Communication Theories

Course Code:

COMM 201

Course Period:

Autumn

Course Type:

Core

P:

3

Lab:

0

Credits:

3

ECTS:

5

Course Language:

English

Course Coordinator:

Kaan TAŞBAŞI

Course Objectives:

This course explains the historical change of mass communication theories and the relationship of this change with economic, political, social, technological and cultural variables. The course, which examines different types of theoretical orientations with its intellectual foundations, embodies the theories with various researches. By comparing different theories the course is designed to understand the relationship of mass media and society on a basis of multi-layer societal formation.

Course Content:

The emergence of modern society and the role of communication in the modern society, the establishment of modern social sciences and the emergence of communication sciences as a social science discipline are the initial points of the course. Several theories and approaches parallel with the emergence of the means of communication, leaning on a political-historical-economic-social background, compare the mainstream and critical perspectives.

Course Methodology:

1: Lecture, 2: Interactive lecture, 6: Case Study, 7: Brainstorming, 9: Demonstration

Course Evaluation Methods:

A: Exam, B: Oral Exam/ Presentation

Vertical Tabs

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes	Program Learning Outcomes	Teaching Methods	Assessment Methods
1) Understands the historical development of media theories and how they link with historically important social, political and technological events/issues in the field of mass communication	1, 3, 4	1,2,6	A, B
2) Develops an understanding of the strengths and limitations of basic theories of mass communication and the ability to apply those theories in research and practice	2, 4, 5	1,2,7	A, B
3) Comprehends how mass communication theories are accepted throughout society.	2, 4, 5,	1,2,6,7	A, B
4) Discovers that mass communication is often at the centre of how we perceive “truth “and “reality”.	3, 4, 5	1,2,6,9	A, B
5) Critically evaluates theories as applied to practical mass communication problems.	1, 2, 4, 8	1,2,6,7,9	A, B

Course Flow

COURSE CONTENT
Week	Topics	Study Materials
1	Course Introduction: Course outline, explaining basic concepts and topics
2	Science Social science, Communication Studies and Communication Research	Baran&Davis Chpt. 1
3	Mass Communication and Modern Society: The Emergence of Mass Society, Mass Society and The Fear of the Masses	Baran&Davis Chpt. 2
4	The Powerful Media Effects	Baran&Davis Chpt. 3
5	Mass Communication and Propaganda	Baran&Davis Chpt. 4
6	Normative Theories of Mass Communication	Baran&Davis Chpt. 5
7	Limited Effects Paradigm	Baran&Davis Chpt. 6
8	Midterm Exam
9	Focus on Functionalism	Baran&Davis Chpt. 7
10	(Active) Audience Research 1	Baran&Davis Chpt. 8
11	Audience Research 2	Baran&Davis Chpt. 8 & Chpt. 10
12	Critical Theories 1: Cultural Studies	Baran&Davis Chpt. 9
13	Critical Theories 2: Political Economy of the Media I	Baran&Davis Chpt. 9
14	Critical Theories 3: Political Economy of the Media II	Baran&Davis Chpt. 9
15	Course Review	Baran&Davis
16	Final Exam

Recommended Sources

RECOMMENDED SOURCES
Textbook	Baran, S. Davis, D. K. (2011). Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment, and Future, Boston: Wadsworth.
Additional Resources

Material Sharing

MATERIAL SHARING
Documents
Assignments
Exams

Assessment

ASSESSMENT
IN-TERM STUDIES	NUMBER	PERCENTAGE
Midterm	1	80
Readings / Presentation	5	20
Total		100
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade		50
Contribution of In-Term Studies to Overall Grade		50
Totall		100

Course’s Contribution to Program

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO PROGRAM
No	Program Learning Outcomes	Contribution
No	Program Learning Outcomes	1	2	3	4	5
1	He/ She defines the basic concepts, principles and theoretical approaches of communication.					X
2	He/ She defines the profession of journalism; demonstrate the ability to use, process and disseminate research and knowledge related to that field.
3	He/ She gains knowledge about interdisciplinary issues and in the light of this information, he/she interprets the social effects and functions of mass media.					X
4	He/ She discusses new concepts and approaches in the media. He/ She interprets these concepts by linking with the profession of journalism at national and international dimensions.				X
5	He/ She establishes the connection between the profession of journalism and society, political, legal, cultural, historical and economic development; and analysis the power and states significance of the journalism in contemporary societies.				X
6	He/ She Interpret the historical development process of media, gain the ability to explain the effects of media on historical events and facts.
7	He/ She applies the texts and images to different media by using the technical and theoretical discipline acquired in the journalism field.
8	He/ She debates the organizational, legal and financial structure of media organizations and interprets the media within the framework of legal and ethical codes.		X
9	He/ She relates new communication technologies with journalistic practice and applies written and visual content suitable for digital media.
10	He/ She deals with researching methodology and data generation methods in the field; prepares scientific papers with his/her information on this discipline.

ECTS

ECTS ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD BY THE COURSE DESCRIPTION
Activities	Quantity	Duration (Hour)	Total Workload (Hour)
Course Duration	14	3	42
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	14	3	42
Preparation for discussion (Oral exam / Presentation)	5	6	30
Mid-terms	1	3	3
Final examination	1	3	3
Total Work Load			120
Total Work Load / 25 (h)			4,8
ECTS Credit of the Course			5

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