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2017/2018  BA-BINMO1070U  Fundamentals of Communication

English Title
Fundamentals of Communication

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course Autumn, First Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BA in Information Management
Course coordinator
  • Mari-Klara Stein - DIGI
Main academic disciplines
  • Communication
Last updated on 14-06-2017

Relevant links
Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, students should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors:
  • define, explain, and compare basic concepts of communication theories
  • apply theoretical concepts to analyse a given case
  • argue in support of their analysis of the case and illustrate their arguments with examples
  • reflect on the limitations and weaknesses of their analysis
  • produce a clearly formulated, well structured and accessible paper in English
Examination
Fundamentals of Communication:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 5 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Autumn and Winter
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content and structure

The course provides a general introduction to the field of communication studies. Basic theories and concepts are introduced and critically discussed. In addition, the course aims at introducing the students to the principles of academic writing.

 

Topics include:

  • General introduction to communication studies: elements of communication theories, evaluating communication theories, traditions in the field of communication studies
  • Theories of interpersonal communication (e.g. Symbolic Interactionism, Coordinated Management of Meaning, Social Information Processing Theory)
  • Theories of group communication (e.g. Symbolic Convergence Theory)
  • Theories of mass communication (e.g. Aristotle’s Rhetoric, Semiotics, Uses & Gratifications, Agenda-Setting Theory)

 

The workshops parallel to the lectures have a twofold objective. Firstly, they serve to deepen the understanding of the theories and principles presented in the lectures. Secondly, they aim at introducing the students to the principles of academic writing (e.g. different genres, standards, and requirements); and, thus, to develop the students’ capacity and confidence in reading academic texts and in writing assignments and papers.
Teaching methods
Lectures and workshops
Feedback during the teaching period
Students will receive feedback during the course (all submitted written assignments during the course will receive feedback).
Students will also receive feedback on their exam performance (a session is scheduled after the exam period for this purpose specifically).
Student workload
Lectures 15 hours
Workshops 15 hours
Preparation for class 120 hours
Exam and preparation 56 hours
Total 206 hours
Expected literature

The literatue can be changed before the semester starts. Students are advised to find the literature on LEARN before they buy the books.

 

Textbook:

  • Griffin, E., Ledbetter, A., & Sparks, G. (2015). A First Look at Communication Theory. 9th edition. New York: McGraw Hill.
Last updated on 14-06-2017