| COMM 2100--Intro to Human Communication Theory |
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| Click Here for Class Syllabus
Welcome Spring 2009 Students Schedule and review questions/guides: sample final exam questions (this was taken from a final exam about 5 years ago): 1. Pretend to be a determinist. Fully defend the theory and defend attacks of what a free will theorist might say. Please be as specific as possible referencing the text and scholar names when applicable. SCENARIO: Using the Big Brother Paper as a framework, apply that reality tv series to a social scientist experiment using a determinist theory of ANY kind in the book. Be as specific as possible, setting up the design, any hypotheses, control issues, and address potential testability concerns with your study. 2. Compare and contrast Burke and Foucault. What are strengths and weaknesses of each. Argue that one is superior to the other and most importantly, why? SCENARIO: Using the theorist that you argue is superior, apply his theory to the study of Presidential debates on TV or other forms of media. You may draw on this year’s campaign or refer to previous years’ elections. Be specific as possible and justify your answer carefully. 3. Choose one of the following and ONLY one: Pearce, Bormann, or Goffman. Now, compare that theorist with the feminism theory. Are the theories compatible? Why or why not? SCENARIO: Argue for a blend or merger of feminism and your theorist that you select and apply that new viewpoint to understanding the treatment of animals in today’s zoo’s. You may draw on zoo keepers or theme parks in general. 4. Compare and contrast Fisher with political performance theory. How are they similar? How are they different? SCENARIO: Argue that political performance theory can be enhanced by applying Fisher’s paradigm. Now, apply the blend of these two theories to better understanding plays that have political motives—you may discuss aspects of the culture chapter and draw in on marginalized groups such as the AIDS quilt or other minority groups who seek justice through the theater as their vehicle for change. 5. Fully critique MEAD’s theory. Be sure to discuss the standards for evaluating theory. What are the strengths and weaknesses? Be sure to summarize Wood’s criticism of the theory in your answer. SCENARIO: Apply Mead’s analysis to someone who goes on a date for the first time with some one else. FINAL EXAM--according to VSU schedule of exams only! -FINAL EXAM--comprehensive; scheduled time only **Grades are not posted, not emailed, or by phone--you will have to wait for your averages**Please do not call or email for grades!! Click Here for SAMPLE EXAM No 1 and 2 QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!! Click Here for Reaction Paper #1 and Dr Eaves and Dr Beadle's Paper on fantasy theme and UNESCO Click Here for Reaction Paper #2 and Dr Eaves Paper on Big Brother Click Here for Reaction Paper #3 and Dr Eaves Paper on Blade Runner Review for Exam 3 (exam 3 will also contain chapter 9): Ch 9 material: some of which includes developmental theory and supplement of Judee Burgoon's theory on curvilinear disclosure; onion metaphor Ch 12 and 13 review for exam 3: Chapter 12 Feminism- Gender vs sex defined Patriarchy?rule by fathers; Matriarchy?rule by mothers; Patriarchal discourse. Examples: Man and wife; freshman; mankind Two stages of feminism: Inclusion stage and revision stage Critique of Feminism Fosters division b/w women and men; Overstates and distorts gender differences Outside sources, scholars and title of feminist/men's scholars: Robert Bly----Iron John-----men's movement--radical--reaction to feminism John Gray--Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus--men's scholar--sees gender from planetary distinctions Susan Faludi--author of Backlash (men backlasg against women's progress--and Stiffed--the betrayal of the American male Carol Gilligan---In a Different Voice--women are different from men--communicate differently and have a different psychology, but still need equality Wood-------Gendered Lives----more radical than Gilligan--balanced approach to feminism Muted Group Theory Similar to feminism?in that both theories address a ?lost voice? in society that is oppressed or marginalized (Foucault links here) Masculine Bias exists; Muted Experience Power to Name (example of sexual harassment in society and judicial recourse) Resistance to dominant discourses Types of Resistance Solo wholo-a person that is not in a romantic relationship, is not looking for someone or interested in someone Soul rinse?the feeling after a big cry Noman-a man who is uncomfortable with an assertive woman?has been the topic of male backlash described in Susan Faludi?s book, Backlash. Placemaking?describes the care and skill women invest in creating homes Critique of Muted Group Theory Women?s oppression exaggerated Inappropriately political (but women, unlike postmodernists seek change and reform, not simply to critique alone. Thus, by their focus, they tend to be political) Unrealistic?perhaps, good things are worth fighting for. Cultural Studies Theory Main Points: Defined as texts and practices of everyday life Ideological domination?Stuart Hall-the greatest power and influence of an ideology within a culture Theatre of struggle?Hall-theater of conflict in a culture that continuously changes and shifts with time Overdeterminism?ideological domination occurs by multiple factors, not one single cause Critique of Cultural Studies Theory Too broad in scope, similar to narrative theory; Insufficient attention given to gender. Perhaps gender scholars are also at fault for not mobilizing around these issues for enlightening critical audiences Too ideological?perhaps. But this is the central focus of the theory Chapter 13: Postmodernism; Father?Michel Foucault Defined two ways: As a time period (from modernity to postmodernity); As a critical tool?rejection of an ?ism? or the denial of a universal value or belief Prefer term subject over individual Language?Derrida-Dr Eaves concept of Mechanic Speak, an off shoot of deconstruction Deconstruction is breaking down language into understandable parts. Discursive structures?highly ensconced ways of thinking and conducting social life Critique of Postmodernism Many Feminists reject since Foucault and other postmodernists do not specify emancipation; Foucault often criticized for being nihilistic, or belief in nothing; Foucault escapes charges of nihilism through his theory of ?points of resistance? Film Issues Ferris Beuller?s Day Off; Gives an example of postmodernism froma critical tool; Ferris is the chief postmodernist; Mr Rooney, the principal is the chief modernist; His actions typify a person who resists rules, establishment, and institutionalism Film Issues Blade Runner; Depicts postmodernism as a time period, not a critical tool; Shows a pessimistic portrayal of society in the not so distant future; Has a negative interp of tech in society; Issue of theater version vs director? Quick reference for study for Exam One (this is NOT comprehensive) Scholars: Shannon and Weaver............Ogden and Richards.....Searle Korzybski....Hawakaya.............Skinner........Heidegger Bormann..........Bales........Eaves/Beadle--UNESCO paper Concepts: SMCR Model........Speech/Communication Discipline History Triangle of Meaning...Ladder of Abstraction..Symbols-characteristics Intensional vs Extensional Orientation....Critique of Semantics theory Free Will......................Determinism throwness...................... institutional facts............brute facts intensional orientation........extensional orientation subjectivity...................objectivity (t)ruth........................(T)ruth individual focus...............group focus create meaning/reality.........discover reality/meaning Metaphor-potter and clay.......Metaphor....cure for cancer or find dino DNA choose or choice-based.........environment dictates behavior abstract.......................concrete |