Mass Communication Theories

Mode of Delivery

Face to Face

Prerequisites and Co-Requisites

None

Recommended Optional Programme Components

Not Required

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

Recommended or Required Reading

1- YAYLAGÜL, Levent (2008). Kitle İletişim Kuramları: Egemen ve Eleştirel Yaklaşımlar (2. Basım). Ankara: Dipnot Yayınları.
2- ERDOĞAN, İrfan ve ALEMDAR, Korkmaz (2005). Öteki Kuram (2. Basım). Ankara: Erk.
3- STEVENSON, Nick (2008). Medya Kültürleri: Sosyal Teori ve Kitle İletişimi. Ankara: Ütopya Yayınevi.
4- Erol Mutlu (der.), Kitle İletişim Kuramları. Ankara: Ütopya Yayınevi.

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

1) Lecture
2) Question-Answer
3) Discussion
4) Group Study
5) Problem Solving

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