This course involves the systematic discussion and analysis of message phenomena. Objective and interpretive theories will be studied across communication contexts, including interpersonal, small group and public communication, organization, mass media and culture. Prerequisite: Admission into program.

Required Text

Contemporary Communication Theory (eBook version or print) (2025) 3rd Ed.
By Rancer, Avtgis & Wright
ISBN 9798385173280
Net Price: $65.00. (eBook)

Here is the link to purchase the book.
https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/contemporary-communication-theory-1

(NOTE – DO NOT PURCHASE THE CUSTOM 2nd EDITION BY JON SMITH. PURCHASE THE STANDARD 3rd EDITION)

Recommended Text(s)

Any reference on APA style writing, especially those that discuss how to cite on-line sources.

References

Other titles and information may be placed on library reserve or posted on CANVAS.

Course Objectives

• To inform students about what constitutes theories of communication.
• Develop an understanding of how the social sciences reason about systems of communication technology and humanity by discovering ways to apply theory to everyday communication events.
• Study a variety of theories and describe the similarities and differences between theories
• Evaluate communication theories critically.
• Frame research questions about communication phenomena.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment

• Develop the ability to discuss communication theories in class or through on-line interaction as measured through class discussion and written communication.
• Show understanding of course content through satisfactory performance on quizzes and tests.
• Demonstrate the ability to articulate communication theories and research in a substantial literature review on some aspect of communication messages. The final course paper involves in-depth literature review and development of research questions.

Class Chats, Discussions and Interaction Assignments

(Students are graded on their responses and participation)

Personal Introduction and Discussion: In order for students to better understand and appreciate their classmates, a personal introduction is required.

Great Thinkers Discussion: On SUU’s campus is a collection of statues titled “The Centurium” that houses 12 statues of significant contributors to modern thinking. While not all (online) students can see the statues in person, a video will allow them to see the statues. Students will then evaluate each “statue’s” approach to thinking and determine which style of thinking best aligns with the student’s thinking.

Lasswell Discussion: Review Harold Lasswell’s definition of communication and respond.

Video Responses: Various videos will be provided and responses will be submitted.

Online Popular Culture or Workplace Application of Communication Theory Discussion: Choose 1 - Students will identify and share an example of a communication theory in action or used in popular culture. An example would be a student could share the lyrics of a popular song that depicts a theory’s concepts or share an online video that shows a theory in action.
Or
Choice 2 - Students will identify and share an example of a communication theory in action or used in a business or workplace setting. An example would be a student could share a business practice or policy that depicts a theory’s concepts or share an online video that shows a business setting and theory in action.

Textbook-Related Assignments

Selected Chapter Summaries and Responses. Students will read and review the selected first five textbook chapters for content and then summarize the entire chapter (somewhat in abstract form) and write a personal response in a second paragraph.

Then the students will select two more chapters of their choice to summarize and comment on.

Theory examples from Pop Culture: In order to make this theory class more applicable to our everyday lives, students must find examples of communication theory in action in popular culture and in the workplace. Samples can be in the form of links on social networking such as YouTube, Facebook or others, clips from movies, lyrics and audio from songs, book excerpts, poetry, etc. The point is to come up with some example about the theory(ies) under discussion. Pass/Fail assignment.

For the pop culture example: If we are discussing Dialectics Theory we could find an example of conflict and self-discussion in pop culture. This theory suggests that relationships, communication and indeed our “selves” are defined through a dialogue among many voices and it discusses how we manage contradictions in our lives. So, while this is dating the instructor, he might bring in the music and lyrics from the Beatles’ song "Hello, Goodbye"

“You say yes, I say no
You say stop and I say go go go, oh no
You say goodbye and I say hello
Hello hello
I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello
Hello hello
I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello”

For the industry, business, or professional example: If we were still discussing Dialectic Theory I would find a way that it applied to the world of professional communication or a “work place” situation. A supervisor may be an honest and ethical person, but in order to make the business profitable, may need to engage in questionable actions. A conflict and contradiction in the workplace.

Brief Topic Proposal: Students will submit a brief summary of the research topic and the proposed method.

Annotated Bibliography: Students will submit a properly formatted annotated bibliography of approximately 2-3 pages with at least five sources. This format is only for this assignment and will not be used for format for future sections of the paper. This is only a preliminary research step.

Rough Draft of Literature Review: After compiling an annotated bibliography, students can now begin to write about the topic in full narrative form based on their understanding of the literature. This is 4-5 page paper with a discussion of at least 15 sources and full reference list. An appropriate title will be attached to this rough draft.

Rough Draft of Introduction Based on Literature Review students will submit a 1-2 page introduction of the topic and the literature review.

