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THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATION
COMM 3050 - 1
FALL 2014
T/TH: 10:45-12:05
Location: BU C 301
Professor: Dr. Michael K. Middleton
E-mail: m.middleton@utah.edu
Office: LNCO 2525
Office Hours: T 9:30-10:30
& by appt.
Course Overview
This course is designed as an introduction to the practical power of theory in helping you to think through
communication issues and problems that arise in our daily lives. Its purpose is to help you develop a more
thoughtful and critical understanding of communicative processes, forms and practices as they occur in a wide range
of social settings. To that end, we will examine some of the major theoretical perspectives that inform
communication studies today, and apply those theories to the interpretation of a variety of communication situations.
In addition, you will be given the opportunity to improve your analytical skills through brief analytical papers, group
presentations, and active participation in class discussions.
Goals:
•
•
•
To Explore - Students in this course will be introduced to basic issues and perspectives in the study of
communication.
To Apply – Students in this course will develop a practical knowledge of communication theories and will
develop proficiency using those theories in the critical analysis of a vary of communicative forms and practices.
To Understand – Students in this course will evaluate the scope of communication as a field of study.
Required Texts
-
Textbook: Griffin, Em, Andrew Ledbetter, and Glenn Sparks. A First Look at Communication Theory (9th
edition).
Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2015.
E-reserves: Assigned and made available through the course Canvas page at the instructor’s discretion
Canvas Materials: Students should also regularly check the course Canvas page for assignment guidelines,
assignment rubrics, and other materials designed to support the instructional goals of the class.
Films/Artifacts: Throughout the course we will be referring to scenes from popular films that illustrate
particular communication situations, issues and problems. These films will provide common "texts" for
discussion and analysis. They are widely distributed on videocassette/DVD and are on (in many cases)
Netflix. Most of the films are also available at the Marriott Library Media Center. We will be using the
following films:
Dead Poets Society
Nell
A River Runs Through It
12 Angry Men
Roger and Me
Malcolm X
Quiz Show
University Policies
The Americans with Disabilities Act – The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs,
services, and activities for people with disabilities. If you need accommodation in this class, reasonable prior notice
must be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Bldg, 801-581-5020 (V/TDD),
http://disability.utah.edu/. CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.
All written information in this course can be made available in an alternative format with prior notification to the
Center for Disability Services.
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THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATION
COMM 3050 - 1
FALL 2014
Drop/Withdrawal Policy – If you are registered for the course, but are not in attendance during either of the
first two days of class and have not notified the instructor of a University-sanctioned reason for your absence, you
must drop the class so that others may enroll. You can drop a course during the first ten calendar days of the
semester. You may withdraw (with a “W” recorded on the student’s academic record) until the midpoint of the
semester, as indicated on the academic calendar. After that, withdrawal is possible only “in cases of compelling nonacademic emergencies” through petition of the dean of your college. Enrolling in, dropping, and withdrawing from
courses is the student’s responsibility. Please see the campus policy regard withdrawals, attendance, and
incompletes.
Academic (Dis)Honesty – The Student Code spells out specific rights of students in the classroom. The Student
Code also specifies proscribed conduct, including cheating on exams, collusion, and plagiarism. Students found
guilty of academic dishonesty can receive an “E” for the assignment or the course, and other disciplinary action may
be taken.
Plagiarism includes intentional submission of someone else’s work without credit, in part or as a whole;
misuse of citations to conceal a source; and similar behaviors. Please meet with the instructor immediately if you are
unclear as to what constitutes plagiarism.
Curriculum Accommodations – Curriculum accommodations take two forms: schedule accommodations and
content accommodations.
The instructor can provide schedule accommodations for those who have a conflict that involves
religious/spiritual observances, documented and University-sanctioned activities (including athletic participation
demonstrated at the beginning of the semester), and family or medical-related emergencies. If you anticipate any
scheduling conflict with this course, please speak with the instructor as soon as possible. In every case, it is the
student’s responsibility to arrange alternatives as soon as possible for any assignment, presentation, or examination.
