COMM2 Course outline and schedule

2nd semester, AY 2015-2016

Course Code: COMM2

Course Title: Communication Theories

Faculty: Cherish Aileen Brillon

cbrillon@feu.edu.ph/wanderingsoul_8@yahoo.com (FB)

Consultation hours: by appointment

Course Prerequisite: COMM 1

Course Credit: 3 Units

Course Description: This course focuses on the discussion of communication theories,

principles and concepts, and their application to real world situations. It
will highlight the critical analysis of issues and perspectives in
communication and the formulation of solutions to communication
problems aided by communication theories.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, STUDENTS SHALL BE ABLE TO:

1. Trace the historical development and context of communication and media theories
2. Discuss theories in conjunction with the FEU Department of Communications research agenda
3. Develop an understanding of the basic principles, strength, and weaknesses of various
communication and media theories
4. Apply communication and media theories to global and local situations, issues, forms and
practices in communication and media.
5. Advocate for the production of theoretical knowledge following Pertierras (1989) exhortation
to study local knowledge under conditions of globality.

Course requirements:

Theory in my everyday life notebook contains class discussions and notations and answers to
particular topics found in the course schedule arranged on a chronological basis. 50% of the Final CS.
Think paper Students will get a chance to choose one topic per theoretical paradigm for discussion
Group Presentations and written output will accompany every fieldwork
Reflection papers on assigned topics
Final requirement: How to produce better media content using theories Students will have the
chance to create any form of media content (whether MTV, trailer, poster, FB page, PSA, among others)
as final requirement provided it is accompanied by a concept paper detailing the role of their chosen
theory in the process.

cbrillon 2nd semester 2015-2016 12/2/15

 DATES TOPICS ACTIVITIES

Dec. 3 Discussion of syllabus and

course requirements

Introduction to theory YouTube videos:

What is theory?
The importance of theories in society

According to the video, answer the following questions

a. What is the difference between theory, law and
hypothesis?
b. What are the characteristics of a good theory?
c. Explain the importance of theory in the real world.

Assignment (on separate papers)

1. Read Patrick Campos What Is Theory? found in
Communication and media theories book
Answer the following:
a. What is theory?
b. Enumerate the five characteristics of a theory and
outline the main ideas of each.

2. Read Randy Jay Solis Investigating

Communication and Media through Positivist,
Cultural and Other Theoretical Lenses found in
Communication and media theories book and do
the following:
a. Create a timeline on the evolution of
communication theories including the most
significant people and their contributions to
communication theorizing
b. Reflect on where communication theorizing is
heading.
Dec. 10 Discussion of theory and Youtube video on What is Sociological Research
knowledge claims
Activity: BBC #Aldub
Group sharing:
1. Based on the short clip, what is aldub all about?
(facts)
2. Write at least 3 hypothesis on why aldub is
popular?
3. Analyze your hypothesis, where in the knowledge
claims do they belong and why?

Groupings and guidelines for presentation

Read the assigned articles and discuss the following:

cbrillon 2nd semester 2015-2016 12/2/15

 Part 1:
1. Read the assigned articles and identify the
theory/theories used.
2. For the presentation: Give a brief summary of the
assigned article.
a. Background of the authors, if any.
b. The research question
c. The objectives of the study
d. The methods used in gathering the data
e. Findings of the study.
3. Devote more time in discussing the theories that
were used using the following:
a. Background of the theory including its
proponents/authors, the year it was
conceptualized, the main ideas of the theory
b. Framework or model
c. Strength and weaknesses of the theory
d. How was the theory incorporated in the
article? Explain and provide samples.

