This course examines the major theories and concepts relevant to the study of human
communication with an emphasis on interpersonal contexts. Successful completion of
this class will give you an awareness and appreciation for the construction and
content of theory, in general, as well as a heightened understanding of theoretical
explanations of communication processes.

1. Students will examine the basic elements of theory construction.   
2. Students will examine the role, function, and assumptions of theoretical
approaches to explaining communication processes.  
3. Students will examine a variety of types of communication theories, including: 
Systems Theories, Theories of Signs & Language, Cognitive Approaches to Communication,
Social Approaches to Communication, Message Production Theories, Theories of Message
Reception and Processing, Relational Communication Theories, and Mediated
Communication Theories. 
4. Students will apply their knowledge of communication theory in both written and
exam work.

Introduction to the course
Why Study Communication?
Knowledge & Inquiry
The Bases & Functions of Theory
Systems Theories
Theories of Signs & Language
Cognitive Approaches to Communication
Social Approaches to Communication
Message Production Theories
Theories of Message Reception and Processing
Relational Communication Theories
Relational Communication Theories: Close Relationships
Relational Communication Theories: Family Relationships
Relational Communication Theories: Group Contexts
Mediated Communication Theories

“Academic honesty is – defined broadly and simply – the 
performance of all academic work without cheating, lying, 
stealing, or receiving assistance from any other person or 
using any source of information not appropriately authorized or 
attributed” (From the Preamble to “A Culture of Honesty”). The 
University, the Department of Communication Studies, and I 
personally take academic honesty very seriously. Every student 
at the University of Georgia should be familiar with the 
booklet, “A Culture of Honesty: Policies and Procedures on 
Academic Dishonesty.” If you are not, please obtain one of 
these booklets and read it carefully. This document has a 
thorough presentation of four types of academic dishonesty, 
including plagiarism, unauthorized assistance, lying/tampering, 
and theft, as well as the procedures that are in place to 
adjudicate alleged incidents of academic dishonesty. The 
policies and procedures described in “A Culture of Honesty” 
will be strictly followed. University Mandated Statement 
Concerning the University Honor Code & Academic Honesty All 
academic work must meet the standards contained in “A Culture 
of Honesty.” Students are responsible for informing themselves 
about those standards before performing any academic work. More 
detailed information about academic honesty can be found at
http://www.uga.edu/ovpi/honesty/acadhon.htm.