THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATION
- Course
- COMM212 - THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATION
- Department
- Journalism - English - Undergraduate
- Course Type
- Course
- Status
- Required
- Language
- English
- Credit
- 3
- ECTS
- 5
- T+P+L
- 3 + 0 + 0
- Course Coordinator(s)
- -
- Prerequisite
- -
- Keywords
Course Description
Theories of Mass Communication course examine major theoretical and research trends in the field of mass communication. It aims to help students to develop awareness and basic understanding of a broad range of theories which direct mass media research as well as to encourage them to make associations between these theories in real world situations. Theories of Mass Communication opens with a discussion of the concepts of communication and theory, moves to an overview of the history of mass communication theory, and progresses to an analysis of various mass communication theories and models, ranging from traditional approaches to more recent critical perspectives.
THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATION
Evaluation Tools (Active Term)
No evaluation items have been defined.
Course outcomes
- 01 Identify (2) theories central to the development of media and communication studies.
- 02 Summarize (4) the arguments of theories key mainstream and critical theories.
- 03 Compare (4) mainstream and critical media theories.
- 04 Assess (5) the strengths and limitations of various types of media theories.
Course Syllabus
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to the course: Understanding mass communication/ mass media |
| Week 2 | Evolution of mass media / First studies on the effects of mass media |
| Week 3 | The media effects tradition: Hypodermic Needle Theory/Magic Bullet TheoryLimited Effects Theories |
| Week 4 | Two-step flow theory / Models of communication |
| Week 5 | Models of communication cont'd |
| Week 6 | Gatekeeping theory / Agenda-setting theory / Framing theory |
| Week 7 | Cultivation theory / revision before exam |
| Week 8 | Midterm Exams |
| Week 9 | Cultivation theory, Uses and Gratifications theory |
| Week 10 | Spiral of silence theory |
| Week 11 | Critical and Cultural theories of mass communication |
| Week 12 | Marxism and Mass Communication Research |
| Week 13 | Structuralism and semiotics |
| Week 14 | Representation / revision before exam |
| Week 15 | Final Exams (12-23 June 2021) |
Reference Books & Course Materials
- 01 Mass Communication Theory. Foundations, Ferment, and Future. Stanley Baran and D. Davis.
- 02 Understanding Media Theory, Kevin Williams.
- 03 Media Today: Mass Communication in a Converging World, Joseph Tudow.
- 04 Lecturer's notes on moodle
Learning Outcomes
- L01 Identify (2) theories central to the development of media and communication studies. SOLO 2
- L02 Explain (4) the historical development of media theories and link this development to historically important societal, political, and technological events or issues. SOLO 4
- L03 Descrıbe (3) the strengths and limitations of various types of media theories. SOLO 3
- L04 Analyze media texts using communication theories. SOLO 4
Program Outcomes
- P01 Conduct research, planning, implementation of a plan, and evaluate the results.
- P02 Demonstrate their knowledge of media and digital media communications related to the publicity of institutions and organizations.
- P03 Conduct advertising and campaign processes for traditional and new media.
- P04 Carry out internal and external communication processes within institutions and organizations.
- P05 Use the necessary audio-visual communication tools within the fields of public relations and advertising.
- P06 Show sensitivity toward remaining loyal to universal values, laws and ethical principles while practicing their profession.
- P07 Proves his/her basic theoretical knowledge in the fields of public relations, advertising and communication.
- P08 Expresses his/her knowledge of crisis management and how to find solutions to problems within the field of public relations.
- P09 Expresses his/her knowledge of perception and reputation management for institutions and organizations.
Po-Lo Matrix
| LO | P01 | P02 | P03 | P04 | P05 | P06 | P07 | P08 | P09 | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L01 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| L02 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| L03 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| L04 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |