Syllabus
 

Course Description

A survey of the development of mass communications through print, electronic and digital media with an emphasis placed on the current application of ethics and codes of journalism to the changing roles and forms of journalistic media.

Required Text

Baran, Stanley J.:  Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture. Sixth Edition. New York, NY. McGraw-Hill, 2004. Includes 2 CD-Roms. ISBN 978-0-07-337890-9

 

Learning Outcomes and Specific Competencies

At the completion of the course, students will achieve "media literacy," as defined by Baran, and be able to:

 1.   Understand the role ethics play in the mass media.

 2.   Discuss how books became the building blocks for the mass media.

 3.   Evaluate the role of magazines in the mass media.

 4.   Present a brief history of newspapers and their role in  mass media.

 5.   Show a basic understanding of information storage.

 6.   Discuss the impact of movies on mass media.

 7.   Present a brief history of radio.

 8.   Discuss how television evolved from radio and where it stands today.

 9.   Present a brief overview of journalism.

 10. Evaluate the importance of the mass media to public relations.

 11. Discuss advertising's role in mass media.

 12. Utilize the basics of media research.

 13. Discuss mass media's effects on society and the individual.

 14. Discuss how mass media functions in a political environment.

 15. Develop an appreciation for an international and multicultural perspective (with an understanding of regional perspectives) as a fundamental part of acquiring media literacy.

 16. Present a brief history and overview of media law.

 

Learning Methods

Outcomes and competencies will be achieved through lectures, readings, and Media Literacy Worksheets.

 

Course Requirements:

 

Three Quizzes and a Final Exam

There will be three quizzes based on the lectures and readings, and a final exam covering the complete course.  Missed Quizzes can be made up without penalty at the end of the Semester (see schedule below).

 

Media Literacy Worksheets

The accompanying CD-Rom to the text contains Media Literacy Worksheets for each chapter.  All worksheets can also be downloaded by clicking on their number in this syllabus.

On average, two worksheets will be assigned for each chapter for a total of 25 worksheets for the course. The student will be graded on the timely completion of all assigned worksheets, receiving a maximum of 20 points per worksheet.  Worksheets that are turned in late will receive a maximum score of 15 points.  

 

Grading/Evaluation:

25 Worksheets (20 points each)   500

3 Quizzes (100 points each)          300

1 Final Exam                                    200

1000-900 = A, 899-800 = B, 799-700 = C, 699-600 = D, 599-0 = D

 

Attendance Policy:
 
Attendance is crucial to the successful completion of this course; therefore, there are no excused absences. 
 
During FALL and SPRING terms, the student is deducted 10 points from the final grade for each of the first four absences.  For the fifth and sixth absences, 100 points are deducted for each.  Seven absences result in an automatic F. 

During SUMMER terms, the student is deducted 10 points from the final grade for each of the first two absences.  For the third and fourth absences, 100 points are deducted for each.  Five absences result in an automatic F. 
 
Two late arrivals, after the roll is called, constitute one absence. Leaving before the class and/or film are over constitute one absence.
 
 

Make-Up Policy

Students may make-up any missed quizzes without penalty on the last day of class after taking the Final Exam.

 

Extra Credit and Emails

Your professor regularly uses your mymdc.edu email address so send important class announcements, including opportunities to receive extra credit.  It is the students' responsibility to check  their mymdc.edu email account regularly to keep themselves informed.

 

Withdrawal:

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the withdrawal process before the established deadline for the term.  Otherwise, an F will be issued at the end of the course.

 

Cell Phone and PDA Policy:

All cellular phones, PDAs, Blackberries or any other electronic communications devices (now in existence or yet to be developed) must be TURNED OFF and cannot be consulted during the duration of the class.  Failure to observe this rule will result in immediate expulsion from the class.

Disability Statement:

Students with documented special learning needs may want to inform the instructor so that accommodations may be made, or contact the Office of Services for Students with disabilities.

 

Ethics Policy:

Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated and violators will be dealt with in accordance with policies stated in the Student Handbook.

 

Class Meetings and Assignments:
 

Friday, August 28

Introduction to the Course. 

Reading Assignment: Chapters 1, 2 and 3

 

Friday, September 4

Lecture: Chapter 1: “Mass Communication, Culture, and Media Literacy”

Lecture: Chapter 2: “The Evolving Mass Communication Process”

Assignment: Worksheets 1-2, 2-1 and 2-2
 

 

Friday, September 11

Assignment Due: Worksheets 1-2, 2-1 and 2-2

Lecture: Chapter 3: “Books”

Reading Assignment: Chapter 4

 

Friday, September 18

Assignment Due: Worksheets 3-4 and 3-5

Lecture: Chapters 4: “Newspapers”

Reading Assignment: Chapter 5

Study for Quiz #1

 

Friday, September 25

Quiz #1 on Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4. 

Assignment Due: Worksheets 4-2 and 4-6

Lecture: Chapter 5: “Magazines”

Reading Assignment: Chapter 6

 

Friday, October 2

Assignment Due: Worksheets 5-1 and 5-4

Lecture: Chapter 6 “Film”

Reading Assignment: Chapter 7

Study for Quiz #2 on Chapters 4, 5 & 6

 

Friday, October 9

Quiz #2 on Chapters 4, 5 & 6

Assignment Due: Worksheets 6-1 and 6-2

Lecture: Chapter 7: “Radio, Recording and Popular Music”

Reading Assignment: Chapter 8

 

Friday, October 16

Assignment Due: Worksheets 7-1 and 7-9

Lecture: Chapter 8: “Television, Cable and Mobile Video”

Reading Assignment: Chapters 9 and 10

 

Friday, October 23

Assignment Due: Worksheets 8-1 and 8-8

Lecture: Chapters 9 and 10: “Videogames” and "The Internet"

Reading Assignment: Chapter 11

Study for Quiz on Chapters 7, 8, 9 & 10

 

Friday, October 30

Assignment Due: Worksheets 9-1, 9-2, 10-2 and 10-3

Quiz #3 on Chapters 7, 8, 9 & 10

Lecture: Chapter 11: “Public Relations”

Reading Assignment: Chapter 12

 

Friday, November 6

Assignment Due: Worksheet 11-1

Lecture: Chapter 12: “Advertising”

Reading Assignment: Chapter 13

 

Friday, November 13

Assignment Due: Worksheets 12-1 and 12-6

Lecture: Chapter 13: “Theories and Effects”

Reading Assignment: Chapter 14

 

Friday, November 20 

Assignment Due: Worksheets 13-2

Lecture: Chapter 14: “Media Freedom, Regulation & Ethics”

Reading Assignment: Chapter 15

 

Friday, December 4

Assignment Due: Worksheets 14-4 and  15-5

Lecture: Chapter 15: "Global Media"

Lecture: "The Long Tail"

Assignment: Study for Final Exam

 

Friday, December 11

Make-Up Day for any missed quizzes.

Final Exam.

 

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