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With the unbundling of Mass Communication programme in Nigeria, the face of communication education in the country has changed. The programme has transited into a full college/faculty while individual courses have adapted to the change. While several new courses now exist in the seven new departments, some of the courses you used to know before have also taken a new shape. We have done a thorough research on what these courses offer in universities across the world; and we have provided prototype syllabus for students to study ahead. This is also to assist lecturers who might be facing new challenges with several new courses to have an idea of what the syllabus of each course offers.
COURSE COMPACT
Faculty: Communication and Media Studies Department: Journalism & Media Studies
Course Code: CMS 204 Unit(s): 2 Semester: Second
Course Title: Theories of Communication
Lecturer: Programme: B.Sc.
(A). BRIEF OVERVIEW OF COURSE
This is an introductory course which focuses on the major theoretical issues of, approaches to, and applications of communication. The course is an exploration and analysis of major theories that explain the nature, uses and effects of media and communication. It is designed to teach students the relationship between theory and research, including the relevance of research is establishing theories. Theories from various branches of communication, including interpersonal, group/organizational, rhetorical, mass and cultural, will be explored in-depth. Historical, current, and practical critiques of each theory will be conducted. The course also helps students to give critical consideration to the place of theory within the Communication Studies discipline and everyday life. At the completion of this course, students would have an in-depth understanding of how theories shape how people make judgments about reality, relationships, circumstances, and decisions in their lives and in the society.
(B). COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS
By the end of this course, students will have learned:
- The historical development of communication theories
- How to identify and investigate the major theories in the various branches of communication studies
- Functions of communication theories
- Relationship between communication theories and social, political and technological events/issues in the field of communication
- Theories from various branches of communication, including interpersonal, group/organizational, rhetorical, mass and cultural communication
- The strengths and weaknesses of basic theories of communication
- Approaches to and application of communication theories to research and practice
- Current and practical critiques of each communication theory
- How to appreciate practical relevance of theory
(C). METHOD OF LECTURE DELIVERY
- Lectures
- Quizzes
- Assignments
- Practical Classroom Sessions
(D). COURSE OUTLINE
1. Introduction
Definition of theory
Meaning of communication theory
Origin of mass communication theories
Paradigm shifts in communication theories
Functions of communication theories
Models of communication
2. Approaches to the Study of Communication Theories
(Media use theories, media effects theories, channel/source/message/audience theories, Post-positivist, Hermeneutic, Critical, Post-positivist, Hermeneutic, Critical, Normative theories, etc.)
3. Normative Theories and their Criticisms
Authoritarian media theory
Soviet-communist media theory
Libertarian or free press media theory
Social responsibility media theory
Democratic participant media theory
Development media theory
4. Source Theories
Agenda setting
Gate-keeping
5. Message Theories
Diffusion of Innovations
Propaganda theory
Framing Analysis
Priming
Discourse Analysis
Social Construction
Two step flow of information
6. Channel Theories
Gatekeeping
Technological Determinism
Social Shaping of technology
7. Audience Theories
Uses and gratifications
Social categories theory
Cultivation Analysis
Social Learning theory
Reception
Spiral of Silence
Hypodermic/Stimulus-Response/Magic Bullet
Diffusion of Innovations
Two step flow
Individual Differences
Selectivity Processes
Knowledge Gap
Perception
Aggressive Cues
Carthasis
Active theory of Television Viewing
The Third- Person Effect
Others
7. Communication and Cultural Theories
Communication Accommodation
Genderlect Theory
Standpoint Theory
Muted Group Theory
8. International Communication Theories
World Systems
Dependency
Structural Imperialism
Cultural Imperialism
Globalization
Hegemony
Public Sphere
Propaganda
9. Relevance of theories in Communication Studies
Relevance of theories
Theories and research tradition in communication
Critical discourse on theoretisation of media, communication and culture
10. Class activities and Assignments
Practical classroom exercises on analysis of theories and application to real world issues
(E). RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Griffin, E. (2012). A first look at communication theory (8th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
(F). IMPORTANT LINKS
Types of communication theories
Media theories and their relevance to communication practice
Functions of communication theories
Communication Theory (List of theories)
Communication models and theories
Borah, P. (2016). Media effects theories
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