THE GUIDANCE OF TEACHING PROGRAM

Postgraduate Program of The London School of Public Relations-Jakarta

Revision: 00

Course Subject

EACT01 Advance
Communication Theory

Teaching Team

Dr Rino Boer (Course

Coordinator rino.fb@lspr.edu);

SCU

4 credits

Valid date

1 November 2014

Pre-requisites

NONE

Syllabus designed by

Dr Rino Boer

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Category

Description

Course
Description

This Advanced Communication theory course focuses on the students ability to be able to determine the various
suitable Communication Theories, in accordance to the observed object in work area or individual interests. Therefore,
the preparation provided will focus more towards providing in depth understansing towards the students ability to
determine the relevant Communication Theories.

Learning
Outcomes

After completing this Advance Communication Theory course, students are expected to be able to:
L1. Recognise and understands the aim of the course
L2. Explain about various research paradigms, controversies, contradictions as well as several meeting points;
L3. Develop suitable research questionnaires for use in the research plan and conduct explication;
L4. Understand, explain and differentiate current Communication theories in various different traditions;
L5. Understand, explain and differentiate current Communication theories that are applied in the different
communication contexts;
L6. Understand and explain Communication theory that will be used related to current condition in the general public;
L7. Develop a suitable research proposal.
In general, after completion of this course, the student is expected to be able to determine the most suitable
Communication theory that is related to the phenomena tobe observed, or research plan that is to be conducted both

No.

Category

Description
in research thesis format, as well as other communication research, or in analysing the phenomena in the scope of
their work place or daily individual activities.

Grading

A : 90-100; A- : 85-89.99; B+: 80-84.99;B: 75-79.99; B-: 70-74.99; FAIL: Below 70.00

Assessment
component

No. Component
Percentage CILO
1. Weekly Post Quiz
5%
CILO1
2. Twice weekly Group Discussion
5%
CILO2,3,4
3. One (1) Group assignment
10%
CILO2,3,4,5
4. Two (2) Individual assignments
10% ** CILO2,4,5,7
5. Midterm Exam
30%
CILO1,2,4,5,6
6. Final Exam
40%
CILO1,2,4,5,6
----------------------------------------------------------------TOTAL Grading
100%

Due date
End of every week*
Every Wed and Sat 1500pm WIB
End of week 4, Sat 15Nov2014*
End of weeks 4 & 7,Sat15thNov2014& 6thDec2014*
Sat13th Dec 2014 (on campus)
Sat21st Feb 2015 (on campus)

All online materials are accessible from elearning.lspr.edu website

Assignments are all submitted online from elearning.lspr.edu website
* Saturday at 2350pm WIB
** Each Individual assignment is graded at 5% each towards final grade
Lecturers will be available for a live online chat session with students for 30 minutes during the following timeslots
5

Lecture live
chat

Class policies

Day
Wednesday
Saturday

Consultation slot
21.00pm to 21.30pm WIB
21.00pm to 21.30pm WIB

Chat is accessible from elearning.lspr.edu website

Students are expected to,
Complete 100% every weekly activity: Pre & Post quizzes, practices quizzes, View class video, audio, transcript,
presentation slides, Twice weekly Group discussion assignments before the end of every weekly session
(Saturday midnight 23.59pm)

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Description
Participate in group forum discussion and twice weekly chat regularly.
Plan on obtaining any notes, announcements, and so on from their fellow class mates, in the event of
emergencies.
Arrive to class on time for each on campus session. On campus sessions will begin promptly, and tardiness is an
interruption that is both rude and distracting for both the instructor and students. Note that any information students
miss as a result of being late is their responsibility.
Absence policy
Student who do not complete 100% of every weekly activity before the due date, will be considered not present
in that session.
The maximum number of absence in this course is four (4) times.
If the student has four or more absence, the student will not be allowed to take the final exam.
Hence the failed student will have to retake the course in future semesters to pass the course.
For on campus session, to provide a classroom that is conducive to learning, please refrain from,
Answering cell phones or replying to text messages
Engaging in conversations with fellow classmates outside of the scope of the class
Any other disruptive behaviour

