Kocaeli University / European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)

Name of Lecturer(s)

Prof. Dr. Emel ÖZTÜRK
Lecturer Dr. İren Dicle AYTAÇ

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit
Program Competencies-Learning Outcomes Relation

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit

1) Define the concepts of theory and model
2) By learning the theoretical framework of propaganda, one can develop message strategies that could be effective on the target audience.
3) It addresses the development and impacts of communication technologies.
4) Students become knowledgeable about exploratory communication research conducted through quantitative methods.
5) Students understands the role of mass media in persuasion and influence. Use these in advertising
6) Explain the critical media studies

Program Competencies-Learning Outcomes Relation

		Program Competencies
		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Learning Outcomes
	1	High	High	Middle	High	Middle	High	Middle	Low	Middle
	2	High	High	Middle	No relation	Middle	High	Middle	Low	Middle
	3	High	High	No relation	High	Middle	High	Middle	Low	Middle
	4	High	High	Middle	High	Middle	High	Middle	Low	Middle
	5	High	High	No relation	No relation	Middle	High	Middle	Low	Middle
	6	High	High	Middle	High	Middle	High	Middle	Low	Middle

Mode of Delivery

e-course

Prerequisites and Co-Requisites

None

Recommended Optional Programme Components

Mass Media Theories I

Course Contents

In this course will be discussed mass communication theories. Normative individualism theory, System Theory, Critical Theory, Frankfurt School, The School of Birmingham, Structuralism, Social-psychological and epistemological approaches in communication and mass communication; theories about the effect and usage of mass communication media; theoretical approaches and theories about media.

Weekly Schedule

1) General information on course; defining the purposes and curriculum of the class.
2) Defining the concept of theory; explaining the relationship between theory-science and society; elucidating the purposes and functions of theoretical examination of communication. Describing the pioneer approaches, roots and the general progresses of mass communication research.
3) First models in mainstream communication theories: Stimulus-Response Models, Lasswell’s Formula, Information Theory of Shannon and Weaver. Two-Step of Flow of Communication. Contributions of social psychology: Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Newcomb’s ABX Model etc.
4) Contributions of sociology: Chicago School, Model of Riley and Riley. Modernization theories and mass communication. Looking at the media itself: Innis and Mcluhan’s technological approach.
5) Theories on Long Term Effects of Media: Cultural Indicators and Cultivation Approach, Agenda-Building, Spiral of Scilence, Gatekeeping, Diffusion of Innovations and Dependency Theories. Uses and Gratifications Approach and central position of audience.
6) Theories on Long Term Effects of Media: Cultural Indicators and Cultivation Approach, Agenda-Building, Spiral of Silence, Gate-keeping, Diffusion of Innovations and Dependency Theories. Uses and Gratifications Approach and central position of audience.
7) Introduction to critical theories. Essential concepts of Marksist approaches to mass communication. Explaining the development and basic questions and concepts of political economy.
8) Midterm examination/Assessment
9) Main Theories in Political Economy of Communication: American Tradition: H. Schiller, D. Smythe, N. Chomsky. European Tradition: P Golding ve G. Murdock, N. Garnham, A. Mattelart.
10) Frankfurt School: development and basic concepts of Critical Theory. Contributions of Frankfurt School members to the area of communication research: T. Adorno ve M. Horkheimer, H. Marcuse.
11) Frankfurt School: development and basic concepts of Critical Theory. Contributions of Frankfurt School members to the area of communication research: W. Benjamin, J. Habermas.
12) Cultural Studies: Emergence and development of British Cultural Studies: R. Hoggart, E. P. Thompson, R. Williams, S. Hall, etc.
13) Transformations of Cultural Studies; audience and reception studies, popular culture, feminism, ideology in the context of cultural studies.
14) Examples of Contemporary Contributions to Communication Theories and Theoretical Approaches to New Media: Baudrillard, Castels, Virilio
15) General assessment on subjects treated during the term.
16) Final examination

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

1) Lecture
2) Question-Answer
3) Discussion

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Contribution of Midterm Examination to Course Grade	40%
Contribution of Final Examination to Course Grade	60%
Total	100%

Language of Instruction

Turkish

Work Placement(s)

Not Required

Course Unit Title	Course Unit Code	Type of Course Unit	Level of Course Unit	Year of Study	Semester	ECTS Credits
Mass Communications Theories I	REK201	Compulsory	Bachelor's degree	2	Fall	5