Communication Studies 301: Human Communication Theory
Dr. Mark V. Redmond Phone: 294-0183
Office: 338 Carver Hall Email: mredmond@iastate.edu
Office Hours: M-Th 3:10-4:00
& by appointment Homepage: www.public.iastate.edu/~mredmond
Course
Description ComSt
301 involves an in-depth examination of the major theories related to human
communication with particular emphasis on those theories underlying
interpersonal, small group, organizational, and intercultural communication.
Objectives
1.
To increase students' understanding of specific human
communication theories.
2.
To provide students with a foundation for additional courses in communication
studies.
3.
To further the development of abstract and analytical cognitive skills.
Text Em
(
Theory
Quiz: A quiz will
be given over the material covered in the first four or five class periods
consisting of short essay and multiple choice questions on communication and
the nature of theory.
Theory Summary and
Application Papers:
For each theory/chapter, you are to write a two page paper in your own words with 1 inch
margins, double spaced, 12 point font, no cover page; NO RIGHT JUSTIFICATION, and
your name, chapter number, and theory name all on one line.
There are three parts to the paper each being
one-third of the overall paper length and grade.
Part 1: Provide a
brief overview and summary of the theory reflecting the
Part 2: Identify,
explain, and elaborate on any two of the most important and critical concepts
or principles.
Part 3: Use your own
communication experiences to illustrate, support or contradict the theory (such as
specific principles and concepts).
Incorporate appropriate and specific terminology/concepts from the
theory.
Your paper is expected to reflect information
from the text, lecture, and class discussion. The paper format is narrative and not
outline; meaning that each point should be explained adequately. Simply listing a principle without
explanation is not acceptable.
You are expected to “translate” information into
your own words. Direct wording ( 3 or more words in phrases/sentences) taken from the
Papers are due at the beginning of the next
class period following the completion of the in-class discussion/lecture on a
given theory. Any paper submitted 30
minutes to 24 hours after the class period in which it is due will be docked 4
points; those submitted 24-48 hours later will be docked 6 points. No late papers will be accepted after two
days. Only hard copies of papers are accepted
(papers are not accepted through email).
Paper
Grading: Each
paper is worth a total of 12 points with 4 points assigned to each Part.
Each part will be evaluated on how well it meets
the prescribed part requirements and how well it demonstrates understanding and
comprehension of the theory, text, lecture, and relevant class discussion. Paper grades are affected by the quality of your
thinking, reflection of important information, the ability to effectively
express your ideas in writing, and writing competence.
Must Be Your Own Work: You are encouraged to discuss theories with
other students to help you complete the papers, however, the CONTENT OF EACH PAPER IS TO BE YOUR OWN
WORK AND WORDS AND NOT THAT OF ANY OTHER PERSON. Students suspected of not doing their own
work will be required, at my discretion, to demonstrate a knowledge and
understanding of the relevant material through a pop quiz or examination. Failure to comply or adequately demonstrate
understanding of the question in material will result in failing the course.
Theory Construction and Presentation: (Two at 10 Points each). Students will work in class to develop a comprehensive
communication theory based on the theories covered up unto that time. Each group will present its theory in a
graphical/visual form to the rest of the class.
Theories are graded against the traditional standards/criteria for evaluating
theories. .
Class Participation in Group Discussion and Activities: (10
points) Students
will frequently be placed in groups to discuss issues in the readings or
complete other assigned learning tasks.
Students will be graded on how well they provide informed input and
contribute to the group activities based on my observations during class time. Absences reduce participation opportunities
and subsequent grade.
Grades:
Your grade will be based on how many
total points you accumulate during the term.
The total number of points possible is as follows:
Theory
Quiz 24 points
Theory
Summary/Application (18 at 12 points each ) 216 points
Group
Theory/Presentation (2 at 10 points each) 20 points
TOTAL
POSSIBLE
Caveat: Your
goal is to accumulate as many points as possible. In recognition of the rigor with which papers
are graded, a curve is built into the number of points you need to accumulate
to achieve a particular grade.
Ultimately, the design of this course puts you in a position to decide the
grade for which you are willing to work.
Concerns about grading should be raised as soon as possible after the
return of a given assignment. You are
responsible for understanding and following all course requirements.
A
=
230-266 B = 203-212 C
= 176-185 D = 150-159
A- = 221-229 B- = 194-202 C- = 168-175 D- = 141-149
B+ = 213-220 C+
= 186-193 D+
= 160-167 F
= 140 or below
Disability
Accommodation: If you have a documented disability and
anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please make arrangements to
meet with me soon. Please request that a Disability Resources staff send a
Tentative Calendar
(This
calendar WILL change. YOU are
responsible for staying informed as to changes)
Date Topic
Jan 9 T Course
Intro. Defining communication terms and contexts
11 Th Communication Traditions.
16 T The nature of
theory Ch.
1
18 Th Theory continued—applied to symbolic convergence.
23 T THEORY QUIZ. Symbolic Interaction Theory p. 51-54 &
25 Th SI continued. Coordinated Management of Meaning.
30 T CMM
continued. Expectancy
Violations Theory.
Feb 1 Th Expectancy
Violations Theory.
6 T Social penetration theory/Social Exchange p. 114-117 &
Ch. 8
8 Th Uncertainty
reduction theory Ch.
9
13 T URT
continued. Anxiety/Uncertainty
Management Theory p. 424-425 &
15 Th Social Information Processing Theory Ch. 10
20 T Relational
Dialectics
22 Th The Interactional
View Ch.
12
27 T Face Theory. Face
Negotiation Theory Ch.
31
Mar 1 Th Face
continued. GROUP CLASS
TIME.
6 T GROUP CLASS TIME THEORY CONSTRUCTION
8 Th GROUP THEORY PRESENTATIONS
Spring Break
20 T Speech
Codes Theory. Accommodation
Theory Ch. 32.
22 Th Functional Perspective on Group Decision
Making p. 246-248 &
27 T Adaptive
Structuration Theory
29 Th Adaptive Struct.
continued. Information
Systems Theory
Apr 3 T Info. Systems Theory continued. Cultural Approach to Org.
5 Th Cultural Approach
to Organization continued.
10 T Dramatism. Narrative Paradigm.
12 Th Narrative Paradigm continued.
17 T Cultivation Theory. 383-384
&
19 Th Uses and Gratifications Theory. Online
24 T GROUP TIME FOR
THEORY
26 Th GROUP TIME FOR THEORY CONSTRUCTION
Final exam period used for group presentations:
Wednesday, May
2: 9:45-11:45