ASSIGNMENTS

 SCHEDULE

Comm 202
Mass Media & Society
Fall 2009

Tuesday/Thursday
10:30 - 11:45
School of Art Building L008

 

“One reason why I really enjoy this class is that we not only discuss media in culture, but we get to experience it.”  V.C. Fall 2008

 

Catalogue Description

Study of the development of various telecommunications and media systems in the United States, including print media, motion pictures, the recording industry, telegraphy and telephony, broadcasting and cable, and the new communications technologies.

Course Description:

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the various telecommunications and media systems. It covers four major aspects (1) discussion of Mass Media and its relationship with American society, (2) discussion of the 7 major media in both historical and modern context, (3) discussion of advertising, PR, news, and entertainment, and (4) the application of media theory to each of the previous three mentions aspects. The course includes discussion, extensive writing, critical thought, and a media usage study.

Course Objective/Rationale:

The objective of this course is to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of the uses of communication technologies in modern society, based on historical influence in society.

Required Textbook:

Media Literacy, 4th Edition
W. James Potter
ISBN: 978-1-4129-5875-2

Student Learning Objectives:

In all communication classes, the following objectives are involved:

  1. Students will become aware of the fundamental principles of communication as they apply in a variety of situations.

  2. Students will have experiences that teach self-monitoring and thus provide the basis for life-long improvement of their communication skills.

  3. Students will receive reinforcement for effective written communication.

  4. Students will understand the role of free speech in a democratic society.

  5. Students will gain insight about the influence of culture in communication and how to cope with cultural differences when interacting with others.

  6. Students will learn about the historical situations in society that enabled modern technology to become such an important force in today's society.

In addition, individual skill development is stressed in COMM 202. Students learn principles relating to media and society. In COMM 202, the following specific objectives are identified:

  1. the ability to critical address opinion pieces with which they may not agree

  2. the understanding of theory as related to media

  3. the ability to relate the historical aspects of media to the modern usage of that media

Participation:

You are expected to participate in all classes. Accountability is important in this class. Do not be late for class; it is disruptive and discourteous. Routinely coming to class late or leaving early will not be tolerated without penalty. If you are absent or tardy for any reason, you are responsible for the material covered and any announcements made while you were gone. Your instructor will not provide this information; you must get it from a classmate.

Because this class is discussion intensive, it is essential that you attend every class session. You are allowed a limited number of non-participation days. The limited number of non-participation days you are allowed are as follows: two (2 absences) for Monday/ Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday classes. Every class session will discussion and lectures. Your final grade and ability to do well in this class will depend on your attendance.