COM 240 - Introduction to Communication Theory

3 credit hours - Three hours lecture weekly; one term.
Examine and analyze basic communication theories in intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, organizational, cultural, gender, and mass communication contexts. Apply theories to professional communication situations in social sciences, government, politics, journalism, entertainment, education, marketing, and health care.

Prerequisite(s): COM 101 , COM 110 , COM 111 , COM 141 , COM 200 , or COM 230 .

Note: Typically offered at MC and OL; fall and spring terms.

Course Outcomes:

Explain communication theories and their key concepts and goals.
Distinguish objective (social scientific) and interpretive (humanistic) approaches to communication research.
Identify the purposes of communication theories (i.e., to make predictions, understand human behavior and/or promote social change).
Identify major research methods used by communication theorists.
Apply appropriate criteria to judge the utility of various theories.
Apply the concepts of communication theories to the analysis of real human communication challenges.