1. How did the term "theory" originate? Do you think the origin of the term influences how we think about theory today?
2. How did Ernest Bormann define "communication theory?" What characteristics of this definition are important?
3. Discuss one example of a communication theory or concept that you have found relatively useful. What characteristics of this concept or theory make it especially useful? In general, do you agree or disagree with Kurt Lewin's statement that "there is nothing so practical as a good theory?" Why?
4. What are some visual metaphors for theory? What aspects of the concept of theory do these metaphors highlight?
5. Using an example, discuss five main differences between the scientific and humanistic perspectives on theory.
6. Imagine you were to approach someone attractive after class and begin talking with them. The conversation quickly becomes awkward and you get the message that this person is definitely NOT interested in you. Afterwards, you find yourself thinking back and reflecting on this somewhat embarrassing event. If you were to think about this event from a scientific perspective, what would be your point of view towards the event? How would you analyze it? What if you took a humanistic perspective? What then would be your point of view, and how would you analyze the event? Does one of these perspectives seem more natural to you? Do you think both perspectives are useful? Why?
7. State and explain five standards for evaluating a theory from a scientific perspective.
8. State and explain five standards for evaluating a theory from a humanistic perspective.
9. Briefly summarize the Symbolic Convergence Theory of Ernest Bormann and discuss its most important strengths and weaknesses according to both scientific and humanistic standards.
10. Explain the transmission and ritual models of communication and discuss how the two models differ.
11. According to Carey, the transmission and ritual views of communication have deep religious and historical roots in U. S. American society. Explain his point and discuss why it might be important.
12. Think about our classroom as a communication situation. How would you describe our classroom communication from a transmission perspective? How about from a ritual perspective? Do you think both perspectives are necessary and helpful from a practical standpoint? Why or why not?
13. How does Carey define communication? Using an example, explain the significance of defining communication as a "symbolic" process.
14. Explain Carey's point that theories of human communication are "reflexive" because models "of" communication are also models "for" communication.
15. Using one or more examples, argue both for and against the idea that theories about human communication influence how communication is actually practiced in society.
16. How does reflexivity occur within our experience as individuals? Discuss and illustrate with one or more examples.
17. What is a "muted group" and why are women a muted group in our society according to Cheris Kramarae? What is the evidence for her claim?
18. Is muted group theory primarily a scientific theory, primarily a humanistic theory, or does it combine elements of both perspectives? Defend your answer.
19. Griffin writes: "Kramarae points to the many ways that our political, educational, religious, legal, and media systems support gender, race, and class hierarchies. Your response to muted group theory may well depend on whether you are a beneficiary or a victim of these systems." What is his point and how is it based on Muted Group Theory? Do you agree or disagree with Griffin's point? Why?
20. Based on muted group theory, why should we expect to find that most of the communication theories we will study in this course will reflect primarily white, middle class, heterosexual, male experiences and viewpoints? How can we detect this type of bias, if it is there? What should we do about it?
21. Carol Gilligan claims that women and men tend to think and speak differently about ethical choices. Using an example, explain her view and argue both for and against it.

This page was last updated: December 30, 1998