Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Communication Theory
Teaching staff
In order to make an appointment, please email the professor
Introduction
The various intellectual discourses, theoretical models and research methodologies that have accompanied the emergence and development of the different media cannot be summarised in one major, complex theory, nor in one single definition of the term communication. In light of this evidence, in this subject we will take an introductory look at a selection of theories that have sought to explain the media world. Through guided self-learning, students will critically analyse the main theoretical and methodological concepts that have served as a compass in this space of dialogue and discussion that has always characterised Communication Theory.
Pre-course requirements
No pre-course requirements are needed to enrol in this subject.
Objectives
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The aim of this subject is to help students become familiar with the broad field of theoretical and methodological media thought.
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The historical background and comparative topics on which this subject is based intend to endow the students with the analytical tools needed to critically discuss the various dimensions of the current dynamics of digital communication ecosystems.
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Furthermore, this subject aims to spark the students' interest in intellectual work and their desire to become capable of developing their own analytical and critical thoughts.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 19 - The ability to memorise
- 81 - Ability and capacity to perform the duties carried out by the media department
- 82 - The ability to define and manage a communication budget
- 83 - The ability and capacity to give form to a creative message
- 98 - To skillfully manage terminology in English related to Communication
Learning outcomes of the subject
The studients:
- Manage the various theories that attempt to explain the operation of the communication process in all its dimensions (sender, message, channel, receiver, use, effect, etc..)
- Understand the theoretical and practical development of the advertising phenomenon and public relations.
- Approach the theoretical framework and practical assumptions messages, media and subjects.
- Reflect on the proper conduct of advertising and public relations criteria of good craftsmanship.
Syllabus
SECTION 1: COMMUNICATION RESEARCH: INTRODUCTION AND THEORY OF EFFECTS
Topic 0: Social sciences and theories of communication
0.1. The object of study of communication theories.
0.2 Epistemological and methodological bases.
0.3. What do we mean by "communication theory"?
0.4. Main perspectives
Topic 1: The first era of media theory. The all-powerful effects model
1.1. Historical context: a new social and media order
1.2. Theorists of the mass society
1.3. The origin of propaganda, techniques, characteristics and its impact on theories of communication
1.4. The Frankfurt School
1.5. Contributions and limitations
1.6. Typology of effects
1.6. Overcoming the model?
Topic 2: The second era of media theory. The limited effects model
2.1 Historical context: a new social and media order
2.2. Origins of the limited effects theory. Mass Communication Research
2.3. Main contributions of the limited effects model
2.4. Typology of effects
2.5. Overcoming the limited effects model.
Topic 3: The third era of media theory: The model of the return to powerful effects.
3.1. Historical context: a new global and mediatic social order
3.2. Main contributions of the model of the return to powerful effects
3.3. Typology of effects
3.4. Overcoming the model?
SECTION 2: DESIGN, ELABORATION AND PRESENTATION OF A COMMUNICATION RESEARCH.
Design of a communication research
Object of study, research objectives and research questions
Methodologies for communication research
Analysis of empirical data
Presentation of communication research results
Structure and dissemination of results
Teaching and learning activities
In person
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | ECTS CREDITS |
| Lectures. In lectures, lecturers/professors not only transmit content or knowledge, but also, and above all else, attitudes, motivation, skills and values, etc. They also ensure that participants can express their opinions and arguments to the other students. | 2.4 |
| Seminar. This activity will consist of taking an in-depth look at specific up-to-date topics in a monographic manner-in some cases these topics will have been debated socially-, via active work in small groups. | 1.0 |
| Practical workshop. A highly practical working activity, where students can acquire skills that are practical or also theoretical (intellectual skills, logical skills, critical skills, intellectual learning skills, study skills, quoting skills, etc). | 0.8 |
| Coaching. Monitoring how students learn the content of the subject, either individually or in groups. In the coaching sessions, mistakes will be corrected, queries answered, and exercises and activities to achieve the established objectives will be suggested. | 0.6 |
| Lab. Working groups that combine theory and practice. The aim of these is not to undertake already known techniques, but instead to make progress that is both theoretical and technical. These Lab sessions will culminate in the creation of a professional or semi-professional product. | 1.2 |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
For each call:
Exam BLOCK 1 (date: November 6, 2023) - Value/Weight of the in the final grade: 60%
Project BLOCK 2 (date: January 2024)- Value/Weight of the in the final grade: 40%
(1a) In order to pass the subject on the first call, it's essential to present oneself for the exam and submit the project.
(1b) The Faculty's orthographic standards will be applied to all exams and projects.
(2a) To pass the subject on the second call, it will be necessary to reevaluate from that activity (exam or project) that was not passed on the first call. If a student did not pass any of the activities, he/she must present both.
(2b) The score of the activity that has been passed on the first call can be kept for the second call, if so desired. However, if the academic year ends and the subject is not finally passed, under no circumstances may any of the scores (exam or project) be carried forward to the following year.
(2c) The Faculty's orthographic norms will be applied to all exams and projects.
(3a) The third and fifth calls will be ruled by the criteria 1a, 1b from the first call.
(3b) The fourth and sixth calls will be ruled by the criteria 2a, 2b, 2c from the second call.
Bibliography and resources
Davison, P. (1983). The third-person effect in communication. The Public Opinion Quarterly, 47 (1), 1-15.
Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Illinois: Row Peterson.
Igartua, J. J. y Humanes, M. L. (2004). Teoría e investigación en comunicación social. Madrid: Síntesis.
Klapper, J. (1974). Efectos de las comunicaciones de masas. Madrid: Aguilar.
Lazarsfeld, P., Berelson, B. y Gaudet, H. (1968). The people’s choice. How the Voter Makes Up His Mind in a Presidential Campaign. New York: Columbia University Press.
Lipmann, W. (2003). La opinión pública. Madrid: Langre.
McCombs, M. (2004). Setting the Agenda. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Noelle-Neumann, E. (1973). Return to the concept of powerful mass media. Studies of broadcasting, 9, 67-112.
Noelle-Neumann, E. (1995). La espiral del silencio. Opinión pública: nuestra piel social. Barcelona: Paidós.
Rodrigo Alsina, M. (2001). Teorías de la comunicación. Ámbitos, métodos y perspectivas. Barcelona: Aldea Global.
Wolf, M. (1987). La investigación de la comunicación de masas. Crítica y perspectivas. Barcelona: Paidós.