Syllabus for Communication Theory (Commstud-215.01)
Fall, 2011
Department of Communication Studies
Bloomsburg University
Instructor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Office Phone:
E-mail address:
Website:
Professor Tim Rumbough, Ph.D.
1117 McCormick Center
Mondays, 12:45 – 1:45 pm.
Tuesdays, 3:15- 4:45 pm. & 5:30-6:20 pm.
Wednesdays, 12:45–1:45, & 5-5:50 pm.
Thursdays, 3:15- 4:45 pm.
Also available by appointment.
(570) 389-4897; Department Office: (570) 389-4184
trumboug@bloomu.edu
http://facstaff.bloomu.edu/trumboug
Course Description: Communication Theory (25-215) surveys the theories of communication
studies, both general theories and those specific to particular contexts such as intrapersonal,
interpersonal, small group, intercultural, and public communication. A wide range of readings
reflects the multi-disciplinary nature of contemporary communication studies.
Course Objectives:
 Identify general theories and central concepts associated with human interaction including
models and definitions of communication; rule, system, competency; language and
nonverbal codes, rhetoric, and information processing.
 Explore theories of intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, persuasion, gender, conflict,
small group, culture and public communication.
 Examine current research topics and issues studied by communication scholars concerned
with communication studies.
 Sensitize students to gender, race, sexual orientation, and cultural differences in human
communication.
 Allow students to practice skills of observing and analyzing communication processes
within various contexts.
 Discuss the implications of competing views of communication in our world.
 Understand how the theories discussed can be directly applied to the “real world.”
Class Activities and Approach to Learning: This class will include lecture, group discussions,
and in-class activities. While the course puts great emphasis on theory, discussions are designed
to show how the theories can be applied to everyday interactions.
Required Text: Griffin, E. (2011). A first look at communication theory. (8th ed.). New York:
McGraw Hill. ISBN # 9780073534305.
Websites that contain material related to the course:
 http://facstaff.bloomu.edu/trumboug/communication_theory.htm. This site will have
some of the handouts distributed in class, including the syllabus, and study guides.
 http://www.afirstlook.com – includes self-help quizzes on chapters.
 https://bolt.bloomu.edu – Allows students to see their grades and additional material.
Communication Theory - 2
I. A. Examinations (800 points, 80% of final grade). There will be four multiple-choice
tests that will determine your understanding of the concepts and material covered in the text,
lectures, discussions, and activities. Each test is worth up to 200 points each.
Material for the first test will come from chapters 1–5, 7, plus handouts. Material for
the second test will come from chapters 8-12 & 14, 17, plus handouts. Material for the third
test will come from chapters 18, 22, 32, 34, 36, and additional material TBA. The fourth test
will be a comprehensive final exam. Additions and/or deletions of material for the tests will
be announced in class at least one week before each test. More specific details of the tests
will be provided by the instructor.
B. Homework assignments (150 points. 15% of final grade)
A total of three (3) homework assignments worth up to 50 points each will be given.
Homework assignments are brief assignments that are designed to apply or analyze concepts
from class or the text. Directions for each assignment will be given a week before the due
date. For example, students may be asked to write a one page reaction to a concept within a
chapter. Grammar and spelling will affect grades. Homework assignments will be due at the
beginning of class. Homework that is late will result in a 10 point penalty per day late unless
otherwise approved by the instructor.
C. Participation/In Class Activities (50 points, 5% of final grade). Points will be
awarded for the quality and quantity of your class participation. Factors that contribute to
your participation grade include:
 Actively participating in several in-class activities.
 Avoiding class disruptions (like texting in class). Please turn off your cell phone.
 Avoid absences, be in class on time, and don’t leave early.
II.