Things to remember during the presentation

1. You are only given a maximum of 1 hour to present. If

you are over the time allotted, the report will be cut off.
2. Make your presentation creative. If you will be using
powerpoint, please do not read from it or if you are using a
video, dont let it speak for you.
3. Part of the presentation is to give an activity (not a quiz
or an exam) to your classmates that can stimulate class
participation and engagement regarding your topics.
4. You will be given a rubric for grading your presentation
and the content of the paper.
5. It is your responsibility to reserve the laptop and DLP or
whatever equipment you plan to use. It is also your
responsibility to make sure that whatever visual aids you'll
be using is working.
6. Aside from the presentation, you are also required to
submit a hard copy of your presentation, but in essay
format on the day of your presentation including individual
reflections on your assigned theories

Topic for notebook: From among the four alternative

forms of knowledge where do you belong and why.
Dec. 17 Continuation of Quiz
discussion/Positivist
theories Assignment: Think Paper
Guidelines for writing a Think Paper:

cbrillon 2nd semester 2015-2016 12/2/15

 Format: Typewritten with proper citations
1. Choose one article in Part 2 of Communication and
Media Theories that was NOT YET discussed in class. To the
reporters: you have to choose another article.
2. Summarize the main points of the article and
identify the theory and explain how it was used.
3. Identify the form of knowledge claims and
theoretical paradigm (refer to Soliss discussion) the article
belongs to and support your answer by citing specific
sentences/paragraphs in the article.
4. Relate the findings of the article to what is
happening in society today.

Topic for notebook: What are your considerations when

buying a particular brand of gadget? Where do you get
information about the brand and how well do you trust the
sources of information?

Jan. 7 POSITIVIST THEORIES Deadline of submission of 1st think paper

Group 1 Start of group presentations

2.02 Influence of
interpersonal discussion Assignment: (Typewritten)
2.03 Seducing the voters
2.04 OFWs in Korea
Group 2
2.06 Di BOBOto!
2.07 How preschool
children play
1. Watch and read as many news about your
preferred candidate in the presidential elections
and observe the following:
a. Angle of the stories
b. Common terms associated with your preferred
candidate
c. The image of your candidate that is being
projected in the media.
2. Reflect on your findings using the theories as
discussed in 2.09

Topic for notebook: Talk about a public official that you

admire and why. How is this public official often portrayed
in media? Comment on medias role in shaping your
opinion of this official.

Jan. 14 Group 3 Continuation of group presentations

2.09 Cory and Gloria
PRELIMS 2.10 Heavy, moderate and Assignment (typewritten with photos)
light I. Interviews of subcultures (K-Pop fans,
superhero fans, cosplayers, tattoo artists, rock
Group 4 fans, etc.)
2.11 Online games and Questions for the interviewees:
subculture

cbrillon 2nd semester 2015-2016 12/2/15

 2.12 World-making 1. What attracted you to this particular type of
interest?
2. What are the other activities that you engage in?
3. What kind of satisfaction/gratification do you get
when you engage in the activities of the group?
4. How do you think other people see your group?
How do you react to their opinions?

II. Summarize the answers to the interview

questions. Write your reflections about the
activity by applying any of the following
theories: Symbolic convergence, symbolic
interactionism, social construction of reality.

Topic for notebook: Observe how often you use your

mobile phones and log in to the internet for two days.
Write down your observation and reflect on how
technology has shaped your daily life.
Jan 21 Activity period (FEU
Foundation day)
Jan 28 Intro to Critical Theories PRELIMS EXAMS (all positivist theories)

Submission of subculture interview

Discussion of critical theories

Assignments: (typewritten)
I. Read up and watch any videos of the coverage
of the Jennifer Laude case and analyze the
content of the news report based on:
a. Space (in online news) or time allotted (videos)
b. Framing of the news in terms of the themes and
common angles discussed
c. Differences in the presentation of basic
information such as name, gender, age, social and
economic status
d. What theories under positivist and critical theories
can best explain your findings in this activity?

II. Observation activity (typewritten with

photos)
1. Read Edward Halls Proxemics
2. Observations on malls (high end and middle class,
cinemas, jeeps, coffee shops) for 2 days.
Guidelines for observation:
a. Describe the physical space of the assigned
location

cbrillon 2nd semester 2015-2016 12/2/15

 b. Describe the participants and their activities and
how they use these places to fulfill their needs
c. Describe how the owners of these places intended
the places to be used.
d. How has these places shape the interaction of the
participants and how do they claim these spaces?
3. Discuss your findings by relating it to our readings.

