https://courses.vccs.edu/colleges/gcc/courses/CST201-IntroductiontoCommunicationTheory

Effective: 2024-05-01

Course Description

Engages in an examination of various theories, focusing on questions about human communication. Emphasizes perspectives on theory development, 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

CST 201 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 provides a gateway for students to transfer to a four-year baccalaureate program in communication.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: CST 100 or CST 110

Course Objectives

  • Critical Thinking
    • Distinguish between various approaches to communication theory and assess their usefulness.
    • Explain practical ways communication theory can be applied to everyday life interactions with others.
  • Written Communication
    • Effectively synthesize course material through written communication.

Major Topics to be Included

  • Overview of Communication Theory Development
    • Define and describe communication studies as an academic discipline, outlining its historical development, cultural significance, and relevance in modern society.
    • Identify and analyze key foundational theories in the field of communication studies.
    • Address the philosophical assumptions behind these theoretical traditions within communication theory.
  • Ethics and integrity
    • Explain the ethical considerations and responsibilities associated with conducting communication research.
    • Engage in discussions about communication-related topics, respecting diverse perspectives and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
    • Identify and describe various frameworks for organizing communication theories and discuss the ethical implications of those frameworks.
  • Evaluation of Communication Theory
    • Evaluate communication scholarship to identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the existing literature.
    • Identify and explain methodologies commonly used in communication theory development.
  • Application of communication theory to practice
    • Apply communication theories, demonstrating an understanding of how these theories shape human communication.
    • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present ideas with clarity.
    • Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing and synthesizing complex communication theories applying them to real-world contexts.