Introduction to communication studies
Course description:
This course is designed to introduce you to the study of human communication. We will explore theories and models of communication and examine human communication in a variety of contexts including interpersonal relationships, groups, intercultural and gender contexts, public speaking, and public communication. This class will provide you with the knowledge necessary to begin to identify and describe communicative events in your own lives, analyze them, and make choices about meanings and responses in appropriate and effective ways. By the end of this course, you should also be able to identify and describe significant features of human communication scholarship in both the academic and broader social arena.
Course learning outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the elements and the transactional nature of communication
- identify and investigate the major theories in the various branches of communication studies
- compare and contrast the major research traditions in communication studies
- understand how theory is used in the analysis of issues in communication studies
- use communication theories appropriately to understand and/or explain communication phenomena
Required Materials:
Beck, A. (ed.) Communication Studies: The Essential Resource. London: Routledge, 2003.
Burgoon, M, F. G. Hunsaker, E. J. Dawson. Human communication. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 1994.
Crystal, D. The Cambridge encyclopedia of language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987.
Fiske, J. Introduction to Communication Studies. London; New York: Routledge, 1990.
Fromkin, V., R. Rodman. An introduction to language. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1974.
Fromkin, V. A.. Linguistics: an introduction to linguistic theory. Malden: Blackwell, 2000.
Lachur, Cz. Zarys językoznawstwa ogólnego. Opole: Wydawnictwo UO, 2004.
Littlejohn, S.W., K.A. Foss. Theories of Human Communication. Thomson Wardsworth: Belmont, 2005.
Lyons, J. Language and linguistics: an introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981.
Milewski, T.. Językoznawstwo. Warszawa: PWN, 1973.
Ong, W. J.. Orality and literacy: the technologizing of the word. London: Methuen, 1982.
Scollon, R., S. B. K.Scollon. Intercultural communication: a discourse approach. Oxford, UK: Blackwell, 1995.
Steinberg, S. An Introduction to Communication Studies. Juta: Cape twon, 2007.
Yule, G. The study of language: an introduction. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 1985
Course Requirements:
Attendance & Participation (20%) - A course in theory of communication requires active participation in class discussion and exercises. You must be present to be an active participant. Excessive tardiness is unacceptable and will result in a lowered participation grade. If you foresee problems being in class or arriving to class on time, you should seriously consider dropping this class. I suggest that if you have a legitimate reason to miss class (e.g., illness, family emergency) you contact me to see what you missed in class that day. Extenuating circumstances (documented) will also be taken into account. Participation will be evaluated by attendance, degree of preparation for class, demonstrated efforts to learn and understand the material, and constructive input and receptivity to others during class. I will facilitate in-class discussion; it is your responsibility to participate. While I encourage open expression of ideas in this class, your freedom to share your thoughts should not infringe on other students’ rights. Please be considerate of others and of your instructor so we can all enjoy a dynamic, engaging, and comfortable environment! There is a possibility of fifteen (15) points for class participation and attendance.
Assignments (30%): We will complete some in-class and some outside of class exercises that will require your oral and/or written participation. You must bring your text to class with you for this reason. I will collect written exercises and award points to those who have completed the task. These assignments often will require group discussions with classmates. Other times, they will require you to complete an activity outside of class and be ready to discuss or submit reactions to the activity during a particular class period. Examples of in-class assignments include exercises involving your practicing effective listening behaviors, activities requiring you to practice using evidence to support your ideas, simulations enabling you to appreciate different communication styles and cultural approaches, and group projects intended to foster your ability to negotiate effective solutions to communication problems. These assignments will address all of the learning goals of this course. There is a possibility for 5-20 points for turning in these assignments.
Quiz (50 %)- There is a possibility for 20-30 points for each quiz.
Grades:
I use weighted grade categories to calculate final grades.
Attendance and participation: 20 %
Assignments 30%
Quiz : 50 %
_________________________________
Total: 100%
Grades:
0-60.9 2.0 (ndst)
61.0 - 69.9 3.0 (dost)
70.0 - 79.9 3.5 (dost+)
80.0 - 89.9 4.0 (db)
90.0 - 94.9 4.5 (db +)
95.0 - 100 5.0 (bdb)
bdb= This work demonstrates comprehensive and solid understanding of course material, and presents thoughtful interpretations, well-focused and original insights, and well-reasoned commentary and analysis. Includes skillful use of source materials, illuminating examples and illustrations, and fluent verbal/written expression. “bdb” work is coherent, thorough, and shows some creative
flair.
db = This work demonstrates a complete and accurate understanding of course material, presenting a reasonable degree of insight and a broad level of analysis. Work reflects competence, but stays at a general or predictable level of understanding. Source material, along with examples and illustrations, are used appropriately and articulation/writing is clear.
dost = This work demonstrates understanding that covers most of the basics but which remains incomplete, superficial, or expresses some important errors or weaknesses. Source material may be used inadequately or somewhat inappropriately. The work may lack
concrete, specific examples and illustrations, and articulation/writing may be vague or somewhat hard to follow.
ndst= This work demonstrates a serious lack of understanding, and fails to demonstrate many rudimentary elements of the
course assignment. Sources may be used inappropriately or not at all. The work may be inarticulate or extremely difficult to read.
