When you search by keyword, you are telling the database that the word can be located in any of the labeled areas of the item record (those labeled areas are called "fields") or in the full text of the item you've looked up if the full text is attached to the record. Subjects do tell the researcher the overarching theme of an item (of course, there are often multiple subjects listed as there are often several facets being discussed in a work). Subjects are assigned language for that database, i.e. not only does the word or phrase connote the meaning of the item, but in order to be universally found in that database, it must be typed in the same way every time. For instance, it may be just a word (Communication). Other times, it might be a phrase like China--Mass Communication--Social Aspects. This controlled language assures that items are being categorized in universal, discoverable ways rather than labeled haphazardly and expecting the researcher to look over and over again for every possible word that could represent an idea. That said, when you search by Subject, you're telling the database that, for that line in your search box, that word or phrase has to be found SPECIFICALLY in the Subject line of the item's record.
Part I
Select one of the key communication journals listed in your text (Rubin, chapter 7) or one available from the National Communication Association. Locate the academic journal through one of the SAU Databases and review the Table of Contents for one of the latest issues. [Note: The online equivalent of the Table of Contents may simply be a listing of the articles included in the journal. There may not be a heading "Table of Contents" as it commonly appears in print journals. Select one article of interest to you.]What database did you use?
Select one article from the journal, and using a key term from the article. Search the communication database, Communication and Mass Media Complete, to find another article on the same/similar topic.
Part II
Using the White Library's online book catalog, find a scholarly book related to the “key term” selected in Part I.
Please limit your initial posts for your initial post (Parts 1-2) to 400-450 words total. Your initial post is due on or before Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. EST/EDT. You must reply to at least two of your colleagues’ initial posts. Remember: discussion begins on Monday and ends on Sunday. Be sure to answer any questions that your colleagues and instructor may present.