Think Paper 2:
1. Choose one article in Part 3 of Communication and
Media Theories that was NOT YET discussed in class. To the
reporters: you have to choose another article.
2. Summarize the main points of the article including
the main problem, objectives, methods and findings and
identify the theory and explain how it was used.
3. Relate the findings of the article to what is
happening in society today.
4. Discuss the difference made by the article in terms of
the use of theory as compared to the approach used in
positivist articles
Feb. 4 RESEARCH BREAK Topic for notebook: Reflect on your reactions when seeing
any of the following: a man with a beard and wearing a
9:00-12:00 turban, a male transgender, a person with a dark
(activity complexion and curly hair. How are your perceptions of
period) these images shaped by media?
Feb 11 RESEARCH BREAK Topic for notebook: What is my honest opinion of Aldub?
To what and where do I owe this perspective of looking at
Aldub? What does the article (3.10) say about my views on
popular culture?
Feb 18 CRITICAL THEORIES Continuation of group presentations

MIDTERMS Group 5 Submission of all assignments and 2nd think paper

3.03 Igorot
Representation Assignment: Think Paper 3
3.06 Masses, Power and 1. Choose one article in Part 4 of Communication and
Gangsterism Media Theories that was NOT YET discussed in class. To the
reporters: you have to choose another article.
Group 6 2. Summarize the main points of the article, most
Theories on spaces specifically the main ideas behind Filipino concepts
3.07 Kabataang Katawan, 3. Make a model of the theory discussed in your
Mall at Syudad article.
Additional reading for 4. Choose one contemporary phenomenon and explain
Spaces: Edward Halls how your chosen Filipino theory can help explain this
Proxemics (in Low c/o phenomenon
Maam B)
Topic for notebook: Explain the importance of producing
theories that talks about the Filipino experience and
values.

cbrillon 2nd semester 2015-2016 12/2/15

 Feb 25 No classes EDSA
Mar 3 CRITICAL THEORIES Submission of 3rd think paper

Group 7 Continuation of group presentations

3.09 Subjectivity and
Hybridity
3.10
Mambabasa/Manonood

Group 8
3.13 Email Order Bride
3.15 Pagbenta sa Imahen
ng Kalalakihan

Mar 10 Intro to Philippine MIDTERM EXAMS

Theories
Topic for notebook: Reflect on the characteristics
mentioned in Pagkataong Filipino and explain how it
relates (or not) to your experience as a Filipino youth

Discussion of final requirement

Mar 24 No Classes Maundy Topic for notebook: From among the theories discussed,
Thursday which one is your favorite and why? How do you think you
can apply this theory in your everyday life?
Mar 31 Filipino theories Submission of theory notebook

Group 9 Final group presentations

4.01 Paghuli sa Adarna
4.03 Kaalamang Bayang
Dalumat

Group 10
4.04 Pantayong Pananaw
4.06 Pagkataong Filipino
Apr 7 Submission of final
requirement

Classroom Policy:

1. This is not elementary nor high school. I am expecting that you will come to my class prepared. I
am not the only source of your knowledge and learning as I believe education is a two-way street.
2. Submission dates for assignments, papers and other class projects will be strictly enforced. I will
NOT accept late submissions except under special circumstances (in case of absences resulting to
sickness and other life and death matters, please present an excuse letter, a medical certificate
and a photocopy of the parent or guardian ID who signed the excuse letter). Same is true for
missed quizzes/activities. Being on time is the lifeline of Communication as a career and discipline
so please observe this policy.

