Unit 1 Summary
In this unit, you learned an academic approach to understanding communication and communication study. Smith, Laswell, and Casey offer a simple definition of communication study: “who says what, through what channels (media) of communication, to whom, [and] what will be the results” (1946). Now you can provide an answer to those who ask you what Communication study is about. Our definition of communication, the process of using symbols to exchange meaning, allows you to understand how we use this term throughout the book. The linear and transactional models of communication act as visual representations of both communication study and communication. Our history tells us that people from all cultures have been interested in observing and theorizing about the role of communication in multiple contexts. The Old School of communication study consisted of four major periods of intellectual development, including the Classical Period that gave birth to seminal figures who set the foundation for communication study. Finally, you are now aware of the importance of studying communication: that it impacts your personal, social, and professional life.
References
Smith, B. L., Lasswell, H. D., & Casey, R. D. (1946). Propaganda, communication, and public opinion: A comprehensive reference guide. Princeton University Press.
Activities and Graded Assessments
Activities
| Activity Number | Activity Description |
|---|---|
| Activity 1 | Personal Reflection Journal – Reflection Question 1 |
| Activity 2 | Reading – Introduction to Human Communication |
| Activity 3 | Interactive – Communication Foundation Activity |
| Activity 4 | Reading – Defining Communication |
| Activity 5 | Interactive – Personal Identity Drag and Drop Activity |
| Activity 6 | Reading – Communication Study and You |
| Activity 7 | Interactive – Personal Identity Hotspots Activity |
Graded Assessments
Please open the course in Moodle and complete the following:
- Quiz 1 (3%)
