Mass Communications Theory II

Communications 641, Spring 2003

5:05-7:45 pm, Tuesdays, Com 207

Administrative Details

Professor: Benjamin J. Bates

Office: 333 Com-UEB
Office Hours: T 2-4. Th 2:30-5:00 & by appt.
Phone: 423-974-4291
E-mail: bjbates@utk.edu
Fax: 423-974-2814
Homepage url: http://excellent.com.utk.edu/~bates

Official Catalog Description:

Selected topics in theory. Critical evaluation of extant theory, derivation of hypotheses, and advanced theory construction.

Real Course Description:

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the theoretical world of communications and related disciplines; in other words, to give students their fill of theory, but hopefully in a useful way. More specifically, there are several specific areas which the course and students will emphasize::

* to explore and experience the process of theory construction, application, and testing;

* to explore the historical development of theory and paradigms in communication

* to expand familiarity with communication theory, in range, depth, and scope

* to develop the background and tools for effective analysis, criticism, and development of communication theory

In practical terms, the goal of this course is to provide the doctoral student with the skills and background to provide a strong theoretical background for their dissertation and research.

Course Technical Requirements

First of all, this course will require a lot of reading. Some will be assigned in common, but much will also be student directed. In that sense, many of the details on topics, etc., will be developed in conjunction with the students during the term. There will also be several written assignments, culminating in a major theory paper.

Assignments

40% Discussion Leader Assignments
10% Analysis/Development Paper
15% Class participation
35% Theory Paper (research proposal)

Discussion Leader Assignments:

Students will have 4 discussion leader assignments. These assignments will include additional readings, class presentations, and a short paper. The essence of each is to select and read a major theoretical work in the area assigned, prepare a short presentation of its major theoretical points for class, and write a short paper in which you select one application of theory which is tested/examined in that work, develop an alternative theory which would also explain that finding, and outline a critical experiment which would determine which of the two theories is correct. To the extent possible, these readings should be relevant to the student’s research area/dissertation topic. The tentative assignments include: a classic work in communications or a related field, a relevant major work in a field outside of communication (e.g., sociology, psychology, etc.), a major work in communication but from a different paradigm, and a major recent work in your area. Selections of the works to be read must be made in consultation with the professor.

Analysis/Development Paper

Selecting from among several general theoretical perspectives provided, write a paper analyzing how well that perspective meets the needs and definitions of scientific "theory" (i.e., is it really a theory?), identify and discuss the paradigm from which that theory developed, and how that development influenced the paradigm.

Class Participation

Read assigned materials, and contribute to class discussions.

Theory Paper

Write a major paper in which you: a) create a new theory of communication, b) synthesize two or more existing theories into a coherent whole, or c) extend an existing theory to a new set of applications. While this may sound scary, it's essentially what your theory section should be for your dissertation, so approach it like a dissertation proposal. That is, include a fairly thorough review of both theoretical and applied literature in the relevant areas, a clear and supported development of theory, precise definitions of relevant concepts and issues, and an outline of how the new theory can be (will be, by your dissertation) tested.

A first draft of the paper is due in class on 28 March 2003. This will also allow you to submit the paper to AEJMC (submission to AEJMC or other appropriate conference is strongly encouraged). Papers will be returned in time to revise and resubmit for the final presentations.

Required and Recommended Readings:

Anderson, James A. (1996). Communication Theory: Epistemological Foundations. Guilford Press. ISBN: 1572300833

Budd, John M. (2001). Knowledge and Knowing in Library and Information Science. Scarecrow Pr; ISBN: 0810840251

Crowley, David, & Mitchell, David. (1994). Communication Theory Today. Stanford University Press. ISBN: 0804723478

Salwen, Michael B., & Stacks, Don W. (1996). An Integrated Approach to Communication Theory and Research. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. ISBN: 0805816313

Kuhn, Thomas S. (1996). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. 3rd Ed. University of Chicago Press.