Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
The course introduces communication theories to Master of Communication students. These theories will be deployed to engage with real communication problems.
This course provides an introduction to classic theories of communication and their application in contemporary communication contexts. The goal of this course is to equip students with knowledge and understanding of key communication theories and the ability to use theory to analyse and critique communication across interpersonal, public and mass communication contexts.
Course requirements
Assumed background
No background is assumed.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMU7101
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Ms Shu Chen
Dr Kylie Navuku
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
The goal of this course is to equip students with the capacity to become critical consumers and knowledgeable producers of communication in various social and cultural contexts.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate critical understanding of key concepts - Demonstrate an understanding of key communication theories.
LO2.
Demonstrate critical understanding of key concepts - Apply communication theories studied to understand everyday communication contexts.
LO3.
Demonstrate critical understanding of key concepts - Competently communicate about theory and its relevance to specific audiences.
LO4.
Demonstrate critical understanding of key concepts - Understand the link between communication theory and research.
LO5.
Demonstrate critical understanding of key concepts - Use theory to understand and assess different approaches to public communication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Reflective analysis | 25% |
23/08/2024 4:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Theoretical analysis of a communication campaign | 35% |
20/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Media theory analysis | 40% |
21/10/2024 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Reflective analysis
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
23/08/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
The first assignment assesses your understanding of the theories that are covered in Weeks 2 to 4 on interpersonal communication and the ability to apply them to understand real life communication. You will choose one theory from each of Weeks 2 to 4 and use it to understand something that has happened in your own life. That means you will write three reflective analyses all up, each drawing on one of the theories covered in each of Weeks 2 – 4. The assessments requires you to describe the scenario from your own life, describe the tenets of the theory you have chosen, and then use the theory to understand the interpersonal scenario.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Theoretical analysis of a communication campaign
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
20/09/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
The aim of this assignment is to help you to identify whether and to what extent theory is informing real world communication campaigns that seek to influence people. You will choose a communication campaign that has been conducted in Australia. Your task is to analyse the extent to which the campaign illustrates aspects of one of the public communication theories, covered in Weeks 5 to 7. Through the theoretical analysis you will draw conclusions about whether the communication campaign is likely to be successful and make recommendations for how it could have been improved.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Media theory analysis
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
21/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The final assignment focuses on the mass communication theories covered in the course. The assessment will require students to choose an issue/topic that is influenced by mass communication and to analyse it through the lens of one or more of the mass media theories covered in the course drawing on scholarly theoretical and empirical literature.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Week 1 - Introductory Lecture An overview of the course and how it will be run will be provided. Why theory is important and traditions in communication theory will be introduced. |
Tutorial |
Week 1 - NO TUTORIAL SEMINARS Tutorial seminars start in Week 2. |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture - The self in communication The lecture will focus on theories of the self in communication - Symbolic interactionism and expectancy violation theory. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial Seminar - The self in communication The Week 2 tutorial seminar includes activities that help to understand the theories covered in the Lecture. The first assessment item will be introduced. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture - Relationship development The lecture will cover social penetration theory & uncertainty reduction theory - two important theories related to developing interpersonal relationships. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial Seminar - Relationship development Seminar activities focused on the theories covered in the lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture - Relationship maintenance The lecture will cover Communication Privacy management theory and Relational dialectics theories - theories relevant to relationship maintenance. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial Seminar - Relationship maintenance Seminar activities related to the theories covered in the lecture & assignment consultation Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture - Public communication (1) The lecture will cover theories that relate to Influencing others: the Rhetoric and the Narrative Paradigm. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial Seminar - Public communication (1) Seminar activities focused on the Week 5 theories and introduction to Assessment 2. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture - Public communication (2) The lecture will cover theories that relate to Influencing others: the Elaboration Likelihood Model and Cognitive Dissonance. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial Seminar - Public communication (2) Seminar activities focused on the Week 6 theories and Assessment 2 guidance Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture - Public communication (3) The lecture will cover theories that relate to Influencing others: Framing theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial Seminar - Public communication (3) Seminar activities focused on the Week 7 theories and assessment guidance. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Lecture - Mass Communication (1) The lecture will focus on theories related to the effects of mass media: Media ecology theory and semiotics. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Tutorial Seminar - Mass Communication (1) Seminar activities focused on the Week 8 theories and introduction to Assessment 3. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture - Mass Communication (2) The lecture will focus on theories related to the effects of mass media: Cultivation theory and Agenda setting theory. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial Seminar - Mass media (2) Seminar activities focused on the Week 9 theories and assessment guidance Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Lecture - Mass Communication (3) The lecture will focus on theories related to mass communication: Uses and Gratification theory and the Two-step flow theory. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 10 Tutorial Seminar - Mass communication (3) Seminar activities focused on the Week 10 theories and assessment guidance. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture - Group communication The lecture will cover theories that relate to how to effectively communicate in groups. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial Seminar - Group communication Activities related to the theories covered in the lecture and assessment consultation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12 - NO LECTURE |
Tutorial |
Week 12 - NO TUTORIAL SEMINARS |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 13 - NO LECTURE |
Tutorial |
Week 13 - NO TUTORIAL SEMINARS |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.