Communication Theories & Practices MCOM 140 Dr. Carol Walker
Introduction Me & You Syllabus Wiki D2L
Symbols of Communication rodsmith.org.uk
What is Communication? Linear Model
Interactive Model
Defining Communication Dance’s Three points of variation: Level of observation Inclusive “process that links discontinuous parts of living world” Restrictive “means of sending military messages... by telephone, telegraph, or radio” Intentionality Message sent purposefully or not Normative judgment Evaluate success, effect or accuracy of message
Communication Theory Communications systematically studied since ancient times History After WW I Advances in technology & literacy Increase education and involvement for children Post WW II Propaganda Use of video in education
Academic Study of Communication Interdisciplinary origin Initially studied as part of the arts, sciences, and humanities Communication becomes independent field Organizing element New professions and industries Better communication became the answer
“Communication Theory as a Field,” R.T. Craig Craig conceptualized Comm Theory Comm never studied as a single theory Unify the field through Common understanding Dialogue Theorize through metamodel of communication Metadiscourse Used in special areas of communication to develop experience Provided 7 traditional standpoints
Craig’s 7 Traditional Standpoints Rhetorical Semiotic Phenomenological Cybernetic Socio-psychological Socio-cultural Critical
Model of Inquiry What is inquiry? QuestionsObservation Constructing Answers Theorizing
Types of Scholarship Scientific Objective, standardized, general Tells What Replication Goal: observe and explain world empirically Quantitative measurement and statistics
Types of Scholarship Humanistic Subjective & creative Tells Why Assumption: people are holistic Goal: understanding
Types of Scholarship Social – Scientific Includes elements of both Scientific & Humanistic Interpretation is complicated Goal: Interpret and explain
Where does theory fit? ALL research should be based in theory Supports and helps to define the research type Provides a basis of understanding for the approach Enables scholar to analyze results and establish a viewpoint