Department: Communications, Humanities, and the Arts
Discipline: Communications
Subject Code: COMM
Course #: 201
Course Title: Communication Theory
HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FORM 335
Course Form 335 must be updated at least every five years per AP 765 to include, at a
minimum, the following elements. [§335.2]
1.
Digital Description (Insert new/revised digital description below):
Credit hours:
Lecture hours:
Lab hours:
3.0
3.0
0.0
BL: [ ]⅓ [X]½ [ ]⅔ [ ] Other (Indicate fraction or percent)
2.
Maximum Enrollment (Insert new/revised maximum enrollments below):
Face-to-Face:
Virtual/Online:
Blended:
3.
4.
Catalog Description:
Introduces students to communication as an academic discipline. This course explores
how meaning is created and shared in multiple contexts, such as intrapersonal,
interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, mass mediated, and intercultural. In
addition, students learn and evaluate the fundamental theories that are covered from each
context and conduct research in the field.
Minimum Grade Required
Prerequisites: ENGL 101
C
Corequisites:
Other: It is recommended that students complete COMM 110 prior to enrolling
into COMM 201.
5.
Learning Outcomes
[These outcomes are necessary to enable students to attain the essential
knowledge and skills embodied in the program’s educational objectives.]
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:



Explain the process and challenges of Theory Building
Identify the variety of contexts in which communication is studied
Discuss a variety of theoretical perspectives, which support research within the
discipline
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/31/12; 7/30/13; 8/26/13; 1/31/14
Department: Communications, Humanities, and the Arts
Discipline: Communications
Subject Code: COMM
Course #: 201
Course Title: Communication Theory





6.
Compare the seven traditions in the communication field
Evaluate major theories in communication
Apply theories to personal experiences and global events
Explain communication phenomena
Engage in the different types of communication research
Planned Sequence of Instruction
[These must be designed to help students achieve the learning outcomes.]



The Nature and Critique of Theory
 Talking about theory
 Traditions in theory
 The Rhetorical Tradition
 The Semiotic Tradition
 The Phenomenological Tradition
 The Cybernetic Tradition
 The Socio-Psychological Tradition
 The Socio-Cultural Tradition
 The Critical Tradition
 Seven Contexts in the Communication Field
 Intrapersonal Communication
 Interpersonal Communication
 Small Group Communication
 Organizational Communication
 Public/Rhetorical Communication
 Mass/Media Communication
 Cultural Communication
 Analyzing theory
 Conducting research
Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Communication Theories
 Symbolic Interactionism theory
 Expectancy Violations theory
 Social Penetration theory
 Interpersonal Deception theory
 Uncertainty Reduction theory
 Relational Dialectics
 Constructivism
 Social Judgment theory
Group and Organizational Communication
 Functional Perspective on Group Communication
 Information Systems Approach to Organizational Communication
 Cultural Approach to Organizational Communication
 Critical Approach to Organizational Communication
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/31/12; 7/30/13; 8/26/13; 1/31/14
Department: Communications, Humanities, and the Arts
Discipline: Communications
Subject Code: COMM
Course #: 201
Course Title: Communication Theory



7.
Public/Rhetorical Communication
 Aristotle’s Rhetoric
 Burke’s Dramatism
 Elaboration Likelihood model
Mass/Media Communication
 McLuhan’s Technological Determinism
 Cultivation Theory
 Agenda Setting
Cultural Communication
 Cultural Context
 Anxiety/Uncertainty Management
 Face Negotiation Theory
 Speech Codes
 Genderlect
Assessment of Student Learning
[Methods of assessment should be appropriate for Learning Outcomes listed above.]
Assessment of student learning outcomes for the course, as required by AP 765, is part of
regular curriculum maintenance and/or improvement. The specific plan has been
determined by the pertinent faculty involved and is maintained in the College’s
assessment management system.
8.
List of Texts, References, Selected Library Resources or other Learning Materials
(code each item based on instructional use): C-Lecture/Laboratory, A-Lecture, BLaboratory, LC-Lecture/Clinical, CLN-Clinical, I-Online,
BL-Blended, D-Independent Study, P-Private Lessons, E-Internship,
F-Cooperative Work-Study, FE-Field Experience. [These resources must be easily
accessible to students.]
Griffin, Em. A First Look at Communication Theory, 8th Edition.
West, Richard & Lynn Turner. Introducing Communication Theory: Analysis and
Application, 4th Edition.
Littlejohn & Foss. Theories of Human Communication, 9th Edition.
9.
Prepared by Discipline Faculty Proponent: Laura Davis
Date: 12/1/13
10.
Approved by Department Chairperson:
Date: 3/4/14
11.
Approved by Associate Provost: Tim Dolin
Date: 3/5/14
This course meets all reimbursement requirements of Chapter 335, subchapters A /
B.
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/31/12; 7/30/13; 8/26/13; 1/31/14
Department: Communications, Humanities, and the Arts
Discipline: Communications
Subject Code: COMM
Course #: 201
Course Title: Communication Theory
This course was developed, approved, and offered in accordance with the policies,
standards, guidelines, and practices established by the College. It is consistent with
the college mission.
If the course described here is a transfer course, it is comparable to similar courses
generally accepted for transfer to accredited four-year colleges and universities.
12.
Director, Curriculum Compliance: Erika Steenland
Date: 3/5/14
13.
Provost & VP, Academic Affairs: Cynthia A. Doherty, Ph.D.
Date: 3/7/14
14.
Original Date of course approval by the college: 201320
15.
Date(s) of subsequent reviews [Indicate change: Learning Outcomes; textbook(s)]:
Division Approval for New Course September 7, 2011 ck
Type of Instruction/Blended Ratio, 12/1/13
12/1/04
Form Template Reviewed & Updated: 10/26/07; 1/11/08; 1/16/09; 7/14/09; 7/31/12; 7/30/13; 8/26/13; 1/31/14