Introduction to Communication Science from Coursera

Since Antiquity, scholars have appreciated the importance of communication: as social beings, we cannot exist without communication. We need to interact with people around us, to make sense of the world and to position ourselves in a wider social and cultural reality. In this course, we look at how and why communication evolved as a science and reflect on today’s dominant paradigms. The course also extends beyond the boundaries of communication science itself, exploring dimensions of history, sociology and psychology. Join our class, together with people all over the world.

Introduction to Communication Science explores some of the basic theories, models and concepts from the fields of mass, interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. The course begins with a consideration of several basic models, subsequently progressing to the history of communication theory, linear effect-oriented theories, the reception approach and, finally, exploring theories on the production and reinforcement of culture through communication.

Upon completion of this course, students should:

• have knowledge of the history and development of communication science;

• have knowledge of the dominant theoretical approaches within communication science;

• have knowledge and understanding of the most important models and concepts in this field.

Beginning the week of February 16, 2015, you will be able to join Signature Track, a system that verifies your identity when you take an exam. This option will allow you to earn a Verified Certificate, which provides formal recognition of your achievements in the course and includes the University of Amsterdam logo. Before then, you can complete a “test run” of the exam. You can then re-take the exam after the Verified Certificate becomes available. For information regarding Verified Certificates, see https://courserahelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/201212399-Verified-Certificates"

What's inside

Syllabus

The Beginnings of Communication Science

In this introduction to the course I will briefly introduce the field of communication science and discuss some basic models that will serve as guidelines to the rest of the course. Also, they explore the historical roots of the science of communication. I will discuss the development of communication theory and the evolution of the media landscape in Antiquity, Medieval and Early Modern times.

Technical Approaches to Communication Science

The linear effect-oriented approach is discussed and how it developed in the twentieth century. Evolving from a belief in all-powerful effects after World War I to a more nuanced negotiated effects perspective in the sixties.

Cultural and Social Approaches to Communication Science

This covers theoretical approaches that understand communication processes as social and cultural forces, as building blocks of reality, and a binding element of power in society.

Final Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Prerequisites: Background knowledge in communication, psychology, or sociology will support learners

Rutger de Graaf has significant contributions in the field of Communication Science

The introductory unit will focus on the basics of communication studies

Examines the history and modern perspectives in communication to provide learners with a solid grounding

Explores the significance of communication in society, making the course relevant to individuals in various fields

Provides a comprehensive overview of communication theories, models, and concepts

Reviews summary

Introductory course on communications

According to students, Introduction to Communication Science offers a practical overview of the field through engaging lectures and quizzes. While some students described the content as occasionally academic, others found it interesting and useful for their careers and personal lives.

Course covers concepts with practical examples.

"I enjoyed learning some new concepts about a practical topic that touches us every day!"

Students praised course methodology.

"I loved the chosen methodology for delivering this course"

Some students found content to be too academic.

"However, I thought the content often got rather academic"

"the quizzes basically required that I reference the academic concepts from the transcript"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Communication Science with these activities:

Review your notes on communication theory from previous courses

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This activity will help you to refresh your knowledge of communication theory before starting this course.

Browse courses on Communication Theory

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Gather your notes from previous courses on communication theory.
Review your notes, focusing on key concepts and theories.

Watch video tutorials on communication theory

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These tutorials will provide you with a visual and auditory overview of key communication theories.

Browse courses on Communication Theory

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Find video tutorials on YouTube or other online platforms.
Watch the tutorials, taking notes on the key concepts.

Complete practice exercises on communication theories

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These exercises will help you to reinforce your understanding of key communication theories.

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Find practice exercises online or in textbooks.
Complete the exercises, checking your answers against the provided solutions.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Read "Communication Theories: Origins, Methods, and Uses in the Mass Media"

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of communication theories and their applications in mass media.

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Read the introduction and chapter 1.
Read chapters 2-4, focusing on the history and development of communication theory.
Read chapters 5-7, focusing on linear effect-oriented theories.

Participate in a study group on communication theory

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This activity will allow you to discuss and debate communication theories with other students.

Browse courses on Communication Theory

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Find a study group or form your own.
Meet regularly to discuss assigned readings and concepts.

Create a compilation of communication theory resources

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This activity will help you to organize and consolidate your understanding of communication theory resources.

Browse courses on Communication Theory

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Gather resources from online sources, textbooks, and other materials.
Organize the resources into a coherent framework.
Share your compilation with other students.

Mentor a fellow student in communication theory

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This activity will allow you to deepen your understanding of communication theory by teaching it to others.

Browse courses on Communication Theory

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Find a student who is struggling with communication theory.
Meet regularly to provide guidance and support.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Communication Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will teach you a number of communication models used specifically in journalism, advancing your understanding of how to find and share compelling stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create written content that explains complex technical information. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will help you to understand the history of communication models, and provide a foundation for your work explaining technical information to a wider audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers develop and execute public relations campaigns for organizations. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will teach you a number of lenses for understanding mass communication, so that you may better engage with the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Copywriter

Copywriters create written content for a variety of purposes, including marketing, advertising, and public relations. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will help you understand the history of how written messages have been received throughout time, and will help you build the theoretical foundation needed for effective copywriting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Content Manager

Content Managers are responsible for planning, creating, and distributing content for organizations. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will build on your understanding of the theoretical models in what makes compelling content that is worth sharing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Manager

Digital Marketing Manager

Digital Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns using digital channels. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will teach you about the evolution of mass media over the course of history, from Antiquity through to the present day. Digital marketing is a modern form of mass marketing, the study of which will help you to be more effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Manager

Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers plan and execute social media campaigns for organizations. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will help you to understand the history of social movements in the field of communication, and will provide a foundation for your work in this emerging and dynamic field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts study market trends and consumer behavior. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will help you build on your understanding of how communication across mass media (such as television, the internet, and print) affects purchasing habits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will enhance your deep understanding of how people have shared information throughout history. You will also learn about other models which continue to be relevant in the modern day, and which will help you in accessing this information for your patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Broadcast Production Assistant

Working alongside Broadcast Producers, you will help with the day-to-day operations of a television or radio station. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will improve your understanding of Mass Communication as a specialty, and teach you the theoretical frameworks which undergird this important industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Broadcast Production Assistant

Event Planner

Event Planners are responsible for planning and executing events of all sizes. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will help you to understand the communication models which underlie event planning, including the role of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and mass communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources function within an organization. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will teach you critical communication models useful in managing a team of people.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Customer Success Manager

Customer Success Managers help customers achieve their goals with a product or service. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will teach you a number of communication models that have been developed over time, which you can use to create better communication strategies as a CSM.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager

Communications Manager

Communications Managers plan and oversee internal and external communication for organizations of all sizes. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful in this role. This course will improve on your understanding of communication theory more generally, explore communication history and evolution, and will help you build a foundation for effective communication.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve historical records for research, academic, and legal purposes. Introduction to Communication Science may be useful to you in this career. The course starts with ancient communication methods, and proceeds through to the modern day. As an archivist, this understanding of communication's history will aid in your preservation efforts, and provide context for your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist