Skip to Main Content

OER & ZTC: Open Educational Resources & Zero-Textbook Cost Classes

A guide for faculty about OER & ZTC at El Camino College.

Textbooks

book cover Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies (2016): University of Minnesota
  Libraries Publishing. 

Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies overviews the time-tested conceptual foundations of the field, while incorporating the latest research and cutting-edge applications of these basics. Each chapter will include timely, concrete, and real-life examples of communication concepts in action.


book coverArguing Using Critical Thinking by Jim Marteney (2020): LA Valley College/ASCC OERI.

Critical thinking is a series learned skills. In each chapter of this book you will find a variety of skills that will help you improve your thinking and argumentative ability. As you improve, you will grow into a more confident person being more in charge of your world and the decisions you make.


undefinedExploring Public Speaking, 4th Edition by Barbara Tucker & Kris Barton (2019): University System of Georgia. 

This text includes appendices on online speaking, APA, humor and storytelling in public speaking, and one on Dalton State’s Library. The book also covers use of PowerPoint, audience responsiveness, ethics in public speaking, special occasion speeches, and structure of speeches. Three ancillaries are available: electronic “flash cards” for study, Powerpoints on the 15 main chapters, and test banks for the 15 main chapters.


book coverStand Up, Speak Out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking (2016): University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. 

Stand up, Speak out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking features two key themes. First it focuses on helping students become more seasoned and polished public speakers, and second is its emphasis on ethics in communication. It is this practical approach and integrated ethical coverage that sets Stand up, Speak out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking apart from the other texts in this market.


book coverProcess of Communication by Tammera Stokes Rice (2020): College of the Canyons.

An overview of human communication processes, including historical context. Covers speaking and listening, verbal and nonverbal communication between individuals, within groups, interculturally, and up to mass communications via written and broadcast communications. 


 


book cover  Fundamentals of Public Speaking by Tammera Stokes-Rice, Victoria Leonard & Lauren Rome (2019): College of the
 Canyons.

This text covers a wide range of topics regarding public speaking, including ethics, speaking with confidence, effective listening, audience analysis, outlining and organizing, speech delivery, introductions and conclusions, visual aid usage, critical thinking and reasoning, and special occasions. 


book coverSmall Group Communication compiled by Trudy Radtke (2019): College of the Canyons.

This text covers a wide range of topics about small group communication, including group dynamics, team management, small group communication across cultures, verbal and nonverbal communication, leadership, listening skills, problem solving and managing conflict. 


 


book coverInterpersonal Communication compiled by Victoria Leonard (2019): College of the Canyons. 

This textbook will cover topics such as: dealing with conflict, how to communicate in professional and personal relationships, and self-presentation in communication. Contains chapters addressing conflict in interpersonal communication and communication in relationships. 

 

 


book coverIntercultural Communication by Tammera Stokes Rice (2019): College of the Canyons.

This textbook was written and designed especially for College of the Canyons Communications students. The following chapters will cover topics such as: understanding cultural identity (including defining culture, subcultures and countercultures), social construction of identity, including ability, race, gender, and sexuality; cultural biases, and culture shock.

 

Courses

Group Communication (Saylor)

You apply the principles of interpersonal communication in many settings in your daily life. A common setting is while working in small groups or teams. This type of communication happens casually as you interact with family and friends as well as more formally when you attempt to solve a challenge at work, at school, or while volunteering for a service activity. This course will focus on the principles of small group communication to help us better navigate this important communication setting.

 

Interpersonal Communication (Saylor)

This course will define interpersonal communication and apply its basic elements to everyday situations. You will investigate interpersonal communication in its formal and informal settings, and discuss conflict management. Conflicts arise in all relationships, with family and friends as well as with colleagues in the workplace. Understanding and applying human communication principles to these situations can often help to diffuse conflicts and even prevent conflict.

 

Introduction to Communication Science (University of Amsterdam/Coursera)

Introduction to Communication Science explores some of the basic theories, models and concepts from the fields of mass, interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. The course begins with a consideration of several basic models, subsequently progressing to the history of communication theory, linear effect-oriented theories, the reception approach and, finally, exploring theories on the production and reinforcement of culture through communication.

 

Public Relations (Saylor)

This course will help prepare you to conduct public relations suitable for small start-up businesses, international companies, political campaigns, social programs, personal development, and other outreach projects. There are many tools useful to effective public relations.

 

Public Speaking (Saylor)

This course systematically examines the elements of an effective speech. The course textbook and lectures go through an element-by-element examination of the essentials of public speaking, while also identifying traits of the individual speaker and how they impact preparation and presentation. In addition to these resources, a comprehensive series of brief videos demonstrate specific, performance-oriented aspects of public speaking.

 

Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking (Harvard/edX)

This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of rhetoric, the art of persuasive writing and speech. In it, you will learn to construct and defend compelling arguments, a crucial skill in many settings. We will be using selected speeches from prominent twentieth-century Americans -- including Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Margaret Chase Smith, Ronald Reagan, and more -- to explore and analyze rhetorical structure and style. Through this analysis, you will learn how speakers and writers persuade an audience to adopt their point of view.

Additional Resources