Communication theories

obligatory courses

MA level studies

Master of Liberal Arts

semester 2

full time studies

academic profile

obligatory courses

(in Polish) Realizowany w sali

ECTS points in relation to student’s duties:

total number of ECTS = 3

1 ects = 30h in class

0,5 ects = 15 h for consultations

1,5 ects = 45 h for preparation for class

Course description

The course introduces the students to a variety of theories and models of communication and to various perspectives that can be taken when studying public communication. The theories are related to disciplinary priorities and evolving research orientations, of which only some can be appropriated in a philological approach.

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

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

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)

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