Communication Theories and Semiotics

obligatory courses

BA level studies

English in Public Communication

semester 1

Full-time studies

obligatory courses

(in Polish) Realizowany w sali

ECTS points in relation to student’s duties:

total number of ECTS: 3

1 point ECTS = 30 hours of classes

1,5 point ECTS = 45 hours of preparation to class (report writing, homework)

0,5 point ECTS = 15 hours of consultations with the teacher

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. One such theoretical and methodological perspective is semiotics, which is presented in more detail.

Course objectives:

The course is of an introductory character: it gives students a panoramic overview 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 using 21st century thinking skills in the process.

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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. Semiotic theories of communication (Saussure, Peirce, Barthes, Eco)

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Methods of teaching:

Lecture with a multimedia presentation

Commentary to lectures

Analysis and discussion of representative examples using 21 century thinking skills: Comparisons, Categorising, Sequencing, Focusing attention, Memorising, Exploring space, Exploring time, Exploring numbers, Creating associations, Cause and effect, Solving problems, Creative thinking

Critique (oral, written) of implications and uses of various theories and approaches (pair-work, group-work)

Summary/Review of literature read out of class

Reading list:

Used in class (provided by instructor or online)

Baran, Stanley and Dennis Davis (2006) Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment, and Future. Fourth Edition. Thomson Wadsworth.

Chandler, Daniel (1994-2016) Semiotics for Beginners e-book

Used for self-study

Croteau, David, William Hoynes and Stefania Milan (2012) Media/Society: Industries, images, and audiences. London: Sage

Potter, John (2010) Media Effects. London: Sage.

Supplementary reading

Goban-Klas, Tomasz (2006) Media i komunikowanie masowe. Teorie i analizy prasy, radia, telewizji i Internetu. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN

Learning outcomes acc to PRK 2019

Knowledge

Students:

1. have basic knowledge about the significance of the study of language and communication in the humanities, about their research subjects as well as their methodological specificity (k_W01/P6S_WG)

2. know of the main contexts (historical, economic, political) that have shaped communication research and are aware of the complexity and evolution of linguistic systems and meaning-making practices (k_W06/P6S_WG)

Skills

Students can:

3. search for, analyze, select, evaluate and use information collected from various sources and presented in various media (k_U07/P6S_UO)

4. apply the terminology, theoretical frameworks, research paradigms and methodological approaches of communication studies and media studies as an interdisciplinary approach to studying English in public communication (k_U09/P6S_UU)

5. can manage time and work effectively, as well as cooperate with others as a team (k_U08/P6S_UO)

Social competences

Students:

6. approach public communications in an analytic and critical way using 21st century thinking skills: Comparisons, Categorising, Sequencing, Focusing attention, Memorising, Exploring space, Exploring time, Exploring numbers, Creating associations, Cause and effect, Solving problems (k_K02/P6S_KK)

7. draw conclusions as to what are ethical and reasonable practices in the context of public communication (k_K05/P6S_KR)

Forms of evaluation of learning effects:

1. A test - 40% of the final grade (outcome 1,2)

2. Active class participation - commentary, discussion, analysis of examples in pairs, critiques in small groups – 30% of the final grade (outcome 3,4,5,6)

3. A summary essay/critique/review of literature - 30% of the final grade (outcome 2,6,7)

Pass at 60% of the final grade