Peer review

Class
Environment/
Policies

Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Students are encouraged to become familiar with the LSPR
Code of Conduct as they relate to academic dishonesty/cheating.
All assignments are due on the date specified in the discussion with the lecturer.
Students may, however, turn in any assignment in advance of the due date.
Only important topics will be discussed in class, and it is the students responsibility to read other related topics.
To ensure fairness in grading of group assignment, students will be requested to conduct anonymous peer review
every end of the semester/ course. Students are encouraged to grade their group peers fairly using an online matrix
that covers individual contribution towards group discussions and group assignments.
In order to achieve previously identified course objectives, we will follow an interactive class format. Students are
expected to come to class on time, take notes and prepare the assigned class material for each session by doing
some readings and/or case studies.

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Description of
Teaching
Method

10

Academic
Honesty

11

AntiPlagiarism
Policy

Description
In the interest of providing a meaningful learning experience and creating and exciting class environment, students
thoughtful participation is required, whereby students own experiences, comments, anecdotes ought to be shared,
including relevant issues and question raised in class.
Considering the intensive nature of this module and heavy emphasis on class discussion and interaction,
attendance of all sessions and class participation are necessary for a successful completion of this
course.
The course method will consist of lectures, facilitation, presentations, assignments and paper submission. The lecturer
organizes, supervises and facilitates the class as well as conduct lectures in the first few meetings. The students will
then be asked to lead class discussions and make report presentations. For their own benefit, students are expected
to read the assigned chapter(s) prior to the pertinent class sessions, and optional reading (choices from suggested
reference books or other related PR books).
Short case studies that illustrate the complexities of Corporate Communications management and invite students
to apply their ideas in practical problem solving.
Classroom participation is expected and required. This will be evaluated using a self-evaluation format.
Group assignment with the objective of getting a deeper understanding into some important concepts and
applications. With this assignment, students will have to analyze Corporate Communications management case
studies and present professional presentation. Group participation is expected and will be evaluated using a group
& self-evaluation format. Assessment is based on the quality of group assignment, contribution to the coursework,
and involvement in the class. It must be noted that group assignment means members of the group are to work as
a team, and there should be no free riders!
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The
most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will
result in a grade of zero for the work involved.
All assignments will need to have a signed declaration on the 2nd page (after the cover) that the material submitted is
the students own work and that all work taken from other sources is properly acknowledged.
Use this wording on the 2nd page of each report :
I certify that the attached assignment is my own work and that any material obtained from other sources has been
acknowledged.

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Category

Description
I grant permission to the London School of Public Relations to make copies of assignments for assessment, review
and/or record keeping purposes. I note that the London School of Public Relations reserves the right to check my
assignment for plagiarism.
Signed Date
Penalty for students who performed plagiarism: FAILED from the subject.
1st / cover page:
Course title
Topic title
Student Name:
NIM:
Class:
Concentration:
Lecturer name:
Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Komunikasi
eLearning Postgraduate Programme of LSPR
City, Month, Year
2nd page:
I certify that the attached assignment is my own work and that any material obtained from other sources has been
acknowledged.
I grant permission to the London School of Public Relations to make copies of assignments for assessment, review
and/or record keeping purposes. I note that the London School of Public Relations reserves the right to check my
assignment for plagiarism.
Signed Date

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12

Referencing

13

General
Policy

14

Attendance
Policy

Description
PGP applied APA (American Psychological Association) as references system for all paper work in each subjects
(latest version is 6th Edition, 2010).
1.
2.
3.
4.

Worldwide accepted International/ national conferences and reputable journals.

Up dated revisions.
Easy for students: Students will learn while practicing this references before doing thesis.
Easy to learn : www.apastyle.org and feel free to come to the Thesis Depart. (on the 9th floor with Ms.Sari/Hani)
and ask for softcopy file.

Students must abide by policies in the LSPR Student Handbook, and the Basic Graduate Student Responsibilities.
Students are expected to log in and participate as part of their learning in the course. Instructors establish specific
policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course
syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused
absences have in determining grades and upon students ability to remain enrolled in their courses. LSPR reserves the
right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or
failing grades.
It is expected that students in this class will conduct themselves with good sense, courtesy, and dignity in all courserelated activities. This includes your behavior towards other students and the instructor. Inappropriate language or
flaming will not be tolerated and can negatively affect your grade.
It is imperative that students in an online environment exhibit proper online etiquette and appropriate online behaviors.
Students deemed to exhibit inappropriate online behavior may be dropped from the course.

