Introduction to Communication and Linguistics

Course Purpose

This introductory course provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the twin fields of communication studies and linguistics. By exploring how language functions, how meaning is created, and how people exchange information across contexts, learners gain the analytical tools needed for advanced study in media, education, sociology, psychology, and many other disciplines.

What You Will Learn

Core Concepts in Communication

• Models of communication linear, interactive, and transactional frameworks.
• Encoding, decoding, and feedback processes.
• Channels, media richness, and the impact of technology.
• Barriers to effective communication and strategies for overcoming them.
• Interpersonal, smallgroup, and mass communication dynamics.

Fundamental Linguistic Topics

• Phonetics and phonology the sound system of language.
• Morphology word formation and structure.
• Syntax rules that govern sentence construction.
• Semantics meaning at the word and sentence level.
• Pragmatics contextual usage and implied meaning.
• Language variation dialects, sociolects, and registers.

Intersections of Communication and Linguistics

• How discourse analysis reveals patterns of power and identity.
• The role of language in media framing and audience perception.
• Communication competence and linguistic politeness strategies.
• Multimodal communication integrating text, image, sound, and gesture.

Course Structure

The semester is divided into three main modules, each lasting roughly four weeks.

Module 1: Foundations of Communication Theory

Lectures introduce classic and contemporary models, followed by classroom activities that illustrate feedback loops and noise. Students complete a short analysis of a realworld communication event (e.g., a news broadcast or a corporate announcement).

Module 2: Introduction to Linguistic Analysis

Students learn basic phonetic transcription, morphological parsing, and syntactic treedrawing. Laboratory sessions provide handson practice with language data sets, and a miniproject requires participants to describe the grammar of an unfamiliar language using supplied data.

Module 3: Applied Topics Discourse and Media

Focus shifts to discourse analysis, critical language awareness, and the influence of digital media. The final group project involves a multimodal case study where learners examine how language shapes public opinion on a contemporary issue.

Assessment Overview

Evaluation balances theoretical understanding with practical application.

• Quizzes (20%) Short online tests after each module.
• Individual assignment (15%) Linguistic description of a language snippet.
• Group project (30%) Multimodal discourse analysis presentation.
• Midterm exam (15%) Covers communication models and basic linguistic concepts.
• Final exam (20%) Integrative questions that bridge both disciplines.

Recommended Reading

• Berger, C. R., & Luckmann, T. (1966). The Social Construction of Reality.
• Chomsky, N. (1957). Syntactic Structures.
• Foley, W. A. (Ed.). (1997). Anthology of Contemporary Linguistic Theory.
• McCroskey, J. C. (2002). Communication Skills.
• Gee, J. P. (2014). An Introduction to Discourse Analysis.

Additional articles, podcasts, and video lectures will be posted on the courses learning management system each week.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain major communication models and apply them to everyday interactions.
• Identify and describe phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic features of language.
• Conduct a basic discourse analysis, recognizing how language constructs social meaning.
• Critically evaluate the role of media in shaping public discourse.
• Present findings in clear, academically rigorous written and oral formats.

Enrollment Information

This course is open to undergraduate students from any major who have completed introductory psychology or a basic writing course. No prior knowledge of linguistics or communication theory is required.

Class meets twice a week for 90 minutes each session, with an additional weekly lab of 60 minutes for handson activities.