COM 107: Exam #1 study guide

What is communication?

Use of symbol systems that convey different meanings

Communication=Transmition

Transmition Model

Source→Encoding→message→decoding→receiver

Communication doesnt happen without?

1. source (verb & visual symbols)

2. Identification

3. Audience

What is communication about?

Communication is about creating, maintaining and restoring culture.

Culture

The shared beliefs, values, behaviors, symbols, and practices of a group of people.

High Culture

Cultural products associated with elite groups (Opera, classical art, fine literature)

Low Culture

Widely accessible cultural products (TikTok, Pop music, Reality TV)

Material Culture

Physical objects created by a society (phones, buildings,clothing)

Non-Material Culture

Ideas, traditions, beliefs, language and norms

Shannon and Weavers Transmission (Linear) Model

Communication is a one way process

• sender→message→channel→reciver→noise

Example: A Tv news station broadcasts infromation to viewers

Carey’s Ritual (Cultural Model)

• Communication creates and maintains shared culture.

• Focuses on participation and community rather than information transfer.

Example: Watching the Super Bowl together as a cultural experience.

Identification

• Kenneth Burke's idea that people communicate by finding common ground.

• Persuasion occurs when audiences identify with a speaker.

Example: A politician emphasizing a working-class background.

Beliefs

Beliefs: What people think is true.

Values

Values: What people consider important.