Overview
Communication theory as it applies to cultural, media, and technological contexts and processes.
Students will explore the history and competing theories of communication that help us understand modern democracy, media industries and technological development. This paper aims to ground contemporary notions and concerns about communication; from disinformation to TikTok; within the history and development of communication theory.
About this paper
| Paper title | Theory of Communication Studies |
|---|---|
| Subject | Media, Film and Communication |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,040.70 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- MFCO 101 or MFCO 102 or MFCO 103 or 54 Arts points
- Restriction
- COMS 201
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
- mfco@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
Convener and Lecturer: Dr Olivier Jutel
- Paper Structure
This paper will cover key themes in communication studies and debates including:
- The longstanding fears around communication and authoritarianism
- The attempts to create a democratic public through media
- Technological development and political economy and imperialism in shaping media industries
- Fragmentation, new media and new populist publics
- Teaching Arrangements
- Two 1-hour lectures per week
- One 1-hour tutorial per week
- Textbooks
Required readings are provided via Blackboard or the course readings.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
At the end of the paper students should be able to:
- Develop knowledge of a range of contemporary critical communication theories
- Evaluate the cultural and political assumptions informing theories of communication
- Explain the normative ideals that inform journalism, democratic rhetoric and the public sphere
- Learn to critically analyse contemporary media texts and situate technologies within political economy
- Develop effective research, study, and oral and written communication skills through assessments
- Assessment details
Assessment:
- Lecture Participation, 10%
- In Class Test, 15%
- Public Sphere Essay (1,500 words), 25%
- Case Study Proposal (500 words),10%
- Media Ideology Case Study (2,500 words), 40%