Aims

By the end of this course, students should be able to present and discuss the basic founding theories of Information and Communication. Students should be able to use this knowledge to situate the theories within the wider field of the Human and Social Sciences.

Main themes

The course shows how Information and Communication fits into the field of Human and Social Sciences and provides a critical review of the founding theories of Information and Communication Science (ICS). Showing how these theories are linked to the key writers in the field, the course traces the development of Information and Communication Sciences from its beginnings.
In terms of the subject matter, there is continuity between this course and the course on Sociological Approaches to Information and Communication given in BAC 2, a continuity ensured through teaching teams. Unlike BAC 2 however, this course will focus on how Information and Communication Sciences has come to be established as a field in its own right, its contribution to the Human and Social Sciences and its distinguishing features.
The practical exercise sessions will be spent:
- Applying the concepts and notions covered in the course to a range of issues in the field of Communication.
- Learning how to conduct methodical analyses

Content and teaching methods

Using authentic current or past communicative acts as a point of departure, the course will introduce students to the founding concepts of Information and Communication Science, covering a range of mathematical, semio-structural, psycho-sociological, functionalist and pragmatic theories. It examines the history of theory and practice in ICS, examining the links between them and showing how they have influenced each other, thus giving students an insight into the crucial issues and components of ICS.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Supervision: The ten hours of practical exercises are in the form of project work, which will be supported and supervised by members of the scientific personnel.
Additional Information: this course is part of the Minor in Information and Communication.

Other credits in programs