Module: Applying Communication Theory

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Applying Communication Theory
Module Code	MCO1035 (ITS: CM382)
Faculty	Communications	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module revisits and consolidates the theoretical foundations of the BA in Communication Studies, while also introducing students to new perspectives in the field. Its core objectives are: (i) to integrate and deepen students’ understanding of communication theory, and (ii) to inspire and shape research ideas in preparation for their Semester 2 dissertations. A central focus of the module is the practical application of communication theories to everyday contexts. Students will examine theories of human communication in interpersonal interactions, relationships, and group dynamics, as well as theories of mediated communication. In doing so, the module provides a critical review of the conceptual foundations and dominant assumptions that underpin research across the interdisciplinary field of communications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand and describe the philosophical underpinnings of communication theory
2. Describe and differentiate human communication in various contexts
3. Explain how media function within the overall evolution of human symbolic power as both instruments of social control/order and as agents of change
4. Explain how different historical situations shape the use of different technologies to disseminate knowledge about society
5. Research and write theoretically-informed assignments and seminar reports

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	25	Weekly class contact
Assignment Completion	30	Seminar assignment
Independent Study	90	General research and reading
Assignment Completion	65	Video presentation (including library time)
Online activity	40	Use of course-related material on Moodle
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	10999	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	Neil O'Boyle	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Presentation	End of term video presentation	70%	Week 12
Report(s)	Weekly analysis sheets	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

Introduction and description of module
Introduction; major traditions of communication theory; varieties of human communication

Traditions of communication theory
Craig's Traditions of communication theory

The self and society
The self and society; Symbolic Interactionism

Interpersonal communication
Relational Dialectics Theory

Communication in groups
Symbolic Convergence Theory

Presentations and performances
The dramaturgical perspective

Mediated communication and mediatization
Mediated communication and mediatization

Media effects [Cultivation theory]
Media effects [Cultivation theory]

News and public opinion [Framing and agenda setting]
News and public opinion [Framing and agenda setting]

Critical approaches to communication [Encoding and decoding]
Critical approaches to communication [Encoding and decoding]

Participatory culture, protest and the public sphere
Participatory culture, protest and the public sphere

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Neil O'Boyle: 2022, Communication Theory for Humans, 1, Palgrave, London,
E. Griffin: 2020, A First Look at Communication Theory, Tenth, McGraw-Hill., New York,
David Crowley & Paul Heyer: 2015, Communication in History: Technology, Culture and Society, Sixth, Routledge, London,
Balnaves, M., Hemelryk, S. and Shoesmith, D.S.: 2009, Media Theories and Approaches: A Global Perspective, Red Globe Press,
Frey, L. and Cissna, K.: 2009, Routledge Handbook of Applied Communication Research, Routledge, London,
G. Burton & R. Dimbleby: 0, Between Ourselves: An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication,
Littlejohn, Foss, and Oetzel: 2017, Theories of Human Communication, Eleventh, Waveland Press, New York,
Fiske, J.: 2011, Introduction to Communication Studies, Routledge, London,
Craig, R. and Mueller: 2007, Theorizing Communication: Readings Across Traditions., Sage, New York,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None