Theories of Communication

Mode of Delivery

Face to Face

Prerequisites and Co-Requisites

None

Recommended Optional Programme Components

None.

Course Contents

This course equips candidates with in-depth knowledge on two major approaches of the communication theory (mainstream and critical theory) and their basic topics and models, academical texts about the text/content, production and consumption processes according to their theoretical assumptions.

Weekly Schedule

1) Introduction
2) The Concept of Theory, The Relationship between Theory, Science and Society, the Purposes and Functions of Theoretical Examination of Communication, Pioneer Approaches, Roots and 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
4) Contributions of Sociology: Chicago School, Model of Riley and Riley, Modernization Theories and Mass Communication, Innis and Mcluhan’s Technological Approach
5) Theories on the 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 the 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
7) Introduction to Critical Theories, Essential Concepts of Marksist Approaches to Mass Communication, 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
13) Transformations of Cultural Studies, Audience and Reception Studies, Popular Culture, Feminism, Ideology within the Context of Cultural Studies
14) Examples of Contemporary Contributions to Communication Theories and Theoretical Approaches to New Media: Baudrillard, Castels, Virilio
15) General Evaluation
16) Final Examination

Recommended or Required Reading

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

1) Lecture
2) Lecture
3) Question-Answer
4) Question-Answer
5) Discussion
6) Discussion

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Contribution of Quiz to Course Grade	30%
Contribution of Final Examination to Course Grade	70%
Total	100%

Language of Instruction

Turkish

Work Placement(s)

Not Required