COM 412D Human Communication and Rhetoric

Instructor: Ron Shope

Semesters: Spring

Course Description 

This course examines the theories regarding group, interpersonal, public and mass  and intercultural communication processes and how meaning is created.

Required Textbooks 

·         Griffin, Em. (2003).  A First Look at Communication Theory (Sixth Edition).  New York:  The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

·         Schultze, Q.  (2003).  Communicating for life Christian stewardship in community and media.  Grand Rapids Michigan:  Baker Academic.

Course Schedule

Unit

START

DATE

CLASS CONTENT

1

1/21

Introduction to the Course

 

 

Thinking About Theory

 

 

Unit 1:  Constructing Meaning Through Relationships

2

1/28

Messages:  Symbolic Interactionism

Messages:  Expectancy Violations

3

2/4

Developing Relationships:  Social Penetration Theory

Developing Relationships:  Reducing Uncertainty

4

2/11

Relationship Maintenance:  Relational Dialectics

Relationship Maintenance:  Interactional View

 

2/18

Influence:  Social Judgment Theory

Influence:  Cognitive Dissonance Theory

 

 

Unit 2:  Group and Public Communication

6

2/25

Group Decision Making

Organizational Information Systems

7

3/3

Organizational Culture

Critical Theory Approach to Organizations

8

3/10

Classical Rhetoric

Dramatism

 

3/17 - 3/24

Spring Break

 

 

Unit 3:  Mass Communication

9

3/24

Signs and Symbols

Cultural Studies

10

3/31

Cultivation Theory

Agenda Setting

11

4/7

Spiral of Science

The role and power of the media

 

 

Unit 4:  Intercultural Communication

12

4/14

Managing Anxiety and Uncertainty

Face-Negotiation Theory

12

4/21

Speech Codes

Genderlect

14

4/28

Work on Communication Issue Paper

15

5/4

Discussion of Communication Issue Paper

 

5/12

Communication Issue Paper Due