CM583 : Communication Systems [M.Sc. Science Communication]

Module Aims
This module has two basic sets of aims and objectives.
A) To examine communication as an evolving and growing field within the social sciences. Here we will consider the competing models of mediated communication and the evolution of key ideas and concepts. This broader introduction to the field of communication theory will complement other M.Sc. modules more specifically focused on scientific issues and the public understanding of science (e.g. concerning the processes of media-based communication, the features and causes of communication failure, etc).
B) To examine the diffusion of specialised knowledge in its wider context of an increasingly informational as well as technological society. This aims to better acquaint students with the processes or techniques of understanding and to evaluate models or studies of dissemination and diffusion of ideas and events, not only in scholarly but also in wider public domains. The introduction to the history and evolution of key concepts related to public communication theory facilitates a better �@understanding of the factors shaping such issues, not least in a contemporary context that is characterised as both a ‘knowledge-based’ society/economy and a ‘mediated-culture’.

Learning Outcomes
A critical understanding of major social science theories and research literature related to the evolving features, processes and implications of public/mediated communication
This module will provide students with a selective overview of the major relevant debates, competing theories and concepts. In keeping with the overall learning objectives of this M. Sc. programme, the module seeks to:
.a) Provide students with a structured learning programme to explore key theories and concepts ~~ which, in turn, serve to support theoretically-informed, analytical and professional approaches to media-based communication.
.b) Enable and encourage students to identify and critically evaluate the competing theories and models of modern communication systems/ media technologies and their wider social and cultural impacts. This will serve to enhance student's critical understanding of the socio-economic, cultural and technical factors impinging upon professionals working in the contemporary media/communication systems.
.c) Encourage students to utilise such knowledge and competencies reflexively in order to better inform and ground their own [future] professional practices and strategies within the evolving media and communication systems. To this end, the module is framed around [and requires students to adopt] a critical and reflexive approach to the competing theories and models addressed in this field.

Indicative Syllabus
The core syllabus comprises a general introduction to, key social science theories and concepts related to the processes of public or mediated communication and the evolution of competing models of the key factors shaping such processes.
.1) Knowledge, Science & Public Communication in the Modern Era : Intro & brief history
.2) ‘Transmission’ and/or ‘Process’ Communication Theories
.3) (Social) Semiotics (French) Structuralism and ‘Post-Structuralism’
.4) Cultural Studies Perspectives
.5) ‘Active Audiences’ Models and Return of ‘Everyday Life’
.6) Political Economy Approaches to Mediated Communication
.7) ‘Information Society’ / Knowledge-based Economy/Society Theories
.8) Theories of ‘the public sphere’ and the role of scientific knowledge
.9) The Media/Technology <-----> Social/Cultural Change Relation Continuous Assessment [2 pieces of work]

Reading List
.A) Overviews of competing theories/models of public and mediated communication
Fiske, John (1990) "Introduction to Communication Studies (2nd edition)". London and New York: Routledge [dcu x 5]
Mattelart, A. and M. Mattelart (1998) "Theories of Communication : An Introduction". London: Sage [dcu x 3]
McQuail, Denis (2000) "McQuail's Mass Communication Theory". London: Sage
McQuail, D (ed.) (2002) "McQuail's Reader in Mass Communication Theory". London: Sage
Croteau, D. and W. Hoynes (1997) Media/Society : Industries, Images and Audiences. Sage/Pine Forge
Preston, Paschal (2001) "Reshaping Communications : Technology, Information and Social Change". London: Sage
.B) Additional Refs RE: “Information Society” Internet & “New” / Digital Media Topics
Pavlik, JV (2001) "Journalism and the New Media : New Edition". New York: Columbia University Press
Burnett, Robert and David Marshall (2002) "Web Theory : An Introduction". London: Routledge
Bolter, J.D. and R. Grusin (2000) Remediation : understanding new media. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press
Briggs, Adam and Paul Cobley (1998) The Media : An Introduction. Harlow, Essex: Addison Wesley & Longman
Cubitt, Sean (1998) Digital Aesthetics. London: Sage [critiques sev. shibboleths of contemporary cult studies]
Caldwell, John T. (ed.) (2000) Electronic Media and Technoculture. Rutgers University Press
Caldwell, John T. (ed.) (2000) Theories of the new media : a historical perspective. London: Athlone Press. Continuum International Publishing Group - Athlone Press
Castells, Manuel (2001) 'The Internet Galaxy', Oxford: Oxford University Press
Castells, Manuel et al (2002) "The information society and the welfare state : the Finnish model". Oxford: Oxford University Press [0199256993][DCU= 3 x 1Wk]
Lister, Martin , K. Kelly, J. Dovey, S. Giddings, and I. Grant (Oct. 2002) "New Media : A Critical Introduction". London: Routledge
Harries, Dan (ed.) (2002) "The New Media Book". London: British Film Institute [DCU= 3 x 1wk]
Lievrouw, Leah and Sonia Livingstone (eds.) (2002) "The Handbook of New Media". London: Sage (Useful collection of papers focused on communication issues related to the Internet and “new media”.) [DCU= 4 x 24hr & 2 x ML]
Wardrip-Fruin, Noah & Nick Montfort (2003) "The New Media Reader". MIT Press

Other Modules

• [CM541] Information and Communications in International Relations     Click here for further information

• [CM556] Communication Theory and New Media [M.Sc. Multimedia]     Click here for further information

• [CM599] Post-Graduate Students' Support Module                  Click here for further information

• [CM517] Communication, Technology and the Politics of Culture     Click here for further information

• [CM519] International Communications [MA-CCS/MAP]     Click here for further information