This document provides information about an Introduction to Communication Theory course taught at Dixie State College in Fall 2012. It outlines the instructor's contact information, required texts, academic policies, course requirements including exams, assignments, and participation. The course will cover major communication theories categorized within 7 traditions of communication study. Students will analyze and apply these theories through readings, in-class exercises, and exams. The final will involve a group research paper and presentation on the communication culture of their choice. A calendar lists the topics and theories to be covered on each class date.

1. COMM1050.05
Introduction to Communication Theory
Fall 2012
INSTRUCTOR: Bridget Sheffer, M.A. CRN: 46674
EMAIL ADDRESS: sheffer@dixie.edu TIME: 9:00-10:15
sheffer@dixie.edu
PHONE: 435-879-4279 CLASS: JEN 190
TEXT: 435-610-1049
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment FINAL EXAM: December 13, 2012 at 8:00 am
TEXT
Introducing Communication Theory: Analysis and Application, 4 thed.
Richard West and Lynn Turner
A First Look at Communication Theory, 7thed.
Em Griffin
http://www.afirstlook.com/edition_7/theory_list
INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION
Academic Integrity: Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest
extent. You are expected to have read and understood the current issue of the student handbook
(published by Student Services) regarding student responsibilities and rights, and the intellectual
property policy, for information about procedures and about what constitutes acceptable on-campus
behavior.
A.D.A.: “If you are a student with a medical, psychological, or learning disability or think you might have
a disability andwould like accommodations, contact the DisabilityResourceCenter (652-7516) in the
StudentServicesCenter. The DisabilityResourceCenter will determine eligibility of the student requesting
special services anddetermine the appropriate accommodations related to their disability.”
DMAIL :Important class and college information will be sent to your Dmail account. This information
includes your DSC bill, financial aid/scholarship notices, notification of dropped classes, reminders of
important dates and events, and other information critical to your success in this class and at DSC. All
DSC students are automatically assigned a Dmail account. If you don’t know your user name and
password, go to www.dixie.edu and select “Dmail,” for complete instructions. You will be held
responsible for information sent to your Dmail email, so please check it often.
GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION
EVALUATIONS & COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Participation and Attendance
Attendance is critical; and participation makes class more fun for all of us.
Exams
There will be 3 tests incorporating short answer, multiple choice and essays.

2. Final
The final will be a group project incorporating a research paper and a group presentation of
the culture of your choice.
Percentage/Grade Breakdown
94-100% = A 84-86% = B 74-76% = C 64-66% = D
90-93% = A- 80-83% = B- 70-73% = C- 60-63% = D-
87-89% = B+ 77-79% = C+ 67-69% = D+ Below 59 = F
ASSIGNMENT DETAILS:
Exams
There will be 5 tests worth 100 points incorporating short answer, multiple choice and true/false.
Each exam will have a pretest, a study guide and the actual test will be administered in the testing
center.
Final
The final exam will be comprehensive and worth 250 points. The exam will also have a pretest, a study
guide and actual test will be administered in the classroom on a scantron.
Participation and Attendance
You earn 25 points for each course you attend which will equal 625 points.
Reading
This course requires completing regular reading, writing and research exercises both in class and out of
class. There will be additional readings for this course.
Late or Make-up Work
No late work accepted. For extenuating circumstances, please see me.
TECHNOLOGY
Cell Phones = silenced, texting . . .
Laptops = no distractions, or you’ll be asked to shut them down
COURSE CALENDAR
Date Topic Theory Category Readings
21-Aug Syllabus Introduction
23-Aug What is Communication? What is West & Turner,
studied? ch 1; Handout

3. 28-Aug Thinking about Theory & the 7 Comm West & Turner,
Traditions ch 3;
Griffin, ch. 4
30-Aug Exam
4-Sep Cognitive Dissonance Interpersonal West & Turner,
ch 7
6-Sep Group Decision Making Group/Organization Griffin, ch 17
11-Sep The Rhetoric Public/Political West & Turner,
ch 18
13-Sep Agenda Setting Theory Media Griffin, ch 28
18-Sep Face Negotiations Theory Culture West & Turner,
ch 26
20-Sep Exam
25-Sep Expectancy Violation Theory Interpersonal West & Turner,
ch 8
27-Sep Organizational Culture Group/Organization West & Turner,
ch 16
2-Oct Dramatism Public/Political West & Turner,
ch 19
4-Oct Cultural Studies Media West & Turner,
ch 21
9-Oct Standpoint Theory Culture West & Turner,
ch 27
11-Oct Exam
16-Oct Social Penetration Theory Interpersonal West & Turner,
ch 10
18-Oct Adaptive Structuration Theory Group/Organization West & Turner,
ch 15
23-Oct Narrative Paradigm Public/Political West & Turner,
ch 20
25-Oct Cultivation Theory Media West & Turner,
ch 22
30-Oct Muted Group Theory Culture West & Turner,
ch 28
1-Nov Exam
6-Nov Social Exchange Theory Interpersonal West & Turner,
ch 11

4. 8-Nov Critical Theory in Organizations Group/Organization Griffin, ch 20
13-Nov Apologia Public/Political Handouts
15-Nov Spiral of Silence Media West & Turner,
ch 24
20-Nov Exam
22-Nov No Class: Thanksgiving Holiday
27-Nov Symbolic Interaction Theory Interpersonal West & Turner,
ch 5
29-Nov Group Think Group/Organization West & Turner,
ch 14
4-Dec Media Ecology Media Griffin, ch 24
6-Dec Communication Accomodation Theory Culture West & Turner,
ch 29
13-Dec Final Exam @ 8:00 am