Please note that assignments not completed will receive a zero (0).
Plus (+) or minus (-) grades indicate your range within the aforementioned grades.
Course Policies:
1 . Attendance will be taken every meeting . You are allowed one unexcused absence. Beginning with the second absence, you will lose 1 points from your final point total for each additional unexcused absence. I must be notified of excused absences. Late arrival, early departure or unexcused absence will count as a half absence ( -0.5 points). If you do miss class, you hold your responsible for what takes place in class. In addition, I do not repeat course “lectures” and you are responsible for announcements or schedule changes made in class. Students with seven or more absences ( unexcused) will receive an “2.0 (ndst)” for the course.
2. You are responsible for assigned readings in the text, even if we do not cover those readings in class lectures. You will also be responsible for reading any additional material that I provide in class over the term.
3. No make-up exams or presentations will be allowed. No late work will be accepted without arrangements made in advance. Work that is turned after the class period it is due will be penalized one grade each day it is late thereafter.
4. All work submitted, either essays, outlines, or other formats, must be keyboarded and printed on a computer printer.
5. Please turn off all cell phones, blackberries, etc., before entering class. If your cell phone rings more than once in my class, I will ask you to leave it at home. Laptops will be allowed for note-taking ONLY. You should have your laptop open to a word processing program – no surfing the web, email, etc.
6. If you have a documented disability, please inform me if you need any type accommodation to help you succeed in this class. Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements to meet course requirements, should contact me as soon as possible, but no later than 31st March, 2018.
Cheating:
Cheating is not doing your own work. This includes such behavior as submitting the same or very similar written work as another student, copying another’s answers on exams and quizzes, or bringing in inappropriate materials to an examination. The consequences of cheating may range from failing an assignment to failing the course.
Office Hours:
I am always available during office hours and I encourage you to stop by. My commitment is to help you. If you cannot meet with me during this time, feel free to schedule an appointment. I do request that you schedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance.
Class schedule:
Note: This schedule may change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances; it’s your responsibility to check your email and other means of communication so that you are aware of any changes.
Class handouts and other material: Google Classroom
This course is designed to introduce you to the study of human communication. We will explore theories and models of communication and examine human communication in a variety of contexts including interpersonal relationships, groups, intercultural and gender contexts, public speaking, and public communication. This class will provide you with the knowledge necessary to begin to identify and describe communicative events in your own lives, analyze them, and make choices about meanings and responses in appropriate and effective ways. By the end of this course, you should also be able to identify and describe significant features of human communication scholarship in both the academic and broader social arena.
Course learning outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the elements and the transactional nature of communication
- identify and investigate the major theories in the various branches of communication studies
- compare and contrast the major research traditions in communication studies
- understand how theory is used in the analysis of issues in communication studies
- use communication theories appropriately to understand and/or explain communication phenomena
Required Materials:
Beck, A. (ed.) Communication Studies: The Essential Resource. London: Routledge, 2003.
Burgoon, M, F. G. Hunsaker, E. J. Dawson. Human communication. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 1994.
Crystal, D. The Cambridge encyclopedia of language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987.
Fiske, J. Introduction to Communication Studies. London; New York: Routledge, 1990.
Fromkin, V., R. Rodman. An introduction to language. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1974.
Fromkin, V. A.. Linguistics: an introduction to linguistic theory. Malden: Blackwell, 2000.
Lachur, Cz. Zarys językoznawstwa ogólnego. Opole: Wydawnictwo UO, 2004.
Littlejohn, S.W., K.A. Foss. Theories of Human Communication. Thomson Wardsworth: Belmont, 2005.
Lyons, J. Language and linguistics: an introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981.
Milewski, T.. Językoznawstwo. Warszawa: PWN, 1973.
Ong, W. J.. Orality and literacy: the technologizing of the word. London: Methuen, 1982.
Scollon, R., S. B. K.Scollon. Intercultural communication: a discourse approach. Oxford, UK: Blackwell, 1995.
Steinberg, S. An Introduction to Communication Studies. Juta: Cape twon, 2007.
