1. Introduction ¶
The course Communication Theory is an introduction to the various aspects of communications in the fields of interpersonal, organizational, mass media, culture, and new media. The course helps students understand communication phenomena with a social science discipline and engage in critical thinking process. Students will learn several fields of communication research, and get an opportunity to explore concepts and issues in the fields.
2. Outlines of the course ¶
The topics of the course are composed of introduction, and discussion of various communication theories in everyday-life fields -- mainly intrapersonal, interpersonal, culture, persuasion, leadership, group communication, organizational communication, mediated communication.
Students are expected to read the class materials (textbooks and others), and actively engage in discussions on the topics. The theories mentioned in these fields are: message design logics; attribution theory; uncertainty reduction theory, explectancy violations theory, politeness theory, social exchange theory, dialectical perspective, Hofstede's cultural dimensions, face-negotiation theory, social judgment theory, elaboration likelihood model, narrative paradigm, Likert's four system, transformational leadership, contingency model, leader-member exchange, symbolic convergence theory, functional group decision making, organizational culture, structuration theory, organizing theory, agenda-setting theory, cultivation theory, social learning theory, uses and gratification theory, etc.
Students are expected to read the class materials (textbooks and others), and actively engage in discussions on the topics. The theories mentioned in these fields are: message design logics; attribution theory; uncertainty reduction theory, explectancy violations theory, politeness theory, social exchange theory, dialectical perspective, Hofstede's cultural dimensions, face-negotiation theory, social judgment theory, elaboration likelihood model, narrative paradigm, Likert's four system, transformational leadership, contingency model, leader-member exchange, symbolic convergence theory, functional group decision making, organizational culture, structuration theory, organizing theory, agenda-setting theory, cultivation theory, social learning theory, uses and gratification theory, etc.
3. Course objectives ¶
- You should develop skills to engage in critical thinking process in various communication fields
- You should develop skills to apply the theories to real communicative phenomena, and
- should be able to articulate the phenomena in a meaningful way.
4. Course materials ¶
- Textbook
- Dainton, M.; and Zelley, E.D. (2005). Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life: A Practical Introduction. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc.
5.1. Attendance ¶
Your attendance and participation in class is important. Throughout the semester, you will earn a small percentage of points toward the final grade for your participation in the class activities. In class activities cannot be made up.
