Communication Theory Course

A study assessed the status of the undergraduate general communication theory course at small and large colleges. Questionnaires were mailed to 261 programs in the United States listing a communication theory course in their catalogues. A total of 62 questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 24%. Results indicated: (1) a clear preference for surveying many theories and providing alternative perspectives and knowledge about the discipline; (2) applying and analyzing theories (3) choosing textbooks on the basis of the theories covered and readability of the text; and (4) using lecture and discussion. There was little agreergent, however, on which theories and/or theorists should be covered. This lack of agreement raises larger issues about the status of the communication discipline and what it does or should mean for students to be literate and appropriately socialized into th