The University recognizes that students’ sincerely-held core beliefs might make it difficult for students to
fulfill some requirements of some courses or majors. It is the student’s obligation to determine, before the last day to
drop courses without penalty, when course requirements conflict with the student’s sincerely-held core beliefs
(http://admin.utah.edu/facdev/pdf/accommodations-policy-background.pdf). Content accommodations will not be
provided for this course. All assignments, activities, and content are selected to achieve specific pedagogical
outcomes.
Maintain and Update Your Email Address – Each student is required to update and maintain a current email
address on the university Campus Information System (CIS). This will allow me to send class or individual emails
via CIS regarding assignments, cancelled classes, changes in the schedule or syllabus, and other notices of
importance. To update or add your current email address, go the CIS login page http://cis.utah.edu, sign on with
your uNID and password, and click on “Change Email” in the “Update Student Profile” box. It is also your
responsibility to remain current with content posted on the course Canvas page.
Course Policies
Learning Environment – We will maintain our classroom as a productive place to learn. We are all responsible
for fostering an environment open to observing, discussing, and reflecting upon our own and others’ communicative
behaviors in order to learn. Thus, each one of us will need to be aware of our role in creating a place where every
class member, given all our differences, will feel free to participate as part of the class. Specific concerns include
evaluation of peers, selection and delivery of topics and materials for presentation, and accountability for one’s
participation in our class. Further, egregious disrespect including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, ageism,
homophobia, classism, etc., will not be tolerated. Students choosing to engage in such behavior, depending on the
severity of their violation, will be subject to repercussions ranging from dismissal from the class period to removal
from class. If at any time or for any reason you feel uncomfortable with the classroom environment or confused
about these expectations, please contact the instructor immediately in order to resolve/improve the situation.
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THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATION
COMM 3050 - 1
FALL 2014
Attendance – The University of Utah expects regular attendance at all class meetings. According to the
University's Attendance Policy, you are responsible for satisfying the entire range of academic objectives,
requirements, and prerequisites as determined by the instructor. Given the nature of this course, you are required to
attend every day. You must also actively participate in discussion and activities. You are permitted to miss two class
sessions at any point in the semester. For each additional absence, 25 points will be deducted from your participation
grade. If you are absent from the class to participate in official sanctioned University activities (e.g. band, debate,
student government, intercollegiate athletics), religious obligations, or with instructor's approval, you will be
permitted to make up both assignments and examinations. If you miss the first 2 class meetings, you may be
required to withdraw from the course. See the Student Attendance Policy for further details.
Canvas – This course makes use of the online supplements provided on the course Canvas page. You can access
the course canvas page via: www.cis.utah.edu; all registered students should be able to access the course website
from the “My Classes” portion of the main CIS page. If you are not familiar with Canvas, spend some time
exploring the site. It is your responsibility to stay up-to-speed about updates to the Canvas site. Canvas will NOT be
used to (1) submit papers (they must be submitted as hard copies, in class, on the due date); (2) to email the
instructor or TA (use the utah.edu address included at the top of the syllabus); or (3) to post PowerPoint slides from
lecture. DO NOT USE CANVAS TO EMAIL THE INSTRUCTOR.
Deadlines – Format and submit assignments according to guidelines. You must meet assignment due dates. All
assignments are due no later than the dates indicated in the course schedule. Late assignments WILL incur
penalties. Specifically, if you miss a speaking date without contacting your instructor AND without a universitysanctioned reason for your absence, you will receive no credit for the assignment. The instructor retains the authority
to decide whether any situation or circumstance warrants an exception to this policy.
Personal Electronics – The use of cell phones for any purpose is strictly forbidden. If your phone disrupts the
class, you get one warning (beyond this one). A second time results in a request for the student to leave for the
remainder of the period. Text-messaging and video game-playing are particular infractions that will not be tolerated
under any circumstances and will result in an immediate request for the student to leave class for that period.
Grievance Policy – If you have any concerns about the course or your instructor, please schedule an appointment
to meet with me immediately. If you are still not satisfied with the response you receive, you may contact Dr. Glen
Feighery, Director of Undergraduate Studies (glen.feighery@utah.edu) or Dr. Kent Ono, Department of
Communication Chair (Kent.Ono@utah.edu).
