The Communication Studies Program at Modesto Junior College offers students a variety of courses which incorporate both theory and performance instruction. These courses include: (1) public speaking; (2) argumentation and debate; (3) organizational communication; (4) intercultural and interpersonal communic ation; and (5) forensics competition in both debate and individual events. The MJC Speech & Debate Team has nationally renowned and captured a number of state and national championships. The program also offers courses in practical speech communication and voice improvement. Most courses are available to students both day and evening hours as well in a variety of online modalities.
The MJC Speech and Debate team is an award winning and nationally ranked program that travels and competes in local, statewide, and national tournaments. You might hear Speech and Debate referred to as “forensics,” which roughly translates to “the search for truth.” Many people are familiar with this term because of shows like CSI, but within the Communication Studies discipline we search for truth through dialogue. This can take a variety of forms in competitive speech and debate. Students in our program can compete in the following events: platform speaking, oral interpretation, limited preparation, and debate.
Attend class. The class meets twice a week for approximately 75 minutes for lecture and activities. There is also an independent “lab” component for preparation and rehearsal.
Prepare your events. Students in their first year need to have at least one event. This usually involves research, writing, memorization, and blocking but can vary depending on what you choose to do. These events are used all season long.
Travel to at least one tournament. Tournaments take place on weekends and usually last 1-3 days. Students can choose to attend more than one tournament. We also have asynchronous tournaments (which involves submitting recordings of your event(s).
Help facilitate Speech Night. Students on the team perform in Speech Night and help run the show.
Complete 9 service hours. Students give back to the Communication Studies community each semester by completing service hours. This can include performing a sample speech in a professor’s class, volunteering as a judge at a local high school tournament, helping to design flyers for a Communication Studies event or class, etc.
The MJC Speech and Debate program provides a great chance to enhance your skills as an actor, debater, or public speaker. Students who are interested in the team can join by enrolling in COMM 105: Intercollegiate Speech and Debate on PiratesNet. The class is worth 3 units and can be repeated up to 4 times. During class meetings and outside practices, you will gain the skills and experiences needed to excel as an orator.
MJC's Communication Studies Department is home to the Alpha Kappa chapter of Sigma Chi Eta, the National Communication Association's honor society for two-year colleges.
Sigma Chi Eta was established by the National Communication Association in 2000 to recognize students at the community college level who are dedicated to enhancing their understanding of and contributions to the field of Communication. MJC's Alpha Kappa chapter was founded in 2010.
Members in Sigma Chi Eta are eligible to represent Modesto Junior College’s chapter at local, regional, and national conventions. These conventions offer a wealth of professional resources to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
Inductees receive the following membership items:
All applicants must meet the following requirements at the time of application:
Ready to apply?
Have questions? Email the Alpha Kappa Chapter Advisor Kyle Stubbs at StubbsK@yosemite.edu
The National Communication Association is one of the oldest and most respected professional organizations in the Communication Studies discipline. Stay up-to-date with all things Communication by subscribing to their YouTube Channel.
There are several resources that will help you explore career possibilities in Communication.
The list below is just a small sample of the many career possibilities for communication majors. As with any career, your potential for success will increase as you gain additional experience, advanced education, and other specific skills.
If you want to learn more about the Communication field check out these links to professional organizations and get involved!
The Communication Studies Program at Modesto Junior College offers students a variety of courses which incorporate both theory and performance instruction. These include public speaking, argumentation and debate, organizational communication, intercultural and interpersonal communication, contest speaking and forensics competition which includes debate and individual events. The MJC Forensics Team has captured a number of state and national championships. Most courses are available to students in both day and evening hours.
The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies 2.0 for Transfer Degree includes curriculum which focuses on practical application of communication skills and communication theory. Students who complete the degree will be able to demonstrate communication competence in both personal and business relationships. The Associate in Arts in Communication Studies 2.0 for Transfer Degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept this degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. In order to earn this A.A.-T degree, students must complete a minimum of 60 required semester units of CSU transferable coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
The Certificate of Achievement in Communication Studies is designed to enhance a student’s ability to communicate in academic and professional settings. This certificate is intended to improve the communication skills of students from all majors and career plans. Students majoring in fields that require strong communication skills may use certification in Communication Studies as an alternative to completing a Communication Studies degree.
