Publication in the Diário da República: Despacho n.º 428/2023 de 09/01/2023 + RA-EF/641/2011/AL04 de 22/01/2025
5 ECTS; 2º Ano, 2º Semestre, 42,0 TP + 2,0 OT , Cód. 8297121.
Lecturer
- Raquel Palma Tomé de Sousa Botelho (1)(2)
(1) Docente Responsável
(2) Docente que lecciona
Prerequisites
NA
Objectives
Upon completing this course unit, students should be able to:
Understand the main classical theories of communication and their evolution over time.
Critically analyze new communication theories, particularly in the digital context.
Relate different theoretical approaches to contemporary communication phenomena.
Apply theoretical concepts to the interpretation and production of media messages.
Program
1. Introduction to Communication Theories
Definition of mass communication and its importance.
Evolution of communication studies.
2. Classical Communication Theories
Shannon and Weavers Model.
Hypodermic Needle Theory and persuasion in mass communication.
Two-Step Flow Theory (Lazarsfeld).
Spiral of Silence Theory (Noelle-Neumann).
Uses and Gratifications Theory.
3. Critical and Cultural Approaches
Frankfurt School and the Culture Industry.
Hegemony Theory and the Media (Gramsci).
Agenda-Setting and Framing Theory.
4. New Communication Theories in the Digital World
Media Ecology and the revisited theory of McLuhan.
Network communication and social graph theory.
Algorithms, filter bubbles, and the new attention economy.
Post-truth and disinformation in the digital environment.
Participatory communication and the theory of Convergence Culture.
Artificial intelligence and machine-mediated communication.
Evaluation Methodology
ASSESSMENT BY CONTINUOUS EVALUATION:
One oral exam 50% + one written exam 50%.
The final grade results from the weighted average of the defined assessment components and their respective weights. Students must complete both exams in order to pass the course unit during the continuous assessment period. Students who do not complete both exams or who obtain less than 10 (out of 20) in either component are admitted to the exam period.
The student passes the course unit in accordance with points 11 and 12 of Article 11 of the Academic Regulations of IPT. The indicated assessment method also applies to working students. The indicated assessment method also applies to Erasmus students.
EXAM PERIOD:
Written exam (100%).
Students pass with a grade higher than 10 (out of 20).
The student passes the course unit in accordance with points 11 and 12 of Article 11 of the Academic Regulations of IPT. The indicated assessment method also applies to working students. The indicated assessment method also applies to Erasmus students.
Bibliography
- Castels, M. (2013). Rdes de indignação e esperança. Portugal: Almedina
- McLuhan, M. (1991). Understanding Media. Boston: MIT Press
- McQuail, D. (2004). Teoria da Comunicação de Massas. Lisboa: FCG
- Tarde, G. (1992). A Opinião e as Massas. São Paulo: DinaLivro
- Windhal, S. (2008). Using Communication theory. Amsterdão: Sano
Teaching Method
Presentation of the main authors, concepts, and theories. Guided reading and discussion of articles. Writing critical texts on the material covered.
Software used in class
NA
