SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

CMNS 110-3

INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION STUDIES

The aim of this course is to provide a general introduction to a range of theories that seek to explain why we communicate as we do. The first part of the course deals with communication in the context of face-to-face interaction, focusing on such considerations as the nature of spoken language, the structure of non-verbal communication, and how the Self is “created” in the process of communication. We will also consider issues of encoding, classification, and the history of literacy.

The second part of the course looks at communication media as technological extensions of language and culture. Our main concern will be to examine the ways in which the media package information in ways unique to each medium. For example, we will consider the role of television in giving shape to our perceptions of world affairs. We also look at the history and significance of advertising, public relations, and the cinema. Along these lines our examination will extend to analyze the way in which the electronic media (in particular computers and the internet) have refashioned both human consciousness and culture. In this context we will discuss issues of privacy and democracy in the emerging digital culture.

Our main goal, then, is to critically assess the images and messages of contemporary media. How do they create meaning? Do they enlarge our understanding of the world, or influence us to think about it in increasingly narrow ways?

Required Text:

A Courseware Reader will be available from the bookstore.

Recommended Text:

Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death.

Course Requirements:

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades. In addition the School will follow Policy T10.02 with respect to “Intellectual Honesty” and “Academic Discipline” (see the current Calendar, General Regulations section).