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Bachelor	TR-NQF-HE: Level 6	QF-EHEA: First Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code	Course Name	Semester	Theoretical	Practical	Credit	ECTS
COM1001	Communication Theories	Fall	3	0	3	5

Basic information

Language of instruction:	English
Type of course:	Must Course
Course Level:	Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery:	Face to face
Course Coordinator :	Prof. Dr. ELİF ENGİN
Course Objectives:	The significance of mass media in contemporary society is unquestionable in the realms of politics, culture, economics, and everyday life. The aim of this course is to provide a broad understanding of mass media and its role in society. In the first few weeks, the course introduces the basic themes and issues in mass communication, allowing students to understand deeper theoretical orientations in the field. After delving into the history of mass media, the course provides a detailed presentation of the key concepts and models of mass communication, including the study of the relationships between mass communication and culture, as well as the connections and conflicts between media, society, and culture from a broader perspective. Within the context of different theoretical perspectives and methodologies, COM1001 examines media content to help students comprehend the role of media in producing social reality and meaning in our world. This course covers a range of topics, including semiotics, media literacy, normative theories of mass communication, journalism, media effects, critical theories, cultural theories and audience theories. By exploring these topics, students will critically evaluate media messages and their impact, as well as gain a deeper understanding of how media influences our perceptions and shapes our society. Finally, the course helps students situate the concepts and theories in relation to their lives as informed citizens and working professionals in a mediated global society. They will learn to conduct critical research and think critically about established categories and hierarchies of power and the role of media in reinforcing or challenging them.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental types, purposes, and the relevance of communication;
2. Define the key terms, theories and concepts related to media studies;
3. Problematize “media,” by understanding them not as monolithic, but rather a series of interrelated structures like history, economy, politics and culture;
4. Describe the various ways that audiences use media in their lives;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of evolving media technologies and relevant issues and trends;
6. Historicize and trace how media has become what they are today and their potential futures;
7. Apply the key theoretical approaches to historical and contemporary cases.

