Communication theories 1.S2.MLA.17
Course objectives
The course is of an synthetic character: it gives students an overview and revision of various theoretical approaches to communication. It aims to encourage students to select and prioritize such models and perspectives that can be useful for their study. It is designed for students to engage with presented materials, to comment on them, to critique them.
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Course content
1. Introducing concepts in mass communication and media theory
2. History of communication research: Evolving paradigms and results
3. Mass culture and society
4. Limited effects paradigm, new methodologies
5. Critical and Cultural Studies
6. Psychological, sociological and cultural perspectives in communication research
7. Recent developments: cultivation, agenda setting and globalization,
8. Methods used communication studies: analyisng producers, texts and receivers
9. Semiotic and rhetorical theories of communication (Saussure, Peirce, Barthes, Eco)
10. Language(s) and representation(s)
11. Discourse analysis and multimodality
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Methods of instruction/ forms of classroom activity:
Lecture with a multimedia presentation and commentary, analysis and discussion of representative examples, webquest, report/critique (oral, written) of implications and uses of various theories and approaches (pair-work, group-work), review of literature read out of class
Field of study
Student workload
Study level
Education profile
Type of course
obligatory courses
The semester in which the subject is carried out
Mode
Course coordinators
Term 2023/24-L: | Term 2024/25-L: |
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes acc to PRK 2019
Knowledge:
Students know and understand
1. scientific facts and research results pertaining to the complexity of phenomena related to language in (mediated) communication (k_W01/P7S_WG)
2. complex theoretical models of communication as well as their implications for the advancement of interdisciplinary studies of (public) communication (k_W04/P7S_WG)
Skills
Students can
3. use appropriate methods and tools, including advanced information and communication technologies (ICT) to identify, aggregate and visualize information (k_U05/P7S_UW)
4. analyse textual, graphic and visual data, compare and contrast various ideas and viewpoints on communication models (k_U07/P7S_UW)
Social competences
Students:
5 reach out to sources for corroboration and experts for advice using different media and communication technologies (Pew research centre, Nielsen, IPSOS Mori) (k_K03/P7S_KK)
6. express opinions based on reasonable premises and deliberate on the issues for public interest with the use of available media technologies (k_K07/P7S_KO)
Assessment criteria
Forms of evaluation of learning outcomes
1. A test/essay - 40% of the final grade (outcome 1,2,3)
2. Active class participation - 40% of the final grade (outcome 3,4,5)
3. report/critique/review of literature - 20%of the final grade (outcome 2,5,6)
pass at 60% of the final grade
Bibliography
Reading list
A. obligatory reading (to get a credit):
A.1. used in class
Stokes, Jane (2003) How to do Media and Cultural Studies. London: Sage.
Baran, Stanley and Dennis Davis (2006) Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment, and Future. (fourth edition). Thomson Wadsworth.
Danesi, Marcel (2009) Dictionary of Media and Communication Studies. London/New York: Sharpe
Potter, John (2010) Media Effects. London: Sage.
A.2. used for self-study
Croteau, David, William Hoynes and Stefania Milan (2012) Media/Society: Industries, images, and audiences. London: Sage
McQuail, Denis (2010) McQuails's Mass Communication Theory (sixth edition) London: Sage.
McQuail, Denis (ed.) (2002) McQuail's reader in mass communication theory. London: Sage.
B. supplementary reading
https://www.jyu.fi/viesti/verkkotuotanto/ci/glossary.shtml
https://commconcepts.wikispaces.com/Concepts+in+Communication+Study
https://mediatexthack.wordpress.com/
https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/a-primer-on-communication-studies/index.html
http://www.medialit.org/reading-room/language-media-literacy-glossary-terms
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: