Communication Theory

Catalog description

Theories help us to make sense of the world around us. Some theories are "grand" (think ideologies or schools of thought) while others are narrower in focus (think particular economic or scientific theories - like the theory of relativity). But regardless of their scope, all theories shape how we make judgments about reality, relationships, circumstances, and decisions in our lives. This course int roduces you to theories of communication, both large and small, with the goal of applying them to your life and better equipping you to make sense of the communicative aspects of your world.This course serves an introduction to theories in communication. It provides you with a broad overview of various theories and theoretical approaches employed in the study of communication. Emphasis will be placed on theoretical schools of thought within the discipline, and on many levels of interaction from interpersonal and intercultural to mass and mediated communication. The course also explores how and why communication theories are developed, how they can be evaluated, and how they are applicable in our daily lives.