The aim of this course is to provide students with a critical theoretical perspective by examining classical and modern communication theories along with their historical development. Communication Theories I focuses on positivist, empirical, and structuralist approaches within communication sciences. The course aims to enable students to apply theoretical frameworks to the analysis of media, cinema, and television texts and to evaluate mass communication processes through diverse theoretical lenses.

This course examines the theoretical foundations of communication studies. Communication Theories I primarily focuses on message-centered and early empirical models such as the Hypodermic Needle Theory, Two-Step Flow, Uses and Gratifications, Agenda-Setting, Spiral of Silence, Knowledge Gap, and Cultural Indicators. The course emphasizes the historical development and the media contexts in which these theories emerged. Students will gain the ability to analyze media messages through the lens of positivist and early communication paradigms.