15

Online
Etiquette

Students are expected to participate in all discussions and virtual classroom chats when directed to do so. Students
are to be respectful and courteous to others in the discussions. Foul or abusive language will not be tolerated.
Discussion, chat, and e-mail spaces within this course are for class purposes only, unless otherwise stated. Please
remember to conduct yourself collegially and professionally. Unlike in the classroom setting, what you say in the online
environment is documented and not easily erased or forgotten.
The following guidelines apply:
Avoid using ALL CAPS, sarcasm, and language that could come across as strong or offensive.

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Description
Use proper punctuation, grammar and be sure to edit your contribution before posting.
Read all postings before posting your responses to discussion topics so as to not unnecessarily repeat information.
Keep chat comments brief and to the point.
Focus on one topic at a time when chatting or posting to discussions.
Remember that unlike in face-to-face learning environments what you say in discussions and chats is documented
and available to be revisited. Choose your words and discussion topics carefully.
E-mail should only be used for messages pertaining to the course. Please refrain from sending forwards, jokes, etc.
within e-mail.
The majority of online class time is spent posting opinions and sharing information. Therefore, it is very important to
communicate with courtesy and professionalism. Professional Courtesy includes respecting others' opinions, being
courteous and respectful, and working together in the spirit of cooperation. Sexist, heterosexist, and racist language
should not be used when communicating in the course. Slang should not be used in the discussion posts. The same
guidelines for professional communication in the classroom apply to content that a student references in a discussion
or assignment. Please make sure that all content that is brought into the online classroom is professional in nature. If a
student links to material that is non-professional, derogatory, pornographic, or promotes personal opinion (such as
political or religious agenda) the link will be deleted and the student may be subject to further disciplinary action.

16

Communicati
on
Expectations
and
Standards

Since we cannot see each other in the online environment, it is hard to tell if a writer is bashful, bored, sarcastic, angry,
or just kidding. Therefore, when you critique your classmates, please proof-read your responses carefully before you
post them. Refrain from slipping into arguments. Be sensitive and positive in your approach to others, and careful with
your words. You are encouraged to visit the following websites and review proper communications in the electronic
format:
www.albion.com/netiquette/
www.bspage.com/1netiq/Netiq.html
All emails or discussion postings will receive a response from your professor within 48 hours.
You can send email anytime that is convenient for you. Lecturer will check their email messages during the day
throughout the work-week (Monday through Friday) and will respond to email messages during the work-week by the
close of business (5:00 pm) on the day following their receipt of them. Emails received by lecturer on Friday will be
responded to by the close of business on the following Monday.
When sending email, use your lspr.edu email address. Lecturers have the right to Not respond to emails that are,

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17

Submission
and
Collection of
Assignment

In regards to the given Individual and Group assignments, students are expected to,
Submit all assignments before or on the due date specified in the discussion with lecturer.
Late submission will be penalized by -3 (minus three) per day deducted from your score.

Learning
Support

Students should first email the LSPR S2 Online Program Helpdesk at Lsprs2@harukaedu.com for learning or
academic issues with accessing your online course or call at +62 858 177 03214
The helpdesk is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week via email or whatsapp.
The helpdesk strive to respond to any email or whatsapp based query within 24 hours.
For callers, the telephone line is available during office hours, Monday to Friday: 0900am to 1700pm.

18

Description
a. Non-lspr.edu, as there is no way to authenticate the sender. Make sure students include your name, title of the
course, time of the course and a brief reason for your email in the subject line.
b. Without a subject line. Take the time to use proper spelling and grammar in your email. You are contacting your
lecturer, NOT a friend. This is professional email addressing a specific concern related to your education. Take
responsibility for your concern and address me in a professional manner. Lecturers will always address you with
the same professionalism and courtesy.
c. With improper/bad : grammar, spelling and/or basic professionalisms or courtesies.

