Module: Introduction to Communication Studies

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Introduction to Communication Studies
Module Code	CM151 (ITS) / MCO1020 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Roderick Flynn
Module Teachers	John Moran, Mark O'Brien, Neil O'Boyle, Saumava Mitra
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

This module provides first year students with a broad introduction to the core concepts, theories, language and analytical frameworks that they will meet in more depth and detail over the course of their studies. It introduces concepts central to the analysis of communication in relation to communication theory, political economy, film studies, media audiences, and social media - all of which are built on in subsequent modules.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and discuss the core concepts and themes within commmunciation studies.
2. Critique modes of human commmunication in terms of keys characteristics of communication theory.
3. Understand the importance of politics and economics in shaping communication.
4. Understand the impact and consumption of different media forms.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Weekly Lecture
Seminars	74	Weekly seminar (including reading reports)
Independent Study	154	Reading and research of main themes, including online research
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Week 1
Introduction to Module

Week 2
Communication Theory (Neil O'Boyle)

Week 3
Communication Theory (Neil O'Boyle)

Week 4
Reading Film (Pat Brereton)

Week 5
Media Audiences (Jim Rogers)

Week 6
Media Audiences (Jim Rogers)

Week 7
Reading Week

Week 8
Social Media (Eugenia Siaperia)

Week 9
Social Media (Eugenia Siaperia)

Week 10
Political Economy (Roddy Flynn)

Week 11
Political Economy (Roddy Flynn)

Week 12
Overview / Exam Brief

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	End of semester final essay	70%	n/a
Participation	Weekly post	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

John Fish: 2011, Introduction to Communication Studies,
Stuart Price: 1996, Communication Studies,

Other Resources

None