Class Communication Theories

The Communication Theories course aims to motivate students to understand the process of development of communication theories, from the framework of the historical development of the mass media. It is also intended to establish a bridge with the new media, in order to foster a comprehensive understanding of the main mediation models of mass and interactive messages.

Not applicable

1. the objects of study of communication theories: communication processes and media. 2. Palo Alto School - Axioms of communication 3. Communication and incommunication - the ‘improbability of communication’  4. Communication and its effects - The perspective of the unlimited effects of the media: From the Hypodermic theory to overcoming it. 5. The perspective of limited effects: The theory of the two-step flow of communication, psychological studies of persuasion, American functionalism and the hypothesis of uses and gratifications. 6. The critical media perspective: The Frankfurt School and the concept of cultural industries; British cultural studies 7. Media Studies: McLuhan and the study of technology. 8. Approaches centred on media reception and effects: First approaches to the concepts of agenda-setting (introduction to the concept), spiral of silence, framing and priming.  

The aim is to apply the cooperative learning methodology, basing part of the teaching on a teamwork methodology with common goals. In some sessions we will focus on collaboration, working in groups of three to six members, in which each person has a certain role. To achieve the defined goal, everyone must work in a coordinated way and resolve possible conflicts in order to find a better result.

Bollmer, G. (2018). Theorizing Digital Cultures. Los Angeles: Sage. Hartley, J. (2004). Comunicação, Estudos Culturais e Media: Conceitos-chave. Lisboa: Quimera. Holmes, D. (2006). Communication Theory: Media, Technology and Society. Sage. McLuhan, M. (2008). Compreender os Meios de Comunicação: Extensões do Homem. Relógio d’Água. McQuail, D., & Deuze, M. (2020). McQuail’s media & mass communication theory (7. Auflage). SAGE. McQuail, D. (2003). Teoria da Comunicação de Massas. Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian. Schudson, M. (1995). The Power of News. London: Harvard University Press. Sousa, J. P. (2000). As Notícias e os Seus Efeitos. Coimbra: Minerva. Traquina, N. (2000). O Poder do Jornalismo: Análise de Textos da Teoria do Agendamento. Coimbra: Minerva. Wolf, M. (2001). Teorias da Comunicação. Lisboa: Editorial Presença.