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Overview

An introduction to communication theories, media and genres.

This paper introduces students to the concepts and debates that are vital for the study of communication today. It examines the social, personal, economic and ethical effects of communication and media systems that increasingly dominate contemporary society.

This is a foundation paper for a BA in Communication Studies and for studies in Media, Film and Communication more generally.  

About this paper

Paper title Introduction to Communication Studies
Subject Media, Film and Communication
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
COMS 101
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact
mfco@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Convener and Lecturer: Dr Rosemary Overell

Paper Structure

This paper provides an overview of three interrelated areas:

  • Theories of communication
  • Debates in communication studies
  • Types of communication
Teaching Arrangements
  • Twice weekly lectures
  • 10 tutorials across the course of the semester
  • Optional library study-skills session
Textbooks
Course readings will be available on eReserve through Blackboard.
Course outline

View a sample course outline for MFCO 103.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will:

  • Be able to define communication as an object of study.
  • Understand the centrality of communication in contemporary society.
  • Develop a basic knowledge of theories of communication.
  • Develop an understanding of various types of communication.
Assessment details

Assessment:

  • Reading Responses, 25%
  • Essay Preparation Task, 15%
  • Essay, 30%
  • Exam, 30%

Timetable

Semester 1

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Aoroa

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Tuesday 12:00-12:50 9-14, 16-22
Wednesday 12:00-12:50 9-14, 16-22

Tutorial

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend one stream from
A2 Friday 09:00-09:50 10-13, 16-20
A3 Wednesday 13:00-13:50 10-13, 16-20
A4 Friday 14:00-14:50 10-13, 16-20
A5 Friday 10:00-10:50 10-13, 16-20
A6 Friday 15:00-15:50 10-13, 16-20
A7 Friday 11:00-11:50 10-13, 16-20

Overview

An introduction to communication theories, media and genres.

This paper introduces students to the concepts and debates that are vital for the study of communication today. It examines the social, personal, economic and ethical effects of communication and media systems that increasingly dominate contemporary society.

This is a foundation paper for a BA in Communication Studies and for studies in Media, Film and Communication more generally.

About this paper

Paper title Introduction to Communication Studies
Subject Media, Film and Communication
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
COMS 101
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact
mfco@otago.ac.nz
Teaching staff

Convener and Lecturer: Dr Rosemary Overell

Paper Structure

This paper provides an overview of three interrelated areas:

  • Theories of communication
  • Debates in communication studies
  • Types of communication
Teaching Arrangements
  • Twice weekly lectures
  • 10 tutorials across the course of the semester
  • Optional library study-skills session
Textbooks
Course readings will be available on eReserve through Aoroa.
Course outline

View a sample course outline for MFCO 103

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will:

  • Be able to define communication as an object of study.
  • Understand the centrality of communication in contemporary society.
  • Develop a basic knowledge of theories of communication.
  • Develop an understanding of various types of communication.
Assessment details

Assessment:

  • Reading Responses (25%)
  • Essay Preparation Task (15%)
  • Essay (30%)
  • Exam (30%)

Timetable

Semester 1

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Aoroa

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Monday 11:00-11:50 9-12, 15-22
Tuesday 16:00-16:50 9-12, 15-22

Tutorial

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend one stream from
A1 Wednesday 16:00-16:50 10-12, 15-22
A2 Wednesday 13:00-13:50 10-12, 15-22
A3 Thursday 12:00-12:50 10-12, 15-22
A4 Friday 16:00-16:50 10-12, 15-22
A5 Wednesday 12:00-12:50 10-12, 15-22
A6 Friday 15:00-15:50 10-12, 15-22
A7 Thursday 11:00-11:50 10-12, 15-22
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