COMM 1
Principles of Oral Communication
Description: (Formerly numbered Communication Studies 1.) Lecture, four hours. Enforced requisite: satisfaction of Entry-Level Writing requirement. Examination of foundations of communication and public speaking. Consideration of number of basic theories related to study of communication and development of skills to enable composition and delivery of speeches in accordance with specific rhetorical concepts. Improvement of ability to analyze, organize, and critically think about communicative messages while becoming better equipped to articulate ideas. P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 4.0
Units: 4.0
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Most Helpful Review
Spring 2019 - Dr. Dee is one of, if not the, best professors at UCLA!!! Absolutely hilarious, engaging, helpful, etc. You just give three speeches throughout whole quarter and then one paper... he is not a harsh grader whatsoever. Classes begin with discussions; he'll randomly call on people but you get used to it and nothing is taken too seriously -- it makes the class super fun. Even if you're not trying to do Comm, take this class for an easy A, a place to improve your public speaking skills (don't be scared, some people in your class will be very very bad lol), and to experience Dr. Dee!
Spring 2019 - Dr. Dee is one of, if not the, best professors at UCLA!!! Absolutely hilarious, engaging, helpful, etc. You just give three speeches throughout whole quarter and then one paper... he is not a harsh grader whatsoever. Classes begin with discussions; he'll randomly call on people but you get used to it and nothing is taken too seriously -- it makes the class super fun. Even if you're not trying to do Comm, take this class for an easy A, a place to improve your public speaking skills (don't be scared, some people in your class will be very very bad lol), and to experience Dr. Dee!
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Most Helpful Review
Spring 2020 - Overall, this class was an easy A. Professor Feramisco was an okay lecturer who got the job done. Her lectures were kind of boring, but they were the basics of communication that most people should know through common sense, so I often found myself not really paying attention and just going on my phone. Her lectures require participation, but unless if you're stuck in groups to present a mini presentation, they don't require you to put much mental effort in. Her class mainly consists of giving 4 different speeches and 1 written analysis paper. The first speech is a Introduction Speech (5-6 minutes recorded) where you literally just talk about anything that you think represents you. The second speech is an Informative Speech (5-6 minutes recorded) where you give random facts about a topic of your choice. The third speech is a Persuasive Speech (5-6 minutes recorded) where you persuade someone to believe your case about a topic of your choice. The fourth speech is a Ceremonial/Special Occasions Speech where you give an award to someone in your class and give a speech accepting an award. The written analysis is a 4-5 page analysis of a speech (you're given the Youtube video links to 2 different speeches to choose from) and rate how well the speaker presented it. The professor grades super easily, so if you just do the assignments, you'll have an A in the class. I thought Prof. Feramisco genuinely tried to connect with students and often asked us about updates on our lives during remote learning. We even had a "bring your pet to class day" where you could show your pet on camera, which was a wholesome moment in the class. Totally recommend this class!
Spring 2020 - Overall, this class was an easy A. Professor Feramisco was an okay lecturer who got the job done. Her lectures were kind of boring, but they were the basics of communication that most people should know through common sense, so I often found myself not really paying attention and just going on my phone. Her lectures require participation, but unless if you're stuck in groups to present a mini presentation, they don't require you to put much mental effort in. Her class mainly consists of giving 4 different speeches and 1 written analysis paper. The first speech is a Introduction Speech (5-6 minutes recorded) where you literally just talk about anything that you think represents you. The second speech is an Informative Speech (5-6 minutes recorded) where you give random facts about a topic of your choice. The third speech is a Persuasive Speech (5-6 minutes recorded) where you persuade someone to believe your case about a topic of your choice. The fourth speech is a Ceremonial/Special Occasions Speech where you give an award to someone in your class and give a speech accepting an award. The written analysis is a 4-5 page analysis of a speech (you're given the Youtube video links to 2 different speeches to choose from) and rate how well the speaker presented it. The professor grades super easily, so if you just do the assignments, you'll have an A in the class. I thought Prof. Feramisco genuinely tried to connect with students and often asked us about updates on our lives during remote learning. We even had a "bring your pet to class day" where you could show your pet on camera, which was a wholesome moment in the class. Totally recommend this class!