Yule, G. The study of language: an introduction. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 1985
Course Requirements:
Attendance & Participation (20%) - A course in theory of communication requires active participation in class discussion and exercises. You must be present to be an active participant. Excessive tardiness is unacceptable and will result in a lowered participation grade. If you foresee problems being in class or arriving to class on time, you should seriously consider dropping this class. I suggest that if you have a legitimate reason to miss class (e.g., illness, family emergency) you contact me to see what you missed in class that day. Extenuating circumstances (documented) will also be taken into account. Participation will be evaluated by attendance, degree of preparation for class, demonstrated efforts to learn and understand the material, and constructive input and receptivity to others during class. I will facilitate in-class discussion; it is your responsibility to participate. While I encourage open expression of ideas in this class, your freedom to share your thoughts should not infringe on other students’ rights. Please be considerate of others and of your instructor so we can all enjoy a dynamic, engaging, and comfortable environment! There is a possibility of fifteen (15) points for class participation and attendance.
Assignments (30%): We will complete some in-class and some outside of class exercises that will require your oral and/or written participation. You must bring your text to class with you for this reason. I will collect written exercises and award points to those who have completed the task. These assignments often will require group discussions with classmates. Other times, they will require you to complete an activity outside of class and be ready to discuss or submit reactions to the activity during a particular class period. Examples of in-class assignments include exercises involving your practicing effective listening behaviors, activities requiring you to practice using evidence to support your ideas, simulations enabling you to appreciate different communication styles and cultural approaches, and group projects intended to foster your ability to negotiate effective solutions to communication problems. These assignments will address all of the learning goals of this course. There is a possibility for 5-20 points for turning in these assignments.
Quiz (50 %)- There is a possibility for 20-30 points for each quiz.
Grades:
I use weighted grade categories to calculate final grades.
Attendance and participation: 20 %
Assignments 30%
Quiz : 50 %
_________________________________
Total: 100%
Grades:
0-60.9 2.0 (ndst)
61.0 - 69.9 3.0 (dost)
70.0 - 79.9 3.5 (dost+)
80.0 - 89.9 4.0 (db)
90.0 - 94.9 4.5 (db +)
95.0 - 100 5.0 (bdb)
bdb= This work demonstrates comprehensive and solid understanding of course material, and presents thoughtful interpretations, well-focused and original insights, and well-reasoned commentary and analysis. Includes skillful use of source materials, illuminating examples and illustrations, and fluent verbal/written expression. “bdb” work is coherent, thorough, and shows some creative
flair.
db = This work demonstrates a complete and accurate understanding of course material, presenting a reasonable degree of insight and a broad level of analysis. Work reflects competence, but stays at a general or predictable level of understanding. Source material, along with examples and illustrations, are used appropriately and articulation/writing is clear.
dost = This work demonstrates understanding that covers most of the basics but which remains incomplete, superficial, or expresses some important errors or weaknesses. Source material may be used inadequately or somewhat inappropriately. The work may lack
concrete, specific examples and illustrations, and articulation/writing may be vague or somewhat hard to follow.
ndst= This work demonstrates a serious lack of understanding, and fails to demonstrate many rudimentary elements of the
course assignment. Sources may be used inappropriately or not at all. The work may be inarticulate or extremely difficult to read.
Please note that assignments not completed will receive a zero (0).
Plus (+) or minus (-) grades indicate your range within the aforementioned grades.
Course Policies:
1 . Attendance will be taken every meeting . You are allowed one unexcused absence. Beginning with the second absence, you will lose 1 points from your final point total for each additional unexcused absence. I must be notified of excused absences. Late arrival, early departure or unexcused absence will count as a half absence ( -0.5 points). If you do miss class, you hold your responsible for what takes place in class. In addition, I do not repeat course “lectures” and you are responsible for announcements or schedule changes made in class. Students with seven or more absences ( unexcused) will receive an “2.0 (ndst)” for the course.
2. You are responsible for assigned readings in the text, even if we do not cover those readings in class lectures. You will also be responsible for reading any additional material that I provide in class over the term.
3. No make-up exams or presentations will be allowed. No late work will be accepted without arrangements made in advance. Work that is turned after the class period it is due will be penalized one grade each day it is late thereafter.
4. All work submitted, either essays, outlines, or other formats, must be keyboarded and printed on a computer printer.
5. Please turn off all cell phones, blackberries, etc., before entering class. If your cell phone rings more than once in my class, I will ask you to leave it at home. Laptops will be allowed for note-taking ONLY. You should have your laptop open to a word processing program – no surfing the web, email, etc.
6. If you have a documented disability, please inform me if you need any type accommodation to help you succeed in this class. Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements to meet course requirements, should contact me as soon as possible, but no later than 31st March, 2018.
Cheating:
Cheating is not doing your own work. This includes such behavior as submitting the same or very similar written work as another student, copying another’s answers on exams and quizzes, or bringing in inappropriate materials to an examination. The consequences of cheating may range from failing an assignment to failing the course.
Office Hours:
I am always available during office hours and I encourage you to stop by. My commitment is to help you. If you cannot meet with me during this time, feel free to schedule an appointment. I do request that you schedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance.
Class schedule:
Note: This schedule may change to accommodate unforeseen circumstances; it’s your responsibility to check your email and other means of communication so that you are aware of any changes.
Class handouts and other material: Google Classroom