Course Outline (CILO: Course Intended Learning Outcomes)

Week

CILO

CILO1

CILO2

CILO2

Session topic
Overview of the course. Covering,
Course overview, Study method, course assignments,
References, Grading System, Research Code of Ethics
Paradigms (1) Covers,
Various paradigms based on differences: Ontology
(Obj-Subj); Episemology; Methodology; Actiology
Discussion on positivist & post-positivist paradigms
Paradigms (2) Cover,
Discussions on paradigms of: Critical Theories,

Method*

P, D, Q&A

P, D, Q&A

P, D, Q&A

Media

Duration
(hour)

References

On
Campus

2.5

Internet

2.5

Internet

2.5

GBPP & Course Schedule

MR6.pp.546-552: Mokros &
Friedrich (2009) The future of
communication theory &
research.
MR2 pp.191-215: Guba & Lincoln
(2005) Paradigmatic,
controversies, contradictions,
&emerging confluences.
MR2 pp.191-215: Guba & Lincoln
(2005) Paradigmatic,

Week

CILO

Session topic

Method*

Media

Duration
(hour)

References
controversies, contradictions,
&emerging confluences.

constructivism and participatory

Control; Foundations of truth; Validity; Voice,
reflectivity, postmodern textual representation; A
glimpse of the future
P, D, Q&A

CILO4

CILO4

CILO3

CILO5

Tradition based Communication Theory (1) Covers,

Individual
Communication theory map based on 7 current Assignment 01
submission
traditions; Rhetorical;
due: Read &
Semiotic; Phenomenology; Cybernetic
develop article
summary
Tradition based Communication Theory (2) Covers,
Communication theory map based on 7 current
P, D, Q&A
traditions; Sociopsychological;
Sociocultural; Critical tradition
Integration of Communication theory and research.
Covers,
Communication Theory Process;
P, D, Q&A
Research process; Submission of Research
Question; Explication;
Literature review; Validity; Reliability; Unit of
analysis; Empirical study
P, D, Q&A
Communication theory based on applied
communication context (1) Cover,
Communication theory map based on
communication context
The communicator; The message; Conversation;
Relationship

Individual
Assignment
02
submission
due:
Explicate key
concepts tobe
used in thesis

Internet

2.5

Internet

2.5

Internet

2.5

Internet

2.5

MR1 pp.55-62 & 63-101:

Craig (2007) Communication
theory as a field.
MR7

MR1 pp.55-62 & 63-101:

Craig (2007) Communication
theory as a field.
MR8
MR6 pp.3-12: Stacks &
Salwen (2009).Integrating
theory & research.
MR6 pp.13-29: Chaffee
(2009) Thinking about theory.

MR4: pp.34-53. The

Communicator,pp.61-98;The
Message,pp.99-141;
Conversation,pp.142185;Relationship;186-212.
MR9

Week

CILO

CILO1,2
,3,4

10

Session topic

Method*

MID EXAM

Media

Duration
(hour)

On
Campus

3.0

CILO5

Communication theory based on applied

communication context (2) Cover,
Communication theory map based on
communication context
Group; Organization; The media; Culture & society

P, D, Q&A

CILO6

New field of communication theory (1) Covers,

Internet communication: Gatekeeping challenges;
Credibility; Media agenda; Hyperlink networks;
Revitalizing uses & gratifications; Methodology;
Content analysis; Experiments; Surveys
Diffusions of innovations

P, D, Q&A

Internet

2.5

Internet

2.5

CILO6

New field of communication theory (2) Covers,

Political communication
Public relations & integrated communication

Group
assignment
due: Reading
Task

P, D, Q&A
11

References

Internet

2.5

12

CILO6

13

CILO7

14

CILO7

New field of communication theory (3) Covers,

Health communication;
Feminist theory & research
Alignment of Communication context observed,
theory and research method. Covers Communication
research design
Alignment of Communication context observed,
theory and research method. Covers Communication
research design

P, D, Q&A

Internet

2.5

P, D, Q&A

Internet

2.5

P, D, Q&A

Internet

2.5

MR4: pp.34-53.The Group,

pp.213-238;
Organization,pp.239-272;
The Media,pp.273-299;
Culture&Society,pp.300-340.
MR10
MR6 pp.389-405: Messner &
Garrison (2009) Internet
communication.
MR6 pp.418-434: Rogers,
Singhal, & Quinlan. (2009)
Diffusion of innovations.
MR6 pp. 457-472: Kaid
(2009) Political
communication.
MR6 pp.473-488: Newsom
(2009) Public relations &
integrated communication.
MR6 pp. 489-503: Atkin &
Silk (2009) Health
communication.
MR6 pp.504-522:Sarikakis et
al. (2009) Feminist theory &
research.

