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Communication theory: bridging academia and practice

Approx. 20 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course explores communication theory and its application in academia and practice. It covers various communication models and theories, communication ethics, and communication technologies.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the different models and theories of communication
Understand the role of communication ethics in academia and practice
Explore the impact of communication technologies on communication theory

Learning Outcomes

Develop a strong understanding of communication theory
Apply communication theory to academic and practical settings
Analyze and evaluate communication ethics and technologies

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of communication concepts
Access to the internet and a computer

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures
Assignments

Similar Courses

Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation
Communication Skills for Technical Professionals

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Sherry Turkle
Marshall McLuhan

Related Books

Description

This course is about communication on various levels. Over these 9 weeks we will cover a number of theories, cases and applications in the field of communication science. We will start with the foundational concepts of communication theory, defining what the theory is and going through a number of approaches to communication itself.

Each week you will have a test to check on your progress and understanding. We also have a final text in the end of the course and a little bit of writing. As Oscar Wilde said, if you cannot write, you cannot think. If you cannot think, others will do thinking for you. So we find writing and reflecting pretty important for our classes. Along the course we provide you with in-class materials: lecture presentations, articles and additional readings. If you really want to get into the topic, don’t avoid this extra work. Although a substantial part of this course is theory-based, communication theory has a very practical application. Communication is an underlying process which creates and develops relationships, communities, societies. We communicative on a daily basis via a variety of means and channels. In our globalised and increasingly interconnected world, communication skills are essential in both the personal and professional spheres. It is our goal to leave you with a contextualisation and conceptualisation of communicative processes that will poise you to hone your own communicative skills — in other words, to put theory into practice. Do you have technical problems? Write to us: coursera@hse.ru

Outline

Introduction
About the University
Introduction to the course
Defining Communication
Defining Theory
Theory and Research
The Essence of Knowledge
Craig’s 7 Traditions in Communication Theory
What's next?
About University
Rules on the academic integrity in the course
Extra readings. About communication science
Week 1 Test (Introduction)

Interpersonal communication
Defining Interpersonal Communication
Politeness Theory
Social Exchange Theories
Interdependence Theory
Equity Theory
Case: Applying Theory to Practice
Extra readings. More about interpersonal communication theories
Week 2 Test (Interpersonal Communication)

Group Communication
Defining Group Communication
Group Culture and Role of Leadership I
Group Culture and Role of Leadership II
Groupthink
Structuration and Communication
Symbolic Convergence in Group Communication
Functional Theory of Group Decision Making
Believe me, I am one of you! The role of common group affiliation in crisis communication
Week 3 Test (Group Communication)

Public Rhetoric and Persuasion
Introduction to Rhetoric
Elaboration Likelihood Model
Theory of Planned Behaviour
Narrative Paradigm
Digital Rhetoric
Applying Theory to Practice: ‘Persuasion in crowdfunding: An elaboration likelihood model of crowdfunding performance’
Preparing for the case analysis
Week 4 Test (Rhetorics)

Mass communication and media effects
Evolution of Media Theories: Early Theories of Media Effects
Agenda Setting and Framing
The Medium is the Message. Media Ecology by Marshal McLuhan I
The Medium is the Messagee. Media Ecology by Marshal McLuhan II
Cultivation Theory
Selective Exposure. As a Way to Reduce Cognitive Dissonance
The Audience is Active. Uses and Gratifications Theory
Applying Theory to Practice: 'Motivations for multi-screening: an exploratory study on motivations and gratifications'
Motivations for multi-screening an exploratory study on motivations and gratifications
Week Test 5 (Media effects)

Social Media
What is Social Media
Understanding Social Media: Three Main Approaches
Networked: How Do We Approach Social Interactions
Online Communities: Common Bond VS Common Identity I
Online Communities: Common Bond VS Common Identity II
Affordances in Social Media Research
Applying Theory to Practice: ‘Social media affordances: Enabling customer engagement’
Social media affordances Enabling customer engagement
Week 6 Test (Social Media)

Theories of PR
What is Public Relations
Four Models of Public Relations
Excellence Theory
Situational Theory of Problem-Solving
Relationship Management Theory
Dialogic Theory
Fully Functioning Society Theory
Case: Applying Theory to Practice
A user approach to dialogic theory in a Facebook campaign on love and marriage
Week 7 Test (Theories of PR)

Critical Theory in Communication
Marxism Revised: Base and Superstructure as Social Foundations
The Frankfurt School: Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno and Walter Benjamin
Herbert Marcuse and One-Dimensional Society
Jürgen Habermas and Transformation of Public Sphere
Critical Theory Beyond Habermas
Applying Theory to Practice: ‘One-Dimensional Modern Society and Paralyzed Communication’
Persuasion in crowdfunding An elaboration likelihood model of crowdfunding performance.pdf
Week 8 Test (Critical Theory in Communication )

Theory guided communication
Intercultural Aspect of Communication
Revising Interpersonal: Conflict in Interpersonal Communication
Group Communication, Leadership and Networking
Rhetoric: Dr.Fox Effect
How to Avoid Media Effects?
Getting Online: Social Presence and Etiquette of Digital Era
PR and Self-PRomotion
What is Critical in Critical Theory?
Final Test

Summary of User Reviews

The Communication Theory in Academia and Practice course has received positive reviews from students. Many found the course content to be informative and engaging.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course provides practical examples and real-world applications of communication theory.

Pros from User Reviews

Informative and engaging course content
Practical examples and real-world applications of communication theory
Expert instructors with industry experience
Flexible schedule and self-paced learning
Useful feedback and assessments

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical issues with the platform
Limited interaction with instructors and peers
Lack of hands-on activities
Course may be too basic for advanced learners

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