Theories of Communication

Course Code:

COMM 201

Course Period:

Autumn

Course Type:

Core

P:

3

Lab:

0

Credits:

3

ECTS:

5

Prerequisite Courses:

Introduction to Communication

Course Language:

English

Course Coordinator:

Kaan TAŞBAŞI

Courses given by:

Kaan TAŞBAŞI

Nadirabegim ESKİÇORAPÇI

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: Testing, 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, 5	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	1, 2, 3, 6	1, 2, 7	A, B
3) Comprehends how mass communication theories are accepted throughout society.	1, 2, 3, 5	1, 2, 6, 7	A, B
4) Discovers that mass communication is often at the centre of how we perceive “truth “and “reality”.	2, 3, 6	1, 2, 6, 9	A, B
5) Critically evaluates theories as applied to practical mass communication problems.	1, 2, 6	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	yulearn.yeditepe.edu.tr
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	Defines basic concepts, theories, methods, and domains of study specific to radio, television and cinema by associating them with the findings and theories of humanities and social sciences.					X
2	Demonstrates the responsibilities, effective participation, coordination, and planning skills essential for harmonious and efficient teamwork in the production processes relative to the radio, television and cinema fields.				X
3	Generates media products in accordance with professional standards in various narrative forms and genres specific to the field by synthesizing up-to-date knowledge and skills for expertise acquired through applied and theoretical courses.			X
4	Manifests professional knowledge and such skills as copywriting, image management, editing, sound design, producing and directing, media management in different fields of radio, television and cinema locally and globally.				X
5	Holds responsibility in broadcasting by integrating national and international rules of law that media professionals should pursue with professional ethical principles.					X
6	Comprehends the knowledge and skills related to institutional operation and management in the production and broadcasting processes of radio, television and cinema for the common interest.				X
7	Evaluates radio, television and cinema fields analytically and critically from their institutional structuring to products regarding a wide range of cultural, artistic, economic, and social relations.					X
8	Has the ability to collect visual, audio and written data, conduct research, evaluate, report and offer creative solutions in the fields of radio, television and cinema.				X
9	Develops original projects for radio, television and cinema by following new technologies, developments, and ideas in the fields of art, culture, and media at the national and global planes.				X

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
Oral exam / Presentation	5	6	30
Mid-term	1	3	3
Final	1	3	3
Total Work Load			120
Total Work Load / 25 (h)			4,8
ECTS Credit of the Course			5

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