Syllabus for COM-100
COMMUNICATION THEORY
This course surveys the current body of communication theory literature. Students examine theories applied in the study of mass media and human communication. Communication theories pertain to interpersonal, group, and mass communication, and, therefore, provide a framework for analyzing media texts and the everyday experience of human communication.
After completing this course, you should be able to:
CO1 Explain key theories of human communication.
CO2 Compare and contrast approaches to communication theory.
CO3 Apply communication theory to real-world situations.
CO4 Formulate a personal synthesis of communication theory.
You will need the following materials to complete your coursework. Some course materials may be free, open source, or available from other providers. You can access free or open-source materials by clicking the links provided below or in the module details documents. To purchase course materials, please visit the University's textbook supplier.
ISBN-13: 978-1259913785
Communication Theory is a three-credit, online course consisting of four modules. Modules include an overview, topics, learning objectives, study materials, and activities. Module titles are listed below.
For your formal work in the course, you are required to participate in online discussion forums, participate in one video discussion forum, complete a podcast activity, complete written assignments, take a proctored midterm examination, and complete a final project. See below for details.
Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.
One or more of your course activities may utilize a tool designed to promote original work and evaluate your submissions for plagiarism. More information about this tool is available in About SafeAssign.
In addition to an ungraded Introductions Forum, you are required to participate in six graded online class discussions.
Communication with your mentor and among fellow students is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online class discussions involves two distinct activities: an initial response to a discussion question and at least two subsequent comments on classmates' responses.
All of these responses must be substantial. Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate or your mentor, state and support your position.
You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation, including your use of relevant course information to support your point of view and your awareness of and responses to the postings of your classmates. Remember, these are discussions: responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, mature, and respectful.
You are required to participate in one video discussion forum. In the Video Discussion Forum, you will upload your video response to the discussion question. Then, you will view, listen, and reply via comments to at least two classmates’ videos by the date indicated in the Course Calendar.
Please reference Module 3 of the course website for full details and requirements.
You are required to complete three written assignments. The written assignments are on a variety of topics associated with the course modules. For specific details consult the individual course modules.
Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.
You are required to create one podcast, using the instructions provided in Module 1. Podcasts are a product of digital media—a reinvention of traditional media. As they proliferate and grow in popularity, it is important to be able to utilize this form of media. You will learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the format and communicate through this form of digital media.
Please reference Module 1 of the course website for full details and requirements. Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.
The midterm exam is a 2-hour, closed-book exam covering material from Modules 1 and 2. It consists of multiple-choice and essay questions. A study guide located in the Examinations section of the course website provides a list of the key concepts on the exam.
For the midterm, you are required to use the University's Online Proctor Service (OPS). Please refer to the Examinations and Proctors section of the Online Student Handbook (see General Information area of the course website) for further information about scheduling and taking online exams and for all exam policies and procedures. You are strongly advised to schedule your exam within the first week of the semester.
You are on your honor not to cheat during the exam. Cheating means:
If there is evidence that you have cheated or plagiarized in your exam, the exam will be declared invalid, and you will fail the course.
You are required to complete a two-part final project. In this project, you will write a synthesis paper and identify your own connective threads between the theories explored. Then, you will create a media presentation by designing PowerPoint slides with an audio recording, presenting your findings from your synthesis paper. This final project will help you engender critical thinking skills, compare and contrast theories, form an overarching synthesis of communication theory, and practice presentational skills.
Be sure to reference the Final Project area of the course website for full details and requirements. Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.
Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:
All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for numerical grades are as follows:
A | = | 93–100 | C+ | = | 78–79 | |
A– | = | 90–92 | C | = | 73–77 | |
B+ | = | 88–89 | C– | = | 70–72 | |
B | = | 83–87 | D | = | 60–69 | |
B– | = | 80–82 | F | = | Below 60 |
To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of C or better (for an area of study course) or D or better (for a course not in your area of study), based on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., exams, assignments, discussion postings).
To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:
Consider the following study tips for success:
To ensure success in all your academic endeavors and coursework at Thomas Edison State University, familiarize yourself with all administrative and academic policies including those related to academic integrity, course late submissions, course extensions, and grading policies.
For more, see:
Copyright © 2019 by Thomas Edison State University. All rights reserved.
