COMM 60183 COMMUNICATION THEORY
Department of Communication Studies
Spring 2015
COURSE OBJECTIVES
When this course concludes in May, you will be able to write a clear theoretical rationale
leading to testable hypotheses that advance theory-driven research. Here is what we will do
to get you there:
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Examine the nature and function of theory in scholarly endeavor.
Survey dominant theories across the discipline of Communication Studies.
Develop expertise in the theories driving research in your area of specialization.
Conduct critical analyses of the theoretical rationales of a number of published studies.
TEXTBOOK & ASSOCIATED READINGS
Katherine Miller. Communication Theories: Perspectives, Processes, and Contexts, 2 nd edition
(McGraw-Hill, 2005). Readings are to be completed prior to class. You are expected to read
thoroughly, think deeply, and prepare cogent remarks that are relevant and stimulating.
Some useful links to course information are found at http://personal.tcu.edu/pwitt.
PROFESSOR – DR. PAUL WITT
817-257-6683
P.Witt@tcu.edu
Moudy 328-S
11-12 daily, or by appointment
EVALUATION AND GRADING
Your final course grade will consist of an average of six graded assignments:
Examinations – Two oral exams will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your
knowledge of the nature and function of theory, as well as specific tenets of theories we will
study in the course. In place of a final exam, you will be provided a hypothesis in your area
of specialization, for which you will write a theoretical rationale.
Paper and Presentation – You will write an APA-style review of literature that overviews
theory in your area of specialization. You will also work with a classmate to conduct a 60minute teaching session covering the major theories in this research area.
Theory Summaries – As an ongoing project during the semester, you will compile a
document containing half-page summaries of most of the theories we study.
Attendance – You are expected to be in class every time we meet. In case of legitimate
illness or emergency, notify Dr. Witt at the earliest possible opportunity. Missing class or
habitually arriving late is indicative of a lack of professionalism and will reduce your grade.
Disabilities Statement - TCU complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students with disabilities. Eligible students
seeking accommodations should contact the Coordinator of Services for Students with
Disabilities in the Center for Academic Services located in Sadler Hall, 11. Accommodations
are not retroactive; therefore, students should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible in
the term for which they are seeking accommodations. Further information can be obtained
from the Center for Academic Services, TCU Box 297710, Fort Worth, TX 76129, or at (817)
257-7486.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Changes will be announced in class.
Theoretical Foundations
1/12
Prepare: Study Berger’s Communication theories and other curios
In Class: Competence as an overarching paradigm for the study of communication;
Description of specializations
1/19
No Class: Martin Luther King Birthday
1/26
Prepare: Study Ch. 1 and Craig’s Communication theory as a field (pp. 132-149)
In Class: The evolution of theoretical models of communication; Meta-theoretical
considerations; Select specializations and schedule presentations
2/2
Prepare: Study Ch. 2 and Chaffee & Berger’s What communication scientists do (pp.
99-108); Prepare to tell us about the most useful/insightful Comm theory you know.
In Class: Terms and concepts in Research and Theory; Popular theories
2/9
Prepare: Study Ch. 3; Write half-page summaries of four post-positive theories:
Schema pp. 85-89; AAT pp. 111-116; IT pp. 133-137; CAT pp. 153-158
In Class: The post-positive perspective on research and theory
2/16
Prepare: Study Ch. 4; Write half-page summaries of four interpretive theories:
Narrative pp. 92-96; CT pp. 105-111; PIT pp. 137-142; CMM pp. 148-153
In Class: Interpretive and critical perspectives
2/23
Mid-Term Exam
3/2
In Class: Theory Development
3/9
No Class: Spring Break
3/16
In Class: Writing workshop: The APA-style literature review [1:30 Team 10]
Specializations and Rationales
3/23
Prepare: Study Ch. 10; Write half-page summaries [1:30 Team 12]
In Class: Relationship Development; The function and style of a theoretical rationale
3/30
Prepare: Study Ch. 12; Write half-page summaries [1:30 Team 11]
In Class: Organizational Communication; Critique of published rationales; Assign first
rationale
4/6
Prepare: Study Ch. 11; Theoretical Rationale #1; Write half-page summaries [1:30
Team 13]
In Class: Ongoing Relationships; Feedback on first rationale; Assign second rationale
4/13 Prepare: Study Ch. 13; Write half-page summaries; Theoretical Rationale #2
[1:30 Team 16]
In Class: Small Group Communication; Feedback on second rationale
4/20
Prepare: Study Ch. 16; Write half-page summaries and submit your Theory
Summaries document
In Class: Culture and Communication
4/27
Exam Two; Pick up hypotheses for Final Rationale
5/4
Turn in Final Rationale