Course Content

This is a predecessor course which traces the historical development of media, and its impact on society and culture. This course is designed to foster an understanding of contemporary media theory and to promote critical thinking. In addition to this, the course explores how the media reflect and inspire cultural, political, and ethical norms with an emphasis on various production techniques in the media industry. COM1001 aims to provide future media professionals with an introduction to the basic concepts and practices of mass communication that are necessary for future media professionals in all the fields of studies at the Faculty of Communication.
Teaching methods to be used:
Lecture: The topics specified in the syllabus will be explained to the students with current examples every week. These lectures will be theory based.
Case Analysis: Real life examples of our topics in the field of media, advertising, cinema and public relations will be shared and analyzed with students.
Discussions: Interactive discussions will be held on current examples to understand the theory.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	Introduction Mass Communication, Culture and Media Literacy: Understanding and Evaluating Mass Communication Theory Media Literacy	(1) Chapter 1 (2) Introduction Check your Itslearning for additional readings and audio-visual materials.
2)	Mass Society Theory: -Mass Society Critics and the Debate over Media Assumptions of Mass Society Theory -Early Examples of Mass Society Theory -Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft -Mechanical and Organic Solidarity -Mass Society Theory in Contemporary Times	Baran, Stanley J. & Davis, Dennis K. (2015). Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future (7th Edition), Belmont: Thomson. (Available as e-book in the BAU Library) Chapter 1 ve 2
3)	Normative Theories of Mass Communication: -Origins, Libertarian Thought, Marketplace of Ideas -Professionalization of Journalism -Social Responsibility Theory, Limitations of Professionalization, -The Dual Responsibility Model -Public Interest in the Internet Era -Non-profit Journalism and Other Normative Theories	Baran, Stanley J. & Davis, Dennis K. (2015). Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future (7th Edition), Belmont: Thomson. pp. 58-88
4)	Propaganda Theories: -The Origin of Propaganda -Behaviorism & Freudianism -Harold Lasswell’s Propaganda Theory -Walter Lippmann’s Theory of Public Opinion Formation -Reaction against Early Propaganda Theory -Modern Propaganda Theory	Baran, Stanley J. & Davis, Dennis K. (2015). Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future (7th Edition), Belmont: Thomson. Chapter 2
5)	The Media Effects Trend: -Postpositivism, Attitude Change and Experimental Studies, Hovland’s Communication Research, Selective Process -Information-Flow Theory, Two-Step Flow Theory, Phenomenistic Theory -Merton and Middle Range Theory -Functional Analysis -Mass Entertainment Theory	Baran, Stanley J. & Davis, Dennis K. (2015). Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future (7th Edition), Belmont: Thomson. pp. 91-128
6)	Semiotics & Structuralism: -Signs and Meaning -Categories of Signs -The Organization of Signs & Codes - Myths & Discourse	Fiske, J. (1990). Introduction to Communication Studies (2nd Edition), London: Routledge. Chapter 3 & 4
7)	Critical Theory I: Ideology, hegemony and media	Durham, Meenakshi Gigi & Kellner, Douglas M. (2006). Media and Cultural Studies: Keyworks (Revised Edition), Blackwell Publishing. Marx & Engels, pp. 9-13. Gramsci, pp. 13-18. Althusser, pp. 79-89.
8)	MIDTERM EXAM
9)	Critical Theory II: Frankfurt School: -Adorno & Horkheimer (Culture Industry) -Marcuse (One dimensional man) -Habermas (Public Sphere)	Marcuse, H. (2007). One-Dimensional Man: Studies in the Ideology of Advanced Industrial Society (Reprinted Second Edition with an Introduction by Douglas Kellner). Routledge. Durham, Meenakshi Gigi & Kellner, Douglas M. (2006). Media and Cultural Studies: Keyworks (Revised Edition), Blackwell Publishing. Adorno & Horkheimer, pp. 41-73. Habermas, pp. 73-76.
10)	Poststructuralism & Critical Cultural Theories: -Stuart Hall: encoding & decoding, representation -Edward Said: Orientalism	Durham, Meenakshi Gigi & Kellner, Douglas M. (2006). Media and Cultural Studies: Keyworks (Revised Edition), Blackwell Publishing. Hall, pp. 163-174. Easthope, A., & McGowan, K. (Eds.). (2004). A critical and cultural theory reader. University of Toronto Press. Said, IN: Easthrope & McGowan (2004). Pp. 55-62.
11)	Feminist Theories: -Critical Feminism -Feminist Movements: Simone de Beauvoir, Julia Kristeva, Judith Butler	Baran, Stanley J. & Davis, Dennis K. (2015). Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future (7th Edition), Belmont: Thomson. pp. 152-161 IN: Easthrope & McGowan (2004): -Beauvoir, pp.51-55, -Kristeva, pp. 90-94 -Butler, pp. 191-197.
12)	Harold Innis & Marshall McLuhan Audience Theories: -Uses & Gratification -Entertainment Theory -Mood Management Theory	Baran, Stanley J. & Davis, Dennis K. (2015). Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future (7th Edition), Belmont: Thomson. pp.196-226
13)	Theories of the Effect of Media on Society: -Agenda Setting, Priming, Framing -Spiral of Silence -News Production Research -Cultivation Analysis	Baran, Stanley J. & Davis, Dennis K. (2015). Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future (7th Edition), Belmont: Thomson. pp. 152-161 & pp. 260-273 & 287-298 Durham, Meenakshi Gigi & Kellner, Douglas M. (2006). Media and Cultural Studies: Keyworks (Revised Edition), Blackwell Publishing. McLuhan, pp. 107-117
14)	Overview of the semester Questions and discussions will be held according to the students’ feedbacks.

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:

(1) Baran, Stanley J. (2012). Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy & Culture (7th Edition), New York: McGraw-Hill.
(2) Fiske, J. (1990). Introduction to Communication Studies (2nd Edition), London: Routledge.
(3) Baran, Stanley J. & Davis, Dennis K. (2015). Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future (7th Edition), Belmont: Thomson. (Available as e-book in the BAU Library)
(4) Durham, Meenakshi Gigi & Kellner, Douglas M. (2006). Media and Cultural Studies: Keyworks (Revised Edition), Blackwell Publishing.

Easthope, A., & McGowan, K. (Eds.). (2004). A critical and cultural theory reader. University of Toronto Press.

ADDITTIONAL ARTICLES + VIDEOS + PODCASTS

References:

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Homework Assignments	1	% 10
Presentation	1	% 10
Midterms	1	% 30
Final	1	% 50
Total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 50
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 50
Total		% 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities	Number of Activities	Workload
Course Hours	13	39
Study Hours Out of Class	13	65
Presentations / Seminar	1	1
Homework Assignments	1	2
Midterms	1	6
Final	1	8
Total Workload		121

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Low	3 Average	4 High	5 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	To prepare students to become communication professionals by focusing on strategic thinking, professional writing, ethical practices, and the innovative use of both traditional and new media	5
2)	To be able to explain and define problems related to the relationship between facts and phenomena in areas such as Advertising, Persuasive Communication, and Brand Management	2
3)	To critically discuss and interpret theories, concepts, methods, tools, and ideas in the field of advertising	4
4)	To be able to follow and interpret innovations in the field of advertising	2
5)	To demonstrate a scientific perspective in line with the topics they are curious about in the field.	3
6)	To address and solve the needs and problems of the field through the developed scientific perspective	2
7)	To recognize and understand all the dynamics within the field of advertising	3
8)	To analyze and develop solutions to problems encountered in the practical field of advertising	1