COG Introduction to Communication Theory
Course content
The course aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of key communication theories. It also aims to provide an introduction to applying these theories in empirical research related to communicative and cognitive processes. Students are introduced to the dominant research strategies (i.e. qualitative and quantitative) and common research designs within social science. The course also introduces the key stages in small-scale research projects, common methods for sampling, data collection and data analysis, and the academic genre of research proposals. In connection hereto, advantages and limitations of various designs and methods are discussed.
The Master’s Programme in Cognition and Communication, 2024-curriculum:
At the examination, the student can demonstrate: Knowledge and understanding of • key theories, models, and concepts in the field of communication theory, including interpersonal, networked, and mass communication. • the role of media and technology in communication processes and behaviours. • cognitive, cultural, and contextual factors that shape communication practices and meaning-making. • Skills in • identifying, analyzing, and interpreting different forms of interpersonal, networked, and mass communication processes. • identifying, analyzing, and interpreting specific cognitive, cultural, and contextual factors and their role in communication processes. • Competencies in • applying communication theories, models, and concepts to analyze real-world communication phenomena. • critically assessing the role of technological, cognitive, cultural, and contextual factors in real-world communication phenomena. • communicating effectively and coherently about communication processes and theories in both oral and written forms.
The course involves weekly lectures, and individual and group exercises. The method of instruction is typically a mixture between lectures, class discussion, group work, individual presentations, and exercises.
The course literature consists of an introductory textbook in social science research, select chapters and excerpts from textbooks and works in communication theory, and classic and contemporary research papers.
No background in communication theory or empirical research is assumed.
- ECTS
- 15 ECTS
- Type of assessment
-
Written assignment
- Type of assessment details
- Form of exam: Take-home assignment, optional subject, following
active class participation.
Scope: 11-15 standard pages - Examination prerequisites
-
The active class participation consists of: • Minimum 75% class attendance • Approval of three exercises (form and extend are described in the course description at http://kurser.ku.dk) • Student peer feedback on two of the exercises.
The active class participation consists of: • Minimum 75% class attendance • Approval of three exercises (form and extend are described in the course description at http://kurser.ku.dk) • Student peer feedback on two of the exercises.
1) AI-generated text may not be used verbatim in any written work submitted in relation to a course or exam (be it homework, writing assignments, final papers, etc.). Any exemption from this will be communicated in relation to the specific task/assignment.
2) Any other use of generative AI (exploratory work, summarizing materials, adversarial interaction, as research object etc.) needs to be specified and detailed in a short appendix (1-2 standard pages). This appendix should specify the tools and/or models used as well as the tasks/activities involved.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Exam period
-
January 2026
- Re-exam
-
February 2026
Criteria for exam assessment
Form of exam: Take-home assignment, optional subject, following active class participation.
- Category
- Hours
- Class Instruction
- 56
- Preparation
- 353,5
- English
- 409,5
Kursusinformation
- Language
- English
- Course number
- HCCK03061U
- ECTS
- 15 ECTS
- Programme level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
-
1 semester
- Placement
- Autumn
- Schedulegroup
-
!
- Studyboard
- Study Board of Communication
Contracting department
- Department of Communication
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Humanities
Course Coordinator
- Andreas Lindegaard Gregersen (3-696f7a48707d7536737d366c73)
Teacher
Andreas Gregersen, Mara Günther
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Kursusinformation for indskrevne studerende