COMM 3833 Communication Theory; zap #1159. Jeff Gentry, Instructor
Office: Baird Hall 209-A; Office phone: 343-7742; e-mail <jgentry@rsu.edu>
Office hours: Monday/Wednesday 1-3; Tuesday/Thursday 9-11; Friday 8-10. Additional office hours available by appointment. Required text: A First Look at Communication Theory (5th edition) by E.M. Griffin (McGraw-Hill).
Course description: A survey of communication theory in interpersonal, mass media, and organizational contexts.
Course objectives: The student will learn the principles behind a range of communication theories and how they interrelate. Students will also develop their skills in library research, research writing, and presenting scholarly material.
Teaching methods: Lecture & discussion, reading; writing and speaking assignments.
COURSE OUTLINE
Aug. 19 Introduction to course and assignments; intro to theory
22 Chapter 1: Intro to theory
24 Chapter 2: History of communication theory
26 History of communication theory; article abstracts assignment
29 Chapter 3: Criteria for effective theory
31 Chapter 21: Classical rhetoric
Sept. 2 Classical rhetoric and rhetorical criticism
7 Chapter 6: Nonverbal communication & expectancy violations theory
9 Expectancy violations theory; nonverbal implications: body image in America
12 Chapter 7: Interpersonal deception theory
14 Interpersonal deception; ethical reflections (pp. 108-111)
16 Article abstracts due & discussed (phase I)
19 Chapter 15: Cognitive Dissonance ;
21 Cognitive Dissonance & balance theory
23 Ethical reflections: pages 222-225
26 Chapter 26: Cultural Studies; secondary research papers discussed
28 Cultural studies
30 Political communication
Oct. 3 Political communication and content analysis
5 Chapter 23: Narrative Paradigm
7 Narrative
10 Article abstracts due and discussed (phase II)
12 Intercultural Face-Negotiation Theory
14 Face-Negotiation
17 In class review for midterm
19 Midterm Exam
24 Chapter 28: Agenda-Setting Theory
26 Agenda-Setting; recommend secondary research papers completed
28 Chapter 27: Cultivation Theory
31 Cultivation Theory; article review assignment
Nov. 2 Communication apprehension
4 Communication apprehension
7 Chapter 32: Speech Codes Theory
9 Speech Codes and Ethnography
11 Ethnography of performance: theatre and karaoke
14 Chapter 33: Genderlect styles
16 Genderlect styles
18 Final due date for Secondary Research Paper; discussion of papers
21 The Communication Arts Continuum
Thanksgiving Break
28 Workshop day for Communication Journal article reviews
30 Comm. Journal article reviews
Dec. 2 Comm. Journal article reviews
5 Comm. Journal article reviews
7 Comm. Journal article reviews
9 In class final exam review
14@11:30: Final exam
See Next Page for Course Success and Assignments
Course Success and Assignments
1) Attendance: Class attendance has been proven essential to student success. Students are strongly advised to attend each class to best understand the material. Missed classes do not qualify you for personal instruction. If late do not disrupt the class, and do not let cell phones ring during class.
2) Due dates: Due dates in the class are firm. Any late assignments result in the loss of one letter grade, and none will be accepted more than seven days after the due date. Anyone missing an in-class exam or presentation will be permitted a make-up opportunity only if the absence resulted from a documented emergency.
3) Typing. All written assignments must be typed, and the research paper must utilize a recognized style, such as MLA or APA (APA preferred). If you struggled in English Composition II, you may need to devote extra attention to this assignment. (Also note that we have a writing lab in Baird 207 and paid writing tutors.)
4) Assignments: To be prepared for class, reading assignments should be completed in advance of the class in which they are discussed, not after. All assignments will use a straight-letter system. An A earns 4 grade points, A- =3.5, B=3, etc. All work must be completed to pass the course. If so a 3.5 average or higher =final grade of A, 2.75=B, 2.0=C, 1.25=D.
Midterm Examination: 25%
Final Examination: 25%
Secondary Research Paper: 30%
Comm. Journal article abstracts:10% (must be different from review article)
Comm. Journal article review: 10% (also turn in copy of your outline to all classmates)
5) Academic Integrity. Please see the RSU Code of Academic Conduct. Plagiarism is not acceptable and is easy to detect. Any violation will result in an "F" for the course in addition to any penalties imposed by the university.