***A NOTE ON REQUIRED READINGS***: The reading component of this class is comprised of the
textbook (available in the bookstore) AND E-Reserve readings posted on Canvas. Each reading is required. Students
are expected to have printed and read their own copies before the date they are assigned. Further, students are
required to bring the E-Reserve readings to class for discussion purposes on scheduled days. Likewise, students will
be expected to respond to, discuss, and apply these readings. Students whose schedules, other classes, or nonacademic commitments conflict with or prevent completing these assignments should consider strongly the
appropriateness of this course. PLEASE NOTE: Additional readings may be added throughout the semester.
Watch your class e-mail for any announcements.
Underview
I am hopeful that this class will be a challenging and growing experience for everyone involved. Doing so requires
creating an environment that fosters each person’s thinking and learning. I prefer not to be a disciplinarian and
expect that University students would prefer the same. At the end of the day, three guidelines inform my approach
to teaching:
1. Show up regularly and on time.
2. Be respectful of and accountable to others in the classroom at all times.
3. Work hard.
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THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATION
COMM 3050 - 1
FALL 2014
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Detailed Guidelines will be made available for each assignment via Canvas by week 3 of the semester. There are
500 possible points for this course. Use this sheet to track your grades. You will receive two grade updates: one at
after the first exam and one immediately before the final exam. DUE DATES ARE CLEARLY LABELED ON
THE DAILY COURSE SCHEDULE
Attendance & Participation
__/100
The instructor will keep a record of attendance and will use your level and quality of participation to determine this
score. Two absences will be excused; no other absences will be excused except those sanctioned by the University
and communicated to the instructor no less than one week in advance. All other absences will be counted as
unexcused. Each unexcused absence incurs the student a twenty-five point penalty, up to 50 points.
Exams
___/250
There will be two exams in this course. The first will be a midterm that covers all material discussed in class until
that point in the semester. The second will be a final exam that will be comprehensive, i.e., it will cover all material
covered in the class, including content featured in student presentations. The exams will be composed of true/false,
matching, multiple choice, and short answer questions. A study guide will be provided. The exam will be completed
in class and no make-up exams will be permitted (except in the case of a university-sanctioned absence).
Exam 1: ___/100
Final Exam:___/150
Theory Application Papers
___/100
For this assignment, students will apply a theory discussed in class to a media, cultural, or other artifact of their
choice within the parameters of the assignment guidelines. Papers will be between 3-4 pages in length and will
conform to the most current MLA Style Guide. Students must submit an ungraded rough draft for a writing workshop
before each paper is due where they will receive peer feedback on their writing. A portion of the overall paper grade
will be awarded for participation in the writing workshop. Additional assignment guidelines will be made available
during the third week of class. Late Papers will not be accepted (except in the case of a university-sanctioned
absence).
Paper 1:___/50
Theory Presentation (Group Project)
Paper 2:___/50
___/50
For this assignment, students will work in groups (5 members maximum) to select a chapter from the textbook that
is not covered in class by the instructor. Once these chapters are selected, group members will prepare a 20-minute
presentation that introduces the theory, its key concepts, some applications of the theory, and a brief activity or
example that illustrates a novel application of the theory for class members. Additionally, each group will produce a
one-page study guide that highlights the essential components of the theory. Test questions on the theory will be
drawn from these study guides. Each group member must have an active role in the presentation. Additional
assignment guidelines will be made available during the third week of class. Due to time constraints inherent to the
class, there will be no opportunity for make-up presentations. Group members not in attendance will receive a zero
on the assignment.
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THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATION
COMM 3050 - 1
FALL 2014
GRADING
Assignment Weighting:
Participation: 20%
Papers: 20%
Exams: 50%
Group Presentation: 10%
*Extra Credit: Not more than 5% (25 points) of extra credit will be made
available during the course of the semester. The total amount of extra credit that
will be made available is at the discretion of the instructor.
Course Grades:
I use a traditional point system, where final grades are calculated by dividing the number of points earned
by the total number of points possible. This course is worth 500 points.
