HCCK03061U COG Introduction to Communication Theory

Volume 2026/2027
Education

The Master’s Programme in Cognition and Communication, 2024-curriculum: 

 

 

Content

The course aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of key communication theories. It also aims to provide an introduction to applying these theories in empirical research related to communicative and cognitive processes. Students are introduced to the dominant research strategies (i.e. qualitative and quantitative) and common research designs within social science. The course also introduces the key stages in small-scale research projects, common methods for sampling, data collection and data analysis, and the academic genre of research proposals. In connection hereto, advantages and limitations of various designs and methods are discussed.

Learning Outcome

At the examination, the student can demonstrate: Knowledge and understanding of • key theories, models, and concepts in the field of communication theory, including interpersonal, networked, and mass communication. • the role of media and technology in communication processes and behaviours. • cognitive, cultural, and contextual factors that shape communication practices and meaning-making. • Skills in • identifying, analyzing, and interpreting different forms of interpersonal, networked, and mass communication processes. • identifying, analyzing, and interpreting specific cognitive, cultural, and contextual factors and their role in communication processes. • Competencies in • applying communication theories, models, and concepts to analyze real-world communication phenomena. • critically assessing the role of technological, cognitive, cultural, and contextual factors in real-world communication phenomena. • communicating effectively and coherently about communication processes and theories in both oral and written forms.

The course literature consists of an introductory textbook in social science research, select chapters and excerpts from textbooks and works in communication theory, and classic and contemporary research papers.

No background in communication theory or empirical research is assumed.
The course involves weekly lectures, and individual and group exercises. The method of instruction is typically a mixture between lectures, class discussion, group work, individual presentations, and exercises.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 56
  • Preparation
  • 353,5
  • Total
  • 409,5
Written
Oral
Individual
Collective
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Type of assessment details
Form of exam: Take-home assignment, optional subject, following active class participation.

Scope: 11-15 standard pages
Examination prerequisites

The active class participation consists of:

  • Minimum 75% class attendance
  • Approval of three exercises
  • Student peer feedback on two of the exercises.

 

Aid
All aids allowed

Fore guidelines on the use of Generative AI, please see Study Information.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Exam period

January 2027

Re-exam

February 2027

Criteria for exam assesment

See the curriculum.