UCLA Department of Communication Studies

Communication Studies 10: Introduction to Communication Studies

Discussion Section Syllabus: Fall 2014

Teaching Assistant: Sandeep Prasanna
Email: sprasanna@ucla.edu

Discussion Sections: Mon 3:00pm 3:50pm, Mon 4:00pm 4:50pm, Mon 5:00pm 5:50pm
Discussion Section Location: Rolfe 3135 (Map)
Office Hours: Mon 1:30pm 2:30pm, Wed 9:00am 10:00am, or by appointment
Office Hours Location: Law School Courtyard (Map)

General Purpose of Section:

Sections are your opportunity to ask questions about the lectures and assigned readings. Section is
recommended to supplement the lectures and discuss the required readings. Required readings will not be
discussed in detail in lecture. For section, you should have read the assigned reading for the week and be
prepared to discuss readings.

We may or may not discuss each reading in detail depending on time constraints. However, I will always
answer questions even if we are not able to discuss the reading in detail, so it is important that you
complete the readings before section. The reading schedule on the next page gives a list of the readings
and discussion section topics as well as the dates by which they should be completed.

Im looking forward to meeting all of you and working with you to make sure you get the most out of this
course. I will do my best to provide a positive and productive classroom environment for all of you, and I
ask that you do the same.

Section Etiquette

Please do not use cell/smart phones during section. This means no texting, talking, or surfing on your
phone during section. If you need to make a phone call or write a text, then step outside to do so and
return when you are finished. Furthermore, no laptops, tablets, or other electronic and recording devices
are allowed during section. If it is necessary for you to use an electronic device, please see me first.
Professor Suman has offered information on the benefits of taking notes by hand in his syllabus.

Extra Help and Office Hours:

Office hours present an opportunity to ask specific questions about the coursework or detailed questions
about the field of Communication Studies. If you cannot make the scheduled office hours, then you can
make an appointment.

Lengthy questions that cannot be answered in three or fewer sentences via email should be raised in
person during section or office hours. For short questions, you can expect me to answer emails within 2
business days. Adding CS10 to the subject line will ensure that I dont miss your email. If I do not
respond within 2 business days, you should send a follow-up email to me.

Research Pool Requirement:

The research requirement for CS10 is described on the course syllabus. The TAs do not oversee this
requirement, so please direct any and all questions to commsubjectpool@gmail.com.
Required Readings:

You will be tested on all required readings.

1. Michael Suman, Communication Studies as a Social Science (available on CCLE)

2. Deborah Tannen, You Just Dont Understand

3. Alex Jones, Losing the News

4. Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Mass Media and Society, 13th edition. (It is
necessary that you read the 13th edition of Taking Sides, as the readings change from edition to edition.)

Reading Schedule:

Week 1 (Oct. 6): Communications Studies as a Social Science (available on CCLE)

Week 2 (Oct. 13): You Just Dont Understand, Chapters 1-5

Week 3 (Oct. 20): You Just Dont Understand, Chapters 6-10

Week 4 (Oct. 27): Taking Sides, To Be Announced (TBA)

Week 5 (Nov. 3): Review. Midterm exam is on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Week 6 (Nov. 10): Taking Sides, TBA

Week 7 (Nov. 17): Losing the News, Chapters 1-4

Week 8 (Nov. 24): Losing the News, Chapters 5-10

Week 9 (Dec. 1): Taking Sides, TBA

Week 10 (Dec. 8): Taking Sides, TBA