Communication & Society at Cal Poly SLO

Students will explore and engage with concepts that encourage critical thinking about identities, diversity, equity and a vision for a world aimed at reducing, preventing and eliminating harm.

Program Highlights

Learn how to critically analyze social norms and news articles
Learn the basic history of social movements pertaining to gender, sexual orientation and race
Develop essential public speaking skills
Learn the basics of argumentative writing
Learn how to communicate about controversial topics
Tuition:

Residential Tuition:
$5,298

Commuter Tuition:
$2,998

Dates:

Session 2:
July 20, 2025 August 1, 2025

Location:

Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly SLO - San Luis Obispo, CA

Course Overview

Are you interested in learning how you can make a positive impact on the world through your future career? This course is focused on developing communication skills pertaining to important topics impacting all professions. Topics include gender, race, culture, diversity, and inclusivity. Interpersonal communication on complex topics, dealing with conflict, and the development, maintenance and termination of personal and professional relationships will be discussed. Through writing assignments, class discussions and a final group presentation, students will explore and engage with concepts that encourage critical thinking about identities and a vision for a more compassionate, equitable, and less harmful world.

This course can support all future careers. We live in a world where knowledge of the complexities of social identities is vital to success. Even more important is the ability to communicate comfortably about these complexities. Students will explore their own social-emotional intelligence and how tapping into this can help them in any future career, from construction management to engineering, psychology, business, ethnic studies, or a future as a nurse or educator.

Communication is one of the most popular majors in the US, learn more here. Learn how a minor in Women’s Gender & Queer Studies can support your career path here..

Meet your instructor

Dr. Christina Kaviani

Women, Gender & Queer Studies Cal Poly SLO

Instructor at Cal Poly SLO – Dr. Christina Kaviani is a lecturer in the Department of Communications, Women, Gender & Queer Studies at Cal Poly SLO and has over a decade of experience in the field of gender-based violence prevention education and response.

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