Department
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Communication
Degree
Requirements

Communication
Course
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Communication
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Communication
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1. Theories : How information is processed, perceived and communicated; how information impacts individuals and societies.
2. Medium: The history, structure, organization, distribution and control of individual media: print and electronic.
3. Influence: How media are consumed and how they impact society and its institutions

1. To cultivate an understanding of the impact and influence of the major forms of mass communication on American culture, society and the individual.
2. To develop media literacy and a critical perspective of the way in which mass communication is consumed by individuals and society.
3. To become familiar with and comprehend research on mass media effects.
4. To identify emerging trends in mass communication, technologies, audiences.

1. GROUP PRESENTATION OF CHAPTER TOPIC:   (25 points)   You will work in groups to prepare and present a 15 minute group presentation on a topic of your choice from a chapter in your textbook.   You will provide the class with a 1-2 page outline of the chapter you have selected, but will focus your presentation solely on ONE main idea from the chapter. You should also include five quiz questions with your outline.   The outlines will help you and your classmates prepare for exams and quizzes.
2. RESPONSE PAPERS (100 points)   You will be asked to read short excerpts from various outside sources in the world of media. Many of these articles will be related to pop culture or current events. You will be asked to write 1-2 page, TYPED (12 pt. font) responses to these readings. Your responses should demonstrate that you are critically evaluating the content of the article.   I want to hear your opinions and thoughts on the issues presented by the authors. Feel free to agree or disagree, or even raise questions that concern you.   Tell me what you think and why!   These will be used as prompts for classroom discussion.
3. SHORT PAPER: MEDIA'S ROLE IN HISTORY: (50 points).   You will be asked to write a short paper (2-3 typed pages) that discusses the role that the media played in a major historical event. In your paper, you should briefly describe the historical event and then explain in detail the role the media played in covering the event you selected.   You must have a minimum of four sources, two of which must be reliable websites from the internet.  
4. CONTENT ANALYSIS PROJECT:   (200 points total) (presentation = 50 points; project binder = 150 pts.).   You will be divided into groups, and will select a form of mass media to study (i.e. film, TV news, and radio. After reviewing the sources, you should identify a common topic all sources cover. You will then research the medium you have selected with a focus on one key topic. Group members will then conduct a systematic analysis of the content of a specific medium, source, or program to prove or disprove a specific hypothesis.    For example, a content analysis may focus on counting the number of violent acts during a specific segment of prime time, or measuring the amount of coverage given to a specific issue.  
5. COURSE EXAMINATIONS (200 points):   You will be given a Midterm (100 points)   and Final (100 points) exam.   The exams will consist of true/false, multiple-choice, and matching questions that will provide you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the terms, concepts and theories presented in lectures, discussions, video/audio examples, and text reading .
6. PARTICIPATION: The class is structured for experiential learning.   You will be expected to take part in class discussions and class exercises.   During class presentations your attention is expected.   DO NOT plan on using class time to read the paper, prepare for another assignment, or hold conversations.   I will respect you and pay attention when you speak in class.   I expect the same from you as well.
7. ATTENDANCE (50 points): Class attendance is strongly suggested.   In order to encourage this you will begin the class with 50 points.   You can miss twice without penalty.   Beyond that you will lose 10 points for each additional absence.

Text

Baran, S. (2003). Introduction to mass communication, 3 rd edition. Mc-Graw-Hill.

Last update 03/2004