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COM5101 Communication Fundamentals
Part I Course Duration: One semester
Credit Units: 3
Level: P5
Medium of Instruction: English
Prerequisites: Nil
Precursors: Nil
Equivalent Courses: EN5601 Communication Fundamentals
Exclusive Courses: Nil Part II Course Aims:
This course provides an overview of major theories, key concepts, application strategies and research methods of communication theories and the interplay among the mass media, society and individuals. It covers: 1) both classic communication theories and new approaches as related to multimedia and online communication; 2) the operation, process, and effects of the media and related communication industries; 3) various research methods in mass, interpersonal, organizational and intercultural communication; and 4) the interrelationship among communication, media and society. Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: No. | CILOs | Weighting
(if applicable) | 1. | Describe the underlying assumptions, key concepts, central hypotheses, empirical basis, and historical evolution of major theories of communication and media, with an emphasis on new media. | 30% | 2. | Evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of each major theory based on the established criteria and comparisons among the theories. | 30% | 3. | Apply relevant theories to selected real world issues, by developing effective communication strategies and tactics to solve the identified problems. | 40% |
Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs)
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to facilitate students’ achievement of the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course) CILO No. | TLAs | Hours/week
(if applicable) | 1, 2, 3 | Lectures discussing the major concepts and theories | 2 (for 12 weeks) | 2 | In-class discussions of the strengths and weaknesses of selected theories and concepts | 1 (for 6 weeks) | 3 | Case studies about the application of theories to selected real world cases | 1 (for 6 weeks) |
Assessment Tasks/Activities
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course) CILO No. | Type of Assessment Tasks/Activities | Weighting
(if applicable) | Remarks | 1, 2, 3 | Examination (2 hours) | 50% | | 2, 3 | In-class or take-home exercises | 20% | | 2, 3 | Research paper (3,000-5,000 words exclusive of references, tables, figures, and all other appendices) | 30% | |
Grading of Student Achievement: Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations.
Grading pattern: Standard (A+, A, A-….F).
The overall grade is based on student’s overall performance in all assessment tasks/activities considered together.
The meanings of the overall letter grades will be in line with those listed in the Academic Regulations.
More specific grading criteria for selected assessment tasks/activities are as follows:
Research paper
| - Thorough and critical review of existing theory(ies), focusing on the following: | - the central hypothesis;
- the research methodology;
- the major findings;
- the conclusions and implications.
| - Appropriate and creative application of theory(ies), focusing on the following: | - detailed description of the characteristics of a real life issue;
- theoretical analysis of possible causes and consequences of the issue;
- theoretically-informed discussion of possible solutions to the issue.
| | Weighting of the different criteria and other details will be given to the students during the class. |
Part III Keyword Syllabus:
Communication processes, research methods for communication, structure and operation of the media, content production and delivery, diffusion and use of new media technology, media effects on individuals and the society.
Related Links
Department of Media and Communication
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