COMMUNICATION 492 SYLLABUS
OF
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SEMINAR IN COMMUNICATION THEORY
“NEW TECHNOLOGIES AT THE NEXUS
MASS AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION”
SPRING 2003
DR. PATRICK B. O’SULLIVAN
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
OFFICE HOURS: M 2-3; W 5-6, TH 5-6
WEBSITE: http://www.ilstu.edu/~posull/c492web
Email: posull@ilstu.edu / Phone: 438-2688 / Office: 424 Fell Hall
OVERVIEW
Fragmentation in the communication discipline has been a longstanding and ongoing source of
concern and debate. A key divide has been the distinction between mass communication and
interpersonal communication, which manifests itself structurally (in departments, professional
organizations, journals) as well as academically (in curricula, scholarship, theory).
A small number of scholars has conducted research that strives to bridge mass and
interpersonal communication and has contributed to the debate over the origins, usefulness,
and future of that divide. In recent years, new technologies have further blurred the functional
distinction between the two areas, which adds to the urgency of engaging the issue if we are to
accurately frame communication scholarship.
In this seminar we will engage this debate by examining the history of the distinction between
mass and interpersonal communication, review studies that have sought to bridge the two
areas, debate approaches and theories that transcend the distinction, and explore the
theoretical and applied implications of new technologies for real-world applications and for the
future of the discipline.
COURSE GOALS
Through your active participation and contributions in this seminar, you will:
- Understand the origins of mass communication and interpersonal communication as
distinctive areas of study within communication;
- Evaluate arguments regarding the usefulness of the divide in the past and in the future for
communication theory and research;
- Review foundational conceptualizations of communication that recognize the distinctions and
similarities in mass and interpersonal communication;
- Examine scholarship that bridges mass and interpersonal communication processes and
theory;
- Explore new approaches to the mass/interpersonal divide to generate inquiry projects that
transcend traditional levels of analysis.
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COURSE FORMAT
This course is a seminar, which means we will develop your expertise through reading,
discussing, and writing. We will examine issues and explore ideas through informed and
focused conversations about the topics raised in course readings. This, of course, requires that
you have read and thought about the assigned readings before class well enough to know the
main points and to understand the ideas so that you can contribute to the discussion. You also
must be ready to evaluate the quality and relevance and to synthesize current material with
previous materials and discussions. All are expected to contribute through regular, consistent,
constructive participation in discussions (in person and online).
MATERIALS
Required:
- Course Reader is available through Rapid Print in the basement of DeGarmo and online.
Strongly Recommended:
- Rubin, R. B., Rubin, A. M., & Piele, L. J. (2000). Communication research: Strategies and
sources (5th ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
- Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). The elements of style (4th Ed.). NY: McMillan.
ASSIGNMENTS
Article Abstracts and Presentations
I will assign each of you to prepare abstracts (3-4 over the semester) on a selection of course
readings and to initiate discussions on those readings. They will also be posted on the course
website for distribution to classmates. Format details will be provided.
Webboard
I have established a Webboard for the class to extend discussion beyond the confines of the
classroom. Your regular participation (reading and responding) is expected as a supplement to
your participation (listening and responding) in our weekly classroom meetings.
Reflection Papers
As we progress through the material, I want to give you an opportunity process the ideas more
comprehensively and to link them to prior experiences and knowledge as well as to identify new
insights. Reflection papers will be relatively short (about 5 pages) think pieces that pick up and
expand or extend ideas in the readings that you find especially intriguing. I will post them on
the course website (without any grading marks) so that everyone in the seminar gains the
benefit of your thinking, not just me. Details on approaches and format will be provided in class
Term Paper
COMMUNICATION 492 SYLLABUS
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The major assignment for the course is for you to develop a proposal for a research project
that transcends traditional levels of analysis to incorporate/integrate/synthesize mass
communication and interpersonal communication concepts and theories. As a key theme of the
course is the role of new communication technologies in blurring the boundaries of distinctive
areas of study within communication, the proposal is expected to address recent or emerging
(or prospective) technologies that could create greater permeability (or perhaps even
obliterate) the institutional boundaries separating mass and interpersonal communication.
Approximate length: 25 pages (not including title page, abstract, and references). Details on
specifics will be provided in class.
Project Presentations
You will present your work to your classmates toward the end of the semester as you would
present to a research or professional conference. A concise, smooth 12-15 minute presentation,
including appropriate visual aids and handouts, are expected. You should be prepared to
provide informed answers to questions following the presentation.
