Introduction to Communication Studies (Comm 1370

Introduction to Communication Studies 1

Introduction to Communication Studies (Comm 1370.15998) Fall 2004 Phone: 747-5310 Instructor: Dr. Frank G. Pérez Classroom: UGLC 126 Office: 101 A Quinn Hall Class sessions: TR 1:30-2:50 Email: [email protected] Professor’s Office Hours: TBA Teaching Assistant and T/A Office Hours: TBA

Course Objectives:

In this class we will survey the field of Communication with attention to its principal subfields: Intercultural Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Public Communication, Small Group Communication, Organizational Communication, Mass Communication, and New Technologies. We will also survey the area of cultural studies, an interdisciplinary area of study popular with many scholars in the humanities. The purpose of the course is to understand the important role that communication plays in the formation, development, and termination of human relationships of various kinds and the diffusion of information throughout society. We will examine communication in a variety of contexts and from a variety of perspectives, particular attention will be paid to the critical tradition and cultural studies.

The specific objectives of the course are:

1. To learn about and understand the areas of focus in the major areas of communication. 2. To investigate critical communication issues that allow us to understand human interaction. 3. To complete academic exercises/studies relevant to current communication research.

Required Texts:

Sardar, Z., & Van Loon, B. (2001). Introducing cultural studies. Lanham, MD: Totem Books.

Woods, J. T. (2004). Communication mosaics: An introduction to the field of communication. (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thompson/Wadsworth.

The assignments for the course are as follows:

Attendance/Quizzes/etc. 25 points Exam I 25 points Exam II 25 points Exam III 25 points

INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER SCHEDULE

Attendance/Quizzes/etc: Students are expected to attend class and follow the assigned readings regularly. Quizzes over the assigned readings will also be randomly assigned, particularly if it appears that people in class are not reading. Other measures of student performance may be implemented at instructor’s discretion.

Examinations: There will be 3 examinations throughout the semester and each will cover only the material discussed in class for each specific period. In other words, Exam I will cover only the readings we have covered to the exam date. Exam II will begin where Exam I left off and cover only the new material. Exam III will follow the same pattern. The exams will consist of multiple-choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank- type questions. Bring an 8 ½ X 11” blue Scantron answer sheet and a number 2 pencil for each test. Each test is weighted equally; as such, there is no final exam. Introduction to Communication Studies 2

Class Participation: Since this is a survey course and relies extensively on readings, it is imperative that you keep up with reading assignments and be prepared for class discussions. I will periodically take attendance and/or to give quizzes to make sure you are regularly attending class and keeping up with the readings. In short, participation affects your grade. Regular class attendance will help you earn a good final grade.

Class Policies:

Academic Honesty: Any student caught cheating will be disciplined in accordance with UTEP policy.

Disabilities: Qualified students with disabilities needing appropriate academic adjustments should contact me as soon as possible to ensure their needs are met in a timely manner.

Cell Phones/Beepers, etc: Electronic devices MUST be turned OFF when you enter class. If I see anyone using a cell phone, beeper or other electronic device (including, but not limited to, laptops, games, text messengers, etc), you will be asked to leave class for the day and you will 5 points from your final grade for each infraction.

Late Exams: I do not allow students to complete exams after the class has completed one. However, if there are extenuating circumstances that you can document (e.g., medical documents, police reports, etc), please see me. If you will be absent on the day of an exam, it is your responsibility to make arrangements to take the exam early with either the professor or teaching assistant.

Participation: It is imperative that you keep up with reading assignments and be prepared for class discussions. I take attendance and/or give quizzes to make sure you are regularly attending class and keeping up with the readings. Participation benefits your final grade.

READING ASSIGNMENTS

Date Topic/Readings

Week 1 (08/22-08/26) 08/22: Introductions and Course Overview 08/24: Chapter 1: The Field of Communication

Week 2 (08/31-09/02) 08/31: Chapter 1 continued 09/02: Chapter 2 Perceiving and Understanding

Week 3 (09/07-9/09) 09/07: Chapter 2 continued 09/09: 09/14: Chapter 3: Creating Communication Climates

Week 4 (09/14-09/16) 09/14: Chapter 3 continued 09/16: Chapter 4: Engaging in Verbal Communication

Week 5 (09/21-09/23) 09/21: In-Class Exam Review 09/23: Exam I Introduction to Communication Studies 3

Week 6 (09/28-09/30) 09/28: Chapter 5: Engaging in Nonverbal Communication 09/30: Chapter 5 continued

Week 7 (10/05-10/07) 10/05: Intercultural Communication the Legacy of Edward T. Hall (Lecture only—no readings) 10/07: Chapter 6: Listening and Responding

Week 8 (10/12-10/14) 10/12: Chapter 7: Adapting Communication to People and Contexts 10/14: TBA

Week 9 (10/19-10/21) 10/19: Chapter 8: Communication and Personal Identity 10/21: Chapter 8 continued

Week 10 (10/26-10/28) 10/26: In-Class Exam Review 10/28: Exam II

Week 11 (11/02-11/04) 11/02: Chapter 9: Communication in Personal Relationships 11/04: Chapter 9 continued

Week 12 (11/09-11/11) 11/09: Chapter 13: Mass Communication 11/11: TBA

Week 13 (11/16-11/18) 11/16: Minorities in the Mass Media (Lecture/Discussion, no readings) 11/18: Cultural Studies and Critical Theory (read pp. 1-53 in Sardar & Van Loon)

Week 14 (11/23/11/25) 11/23: Cultural Studies continued (read pp. 54-121, in Sardar & Van Loon) 11/25: T-Day, no classes

Week 15 (11/30-12/02) 11/30: Finish Cultural Studies (read rest of Sardar & Van Loon)/In-Class Exam Review 12/02: Exam III