Advanced Communication Theory – DIGI 715

Course Description

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to provide doctoral students with a structured forum for examining communication theory and research and the development of this field of study. The course will encourage an interdisciplinary approach to studying the theories, research, issues, and published works of contemporary scholars who have contributed much to this area of study. While it is impossible in one course to study and discuss all the current theoretical positions relevant to the field, we will critically review most of the emergent theoretical perspectives.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to post his/her papers on the correct discussion thread. In addition, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ papers. Each reply must be 150 words, follow APA formatting, include at least 2 reference(s), and demonstrate course-related knowledge. MLO: (A, B, C, D, E)

The student will write a 3-4-page (not including title or reference pages) research-based paper in current APA format. The paper will use the six philosophical assumptions as described in course reading to describe how a communication scholar can articulate these assumptions as part of both (separately) a scientific/naturalistic worldview and a Biblical worldview. The paper must include at least 5 reference(s), which may include the course reading and the Bible. MLO: (A, C, D, E)

The student will write five 3-4-page (not including title or reference pages) research-based papers in current APA format on a theory of the student's choice from the assigned chapters. The paper(s) will review the major concepts, elements, strengths, and weaknesses of the theory, and explain how it integrates into what the student knows about a specific element of applied communication and/or other communication theories. The paper(s) must include at least 5 reference(s), which may include the course textbooks and the Bible. MLO: (B, C, E)

The student will write a 10-25-page research-based paper in current APA format on or using an identifiable communication theory for submission to a particular academic journal or conference (call for papers and guideline documentation must be included). Either original research or a critical analysis of a theory is acceptable for this assignment. The paper must include at least 20 reference(s) which may include the course textbooks and the Bible. MLO: (B, C, E) 

The student will write a 3-4-page (not including title or reference pages) research-based paper in current APA format. The student will use the elements of his/her Journal/Conference Paper Assignment paper to write a response that considers the paper’s alignment with both a scientific/naturalistic and Biblical worldview. The paper must include at least 5 reference(s) which may include the course textbooks and the Bible. MLO: (A, B, C, D, E)