Rough Draft of Research Questions and Proposed Research Method: Based on Literature Review students will submit a 2-3 page discussion of questions emerging from the literature review and the

Final Literature Review and Research Questions for a future Paper

The final paper for this class is a “Literature Review with Research Questions and Proposed Research Method” that explores a specific theory or group of theories that relates to the students’ area of research interests. Ideally the paper should build on your interest for your master’s capstone thesis, project or internship and help prepare for a prospectus. All papers must comply with APA style. The parts of this assignment are:

• Properly formatted title page
• Introduction
• Literature Review with research questions and research method

Anti-plagiarism documents: Some instructors scan all papers in online software programs that compares the students’ papers with documents found on the web. The papers will be submitted to an AI/plagiarism checker. Any score higher than 50% non-original will be rejected and receive a zero grade. In order to discourage and reduce plagiarism and AI use, the instructor has selected an “old-school” method of deterrence. A separate scanned copy of one page from every source cited in the paper must be turned in. This process provides easy evidence that the student had access to the information. You can see how an AI paper would not be able to provide the SOURCES for the paper.

Assignment Points and Grading

90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, Less than 60% = F

(Note – at the graduate level, generally scores below 75% are unacceptable and may lead to suspension/dismissal from the program.)

Special Note for Assignments -- “double dipping” or using previous work for this class. Some of you have had (or are concurrently taking) other classes wherein you have examined literature and theories of interest to you. This instructor is in favor of creating a program of study and building on knowledge from past assignments. In order to maintain academic integrity, you must be totally open about how you are going to use any past information or information for other classes. You are required to do “substantially different” work for this class. So you can use the same topic as previous classes, but you cannot submit the same paper. It must be significantly different either in focus, scope or length. You may be able to use the same material but you must submit a copy of the previous paper or the topic of the paper from another class if taken concurrently to the instructor when the Annotated Bibliography is due to show how you are using the material differently. Failure to disclose use of previous material will result in failure for that assignment.

For example: If in a previous class I did a paper on a content analysis of university promotional websites. In this class I could build a literature review on the specific importance of video on universities’ websites (difference in focus).

If in a previous class I did a paper on the history of nature programming on PBS, for this class I could do an extension and discuss the history of nature programming on streaming services (scope).

If in a previous class I submitted a literature review that had 10 sources, in this class I could submit my paper with a reference list of 40-50 citations (includes the previous 10 but difference in length).

This instructor’s policy may be different than other instructors so be certain to discuss all work with all instructors from other classes to make sure you comply with requirements for each class.

Points Breakdown

(Check CANVAS for specific due dates)

LATE ASSIGNMENTS OR MAKEUP WORK:

I know that life happens. Many of the students in this class are working professionals, parents or dealing with other time-consuming issues. And illness does come around. I do accept late work on a cases-by-case basis IF the student contacts me in a timely (before or within one day) and in a professional manner (only email or phone calls, no messages in CANVAS). All late work is negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Try to turn assignments in in advance if there is any question. Be aware of any time zone differences with your location and Utah’s time. No accommodations can be made for wherever you are living because we have students from all over the world. No “extra-credit” is offered. Just do the assigned work.

All students must comply with SUU’s policy of taking the “First Attendance Quiz” in order to confirm that the student has commenced in the class. Other attendance requirements will only be fulfilled by completing the CANVAS assignments on time. Those requirements include interacting with other class members in Chat and Discussion sessions.

Course Pace and Expectations

This is a seven-week class. It moves very fast for a graduate course. Make sure you have access to the textbook on the first day of class. Students will be submitting assignments almost daily. There may be chapter summaries and quizzes several days in a row. Please plan accordingly.

AI Statement

AI cannot substitute for foundational learning. Students must acquire disciplinary knowledge and critical thinking skills in order to evaluate AI outputs appropriately. Thus, the Communication Department will maintain a 25% tolerance threshold for AI use in completing assignments. That means, unless explicitly stated by your instructor for a specific assignment, any work that is submitted as AI generated at a rate of 26% or higher will receive a zero on their grade and require a conversation with the instructor. In those cases where assignment instructions allow for AI use, students must certify that they have reviewed, verified and edited all AI outputs, which may include AI prompts used. Students should treat AI as a partner in thought and creation, not as a shortcut or a substitute for human expertise, ethics, and judgment. Students should not input sensitive, personal, confidential, copyrighted or proprietary information into public AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) as it is illegal and

violates expectations of privacy and academic/creative work.

AI is allowed for certain assignments (see individual assignment instructions for details).

However, presenting AI-generated work as entirely one’s own in a course that does not

permit such use, or using AI in ways explicitly prohibited in assignment instructions,

constitutes a violation of SUU Policy 6.33: Academic Misconduct and opens the violator

up to a series of potential sanctions.