX J: COMM 435 SYLLABUS AND PAPERS

LAST PAGE: IN PROGRESS COMM 306 PAPERS ONLINE