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Communication Studies (CMNS) 301
Communication Theory and Analysis (Revision 3)

Revision 3 closed January 11, 2008, replaced by current version.

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Delivery mode: Individualized study with a video component.* Online-enhanced.
*Overseas students, please contact the University Library before registering in a course that has an audio/visual component.

Credits: 3 - Social Science.

Prerequisite: None.

Centre: Centre for State and Legal Studies

CMNS 301 has a Challenge for Credit option.

Télé-université du Québec equivalency: COM 1001/1002.

Course website

Overview

This is one of two foundation courses for the Bachelor of Professional Arts (Communication Studies) degree program. It introduces students to an array of international theories of mass communication. The course focuses on developing notions of mass communication in the twentieth century, debates surrounding issues in the field, and the practical application of theory to practice. The course is designed to accommodate varying levels of experience with communication theory. Students are advised to take the course early in their program.

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

Part I: Introduction

  • Unit 1: Introduction to Theory

Part II: Persuasion

  • Unit 2: Classical Rhetoric and Public Communication
  • Unit 3: Contemporary Rhetoric and Attitude Change
  • Unit 4: Propaganda

Part III: Media and Culture

  • 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

Part IV: Conclusion

  • Unit 10: Comparing Theories
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Evaluation

To receive credit for CMNS 301, you must complete all of the assignments and achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (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%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Griffin, Em. A First Look at Communication Theory, 6th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2006.

Marris, Paul, and Sue Thornham, eds. Media Studies: A Reader, 2nd ed. New York: New York University Press, 2000.

Other materials

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 registered in CMNS 301, and are available upon request from Athabasca University Library.

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

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