COMM 300 introduces communication theory and teaches you to use it to evaluate real communication situations.
UMGC describes the course as an introduction to communication theory with the objective of applying theory and evaluating communication situations. It explores basic theories of human communication, mass communication, and new media and technology, focusing on the relationships among theory, research and practice.
Topics include intra- and interpersonal communication, public communication, mass media and contemporary issues in mediated communication. It is a 3-credit course with WRTG 112 as the prerequisite and fulfills the general education requirement in communications (not a writing course).
Students often find theory abstract. The key is treating each theory as a tool that predicts or explains something you can observe.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Course code | COMM 300 |
| Credits | 3 (undergraduate) |
| Prerequisite | WRTG 112 |
| Requirement | General education in communications (not a writing course) |
| Typical work | Theory application papers, discussions, situation analyses |
What COMM 300 Covers
| Level of communication | Examples of theories often studied |
|---|---|
| Intrapersonal | Self-concept, cognitive dissonance |
| Interpersonal | Uncertainty reduction, social penetration |
| Public | Rhetorical theory, elaboration likelihood model |
| Mass media | Agenda setting, cultivation, uses and gratifications |
| New media | Theories of computer-mediated communication |
Your readings set the exact list; these are widely taught examples that fit UMGC's topic areas.
Key Concepts Explained
What Makes a Theory Useful
A good theory explains, predicts and can be tested. Evaluating a theory means asking how well it does those things, what evidence supports it and where it falls short.
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Berger and Calabrese proposed that when strangers meet, they seek information to reduce uncertainty about each other, which makes behavior more predictable.
Example: A new employee asks colleagues about their roles, checks their professional profiles and watches how meetings run. Uncertainty reduction theory predicts these information-seeking strategies and suggests that as uncertainty falls, liking and communication increase. An evaluation would note that the theory fits initial interactions better than long relationships.
Theory, Research and Practice
Theories generate hypotheses, research tests them, and practice applies what holds up. UMGC stresses this link, so papers that connect a theory to a study and to a real-world use score well.
Cognitive Dissonance in Practice
Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory holds that people feel discomfort when their beliefs and actions conflict, and are motivated to reduce it. It helps explain why people seek information that confirms their choices, which links intrapersonal theory to how audiences select media.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Theory application paper | Applying theory to a situation | Summarize the theory, apply it point by point, evaluate fit |
| Situation evaluation | Evaluating communication | Use theory to explain what worked and what failed |
| Theory comparison | Depth of understanding | Apply two theories to the same case and compare |
| Discussion post | Engagement | Use a current mediated example and cite the reading |
Contemporary Issues in Mediated Communication
UMGC's topics include contemporary issues associated with mediated communication. Theories developed for older media are often tested against new platforms. Agenda setting, for example, was first studied with newspapers and television; researchers now ask how algorithms and social sharing affect which issues audiences think are important.
Applying an established theory to a new medium is a good assignment strategy. Explain the theory's original claim, apply it to the platform, and assess whether it still explains what you observe or needs adjusting. That approach shows the link between theory, research and practice that UMGC emphasizes.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Summary only. Application and evaluation are where marks come from.
- Forcing a fit. Say where a theory does not explain the case.
- Confusing levels. Make sure the theory matches the level of communication.
Study Tips for COMM 300
- Make flashcards with each theory's core claim and an everyday example.
- Find one study that tested each major theory.
- Practice explaining a theory to a friend in two sentences.
How We Help with COMM 300
Send the prompt, rubric, readings and feedback. A communication writer can prepare a model application paper, explain theories, or edit your draft. Our research paper help guide covers research-based writing.
GradeEssays is independent of the University of Maryland Global Campus. Use our work as a study aid and submit your own work under UMGC's academic integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch and include free revisions within the scope of your original request.
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Share the assignment, readings and feedback. We prepare a model theory application or review your draft.
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Frequently Asked Questions
UMGC lists WRTG 112.
UMGC says it fulfills the general education requirement in communications but is not a writing course.
Theories of human communication, mass communication, and new media and technology; your readings set the specific list.
UMGC lists it as a 3-credit course.
UMGC lists COMM 300 as a prerequisite for COMM 302 Mass Communication and Media Studies.
Yes. We can prepare a model comparison or review your draft.