Week

CILO

15

CILO7

16

CILO5,6
,7

Session topic
Alignment of Communication context observed,
theory and research method. Covers Communication
research design

Method*

Media

Duration
(hour)

P, D, Q&A

Internet

2.5

On
Campus

3.0

FINAL EXAM

References

Abbreviations:
*Method: P: Presentation; D: Discussion; Q&A: Question & Answer; Pr: Practice

Reference List:
No.

Type

Code

Cat

MR

MR1

MR

MR2

Info
Craig, Robert T., Muller, Heidi L. (eds) (2007) Theorizing communication:readings across traditions. California: SAGE
Publications Inc.
Denzin, Norman K. & Yvonna S. Lincoln. (2009) Handbook of Qualitative Research. California: SAGE Publications Inc.

MR

MR3

Griffin, E. M. (2006) A First Look at Communication Theory, 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill.

MR

MR4

MR

MR5

MR

MR6

MR

MR7

MR

MR8

MR

MR9

10

MR

MR10

Littlejohn, Stephen W. & Karen A. Foss. (2005) Theories of Human communication, 8th edition. Canada: Thomson Learning,
Inc.
Miller, Katherine. (2005) Communication Theories; Perspective, Processes, and Context, 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Stacks, Don W., Salwen, Michaek B. (eds) (2009) An integrated approach to communication theory & research. UK:
Routledge.
Yang, Z.Janet et al.(2011) Information seeking related to clinical trial enrollment. Journal of Communication Research.
DEnbau, Suzy. (2011) Sex,feminism, and advertising:the politics of advertising feminism in a competitive
marketplace.Journal of communication inquiry.
DeAndrea, Davic., & Walther, Joseph B. (2011) Attributions for Inconsistencies Between Online and Offline selfpresentations.Journal of communication research.
Manolis,Chris., et al. (2001) Partial employees and consumers A postmodern, meta-theoretical perspective for services
marketing.Journal of Marketing Theory.

Notes: Type: MR: Mandatory Reference, OR: Optional Reference Cat: B: Book, J: Journal, P: Paper

Session schedule:
Week

Session

Sat01st Nov2014

Location
Exam

On Campus

2
Mon3rd-Sat8th
Nov2014
Online

3
Mon3rd-Sat8th
Nov2014
Online

Session
Location
Exam
Assignment due
date
Week
Session
Location
Exam
Assignment due
date

5
Mon17th Sat22nd Nov2014
Online

6
Mon24th -Sat29th
Nov2014
Online

11
Mon12th-Sat17th
Jan2015
Online

12
Mon19th-Sat24th
Jan2015
Online

Individual
assignment01:
Reading Task

Assignment due
date
Week

4
Mon10th- Sat15th
Nov2014
Online

7
Mon1st-Sat6th
Dec2014
Online

8
Sat13Dec2014
On Campus
Mid exam

9
Mon15th-Sat20th
Dec2014
Online

10
Mon05th-Sat10th
Jan2015
Online

Individual
assignment02:
Explikasi
13
Mon26th-Sat31st
Jan2015
Online

Group
assignment:
Reading Task
14
Mon02nd-Sat07th
Feb2015
Online

15
Mon09thSat14th
Feb2015
Online

16
Sat21st Feb2015
On Campus
Final exam

Prepared by :

Checked by :

Authorized by :

Assessor
(Lecturer)
Tgl.
| | 2014

Internal Verifier
(Programme Director)
Tgl.
|
| 2014

Internal Coordinator
(Head/Deputy of PGP)
Tgl.
|
| 2014