Journalism 1100

 

 

Introduction to Mass Communication

 

 

 

Student Course Materials

Centers for Independent Learning

College of DuPage

©2005

 

 

 

 



Notes:


Section 1: Syllabus

Catalog Description Including Prerequisites

JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION 1100
Introduction to Mass Communication
3 credit hours
Overview of the mass media as a functionally integrated system with emphasis on the historical development, nature, functions and responsibilities in a global environment, in addition to the role of mass media in American society and the effect on consumer attitudes, expectations and behaviors. Prerequisites: None.

 

Course Goals & Expected Student Outcomes

This course focuses on the basic familiarity and understanding needed as a foundation in the historical, economic, cultural and social awareness of the mass media industries in the United States. This course provides an overview of the nature, functions, and responsibilities of the mass communication industries in a global environment with an emphasis on the media's role in American society. Students will discover the interactivity of each industry in the basic communication process and the names of important figures in the development of each industry.

 

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to do the following:

 

1.   Demonstrate an understanding of the reciprocal influence of the media and contemporary society

2.   Apply communication theories to analyze the influence of mass communication systems on American society

3.   Analyze representative research in mass communication

4.   Trace the historical development of various media forms

5.   Distinguish media functions: information, persuasion, entertainment, and cultural transmission

6.   Demonstrate comprehension of methods of media organization, finance, and regulation in a global environment

7.   Describe usage and impact of the various media

8.   Analyze legal and ethical media issues in a critical manner

 

Delivery System

The student works independently with instructors available to assist the student. Students can initiate contact with their instructor via email, or in person.

 

Course Materials

Introduction to Mass Communication, media literacy and culture, Fourth Edition, by Stanley J. Baran, McGraw-Hill Companies, 2006.

 

Student Course Materials, Course CDs, and College video collection.

 

Audio and Video Tapes

Several options are available for viewing videotapes.

·       Checkout individual video lessons at the Off-Campus Centers for Independent Learning.

·       Rent all lessons for the entire term from the Library in Glen Ellyn for a nominal fee. 

·       View videotapes at the Library or the Off-Campus Centers for Independent Learning. 

For more information about the Library, visit www.cod.edu/library. Visit www.cod.edu/cil for hours and other information about the Centers for Independent Learning. 

 

Orientation

No orientation is required for this course. You may arrange for an individualized orientation by contacting the instructor during scheduled hours; these hours are also noted on the Course Information Sheet. It is helpful if you read through your packet first and then call or email with specific questions.

 

Exams and Evaluations

ASSIGNMENTS

To assess your skills and knowledge, you will be required to submit unit assignments listed in the Course Handbook. All assignments must include the following:

 

Your name, the name of the assignment, the date of the assignment. Example: Your name, Journalism 1100, 1A Review Questions, Date.

Please do not send attachments. Copy and paste from your word processor.

 

 

Unit Number

 

Assignment

Point

Value

 

1A

2A

3A

3B

4A

5A

6A

6B

7A

8A

9A

10A

11A

12A

13A

14A

15A

 

“Myth” video summary

Bookstore observation

Newspaper timeline

Favorite Newspaper Analysis

3 Magazine Analysis

Film site Analysis

Radio diary and Analysis

Recording CD Comparison

Family Nielsen Log Analysis

Cable TV Video Analysis

Critical Thinking Question #6

Critical Thinking Question #1

 “Fine Art” Video Analysis

Documented Essay on Internet

Documented Essay on Video

Analysis of Ethics in Video

Documented Career Essay

 

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

30

EXAMS

Both the midterm and final exams contain 75 questions worth 2 points each. The midterm exam covers Units 1-7 and the final exam covers Units 8-14. You should plan to take the midterm exam after Unit 7 and the final exam after Unit 15. Both of these exams will offer multiple choice and true/false questions based on information contained in the course texts and videos.

Both the midterm and final exams must be completed by the end of the first day of the Finals Week/Culminating Activities during the Fall and Spring Semesters, and on specified days a week before the end of Summer Semesters.

 

Midterm and final exams for the appropriate semester must be completed by the following dates:

 

Fall Semester 2005 – Dec. 14, 2005

Spring Semester 2006 – May 13, 2006

Summer Semester 2006 – July 31, 2006

 

Fall Semester 2006 – Dec. 14, 2006
Spring Semester 2007 -  
May 12, 2007

Summer Semester 2007 – July 31, 2007

 

 

The self tests offer sample questions to focus your study. THE SELF TESTS ARE FOR YOUR PERSONAL STUDY.

 

Grading Policy

Your final grade will be based on the total number of points earned during the term as a percent of the total number of possible points.

 

                        Two exams @150 points each =         300 points

                        Assignments =                                     190 points

 

To obtain a perfect score on the activities, the work submitted must be perfect. Points will be deducted for the following:

·       Missing identification information: Your Name, Course Name,

·       Name of Assignment, Date

·       Spelling, grammar, punctuation and factual errors

·       Incorrect or missing assignments

·       No prior approval for specified assignments

Your final class grade will be assigned as follows:

 

Grade

A

B

C

D

F

Score

490 - 441

440 - 392

391 - 343

342 - 296

           295 - 0

%

100 - 90%

89.9 - 80%

79.9 - 70%

69.9 - 60%

59.9 - 0%

 

Testing Locations

Students registered in the CIL in Glen Ellyn must complete quizzes and exams in the Assessment and Testing Lab in IC 100.

 

Appointments are not required. No tests are administered on Sundays. Check the Testing Lab schedule for official hours

 

When you are ready to take a quiz or exam, sign in at the front desk in the Testing Lab. You will be expected to write in the date, course name and number, the instructor’s name, test number, and time the exam is taken. Y