Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2013 - 2014

Module Title	Applying Communication Theory
Module Code	CM382
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Neil O'Boyle	Office Number	C178
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module introduces final year undergraduates to selected tenets of communication theory, with a particular emphasis on how theories can be used as tools to interpret human and mediated communication. Student activities will include in-class debates, essays and seminar presentations. In addition to exploring theories of human communication at the levels of the interpersonal, small group, organisational, and intercultural, the module also examines theories of the media, since this is the area where most students focus their work. Overall, the module critically reviews the conceptual foundations and dominant assumptions informing studies across the interdisciplinary field of communications. It retraces some of the threads that underlie contemporary scholarly approaches to the institutions, forms, patterns and styles through which communication takes place in the contemporary world.

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	Essay (including library time)
Online activity	40	Use of course-related material on Moodle
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

The importance of theory
Introduction; major traditions of communication theory; varieties of human communication

Intrapersonal to Interpersonal communication
Intrapersonal to interpersonal communication; the social psychology of communication; phatic communication and online social networking.

Mass communication and media effects
Mass communication and media effects; media uses and gratifications; cultivation theory

Culture industry to cultural industries
Culture industry to cultural industries

Reception theory; encoding/decoding
Reception theory; encoding/decoding

Intercultural communication
Intercultural communication; face negotiation theory; the politicisation of culture

The public sphere
Normative theories of public communication; Habermas and the public sphere

Consumer culture and citizenship
Consumer culture and citizenship; brand communities and tribes

Agendas and Frames
Agenda setting; agenda building; framing

Spiral of silence
Spiral of silence; moral panics; visual pleasure and ideology

New Media and New Power
Media and power; globalisation and convergence; new social movements

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Balnaves, M., Hemelryk, S. and Shoesmith, D.S.: 2009, Media Theories and Approaches: A Global Perspective,
David Crowley & Paul Heyer: 0, Communication in History: Technology, Culture and Society,
B.A. Fisher: 0, Perspectives in Human Communication,
S. Tubbs & S. Moss: 0, Human Communication: Perspectives and Contexts,
E. Griffin: 0, A First Look at Communication Theory,
Anthony Wilden: 0, System and Structure: Essays in Communication and Exchange,
S.J. Baran & D.K. Davis: 0, Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment & Future,
T. Edwards: 0, Cultural Theory,
G. Burton & R. Dimbleby: 0, Between Ourselves: An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication,
Frank E.X. Dance: 0, Human Communication Theory,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

CCS	BA in Contemporary Culture and Society
CCSYA	BA in Contemporary Culture and Society
CS	BA in Communication Studies

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