Course Objective

Students gain insight into theories of interpersonal communication
(i.e., social penetration theory, uncertainty reduction theory, social
information processing theory, communication privacy management theory,
and media multiplexity theory);
Students can apply interpersonal communication theories to actual
instances of computer mediated communication;
Students understand how media affordances affect communication processes
and language use;
Students gain insight into the design of media messages and their
effects on an audience;
Students understand how the form and the context of media messages shape
their interpretation.

Course Content

In this course, students will develop an understanding of the dynamics
between different media types and language use. Specifically, the
affordances of the medium determine possibilities for communication
between participants and the ways in which language is used. During the
course, students will learn to analyse the form and context of media
messages using different communication theories, such as social
penetration theory, uncertainty reduction theory, and social information
processing theory.

Teaching Methods

During six weeks, there will be two explanatory lectures and one seminar
per week (2 hrs each). During the seminars, attention will be paid to
understanding and applying the central notions of the course readings
and preparing for the exam.

Method of Assessment

Multiple choice exam (100%).
Weekly assignments in which you apply the central notions of course
readings to different case studies. The weekly assignments are graded as
'fail' or 'pass'.

Literature

Griffin, Emory A., Ledbetter, Andrew, & Sparks, Glenn G. (2014). A First
Look at Communication Theory (Conversations with Communication
Theorists). Ninth revised edition. McGraw Hill Education. ISBN
9814577162, 9789814577168.

A selection of research articles will be announced on the Canvas site of
the course.

Target Audience

First year students Communication and Information Studies