Department of Communication Studies
Spring 2015
COURSE OBJECTIVES
When this course concludes in May, you will be able to write a cleartheoretical rationale leading to testable hypotheses that advance theory-driven research. Here is what we will do to get you there:
Examine the nature and function of theory in scholarly endeavor.
Survey dominant theoriesacross the discipline ofCommunication Studies.
Develop expertise in the theories driving research in your area of specialization.
Conduct critical analyses of the theoretical rationales of a number of published studies.
TEXTBOOK & ASSOCIATED READINGS
Katherine Miller. Communication Theories: Perspectives, Processes, and Contexts, 2nd edition (McGraw-Hill, 2005). Readings are to be completedprior to class. You are expected to read thoroughly, think deeply, and prepare cogent remarksthat are relevant and stimulating. Some useful links to course information are found at
PROFESSOR – DR. PAUL WITT
817-257-6683 Moudy 328-S 11-12daily, or by appointment
EVALUATION AND GRADING
Your final course grade will consist of an average of six graded assignments:
Examinations –Twooral exams will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge ofthe nature and function of theory, as well as specific tenets of theories we will study in the course. In place of a final exam,you will be provided a hypothesis in your area of specialization, for which you will write a theoretical rationale.
Paper and Presentation – You will write an APA-style review of literaturethat overviews theory in your area of specialization. You will also work with a classmate to conduct a 60-minute teaching sessioncovering the major theories inthis research area.
Theory Summaries – As an ongoing project during the semester, you will compile a document containing half-page summaries of most of the theories we study.
Attendance – You are expected to be in class every time we meet. In case of legitimate illness or emergency, notify Dr. Witt at the earliest possible opportunity. Missing class or habitually arriving late is indicative of a lack of professionalism and will reduce your grade.
Disabilities Statement - TCU complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students with disabilities. Eligible students seeking accommodations should contact the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities in the Center for Academic Services located in Sadler Hall, 11. Accommodations are not retroactive; therefore, students should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations. Further information can be obtained from the Center for Academic Services, TCU Box 297710, Fort Worth, TX 76129, or at (817) 257-7486.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Changes will be announced in class.
Theoretical Foundations
1/12Prepare: Study Berger’s Communication theories and other curios
In Class: Competence as an overarching paradigm for the study of communication; Description of specializations
1/19No Class: Martin Luther King Birthday
1/26Prepare: Study Ch. 1 and Craig’s Communication theory as a field(pp. 132-149)
In Class: The evolution of theoretical models of communication; Meta-theoretical considerations; Select specializations and schedule presentations
2/2Prepare: Study Ch. 2 and Chaffee & Berger’s What communication scientists do(pp.
99-108); Prepare to tell us about the most useful/insightful Comm theory you know.
In Class: Terms and concepts in Research and Theory; Popular theories
2/9Prepare: Study Ch. 3; Write half-page summaries of four post-positive theories:
Schema pp. 85-89;AAT pp. 111-116; IT pp. 133-137; CAT pp. 153-158
In Class: The post-positive perspective on research and theory
2/16Prepare: Study Ch. 4; Write half-page summaries of four interpretive theories:
Narrative pp. 92-96; CT pp. 105-111; PIT pp. 137-142; CMM pp. 148-153
In Class: Interpretive and critical perspectives
2/23Mid-Term Exam
3/2In Class: Theory Development
3/9No Class: Spring Break
3/16In Class:Writing workshop: The APA-style literature review [1:30 Team 10]
Specializations and Rationales
3/23Prepare: Study Ch. 10; Write half-page summaries [1:30 Team 12]
In Class: Relationship Development; The function and style of a theoretical rationale
3/30Prepare: Study Ch. 12; Write half-page summaries [1:30 Team 11]
In Class: OrganizationalCommunication; Critique of published rationales;Assign first rationale
4/6Prepare: Study Ch. 11; Theoretical Rationale #1; Write half-page summaries [1:30 Team 13]
In Class: Ongoing Relationships; Feedback on first rationale;Assign second rationale
4/13Prepare: Study Ch. 13; Write half-page summaries; Theoretical Rationale #2
[1:30 Team 16]
In Class: Small Group Communication; Feedback on second rationale
4/20Prepare: Study Ch. 16; Write half-page summariesand submit your TheorySummariesdocument
In Class: Culture and Communication
4/27Exam Two; Pick up hypotheses for Final Rationale
5/4Turn in Final Rationale