Communication: Theories and Practice

Course Description

This course explores the various theories of the communication that create the foundation for study of communications in the bachelor's degree program at the University of Phoenix. Major communication areas examined in this course include intrapersonal, interpersonal, group and teamwork, organizational, intercultural, and mass media. Each area, along with others, will be studied in greater depth in subsequent courses in the degree program.

Topics and Objectives

The Self and Communication Theories

• Analyze the symbolic interaction theory
• Explain coordinated management of meaning.
• Evaluate the cognitive dissonance theory.
• Assess the expectancy violations theory.

Interpersonal Communication Theories

• Summarize the uncertainty reduction theory.
• Analyze the social penetration theory.
• Explain the social exchange theory.
• Critique the relational dialectics theory.
• Evaluate the communication privacy management theory.

Communication Theories for Groups, Teams, and Organization

• Analyze groupthink.
• Explain the adaptive structuration theory.
• Evaluate the organizational culture theory.
• Assess the organizational information theory.

Communication Theories regarding the Public and Media

• Compare and contrast rhetoric, dramatism, and the narrative paradigm.
• Summarize cultivation analysis.
• Illustrate the use and gratifications theory.
• Critique the spiral of silence theory.
• Assess the medium theory.

Communication Theories for Diversity and Intercultural Communication

• Analyze the face-negotiation theory.
• Explain the standpoint theory.
• Evaluate the muted group theory.
• Assess the communication accommodation theory.

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