ADELPHI UNIVERSITY - DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

COM 102-02 Communication Theory

Instructor: Dr. Toni Sant, Ph.D.
Email: sant@adelphi.edu

Spring 2004: Tuesdays 3:05pm - 5:35pm -- Blodgett 119
Office hours: Tue 2 - 3pm + Wed 5 - 6pm -- Blodgett 111F

An introduction to major theories and perspectives as well as issues concerning communication as the fundamental matrix in which social and cultural life are enacted. Topics studies include the essential role of communication in the creation and understanding of the self, in the creation and interpretation of social life, and in the construction, expression, and transmission of cultural understandings.

Required textbook:

Griffin, Em. A First Look at Communication Theory with Conversations with Communication Theorists CD-ROM 2.0.Fifth Edition. McGraw-Hill 2002.

COURSE SCHEDULE
01/27	Introduction: Mapping the Territory		Chapters 1 + 2 + 3
Unit A:	INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
02/03	Interpersonal Messages		Chapters 4 + 6 + 7
02/10	Cognitive Processing		Chapters 8 + 9 + 10
02/17	Relationship Development + Maintenance		Chapters 11 + 12
02/24	Influence		Chapters 13 + 14 + 15
03/02	Review/catch-up [Midterm session]	{QUIZ 1}	Chapters TBA
Unit B:	GROUP AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
03/09	Group Decision Making		Chapters 16 + 17
03/16	Organizational Communication		Chapters 18 + 19 + 20
03/23	Public Rhetoric		Chapters 21 + 22 + 23
Unit C:	MASS COMMUNICATION
03/30	Media & Culture	{QUIZ 2}	Chapters 24 + 25 + 26
04/13	Media Effects		Chapters 28 + 29
Unit D:	CULTURAL CONTEXT
04/20	Intercultural Communication	{QUIZ 3}	Chapters 30 + 31 + 32
04/27	Gender & Communication		Chapters 33 + 34 + 35
05/04	Integration [Review for Final Exam]	{QUIZ 4}	Chapter 36
05/11	Final Exam [date and time will confired in class by end of April]		N/A

GRADING

Participation: 10% | Quizzes: 30% | Final Exam: 60%

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Absence on day of quizzes will automatically result in "F" as a grade for that day. Quiz dates are clearly marked on the course schedule above, and tests will only be given during the first few minutes of the class meeting.There are no make-ups for quizzes, but only your best 3 out of the 4 quiz scores will count towards the final grade. If class is cancelled on a quiz day, the quiz will be given during the following class meeting. Every student is allowed up to 2 absences during the semester, including absences for religious holidays and medical/personal emergencies. Each absence after the second will result in a lowered grade: an "A" becomes an "A-", a "B-" becomes a "C+", etc. No exceptions.