This course will provide students with a grounding in Social Science Theory. They will develop an in-depth understanding of the major strands of social theories, and of their importance and effect on the conduct of research in Media or Communication Studies. The course will focus on the emergence of different theories from specific contexts and communities, and provide students with an overview over their use in research. Students will study the advantages and disadvantages of the application of such theoretical constructs as Functionalism, Marxism, Interactionism, Postmodernism, Feminism, Behaviourism, Phenomenology. Students are expected to engage in critical appraisals and appreciation of theoretical and meta-theoretical issues and debates in social science, with particular reference to investigating the nature of understanding, the relationship between theory and research, the micro and macro link, and the relationship between theory and praxis in Media and Communication research.