Most Helpful Review
Gregory is definitely a unique individual with no structure in her teaching style. You will walk into class every single day wishing that maybe, just maybe the course will take an unsuspected turn for the better. It doesn't. It's pretty much a waste of time that you can spend on other homework or studying or even taking a nap. It's ridiculously boring and all students do is keep pulling her on to the unnecessary conversations that take place everyday in class. Go to her office hours, kiss up, and i'm sure you'll end up with a nifty grade. But other than that, be prepared to be ultimately bored out of your mind for the next 10 weeks. :]
Gregory is definitely a unique individual with no structure in her teaching style. You will walk into class every single day wishing that maybe, just maybe the course will take an unsuspected turn for the better. It doesn't. It's pretty much a waste of time that you can spend on other homework or studying or even taking a nap. It's ridiculously boring and all students do is keep pulling her on to the unnecessary conversations that take place everyday in class. Go to her office hours, kiss up, and i'm sure you'll end up with a nifty grade. But other than that, be prepared to be ultimately bored out of your mind for the next 10 weeks. :]
Most Helpful Review
Winter 2021 - Structure of Class: - Three speeches throughout the quarter, you get to pick your own topics - One final paper (>5 pages double spaced) - Participation matters, ie. responding to/critiquing your classmates' speeches I was hesitant taking Comm 1 with a new professor because I normally suck at public speaking, and I thought I was gonna struggle. But Hurwitz proved me wrong. Not only is he charismatic and personable, he also writes really nice and helpful comments after every speech. If you're shy, this class will build your confidence in public speaking. You will not regret taking it with Professor Hurwitz.
Winter 2021 - Structure of Class: - Three speeches throughout the quarter, you get to pick your own topics - One final paper (>5 pages double spaced) - Participation matters, ie. responding to/critiquing your classmates' speeches I was hesitant taking Comm 1 with a new professor because I normally suck at public speaking, and I thought I was gonna struggle. But Hurwitz proved me wrong. Not only is he charismatic and personable, he also writes really nice and helpful comments after every speech. If you're shy, this class will build your confidence in public speaking. You will not regret taking it with Professor Hurwitz.
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Most Helpful Review
Took comm 100 theory with him this fall quarter and got a B. Initially I was pretty pissed cuz I hated this class with a passion, but honestly looking back I missed tons of classes, never did the readings, did the paper the night before it was due, and barely studied for the midterm and final and still walked away with about an 85% in the class. the lectures are boring and stupid as hell but as long as you can suck it up to go to class and simply do the readings you should be able to get an A.
Took comm 100 theory with him this fall quarter and got a B. Initially I was pretty pissed cuz I hated this class with a passion, but honestly looking back I missed tons of classes, never did the readings, did the paper the night before it was due, and barely studied for the midterm and final and still walked away with about an 85% in the class. the lectures are boring and stupid as hell but as long as you can suck it up to go to class and simply do the readings you should be able to get an A.
Most Helpful Review
She teaches 110 but it wasn't available in the drop down. (Gender & Communication) The class is interesting as is the reading. Her powerpoint are clear and she will give out a comprehensive study guide. The tests are surprisingly difficult... Many scored lower on the midterm than they expected. Digging deeper into the concepts and definitions is necessary to get an A. Also knowing application of what is taught, is required on the exams. Nice teacher.
She teaches 110 but it wasn't available in the drop down. (Gender & Communication) The class is interesting as is the reading. Her powerpoint are clear and she will give out a comprehensive study guide. The tests are surprisingly difficult... Many scored lower on the midterm than they expected. Digging deeper into the concepts and definitions is necessary to get an A. Also knowing application of what is taught, is required on the exams. Nice teacher.
Most Helpful Review
Fall 2020 - This was one of my first classes I have taken at UCLA. Since it is a speech class, I was definitely nervous, but this nervousness went away after literally the first day. From the get go, he goes over everything you will be doing over the quarter. The class consists of 3 speeches that are around 5-7 mins each (biography, informative, and persuasive), and a paper in which you analyze a speaker (4-7 pages). The lowest grade I received on a speech was a 95 on my first one. From there on I got 100s on all of the assignments- including the paper. Kochian is a very fair grader and the assignments are incredibly easy and flexible. He goes out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable and has a lighthearted and endearing spirit about him. I am extremely glad I took this class with this professor, he definitely made it worthwhile. Of course this was during COVID so it was a bit easier, but I learned a lot about how to perfect my own public speaking. Overall, I enjoyed the class and would encourage everyone to take it with him for an easy A and caring professor.
Fall 2020 - This was one of my first classes I have taken at UCLA. Since it is a speech class, I was definitely nervous, but this nervousness went away after literally the first day. From the get go, he goes over everything you will be doing over the quarter. The class consists of 3 speeches that are around 5-7 mins each (biography, informative, and persuasive), and a paper in which you analyze a speaker (4-7 pages). The lowest grade I received on a speech was a 95 on my first one. From there on I got 100s on all of the assignments- including the paper. Kochian is a very fair grader and the assignments are incredibly easy and flexible. He goes out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable and has a lighthearted and endearing spirit about him. I am extremely glad I took this class with this professor, he definitely made it worthwhile. Of course this was during COVID so it was a bit easier, but I learned a lot about how to perfect my own public speaking. Overall, I enjoyed the class and would encourage everyone to take it with him for an easy A and caring professor.
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