Grading Scale**
A =100-94%
A- = 93-90%
B+ = 89-87%
B = 86-84%
B- = 83-80%
C+ = 79-77%
C = 76-74%
C- = 73-70%
D+= 69-67%
D = 66-64%
D- = 63-60%
E = 59% ↓
**PLEASE NOTE: I do not “curve,” “bump up,” or otherwise modify individual or class grades. You
should keep track of your scores throughout the semester and speak with me as soon as possible if you
have any concerns at any point during the course.
Grade Appeals:
If you feel you received an inaccurate or unfair grade on an assignment, you may submit a written grade
appeal within one week of the date that the assignment was handed back. Grade appeals must supply an
argument for the grade change, with evidence drawn from course concepts, assignment guidelines, and
the student’s assignments. After considering your appeal, I will discuss any changes with you.
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THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATION
COMM 3050 - 1
FALL 2014
COURSE SCHEDULE (subject to change)**
Date
8/26
8/28
9/2
9/4
9/9
9/11
Assignments & Class Topics
COURSE INTRODUCTION & SYLLABUS
Talk about Theory, Pt. 1
Syllabus Quiz
Talk about Theory, Pt. 2
Talk about Communication, Pt. 1
Watch: Dead Poets Society
Talk about Communication, Pt. 2
Discuss Theory Application Paper 1
Post All Assignment Guidelines
Interpersonal Messages: Symbolic Interactionism
Watch: Nell
9/16
9/18
Interpersonal Messages: Coordinated Management of Meaning
Relationship Maintenance: Relational Dialectics
9/23
Relationship Maintenance: The Interactional View
Watch: A River Runs Through It.
Influence: Elaboration Likelihood Model
Watch: 12 Angry Men
Influence: Social Judgment Theory
9/25
9/30
Writing Workshop
Due: Theory Application Paper 1 Rough Draft
10/7
Exam Review & Catch-Up
10/9
Exam 1
10/14
FALL BREAK – NO CLASS
10/16
FALL BREAK – NO CLASS
10/21 Organizational Communication: Cultural Approach to Organizations
Due: Theory Application Paper 1
Readings
Syllabus
Chapter 1 & 2
Chapter 1 & 2
Chapter 3 & 4
Chapter 3 & 4
“Interpersonal
Messages” &
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
“Relationship
Maintenance” &
Chapter 11
Chapter 13
“Influence” &
Chapter 15
Chapter 14
10/2
10/23 Organizational Communication: Critical Theory of Communication
in Organizations
Watch: Roger & Me
Discuss: Theory Application Paper 2
10/28 Public Rhetoric: The Rhetoric
Discuss: I Have a Dream
10/30 Public Rhetoric: Dramatism
Watch: Malcolm X
11/4 Public Rhetoric: Narrative Paradigm
11/6 Media and Culture: Semiotics
Discuss: Theory Presentation & Form Groups
Study Guide
Exam
NO CLASS
NO CLASS
“Organizational
Communication”
& Chapter 19
Chapter 21
“Public
Rhetoric” &
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
“Media and
Culture” &
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THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATION
COMM 3050 - 1
FALL 2014
Chapter 26
11/11 Media and Culture: Cultural Studies
Watch: Quiz Show
Discuss: Choose Topics for Theory Presentation & Set Presentation
Schedule
11/13 Media Effects: Cultivation Theory
11/18 Media Effects: Agenda-Setting Theory
Watch: Manufacturing Consent
11/20
No Class Meeting – National Communication Association –
Presentation & Paper Work Day
11/25 Writing Workshop
Due: Theory Application Paper 2 Rough Draft
***Presentations (2)
11/27
THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO CLASS
12/2 ***Presentations (3)
12/4
No Class Meeting – PSCFA Fall Champs –
Presentation & Paper Work Day
12/9 ***Presentations (3)
Due: Theory Application Paper 2
12/11
EXAM REVIEW & COURSE DEBRIEF
12/17
FINAL EXAM @ 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Chapter 27
“Media Effects”
& Chapter 29
Chapter 30
NO CLASS
NO CLASS
NO CLASS
Study Guide
FINAL