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Winter 2009
COMM 940:
Seminar in Mass Communication (Wang)
Cognition & Communication
During this seminar, we will explore the "black box" between communication stimuli
and respondents' behaviors. Classic readings and current trends from psychology,
neuroscience, psychophysiology, and cognitive science, will be reviewed on selected
topics, followed by related communication theories and applications.
Classes will be organized around these cognitive topics: attention, emotion,
motivation, memories, categorization, decision, and dynamic systems. Communication
theories, variables, and phenomena will be woven into these topics. For example,
media modality, media production features, and multitasking will be discussed when
we are immersed in "attention," "emotion," and "memories;" communication research on
cultivation, priming, framing, and stereotyping will be discussed during "memories,"
"categorization," and "dynamic systems."
The objectives are: (1) to develop a clear understanding of key cognitive concepts
and theories which are closely related to communication research, and; (2) to expand
a working knowledge of toolboxes which can help reveal the "black box" (e.g.,
reaction times, physiological measures, signal detection analysis).
Grading will be based on class participation and a research paper. The paper can be
a theoretical review and synthesis, a research project proposal, or an empirical
study using "new" ideas/tools on your/my "old" data sets.
Offered Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30 to 7:18pm, in Derby Hall 3150.
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