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As an advanced course, Speech Communication 350 provides a more in-depth reflection on many of the communication theories you have encountered in other courses. By the end of this class, you should have achieved four objectives. First, you should have identified, researched, and even struggled with issues related to communication theory. Second, you should have investigated and come to understand the variety of theoretical perspectives guiding communication research. Third, you should have developed ways of applying a broad range of communication theories to the types of communicative interactions that interest you. Finally, you should have further developed your ability to critique communication research.
 

Textbook

Wood, J. T. (2000). Communication theories in action: An introduction (2^nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
 

Course Philosophy

You have two responsibilities in this course: You must read and you must think. Learning is an active process. It is not merely remembering information, but experiencing ideas as they pertain to our personal lives. This implies that it is important for us to connect information in readings and class discussion to our personal lives. To really learn­experience, not just remember information­about communication, each of us must be willing to read assignments in advance, reflect on our ideas, and take risks by expressing our thoughts. We should also be open to listening and trying to understand ideas that may be different from our own. Because learning is an interactive process and we learn from each other as well as the instructor, no more than five (5) absences will be allowed (excused or unexcused). Six or more absences will result in a failing grade.
 

Examinations. There are two. Each is worth fifteen (15) percent of your grade. Both of these are primarily essay in nature with some identification and definitional short answer questions. Prior to the examinations, you will receive a list of possible questions from which the exam will be taken.
 

Thought Papers. There are three (3). Combined, they are worth thirty (30) percent of your grade. Each of these papers should be four (4) to six (6) pages in length. Paper one should answer the following questions: What is communication (give examples to illustrate your definition)? What is theory (give examples to illustrate your definition)? Why am I interested in communication? and How will this aid me in my future endeavors?. Paper two should choose one theory and analyze a film from that perspective (What would these theorists say/conclude about the film; how would they interpret it?). Paper three should be your personal theory of communication, including your definition of communication and your definition of theory as well as the central concepts of your theory and what kinds of questions it would most likely answer. Be sure to explain why your theory of communication is appropriate for your future plans as well as what you have learned about communication by providing concrete examples to support your position.
 

Research Paper. This assignment is worth twenty (20) percent of your grade. The paper should be no longer than twelve (12) pages in length and should focus on one communication-related topic that interests you. Your assignment is to choose one specific line of communication research; go to the library and find, synthesize, and critique (include both strengths and limitations) at least seven (7) articles related to that line of communication research; and indicate what additional questions you think the theories/perspectives we discussed can help us answer in the future.
 

Research Presentation. This assignment is worth fifteen (15) percent of your grade. You are to give an eight (8) to ten (10) minute presentation of your research paper. Remember all of the important aspects of public speaking that you have learned. The presentation should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. There should be a clear preview, transitions between the main points, a summary of the important points, and visual aids if they would enhance your presentation. Also, feel free to be creative in how you present the material­do not feel that you are tied to a traditional speech. Your goals are to provide the audience with new information AND to be an engaging speaker.
 

Grading. Grading is done on a ten point scale. There are no provisions for rescheduling exams and late papers are not accepted. MAKE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS ACCORDINGLY, especially for Fall and Winter Breaks. Also, expect to be graded on spelling, punctuation, grammar, style, as well as the content and organization of your work. You are required to complete your own work and to accept "no unauthorized assistance." You are welcome to talk with me about any assignment or draft before the due date. Finally, you cannot pass the course without completing ALL of the assignments.
 
 

DATE TOPIC READING
 

Aug. 24 Course Introduction

29 What is Theory? Opening

What is Communication? Chapter 1

THOUGHT PAPER ONE DUE
 

31 Developing Communication Theory Chapters 2, 3
 

Sept. 5 Pragmatism

7 Semantics Chapter 4

12 Symbolic Interactionism pages 96-103

RESEARCH TOPICS DUE

14 Dramatism/Narrative Theory pages 103-120

19 Constructivism pages 158-166

21 Rules Theory and CMM pages 146-158

26 Dialectical Perspective Chapter 8

28 Dialectical Perspective
 

Oct. 3 EXAM I

5 Performance Theory Chapter 6

10 Mass Communication Theories Chapter 11

RESEARCH OUTLINES DUE

12 FALL BREAK

17 Relational Evolution Chapter 9

19 Cultural Theories Chapter 10

24 Cultural Theories

26 Social Learning Theory

31 Critical Theories Chapter 12
 

Nov. 2 Critical Theories

7/9 NO CLASS (NCA CONVENTION)

14 Closing Comments Chapter 13

THOUGHT PAPERS TWO AND THREE DUE

16 PAPER PRESENTATIONS

21 PAPER PRESENTATIONS

23 THANKSGIVING BREAK

28 PAPER PRESENTATIONS

30 PAPER PRESENTATIONS
 

Dec. 5 PAPER PRESENTATIONS
 

12 EXAM II (12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.)