Grading Criteria
A. Grades will be awarded based on the following. To help you figure your own grade as the
semester progresses, you can fill in the appropriate numbers when your grades are returned:
Assignment
Potential Points
Exam 1 -out of 200 points
Exam 2 -out of 200 points
Exam 3 -out of 200 points
Final Exam -out of 200 points
Homework 1 -out of 50 points
Homework 2 -out of 50 points
Homework 3 -out of 50 points
Participation -out of 50 points
Total points earned =
out of 1000 points
B. Here are the points you will need to earn the appropriate grade:
A = 934 - 1000
B- = 800 - 833
D+ = 667 - 699
A- = 900 - 933
C+ = 767 - 799
D = 634 - 666
B+ = 867 - 899
C
= 734 - 766
E
= 633 or less
B
= 834 - 866
C- = 700 - 733
Communication Theory - 3
III.
Class Policies
A. Attendance – Attendance is strongly encouraged. Since much of the test material will
come from class discussions and examples that are presented in class, being absent may
prevent you from answering many test questions correctly. Missing class will also affect your
participation grade.
B. Being late to class/leaving early-- There are several reasons why you need to be in class
on time. Showing up late or leaving early can be very distracting to the professor and your
fellow classmates. Announcements regarding class assignments are made at the beginning of
class or at the end of class, being late/leaving early may prevent you from obtaining important
information. So please be in class on time.
C. Make-up Exams - Make-up examinations will only be allowed for students with excused
absences. The make-up exam may include essay, short answer, and/or multiple-choice
questions.
D. Academic Integrity - In this course it is unethical to use as your own, an assignment
prepared, in whole or in part, by someone else. Original work is required of every student,
and any plagiarism will result in a “0” for the assignment or an “E” for the course. According
to the Bloomsburg University Undergraduate Catalog, “To plagiarize is to steal or use
without acknowledgment the ideas, words, etc. of another person”. If you have any doubts
about what constitutes plagiarism, please ask!
All aspects of the Bloomsburg University’s Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures
will be followed for this course. This policy is described in the Official Catalog and it is a
good idea for all students to be familiar with it.
E. Electronic devices - Please turn all cell phones off during class. Texting in class will
significantly reduce your participation grade.
F. Students with disabilities - Students with a documented disability should see me as soon
as possible to arrange for accommodations if needed. Additional information for students
with disabilities can be obtained from Office of Accommodative Services for Students with
Disabilities, Student Services Center, Room 043, or call (570) 389-4491 (V/TTY).
Communication Theory - 4
Communication Theory -- Class Agenda -- Fall, 2011
Note: This agenda will give you an idea of what will be discussed in class. Topics and test dates may change.
Date
August
September
October
November
December
Chapter
30
1
6
T
Th
T
8
13
15
Th
T
Th
3
4
20
22
27
29
4
6
11
13
18
T
Th
T
Th
T
Th
T
Th
T
5
7
Handout
1
2, 3
8
9
10
11
20
Th
25
T
27
Th
1
T
3
Th
8
T
10
Th
15
T
17
Th
22-25
12
14
17
29
1
6
8
T
Th
T
Th
36
13
Finals week
18
22
32
34
Activity
Course Introduction, Introductions, Student Survey
Icebreaker Activity; What is a theory?
Approaches to Studying Communication; Researching
Communication, activity.
When is a theory a good theory?
Seven Traditions in the Field of Communication Theory
Seven traditions – cont.
Symbolic Interactionism
Expectancy Violations Theory
Interpersonal Deception Theory, Homework #1 Due.
Test # 1
Constructivism
Social Penetration Theory, Exchange Theory
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Communication Apprehension
Social Information Processing Theory
Relational Dialectics
Interactional View
Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Homework #2 Due.
Test # 2
Functional Perspective
Topic TBA
The Rhetoric of Aristotle
Face-Negotiation Theory
Genderlect Styles
No Class - Thanksgiving – Tues/Thurs classes do not meet.
Muted Group Theory, Homework #3 Due.
Test # 3
Review for final. (Course evaluation).
Activity TBA
Final Exam – Tuesday, December 13, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.