This course aims to equip the students in exploring the nature of communication and mass communication analysis. It aims to familiarize them with the basic literature of communication theories in a historical context and will explain different theoretical perspectives on communication processes. It aims to build an understanding of the development of communication theories in different eras with reference to the development of communication platforms and technologies. The primary objectives of this course are to develop an understanding of several key communication theories, introduce the systematic study and research of communication, and trace the development of theoretical inquiry in the field of communication. The course provides an understanding about different classical and contemporary normative theories. This course will equip the students with an understanding of the initial powerful model to the paradigmatic shift of new perspectives across different phases. The students will be able to critically analyze the gradual growth of communication theories. The students will get an additional and deep insight of different theoretical perspectives by going through the academic contribution of the eminent scholars in the field.

Learning outcomes

After the completion of this course, the students will be able to:

• Trace down the development and evolution of media theory
• Understand and have a thorough grasp of key perspectives in media and communication theory
• Understand the normative and scientific perspectives in term of media effects
• Have a familiarity with the scholars and their contribution to the field

Course Contents

1. Communication Theory and its Development
2. Paradigm and Anomalies
3. Theoretical Perspectives: Cultural Theories, Critical Theories, Normative Theories
4. Normative Theories: Classical Theories, New perspectives, Islamic Communication Concept
5. Powerful Effects Theories: The rise of media theory in the age of Propaganda
6. Powerful Effects: Magic Bullet, Lasswell’s and Lipmann’s theories, Mass Society Theory
7. Limited Effects Theories: Two-step Flow, Hovland experimental research, Selective Processes
8. Middle Range Theories: Informational Flow; Diffusion of Innovation; Elite Pluralism;
9. Revival of Dominant Paradigm: Media & Human Development, violence & crime, Persuasion
10. Social Learning Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, Structure& functioning of media
11. Significant Scholars and their writings
12. Communication Theory in the age of social media

Timetable

Day                           Time                 

Wednesday              02:30-05:30    

Readings

• Baran, S.J;  Davis, D.K. (2012). Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment, and Future. Wadsworth, USA.
• McQuail , D. (2005). McQuail's Mass Communication Theory. Sage: London.
• Lowery,S; DeFleur, M.L. (1995). Milestones in Mass Communication Research: Media Effects. Longman Publishers:  USA.
• Watson , J. (1998). Media Communication: An Introduction to Theory and Process,. Palgrave Macmillan: Hampshire. Williams, K. (2003) Understanding Media Theory. Oxford University Press:NY.
• Williams, K. (2003) Understanding Media Theory. Oxford University Press:NY. E.M. (2003). A First Look at Communication Theory. McGrawHill: Singapore.
• Eid, M; Dakroury, A. (edt) (2011). Basics in Communication and Media Studies. Pearson Education: Boston.

• Severin, W.J; Tankard, J.W. (1992). Communication Theories: Origins, Methods and Uses in the Mass Media.Longman: London.
• Bryant, J.E; Zillman, D. (1993). Media Effects. Advances in theory and Research. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, London.

• Bryant, J; & Thompson, S. (2002). Fundamentals of Media Effects. McGraw-Hill: NY.
• Sarantakos, S. (1998). Social Science Research. MacMillan: London.
• Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices.  Creative Commons Attribution.
• West, R; and Turner, L.H. (2004). Introducing Mass Communication Theory: Analysis and Application (3rd Edition). McGraw-Hill, Boston
• Wood, J.T. (2000).Communication Theories in Action: An Introduction. Wadsworth Belmont, CA.

Assessment Criteria

Sessional: 20 (Attendance 05, Presentation 05, Assignment 10)

Mid Term Exams: 30

Final Term exam: 50

Rules and Regulations

• 80 % class attendance is a must.
• Assignments would not be accepted after the due date.
• The originality of work would be ensured in case of assignments.
• In group presentations, group members have to divide the sub-topics in consultation with the teacher.

 Note

1. At least two assignments would be given to the students during the semester.
2. Presentations would be arranged in a group form.
3. Surprise quiz would be a regular activity

Important Dates

Start date: October 26, 2020  End date: March 1, 2021

First Assignment: 5th Week

Quiz: 6th Week

Second Assignment: 14th Week