Introduction to Communication Studies - Period 1

In this course, students will be introduced to communication theories by reading a text book and also research articles in which conducted research is reported. The field of Communication studies is interdisciplinary, which means that several different scientific approaches and methods are used next to, and in connection with, each other. As a result, many different theories of how people communicate with each other have been developed, focusing on the language they use, their psychological preoccupations, or societal effects of communication messages. Many theories will be introduced and discussed: what are the theory's virtues and vices, and how can the theory be used to practice communication research? Explanatory lectures will be alternated with seminars, with attention for both thorough understanding and preparation for the exam.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) awards credits based on the ECTS system. Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.