Notes about the theory assignment

Those of you who are doing the reading for Assignment #2 are pretty likely to get bogged down in the heavy, detailed writing of the theorists. When that happens, you should notice that it's happening (one of the objectives of this assignment is to figure out what theory articles look like, after all!), but don't automatically assume that you have to struggle through each and every word. If you get to a tough, dense section, it's actually usually better to put a lighter touch on your reading -- skim quickly until you have a basic idea of what the author has said, and then move on to try to get the big picture. (If you're playing a tough music passage, with tons of fast notes, do you think you're more likely to get the notes if you clamp down with your fingers on your instrument, or lighten up and be more limber?) Remember, you don't need to know all the details for this assignment -- just make sure you get the main points.

-R. R.

Week 2 Quiz FAQ

Q: Do we need to read all the theory readings listed in the reader for this week's quiz?

A: No. The test will cover the last 2 Wed. lecture classes (about history &
theories), Harris Ch. 2, and potentially the 1 reading you chose to read
for Assignment #2. In other words, you don't need to read all of the
readings listed under Week 2 in the on-line reader; if there are any quiz
questions about the separate theory readings, you'll be able to answer
them based only on the 1 reading you chose (+ the textbook chapter).

Assignment #2 FAQ

Q: How do I draw a diagram of my theory?

A: Basically, just think of how you would summarize the theory, and then
draw a picture of that summary -- just make sure you include a media
stimulus and some sort of response in your diagram. You can use the
diagram I gave today as a guide, but just make sure you don't copy it
exactly.

Lecture notes

That's a lot of theories, eh? For your studying pleasure, I've posted the second set of lecture notes in the "Misc" section of the course website.

If you have trouble viewing the notes in your browser, try right-clicking on each link and selecting "Save Link As..." or "Save Target As..."

-R. Rudy

Reading #15

As I mentioned in Friday's class, Reading #15 is now assigned for Monday, Jan. 22 (Week 3) instead of Feb. 28. That change is reflected in the on-line syllabus and reader.

-R. Rudy

3 things...

1. I've posted yesterday's lecture on the "Misc" page of the course website.
   
2. In order to access Reading #3, you'll need to click on the Chadwyck e-link and scroll down to #14.
   
3. Crashers: I've heard that there's still room in a Comm course being taught by Jeff Greenfield (of CNN fame). 1st class is tonight (Thursday). Check out this link.
   

-R. Rudy

Welcome

Welcome to the COMM 113 blog! Check here for up-to-the-minute tips about assignments, answers to your (and your classmates') questions, etc. Feel free to leave comments and ask questions!

-R. Rudy, instructor