Communication Studies (CMNS) 301
Communication Theory and Analysis (Revision 1)

This version of CMNS 301 closed, Dec. 11/02. To current version.

Delivery mode: Individualized study with video component; Online-enhanced
Credits: 3 - Social Science
Prerequisite: None
Centre: Centre for State and Legal Studies
Challenge for Credit: CMNS 301 has a Challenge for Credit option
Télé-université du Québec equivalency: COM 1000/1002
Learn more online: Course/Program information

>> Overview | Course Objectives | Outline | Evaluation | Course Materials
>> Special Course Feature | Course Fees | Course Availability


Overview

Communication Theory and Analysis is a required course in the Bachelor of Professional Arts (Communication Studies) degree program. The course introduces a range of approaches to the field of mass communication. It situates the twentieth-century study of mass communication within the framework of classical rhetoric and more recent notions of mass society.

The course is comparative, in that theories are presented and questioned, compared and contrasted by means of readings and suggestions for study and comment. In addition to the survey of important theories, Communication Theory and Analysis introduces the dynamics of debate in the field of mass communication.

Course Objectives

Communication Theory and Analysis is intended to accomplish the following objectives:

  1. Understanding: to introduce students to a broad range of approaches to mass communication theory so that students can comprehend the ideas at play in the professional literature and in the practice of communication.

  2. Critical analysis: to increase students' ability to analyse concepts and issues in mass communication theory, and to develop and defend their own positions on a variety of issues.

  3. Application: through the exploration of debates and case studies, to help students determine how the positions that they have developed might apply to circumstances arising in their professional practice.

Outline

  • Unit 1 Introduction to Theory
  • Unit 2 Classical Rhetoric
  • Unit 3 Contemporary Rhetoric
  • Unit 4 Propaganda
  • Unit 5 Semiotics
  • Unit 6 McLuhan and Innis
  • Unit 7 Uses and Effects Models of Mass Media
  • Unit 8 The Frankfurt and Birmingham Schools and Critical Theory
  • Unit 9 Agenda-Setting Theories

Evaluation

To receive credit for CMNS 301, students must achieve a course composite mark of at least 50 percent. The weighting of the composite mark is as follows:

Unit Journals
9 worth 5% each		 Critical Review Position Paper Total
45% 20% 35% 100%

Course Materials

Textbooks

Paul Marris and Sue Thornham, eds. 1996. Media Studies: A Reader. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

James W. Neuliep. 1996. Human Communication Theory: Applications and Case Studies. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Tim O'Sullivan, John Hartley, Danny Saunders, Martin Montgomery, and John Fiske. 1994. Key Concepts in Communication and Cultural Studies. 2d ed. London: Routledge.

Other material

The course materials also include a study guide, student manual, and a reading file.

Special Course Feature

Students are directed to view and listen to Library-based course materials: examples of media in film and music. Several videotapes and compact discs are held on reserve for students enrolled in CMNS 301, and are available upon request from Athabasca University Library.

Students registered in this course may take part in computer conferencing.

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice.
Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.

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This page was updated by Audrey Krawec