Introduction to Communication Theory and Research - CST 201
https://courses.vccs.edu/courses/CST201-IntroductiontoCommunicationTheoryandResearch
Effective: 2023-08-01
Course Description
Introduces the field of communication, emphasizing perspectives on theory and research, topical areas within the discipline, basic research methodologies, and a survey of theories in those areas. Covers basic procedures for theory-building, research, and writing about communication.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits
The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.
General Course Purpose
Provides students with an overview of communication studies as an academic discipline through a survey of foundational theories in the field, an introduction to communication scholarship and research methodologies, and provides a gateway for students to transfer to a four-year baccalaureate program in communication. Course is principally designed for students planning to transfer for a major or minor in Communication Studies at a four-year program.
Course Objectives
- Explain the evolution of the field of communication and describe the current state of the discipline.
- Students will gain an understanding of components of a theory and be able to identify different approaches to doing research in the field.
- Explain how communication theories vary across the discipline.
- Define, explain, and analyze various communication theories that will prepare the student to commence junior-level communication studies courses after transferring to a four-year college or university
- Identify the major specialization areas within communication studies and assess options for transferring to a four-year academic program in communication studies
Major Topics to be Included
- A. Introduction to Communication
- 1. Definitions of Communication
- 2. Ways of Knowing
- 3. Metatheoric Assumptions for Theory Building
- 4. Evolution of the Field
- 5. Current Trends in Communication Studies
- B. Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication Theories
- 1. Major Debates in interpersonal communication scholarship
- 2. Uncertainty Reduction Theory
- 3. Social Penetration Theory
- 4. Symbolic Interaction Theory
- C. Rhetorical Theory and Public Relations
- 1. Methods of Rhetorical Analysis
- 2. Principles of Aristotelian Theory
- 3. Burkean Concepts of Dramatism and Pentadic Analysis
- D. Mass Communication Theories
- 1. Major debates in the field of mass communication
- 2. Cultivation Theory
- 3. Uses and Gratification Theory
- E. Research and Writing about Communication
- 1. How to Read Research in the field
- 2. How to use the APA and MLA methods of documentation for communication studies