CCI 622Ben BatesBJBates202007-08-22T14:56:00Z2008-11-21T15:03:00Z2008-11-21T15:03:00Z18534867University of Tennessee4011570911.0000C&I 540Communication TheoryFall 2008Instructor: Benjamin J. Bates333 Comm Bldg.bjbates@utk.eduCatalog Description: Overview of theory-building process and theories in communication.Coursework:This course will proceed as part lecture, part seminar, combining an overview of fundamental theoretical approaches with more targeted examination of theories relevant to specific student interests. In addition to the primary course readings, students will be expected to locate and discuss in class additional materials and sources relevant to their assignments and interests. I encourage and expect questions and discussions from students.There will be two in-class exams, several short assignments, and a major term paper.Exams30%Assignments and Discussions50%Theory Paper20%Exams (15% each)Assignments and DiscussionsTheorizing (5%)- The purpose of this paper is to get you thinking about theory as a tool for explanation. In no more than five pages, identify a communication phenomenon of interest to you, and come up with a theory to explain that phenomenon. Do not refer to any existing theory you may know about, and do not use any outside sources. Think it through and explain how it works. (Due 29 August 2008)Turn it in with a brief statement of your interests and background.Theory Evaluation (15%) – Critically evaluate the status and value of some theory.Theory Discussion (2, 10% each) - Either: a) teach a theory or b)update/analyze a theory I’ll be discussing a lot of theories over the course of this term. I won’t get to all of them, and in many cases, I’ll focus on the original foundational theory in an area. During class, you will need to identify 2 theories that you want to know more about, identify current work using the theory, and lead a discussion on that theory (5-10 minutes). You will identify and prepare materials, present them and lead discussion in class, as well as write a short review for the professor.For a).the focus is on teaching the theory; for b) the focus is on applying the theory to research.General Class Discussion (10%)Theory Paper (20%)This is to be considered a major term paper. It should be original analysis and focus on some aspect of communication theory. It should run 15-25 pages, plus citations. You should clear topics with the professor. Students may work individually or in teams, with the caveat that expectations for team projects are commensurately higher. Presentations count as part of the final grade.ReadingsThe required readings are the ones I will focus on as general texts for the class. The books listed under recommended are good resources you may want to pick up if you can find them at a reasonable price. Additional readings will be distributed in class or through the Blackboard class website.Required:Griffin, Em. A First Look at Communication Theory. 7th Ed. McGraw-Hill, 2009McQuail, Denis. Mass Communication Theory. 5th Ed. Sage, 2005Other readings as assigned. (These will be made available as handouts in class, or as digital downloads via the Blackboard class websiteRecommended:R. B. Rubin, A. M. Rubin, & L. J. Piele. Communication Research: Strategies and Sources. WadsworthJ. Watson & A. Hill. Dictionary of Media and Communication. Hodder Arnold.D. McQuail & S.Windahl. Communication Models: For the study of mass communication.Tentative Schedule:Subject to change as conditions warrant. Changes will be announced in class and on the class Blackboard site. LF refers to Littlejohn & Foss text, ST refers to Severin & Tankard. DateTopicReadings/Ass.20 AugIntro27 AugConcerning TheoryLF:1,2;ST:1,2,3; Chaffee&Berger*3 SeptTraditionsLF:310 SeptIntrapersonalLF:4;ST4,717 SeptMessage & MeaningLF:5; ST5,624 SeptInteraction/RelationalLF6,7 ST81 OctGroup & OrganizationalLF8,9; ST98 OctExam 115 Oct **Media Message EffectsLF10; ST10,11,12,1322 OctMedia Message Effects29 Oct **Audience ApproachesST145 NovStructural/Cultural EffectsLF11;ST15,1612 NovCyber TheoriesST1719 NovNo class (Thanksgiving)26 NovPaper Presentations10 Dec, 7:15-9:15 pm(Final) Exam 2General Requirements and Notices:All materials to be turned in for this class must be typed, or printed on at least a NLQ computer printer. They should be double-spaced, with normal font sizes and margins. Work should be turned in during class, or in my office mailbox. Work may also be turned in via email attachment or through the Digital Dropbox on the course website. If you do, make sure that the file is in Microsoft Word format, in RTF format, or in Adobe PDF format. The instructor is not responsible for lost or corrupted files (i.e., it’s up to you to make sure I’ve gotten it).While students are encouraged to study and work together, it is also expected that all work turned in will be original and individual-- plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you have any doubts as to what plagiarism is, consult your various handbooks and guides, or ask the instructor. The instructor is willing to work with students with special needs, and make any necessary special arrangements possible to facilitate their learning experience in this class. However, those individuals will need to consult with the instructor about their needs as soon as possible. No extensions will be given, and no make-ups will be offered. The instructor is the final arbiter of excuses and their acceptability. The instructor reserves the right to modify the course schedule and requirements. Any changes will be announced during class meetings, on the official class website and/or by e-mail.