Communication Studies 303 C. A. Brammer, Ph.D.
Communication Theory Office SH 248
Fall 2009 Ph. 696-2810(O)
522-2194 (H)
E-mail:brammer@marshall.edu
Office Hrs. Posted
TEXTBOOK: West, R. & Turner. L. H.(2009). Introduction to communication theory: analysis and application (4th ed. Mountain View, CA: McGraw-Hill Companies,Inc.
Suggested Text:
Perrin, R. (2007). Pocket guide to APA style (2nded.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
OBJECTIVES: Students completing this course should be able to:
1. Discuss the basic concepts associated with the primary theories of communication.
2. Write a clear, concise, and reasoned paper on topics dealing with the concepts of communication.
3. Understand the research literature underlying the discipline of communication.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. There is quite a bit of reading associated with this course. The primary focus is on the text. Students are responsible for all readings and any miscellaneous readings assigned at the discretion of the instructor.
2. Lectures will complement and supplement textbook material. Not all material in the text will be covered in class. There will be material presented in class from other sources. The student remains responsible for all material assigned from the text not covered in class.
3. Communication Theory Note cards (5 x 7 or 4 x 6)
For each theory that is discussed in class, students must create a note card on which they do the following:
1. Identify the scholar/theorists responsible for developing the theory.
2. In their own words, briefly summarize each theory.
3. Identify and define key vocabulary pertinent to the theory.
4. Identify the paradigm/perspective associated with the theory and articulate why they believe it to be so.
5. Evaluate the theory according to the criteria discussed in Chapter 4.
6. Share an example of an instance in which they can apply this theory to their lives.
On the day of the midterm examination and again on the final examination, note cards will be collected for evaluation. Each set of note cards will be worth 10 points. The following criteria will be used to assess these cards:
1. The student’s ability to address each of the six elements listed above
2. The comprehensiveness of the responses to each of the six criteria.
4. Theory Research Paper (200 points)
For your final project, each student should select a contemporary communication event – for example, a book, movie, organization, advertising campaign, social movement, political campaign, or news program. Then you should select one of the metatheoretical approaches to employ in analyzing the chosen event. Within the chosen approach, you should identify a specific theory that would provide a foundation for the analysis.
The final research paper should include the following:
· An introduction that gives a clear statement of the event, metatheoretical approach, and specific theory
· A detailed description of the event (or communication act within the event) to be analyzed
· A brief description of the metatheoretical approach used, followed by a detailed description of the theory used
· An analysis of the event (applying the chosen theory)
· A discussion of the major outcomes of the analysis (What was learned? What improvements would be recommended for the communication event? What insights did the theory offer to the communication event?)
· A conclusion summarizing the major points identified in the research
· 10 plus sources (limited to 2 internet sources)
· APA style
“Reel” Theory Paper (75 points)
(4 to 5 pages)
The “Reel” Theory Paper is an opportunity for you to display a practical understanding of communication theory in “reel” life. Select a film that is rich in themes and scenes ideal for analysis (for example, any of the films listed in the video section).
This paper should be centered on the general theme of communication and theory with specific comments addressing a number of the themes and topics identified in class discussions and/or the text. Papers should explicate various theories and/or theoretical elements from the text. For those looking for a template consider the following:
· Section One: Briefly address the essence of the movie. In this part of the paper, the goal is to clarify your general understanding of the movie, perhaps by explaining what you see as the director’s intentions [or those of the writer(s)]. In this section of the paper, you should identify both the thesis and the paper’s preview.
· Section Two: Identifying specific dialogue, explain the themes of the movie; use the theory chosen to guide this discussion. The goal of this part of the paper is to demonstrate the applicability of a theory to the mediated example. You may use any theory or combination of theories in the paper, taking care to find specific instances to support your thesis. You should include an analysis of the movie’s scene. You should not simply describe the film without also analyzing how the scene relates to the concepts.
· Section Three: You should conclude the paper by briefly reiterating the main points and an overall assessment of the movie (good, bad, okay, and so forth) and why you evaluated it in a particular way. This is a very brief part of the paper and not much detail is needed.
· APA style
Films: Video Suggestions
The following is a list of films that can be used to complement a discussion of the theories listed. This list is only a beginning suggestion for your reference. You will find many films and videos that are useful in making the concepts of a theory come alive for your paper.
Symbolic Interaction Theory
Nell (1994) Jodie Foster, Liam Neeson (PG-13)
Coordinated Management of Meaning
Boyz N the Hood (1991) Larry Fishburne, Ice Cube (R)
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
The Piano Lesson (1995) Charles S. Dutton, Alfre Woodard (TV)
Expectancy Violations Theory
Pumping Iron (1977) Arnold Schwarzenegger (PG)
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Strangers on a Train (1951) Alfred Hitchock (unrated)
Social Penetration Theory
Dangerous Minds (1995) Michelle Pfeiffer (R)
Social Exchange Theory
Prince of Tides (1991) Barbra Streisand, Nick Nolte (R)
Relational Dialectics Theory
The Sunshine Boys (1975) Walter Matthau, George Burns (PG)
Communication Privacy Management Theory
Tender Mercies (1983) Robert Duval, Tess Harper (PG)
Groupthink
Twelve Angry Men (1957) Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb (unrated)
Adaptive Structuration Theory
A League of their Own (1992) Tom Hanks, Geena Davis (PG)
Organizational Culture Theory
Gung Ho (1986) Ron Howard, Michael Keaton (PG-13)
Organizational Information Theory
Working Girl (1988) Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford (R)
The Rhetoric
Malcolm X (1992) Spike Lee, Denzel Washington (PG-13)
Dramatism
My Favorite Year (1982) Peter O’Toole (PG)
The Narrative Paradigm
The Joy Luck Club (1993) Kieu Chinh, Ming-Na Wen (R)
Cultural Studies
Broadcast News (1987) Holly Hunter, William Hurt (R)
Cultivation Analysis
Bowling for Columbine (2002) Michael Moore (R)
Uses and Gratifications Theory
The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels (PG)
Spiral of Silence Theory
Bob Roberts (1992) Tim Robbins (R)
Medium Theory
Network (1976) William Holden, Faye Dunaway (R)
Face-Negotiation Theory
My Family/Mi Familia (1995) Jimmy Smits, Esai Morales (R)
Communication Accommodation Theory
Grease (1978) John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John (PG)
Muted Group Theory
The Piano (1993) Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel (R)
Standpoint Theory
Do the Right Thing (1989) Spike Lee, Danny Aiello (R)
6. EXAMS:
MIDTERM (approx. ˝ the text) 100 points
FINAL EXAM (comprehensive) 150 points
GRADING: Final grades will be computed using the following scale:
100 - 93% = A 74 - 68% = D
92 - 85% = B 67 - 0% = F
84 - 75% = C
ATTENDANCE is required for all class sessions. Missing a class can affect the final grade you earn in this class. There is a great deal of material to be covered; therefore, class sessions are very important/valuable. The interaction among students and professor cannot be experienced when reading the material alone.
****All cell phones must be turned off or on silent while in class. You are not permitted to text while in class!! Points will be lost for violations of this class policy. Thank you for your consideration for me and others!!
COURSE CALENDAR
Week Topic Readings
1 Aug. 25 & 27 Introductions
The discipline of communication Chapters 1 & 2
2 Sept. 1 & 3 What is theory? Chapters 3 & 4
What is research?
3 Sept. 8 & 10 Theories about the Self and Messages Chapters 5 & 6
4 Sept. 15 & 17 Theories about the Self and Messages Chapters 7 & 8
5 Sept. 22 & 24 Theories about Relationship Development Chapters 9 & 10
6 Sept. 29 & Theories about Relationship Development
Oct. 1 Chapter 11 & 12
7 Oct. 6 & 8 Review & Midterm (Note cards Due)
8 Oct. 13 & 15 Theories about Groups Chapter 14 & 15
9 Oct. 20 & 22 Theories about Organizations Chapter 16 & 17 “Reel Paper” Due
10 Oct. 27 & 29 Theories about Public Communication Chapters 18 & 20
11 Nov. 3 & 5 Theories about Media Chapter 21 & 22
12 Nov. 10 & 12 Theories about Media Chapter 23 & 24
13 Nov. 17 & 19 Theories about Culture Chapter 26 & 27
14 Nov. 21 thru 29 FALL BREAK: THANKSGIVING
15 Nov. 30 & Theories about Culture Chapter 28 & 29
Dec. 1 Research Papers Due
16 Dec. 8 Future Directions and Review for Final Exam Chapter 30
Last Class Day
FINAL EXAM TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2009 12:45 pm -2:45 pm
Note Cards Due