cbrillon 2nd semester 2015-2016 12/2/15

 3. Infractions on absences and tardiness will strictly be enforced. However, I would like to point out
that attendance is not graded. It is your responsibility to attend your classes and to have the
initiative to find out what you missed in your absence.
4. There will be a 15-20 minute break during the 3-hour class.
5. Please be in uniform when you attend my class
6. When there is group reporting or any group activities (projects), individual group members are
required to submit a written evaluation with a corresponding grade of their groupmates. Peer
evaluation makes up 20% of the grade for each activity. Please do not tolerate freeloaders.
7. Please put your mobile phones and other gadgets on silent mode during class hours. Likewise, all
other electronic devices are not allowed when class is ongoing.
8. Please take down notes. I will not allow taking of photos of class discussions just because you are
too lazy to write.
9. Anyone caught cheating is subject to disciplinary action. Since this is a theory class, anyone caught
committing acts of plagiarism (copy pasting, non-attribution of sources, stealing other peoples
ideas and work) automatically gets a grade of 5.00.
10. I reserve the right to answer your texts messages and even private messages online especially if
it pertains to topics already discussed in class.
11. At the end of each class, it is your responsibility to keep the room organized.
12. When passing papers (other than Chapter 1 which has a separate format), please follow the
format: Page set-up is 8 x 11. Allow a 1 margin on all sides, double spaced using 12 points
Times New Roman font.
13. Be responsible enough to regularly check our online FB group for any announcements. Ignorance
can never be used as an excuse in my class.
14. I do not appreciate ambush consultations. Please practice professionalism by arranging
consultation times with me in advance.
15. Please observe the Social Media Policy of the Department especially on matters pertaining to your
life as an FEU Communication student.
16. Respect of ideas is of utmost importance in my class. Likewise, I see my class as a safe space (kindly
refer to the Gender Policy of the Department for guidance) for all the students. Bullying will never
be allowed.

Main Reference:

Textbook: Tolentino,R., Campos, P., Pangilinan, C., Solis, R. J. (eds) (2014). Communication and media
theories. Quezon City: UP Press.

Reading list:

Baran, S., Davis, D (2012). Mass communication theory: Foundations, ferment, and future (6th
ed).Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Cobley, P (1996). The Communication theory reader. London: Routledge.

Couldry, N. (2012). Media, society, world social theory and digital media practice. Cambridge: Polity
Press.

Griffin, E (2013). A First look at communication theory (8th ed). Philippines: McGraw-Hill Education
(Asia).

cbrillon 2nd semester 2015-2016 12/2/15

Holmes, D. (2005). Communication theory: Media. technology, society. London: Sage.

Littlejohn, S., Foss, K. (2008).Theories of human communication (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher
Education.

Low, S., Zuniga, D.L. (eds.) (2003). The anthropology of space and place: Locating culture. UK: Blackwell
Publishing.

McQuail, D. (ed) (2002). McQuail's reader in mass communication theory.London: Sage.

Melkote, S.R., Steeves, L. (2001). Communication for development in the Third World: Theory and
practice for empowerment (2nd ed). New Delhi: Sage.

Miller, K. (2005). Communication theories: Perspectives, processes, and contexts (2nd ed). Boston:
McGraw-Hill.

Severin, Werner J. (1997). Communication theories: Origins, methods, and uses in the mass media (4th
ed).New York: Longman.

Stevenson, N. (2002). Understanding media cultures: Social theory and mass communication(2nd
ed).London: Sage.

Stokes, J. C. (2013).How to do media and cultural studies (2nd ed). Los Angeles, California: SAGE.

Tolentino,R., Santos, J. (eds) (2014). Media at Lipunan. Quezon City: UP Press.

West, R. Turner, L.H. (2004).Introducing communication theory: Analysis and application (2nd
ed).Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Online/URL

Far Eastern University Communication Journal (2005-2009). Website:

http://www.philjol.info/index.php/FEUCJ
http://communicationtheory.org/
http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/westturner/student_resources/theories.htm
http://masscommtheory.com/
https://rolandotolentino.wordpress.com/
http://rolandotolentino.blogspot.com/
http://www.afirstlook.com/book

Computation of grades:

IAS Cluster C: Papers (50%), Recitation/Class participation (30%), Quizzes (20%)

PG = 2 (Class Standing) + Prelim Exam/3

MG = 2(CA) + PG/3

cbrillon 2nd semester 2015-2016 12/2/15

FG = 2 (CA) + MG/3

cbrillon 2nd semester 2015-2016 12/2/15