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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "COM 470"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Communications Theory"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Peter Sarram
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 1:30 PM 2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: COM 311
OFFICE HOURS: M-W 9-11 or by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to be the capstone experience in analysis of media and media texts through specific theoretical constructs. Theories covered include semiotic theories of Saussure, Bakhtin, and Barthes; deconstruction theories and critical theories; and theories of spectatorship using psychoanalytic models. Further, the course provides students with experience in performing sustained and in-depth analyses of complex signifying operations and their relationship to ideological functions.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course examines central issues relating to theories of media and society encountered in media studies, and to prepare students for graduate school level studies. The course concentrates on four key areas in mass communication theory: the theoretical roots of social science as a context for media theory; the political economy of the media and institutional analysis; media effects and the mass audience; and the relationship between media production, textuality and reception.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course examines central issues relating to theories of media and society encountered in media studies, and to prepare students for graduate school level studies. The course concentrates on four key areas in mass communication theory: the theoretical roots of social science as a context for media theory; the political economy of the media and institutional analysis; media effects and the mass audience; and the relationship between media production, textuality and reception.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Media and Cultural Studies: Keyworks 2nd ed.Meenakshi Gigi Durham & Douglas Kellner (eds)Sage978-0-470-65808-6      
Key Themes in Media Theory Dan LaugheyOpen University Press978033521813     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm Essay 25
Final Exam 25
Theory Presentation 15
Final Analysis Paper 25
Attendance/Participation 10

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
na
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Week 1:

 

Intro to Theory

Chp. 1 & 10 (KT) + Adventures in Media and Cultural Studies (KW)

+ Carey

 

Week 2&3:

 

Medium and Message

Chp. 3 (KT) + McLuhan, Benjamin, Berger

RMT Chp. 6&13

 

Week 4-6:

 

Culture, Ideology and Hegemony

Chp. 7 (KT) + Marx&Engels; Gramsci; Williams; Horkheimer&Adorno; Althusser (KW)

+ Debord + Enzensberger

RMT Chp. 10, 11, 8, 9, 12, 16

 

Week 6-8:

 

Cultural Studies, Semiotics, Signification & Structuralism

Chp. 4 (KT) + Barthes, Hall, Hebdige (KW) + Eco + Barthes + Todorov

RMT Chp. 18, 10, 20, 24

Week 8&9:

 

The Postmodern Turn

Chp. 8 (KT) + Jameson, Baudrillard, Poster, McRobbie (KW) + Foucault

RMT Chp. 21

 

Week 10:

 

Accelerate Theory!

Deleuze & Guattari; Srnicek & Williams + Shaviro + Noys

 

Week 11:

 

The Postcolonial Matrix

Chp. 7 (KT) + Gilroy, Appadurai, Garcia Canclini, Barbero, Pieterse (KW) + Said

 

Week 12&13:

 

‘Difference’, Gender +  Poaching and Everyday Life

Chp. 9 (KT); Dyer, hooks, De Certeau, Fiske

 

Week 14:

 

Media Studies 2.0

Gauntlett, Couldry