36C:060 Communication Theory in Everyday Life

Click here to see Typical Syllabus for Discussion Section

Professor: Randy Y . Hirokawa
Office: 117 BCSB
Office hours MW 12: 00-2 : 00; F by appointment
Phone: 353-2255
(Prepared for 1996 Fall Term)

DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

36C:060 provides a general overview of communication on theory and research topics as they pertain to everyday social interactions. The course seeks to accomplish three objectives:

1. Provide students with a broad understanding of communication theories and theoretical perspectives;

2. Provide students with a broad understanding of research topics and questions addressed by communication scholars;

3. Provide students with an understanding of the role and functions of communication processes in everyday social interaction.

READINGS

The textbook for this course is: Em Griffin ( 1994 ) . A First Look At Communication Theory (2nd edition ) . New York: McGraw-Hill. PLEASE NOTE that the textbook is NOT meant to replace the lectures in any way. The lectures are the primary means of instructtion; the readings are meant to clarify that lecture material

GRADING POLICY

Final grades will be based on the total number of points accumulated by students upon completion of the following:

Exam I 50 pts. Exam II 50 pts. Exam III 50 pts. Paper ( DUE: 11-20 ) 25 pts. Discussion Section 25 pts

.

Final grades will be based on the following fixed scale:

A+ (97% + )  = 194 and above A  (94 96% ) = 188 -193 A- (90-93% ) = 180-187

B+ (87-89%)  = 174-179 B  (84-86%)  = 168 -173 B- (80-83%)  = 160-167

C+ (77-79% ) = 154-159 C  (74-76% ) = 148-153 C- (70-73% ) = 140-147

D+ (67-59% ) = 134-139 D  (64-66% ) = 128-133 D- (60-63% ) = 120-127

F (< 59%)    = 119 and below

EXAMINATIONS PAPER & DISCUSSION

Examinations. There will be three non-comprehensive examinations, each consisting of two parts, administered on separate days. Examination I covers lectures 1-6; Examination II covers lectures 7-13; and Examination III covers lectures 14-17. Part 1 of each examination will consist of multiple choice questions, while Part 2 will be comprised of essay questions.

Paper. There will be: a short-paper ( 5-7 pages) required. In the paper, . you are to take a communication theory ( either one covered in class or of your own choosing ) and demonstrate how it applies to your everyday communication with others. For example, you could util ize semiotic theory to explicate the verbal or nonverbal symbol system used by a particular sub-group of people that you interact with. Or , you could use structurational theory to discuss barriers to communication that you have observed in your place of work. or, you might use social exchange theory to discuss the factors that affect your self-disclosure to other people. The important thing is that you demonstrate in the paper that you fully understand how that theory applies to your everyday communication. The 25 points for the paper will be allocated as follows:

1. Explication of theory/concept: 5 pts.
2. Application of theory/concept: 15 pts.
3. organization, grammar, spelling: 5 pts.

Discussion. Discussion sections have been scheduled for this course. These sections are crucial because we will use them to explore, in greater detail, ideas and issues that I introduce in my lectures. Attendance at discussion sections is expected and participation in them will be evaluated. Part of your discussion grade will be based on attendance, but each T.A. will retain the right to determine how best to allot the 25 points for discussion.

LECTURE SCHEDULE

DATE/TOPIC/READINGS

M 8-26 Orientation

W 8-28 1. Defining "communication"

M 9 - 2 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

W 9-4 2. Social scientific study of communication 20-31

M 9-9 3. Communication research process

W 9-11 4. Theoretical perspectives

M 9 1 6 5 . Types and functions of theory

W 9-18 6. Evaluating theories 32-43

M 9-23 General Review

W 9-25 EXAMINATION I ( Part 1 )

M 9-30 EXAMINATION I ( Part 2 )

W 10-2 7. Symbolic interactionism 112-120

M 10-7 8. Semiotics 97-107

W 10-9 9. Social exchange theory 196-205

M 10-14 10. Systems theory

W 10-16 11. Structural-functlonalism

M 10-21 12. Rules theory 69-80

W 10-23 13 . Structuration theory

M 10-28 General Review

W 10-30 EXAMINATION II ( Part 1 )

M 11-4 EXAMINATION II ( Part 2 )

W 11-6 14. Nonverbal communication I 81-95

M 11-18 15. Nonverbal communication II

W 11-20 16. Social penetration theory/Self-disclosure research ( Paper due ) 161-168

M 11-25 NO CLASS

W 11-27 NO CLASS

M 12-2 17. Dialectical theory 206-216

W 12-4 General review

M 12-9 EXAMINATION III ( Part 1 )

W 12-11 EXAMINATION III ( Part 2 )

Typical Discussion Section of 36C:060

36C:O6O - Communication Theory in Everyday Life
Discussion Leader: Tim Dun
Phone: 335-0585
Office: BCSB 132
Hours: T: 12:45-2:15;W: 1:30-2;15; and by appt.
Instructor. Randy Hirokawa

The primary goal for this discussion section is to explore and apply ideas from Professor Hirokawa's Lecture. Thus, we will develop examples of concepts explained in lecture and examine their application in our lives.

1 . In this discussion section, your active participation is essential. Quality participation involves more than just contributing to class discussion. It includes listening to/with others, participating in class activities, applying course concepts outside of class' asking appropriate and helpful questions and integrating the reading into class discussions, etc.

2. In order to explore the multitude of different viewpoints, we must all be willing to create a supportive environment To make everyone feel comfortable during class discussions, we must all work to consider new ways of thinking about issues and consider the ideas of everyone in the class.

3. Successful class discussions are founded on preparation. It is your responsibility to read assignments before class time and to arrive e prepared to discuss the reading and lecture material . You will be required to demonstrate familiarity with the reading material during class activities.

4 Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses. Please don't do it! Any material used that is not originally your own, must be credited to the original source. In other words, you must either state your ideas in your own words or cite the source of those ideas or words For more information please refer to the student handbook

5. If you have identified any disability which might interfere with your performance in this class, please let me know so that I may accommodate you.

You may earn up to 25 points from your our participation in the discussion section. Attendance 10 points. Question/Examples 15 points.

Your active participation is an important element in the class design as it involves experiential learning and will draw on your personal experiences. Because participation is not possible if you are not present, attendance will be part of your grade. You will earn I point (up to a total of 10 for each day you attend. (Sorry, the first class meeting does not count.) Note that leaving early and/or habitual tardiness will most likely be counted as an absence Finally, it is your responsibility to make sine you have been counted as present' should you arrive late.

Each week you will be asked to bring two thought provoking questions, or two examples of concepts from lecture. ( Unless otherwise directed bring questions.) These questions (or examples) should be legible and of good quality. In other words, just handing them in will not automatically give you full credit. Illegible, "What is. . . ", and other poor quality questions may receive partial or no credit. Because questions are due at the beginning of class, bring a second copy of your questions for our class discussion. Late questions will be docked a full point if turned in during class and are not accepted after class. Try to have one question from each lecture. Also, if you are unable to attend the discussion you may turn in your questions early for full credit (subject to the above criteria).