Module: Introduction to Communication Studies

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Communication Studies
Module Code	MCO1020 (ITS: CM151)
Faculty	Communications	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10986	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Eileen Culloty	Module Teacher	Colm Kearns, Neil O'Boyle, Roderick Flynn

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment 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; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None