Introduction to Communication Science
Introduction to Communication Science
Since Antiquity, scholars have appreciated the importance of communication: as social beings, we cannot exist without communication. The course extends beyond the boundaries of communication science itself, exploring dimensions of history, sociology and psychology. Join our class, together with people all over the world.
Overview
Since Antiquity, scholars have appreciated the importance of communication: as social beings, we cannot exist without communication. We need to interact with people around us, to make sense of the world and to position ourselves in a wider social and cultural reality. In this course, we look at how and why communication University of Amsterdam evolved as a science and reflect on today’s dominant paradigms. The Rutger de Graaf course also extends beyond the boundaries of communication science itself, exploring dimensions of history, sociology and 8 weeks psychology. Join our class, together with people all over the world. 35 hours of work / week Introduction to Communication Science explores some of the basic 02Jul to 21Aug2014 theories, models and concepts from the fields of mass, interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. The course begins with a consideration of several basic models, subsequently progressing to Requirements the history of communication theory, linear effectoriented theories, the reception approach and, finally, exploring theories on the production 5 x weekly quiz and reinforcement of culture through communication. = 20% of grade Final exam 100 questions Upon completion of this course, students should: = 80% of grade ● have knowledge of the history and development of 70% total for pass communication science; 80% for distinction ● have knowledge of the dominant theoretical approaches within communication science; Grade ● have knowledge and understanding of the most important models and concepts in this field. 90.4% Distinction Dana B. Taylor
https://www.coursera.org/course/commscience
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Introduction to Communication Science
Syllabus Week 1 Introduction to the course: some basic models of our field ● In this introduction to the course I will briefly introduce our topic and discuss some basic models that will serve as guidelines to the further course. Week 2 A short history of communication science ● This week we will explore the historical roots of the science of communication. I will talk about the development of communication theory and the evolution of the media landscape in Antiquity, Medieval and Early Modern times. Week 3 The linear effectoriented approach ● This week we'll talk about the linear effectoriented approach and how it developed in the twentieth century. Evolving from a belief in allpowerful effects after World War I to a more nuanced negotiated effects perspective in the sixties. Week 4 The reception and signification perspective ● This week we'll cover some basic theories on message construction and (selective) processing. Week 5 Communication as a social and cultural force ● In week 5 we cover theoretical approaches to communication as a social and cultural force, a building block of reality and a binding element of power in society. Week 6 Student questions and debate ● In this week I'll answer some recurring questions of students regarding a variety of topics: the use of metaphors, the role of media in society, the distinction between primary and secondary research, and finally some thoughts on new media and globalization. I will also give you more information about the exam. Week 7: Final exam and Google Hangout ● You can find details on the final exam below. We will also host a Google Hangout session with lecturer Rutger de Graaf. The exact time of this session will be published later during the course. Week 8 Closing week: behind the scenes of this course Dana B. Taylor
https://www.coursera.org/course/commscience
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Introduction to Communication Science
Grading & Logistics The final grade is calculated as follows: ● All homework combined 20%, Final exam 80% Homework: ● There are 5 homework assignments; Week 7 is exam week. Details of the exam: ● The final exam will test your knowledge on concepts, theories and models from the field of communication science as discussed in the video lectures in week 1 through 6; ● The exam consists of four parts. Each part consists of 25 multiple choice questions; ● Exam Part 5 exists of 9 evaluation questions added on which you will not be graded. Statement of accomplishment Students that have a final grade of 70% or higher will receive a statement of accomplishment. The statement is a proof of course enrollment, and completion of the MOOC Introduction to Communication Science. No further rights can be derived from this statement. It is a statement of participation; an indicator of your interest in our field and your personal commitment, and dedication to follow this course through. You can expect the statement of accomplishment within two weeks after the due date of the final exam. A statement of accomplishment with a distinction will be sent out to those students who scored 80% or higher on their final grade.
Results ● ● ● ● ● ●
Quiz 1: 12/13 Quiz 2: 15/16 Quiz 3: 14/16 Quiz 4: 15/16 Quiz 5: 15/16 Final Exam: 90/100
Grade: 90.4% Distinction
Dana B. Taylor
https://www.coursera.org/course/commscience
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