EVALUATION
Article abstracts (3-4)
Reflection papers (4)
Participation
Research project paper
Preliminary Stages
- Topic
10
- Abstract
10
- Outline
15
- Prelim bib 15
Research project presentation
TOTAL
100
100
50
100
50
100
500 pts
You will earn your grade by percentage of total points:
As = 100-90%
(500-450)
Bs = 89-80%
(449-400)
Cs = 79-70%
(399-350)
Ds = 69-60%
(349-300)
POLICIES
Assignments: All written assignments will be typed/word processed, 10-12 point type, 1”
margins standard. Keep a copy of everything you hand in.
Late assignments/makeups: Late assignments will be marked down a half grade for every
day (or portion thereof) past the announced due date/time, including weekends. In the event
of a bona fide emergency, it is your responsibility to: 1) inform me prior to the scheduled
assignment deadline and 2) provide me with legitimate written documentation (e.g., a medical
COMMUNICATION 492 SYLLABUS
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note from a physician) of the emergency. Job conflicts, family vacations, computer crashes,
broken alarms, etc., DO NOT qualify as emergencies.
Office hours (face-to-face/online): Use my office hours! I hope/expect to see each of
you during the semester. Email and telephone are also an excellent ways to get your questions
answered. I check email regularly and will respond as quickly as I can (but within 48 hours if at
all possible).
Attendance/Participation: Your contributions are important every class session and
attendance is expected at every class meeting. Roll will not be taken and no points are
allocated for attendance as it is a basic expectation of all who take a course. Conversely, it is
impossible to contribute if you are absent. A pattern of absences will be reflected in your
participation points.
Cheating: Anyone cheating on any assignment will fail that assignment and face possible
departmental and university action. Cheating includes submit another’s work as your own (with
or without that student’s knowledge). This applies to papers bought from a research service or
term paper mill (including web-based sources). Don’t even think about it. When in doubt, ask
me! Submitting the same paper for more than one course is also considered a breach of
academic integrity unless prior approval given by all of the involved instructors.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism, one type of cheating, is the unacknowledged appropriation of
another’s work, words, or ideas in any themes, outlines, papers, reports, or computer
programs. Examples of what to avoid include paraphrasing materials from a source without
appropriate documentation and copying materials from a documented source but leaving out
quotation marks.
Special Accommodations: Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for
a documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice) or
438-8620 (TDD).
READINGS
Origins and Critiques of the Divide
1. Berger, C. R., & Chaffee, S. H. (1988). On bridging the communication gap. Human
Communication Research, 15, 311-318.
2. Rice, R. E., Borgman, C. L., & Reeves, B. (1988). Citation networks of
communication journals, 1977-1985: Cliques and positions, citation made and
citations received. Human Communication Research, 15, 256-283.
3. Reardon, K. K., & Rogers, E. M. (1988). Interpersonal versus mass media
communication: A false dichotomy. Human Communication Research, 15, 284303.
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4. Beniger, J. R. (1993). Communication – Embrace the subject, not the field. Journal
of Communication, 43(4), 18-25.
5. Rogers, E. M., & Chaffee, S. H. (1993). The past and the future of communication
study: Convergence or divergence? Journal of Communication, 43(4), 125-131.
6. Rogers, E. M. (1999). Anatomy of the two subdisciplines of communication study.
Human Communication Research, 25, 618-631.
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Conceptual distinctions, theoretical linkages
7. Gumpert, G., & Cathcart, R. (1986). Introduction. In G. Gumpert & R. Cathcart
(Eds.), Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a media world (3rd ed.) (pp. 916.)
.
8. Gumpert, G., & Cathcart, R. (1986). The interpersonal and media connection. In G.
Gumpert & R. Cathcart (Eds.), Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a media
world (3rd ed.) (pp. 17-25.)
9. Schramm, W. (1979). Channels and audiences. In G. Gumpert & R. Cathcart (Eds.),
Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a media world (1st ed) (pp. 160-174).
10. Rogers, E. (1979). Mass media and interpersonal communication. In G. Gumpert &
R. Cathcart (Eds.), Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a media world (1st
ed.) (pp. 192-213).
11. Chaffee, S. (1986). Mass media and interpersonal channels: Competitive,
convergent, or complementary? In G. Gumpert & R. Cathcart (Eds.), Inter/Media:
Interpersonal communication in a media world (3rd ed.) (pp. 62-80).
