Communications Theory

Code:

CC050

Acronym:

TCOM

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Communication Sciences

Instance: 2021/2022 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Communication and Information Sciences
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Communication Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
CC	123	CC - Study Plan	1	-	6	41	162

Teaching language

Portuguese
Obs.: Português

Objectives

The primary aim of this subject is to familiarise students with the development of mass media theories. To that effect, we will first address the framework of the historical development of mass media, followed by some insights on some of the basic models of the media. The classical (contemporary) theories of mass media will also be addressed in class, as well as the impact of first generation media messages on society. Bearing in mind the intended training of students and the specific course areas, emphasis will be given to the new technologies, analysing the theories that emerged in the new media era. Particular focus will be placed on the structure and dynamics of the new participating media. In addition to encouraging a comprehensive understanding of the main models of mass and interactive media messages, this course unit aims also at fostering the critical spirit as regards the media, and at providing students with skills to develop independent research on the contents taught.

Learning outcomes and competences

Students should possess the following competences:

The master of the key Communication theories 

To relate media communication and journalism

Mastering the history of communication media

To understand new media dinamics

Working method

Presencial

Program

COMMUNICATION AND ITS EFFECTS

 

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS STUDIES

 

Theory of Limited Effects or Two-Step flow communication model

Functionalist Theory

Theory of Uses and Gratifications

 

THE CRITICAL THEORY. LONG-TERM COGNITIVE EFFECTS

 

The Frankfurt School and the Concept of Cultural Industries

The concept of the Public Sphere

British Cultural Studies

 

RECEPTION: ENCODING / DECODING

 

Cultivation theory

Agenda-setting Hypothesis

 

COMMUNICATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES

 

Technological determinism

The Society of Information

The Network Society

Mandatory literature

McQuail, Denis; Teoria da Comunicação de Massas, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, 2003

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretic-practical classes a combine expository lessons, practical cases and student participation. The implementation of knowledge acquired by the students, ie. presentation of work according to the course programme will be required. Tutorials are designed for the development of activities related to individual and group work that students must present over the semester.

keywords

Social sciences > Communication sciences > Journalism
Social sciences > Communication sciences
Social sciences > Communication sciences > Media studies

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	5,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	25,00
Trabalho escrito	70,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	142,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	20,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

1. Attendance (mandatory attendance of 75% of classes, unless established otherwise in FLUP Assessment Regulations) and active participation in classes.Written test with 2. Presentation of research work on the topics suggested 3. Final assignment. 

Calculation formula of final grade

Essay – 70 % Group work 
Presentation 25%
Participation 5%

Examinations or Special Assignments

All students who are able to take the tests at the special time of completion of the study cycle (September) must complete a final essay.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

According to FLUP regulation

Classification improvement

According to FLUP regulation