12. Ruben, B. (1986). Intrapersonal, interpersonal, and mass communication processes
in individual and multi-person systems. In G. Gumpert & R. Cathcart (Eds.),
Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a media world (3 rd ed.) (pp. 140-159).
Bridging the Divide: Mass Communication Approaches
13. Horton, D., & Wohl, R. R. (1956). Mass communication and parasocial interaction:
Observations on intimacy at a distance. Psychiatry, 19, 215-229.
14. Cathcart, R. (1986). Our soap opera friends. In G. Gumpert & R. Cathcart (Eds.),
Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a media world (3 rd ed.) (pp. 207-218).
15. Caughey, J. L. (1986). Social relations with media figures. In G. Gumpert & R.
Cathcart (Eds.), Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a media world (3rd ed.)
(pp. 219-252).
16. Rubin, R. B. & McHugh, M. P. (1987). Development of parasocial interaction
relationships. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 31, 279-292.
17. Rubin, A. M., & Perse, E. M. (1988). Audience activity and soap opera
involvement: A uses and effects investigation. Human Communication Research,
14, 246-268.
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18. Katz, E., & Liebes, T. (1986). Decoding Dallas: Notes from a cross-cultural study.
In G. Gumpert & R. Cathcart (Eds.), Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a
media world (3rd ed.) (pp. 97-109).
19. Bryant, J., & Street, R. (1988). From reactivity to activity and action. In R. P.
Hawkins, J. M. Wiemann, & S. Pingree (Eds.), Advancing communication science:
Merging mass and interpersonal processes (pp. 162-190). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Bridging the Divide: Interpersonal Communication Approaches
20. Cathcart, R., & Gumpert, G. (1986). Mediated interpersonal communication:
Toward a new typology. In G. Gumpert & R. Cathcart (Eds.), Inter/Media:
Interpersonal communication in a media world (3rd ed.) (pp. 26-40).
21. Avery, R. K., & Ellis, D. G. (1979). Talk radio as interpersonal phenomenon. In G.
Gumpert & R. Cathcart (Eds.), Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a media
world (1st ed.) (pp. 108-115).
22. Avery, R. K., & McCain, T. A. (1986). Interpersonal and mediated encounters: A
reorientation to the mass communication process. In G. Gumpert & R. Cathcart
(Eds.), Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a media world (3 rd ed.) (pp.121131).
23. Husson, W., Stephen, T., Harrison, T. M., & Fehr, B. J. (1988). An interpersonal
communication perspective on images of political candidates. Human
Communication Research, 14, 397-421.
24. Danowski, J. A. (1986). Interpersonal network structure and media use: A focus on
radiality and non-mass media use. . In G. Gumpert & R. Cathcart (Eds.),
Inter/Media: Interpersonal communication in a media world (3 rd ed.) (pp.168-175).
25. Rubin, A. M. & Rubin, R. B. (1985). Interface of personal and mediated
communication: A research agenda. Critical Studies in Mass Communication, 2, 3653.
Integrative approaches: Synthesis Scholarship
26. Pingree, S., Wiemann, J. M., & Hawkins, R. P. (1988). Editor's introduction: Toward
conceptual synthesis. In R. P. Hawkins, J. M. Wiemann, & S. Pingree (Eds.),
Advancing communication science: Merging mass and interpersonal processes (pp.
7-17). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
27. Nass, C. I., & Reeves, B. (1991). Combining, distinguishing, and generating
theories in communication: A domains of analysis framework. Communication
Research, 18, 240-261.
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28. Okeefe. B. (1993). Against theory. Journal of Communication 43(4), 75-82.
29. Babrow, A. S. (1993). The advent of multiple process theories of communication.
Journal of Communication 43(4), 110-118.
30. O’Sullivan, P. B. (1999). Bridging mass and interpersonal communication:
Synthesis scholarship in HCR. Human Communication Research, 25, 569-588.
31. Morris, M., & Ogan, C. (1996, Winter). The Internet as mass medium. Journal of
Communication, 1996, 46(1), 39-50.
32. Chaffee, S. H., & Metzger, M. (2001). The end of mass communication? Mass
Communication and Society, 4(4), 365-379. (online)
33. O’Sullivan, P. B., & Hoffner, C. A. (1988, November). Across the great divide:
Melding mass and interpersonal theory through mediated relationships. In
preparation for submission to Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
34. O’Sullivan, P. B. (2003). Masspersonal communication: Personal broadcasting and
beyond. In preparation for submission to Critical Studies in Media Communication.