BSAS COMM 3322: Mass Communication-Media and the Information Society in Argentina

Transcription

1 BSAS COMM 3322: Mass Communication-Media and the Information Society in Argentina Course Description The course is meant as a survey and analysis of the current state of affairs when it comes to communication and the media in Argentina. This entails taking into account the recent technological and cultural changes taking place in the last years. The social implications of theses transformations will also be addressed throughout the course. This class will examine the ways in which the media communicate information to the audience in Argentina. Students will study how the different mass media builds and informs about the reality. Also how the different social institutions consume and work with that information. Course Aims/Objectives To analyze the main concepts of mass communication and to be able to apply them to an active, social context. To understand the way in which technological and cultural changes occur. To identify the different types of mass communication: advertisement, propaganda, journalistic and corporate. To identify and understand the differences between the various types of mass media in Argentina: newspapers, radio, TV and Internet. To understand the transit from a non-internet society to a technological and network society. Requirements and Prerequisites Introductory Course Learning outcomes Students would be better prepared to understand how the mass media builds and informs news and events in Argentina. They would have acquired relevant tools to critique mass media procedures and the way in which they build significance to different and/or certain events. Developmental Outcomes Students would increase awareness of the benefits of intercultural learning, appreciate difference and recognize the relevance of mass media in the process of information and knowledge construction. Class methodology Each class will begin with a lecture and a powerpoint presentation. In these presentations the instructor of the class will introduce students to the day s subject and/or teamwork. Contents and tentative schedule ~ 1 ~

2 UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION Class 1: Class presentation. Introduction to Mass Communication. Simple communication model. Types of noises within the mass communication s model. Objectivity Subjectivity in Argentinean media. Class 2: Vital world and context. Linguistic context. Cognitive filters. Prejudices and Stereotypes. Complex communication model. Working towards the information society in Argentina. Mass communication theories. - Obe, J. & others (2008) Introduction to Mass Communication (Course Guide), National Open University of Nigeria. Class 3: Test 1 Multiple Choice Class 4: Information society in Argentina. The mass communication phenomena in Argentina. Globalization and information society. Different perspectives. - Fang, I. (1997) The History of Mass Communication, Six Information Revolutions, Chapter 3: Mass Media the 3rd Revolution, Focal Press. UNIT 2: PROPAGANDA, ADVERTISEMENT AND CORPORATE IMAGE Class 5: Propaganda Types, rules, techniques, examples. Advertisement Types, theories, models, examples. - Chafee,S. & Metzeger, M (2001) The end of Mass Communication? in Mass Communication & Society, Dep. Of Communication Univ. of California, Sta. Bárbara, 4(4) pp Standler, R. (2005) Propaganda and How to recognize it, document at created 29 July 2005, revised 2 September Class 6: Test 2 Multiple Choice. Teamwork 1 I, brand. Class 7: Corporate Image Definition, types, models, theories, examples of good and bad corporate image. Class 8: Corporate Communication Definition, types, theories, tasks, different departments, examples of good and bad corporate communication. - Mullen & Klaehn (2010) The Herman Chomsky Propaganda Model: a critical approach and analysing Mass Media Behaviour, in Sociology Compass, 4/4, pp Booz, Allez, Hamilton (2005) Innovations OrgDNA, USA, pp Class 9: Teamwork 2 Packaging and branding. Research and class work. Class 10: Test 3 Multiple Choice. UNIT 3: INTERNET AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION IN ARGENTINA Class 11: Internet. Social networks. Internet and network economy. Internet history. Technological aspects of the Internet. Network businesses and its characteristics. - The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (2004) Information, Technology, Internet and you. Class 12: Cultural and technological change. Globalization and information society. Global network regulation. Information Technology characteristics for continuous innovation. Class 13: Final Exam. Course conclusion. ~ 2 ~

3 My Education: out-of-class activities and a link to either credit or to the participation grade TBD Class participation and attendance Participation is a vital part of your grade: CAPA has a mandatory attendance policy. Students are also expected to participate actively and critically in class discussions, and the participation portion of the class will be graded accordingly. Students must read assignments BEFORE the class, and come in on time. If you need to miss class for medical reasons or for a family emergency, please let the Faculty Chair know in advance of meetings, so plans can be made accordingly you will need to provide evidence of the reason for your absence. If you miss any meetings without an excused absence from the CAPA, your final grade will be dropped accordingly. Students are responsible for making up any missed assignments. Assessment/Grading Policy Students are expected to read the assigned materials and participate actively in class discussion. The films to be analyzed will be viewed in class. The professor will lecture on specific introductory topics before each of the films is discussed. Group discussion/class participation 10% Team Work/Presentation 1 10% Team Work/Presentation 2 10% Test 1 10% Test 2 10% Test 3 10% Final Exam 40% Students must complete all required components for each course by the established deadlines. Failure to do so will result in a reduction of the course grade and may result in a grade of F for the course in question. Details of the Assessment Good B+ B B- Average C+ C Below Average / Poor C- D+ D Descriptor Alpha UK US GPA Requirement Excellent A Shows superior use and understanding A of extensive literature beyond the textbook and notes Shows significant use and understanding of extensive literature beyond the textbook and notes Shows a clear understanding and some insight into the material in the textbook and notes, but not beyond Fails to show a clear understanding or much insight into the material in the textbook and notes Fail F <40 <60 0 Shows little or no understanding of any of the material Dress Code Students must wear clothes appropriate to an Argentine academic institution. Shorts, flip-flops, muscle t-shirts are not acceptable. Textbook(s) and Recommended Readings Booz, Allez, Hamilton (2005) Innovations OrgDNA, USA, pp Chafee, S. & Metzeger, M (2001) The end of Mass Communication? in Mass Communication & Society, Dep. Of Communication Univ. of California, Sta. Bárbara, 4(4) pp ~ 3 ~

4 Fang, I. (1997) The History of Mass Communication, Six Information Revolutions, Chapter 3: Mass Media the 3rd Revolution, Focal Press. Mullen & Klaehn (2010) The Herman Chomsky Propaganda Model: a critical approach and analysing Mass Media Behaviour, in Sociology Compass, 4/4, pp Obe, J. & others (2008) Introduction to Mass Communication (Course Guide), National Open University of Nigeria. Standler, R. (2005) Propaganda and How to recognize it, document at created 29 July 2005, revised 2 September The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (2004) Information, Technology, Internet and you. Attendance, Participation & Student Responsibilities Attendance CAPA has a mandatory attendance policy. Students are also expected to participate actively and critically in class discussions, and the participation portion of the class will be graded accordingly. Students must read assignments BEFORE the class, and come in on time. Attendance is mandatory and is taken at the beginning of every class. Unauthorized absence from class will result in a reduction of the final grade and ultimately in a F for the course. Missing classes for medical reasons If you need to miss a class for medical reasons or for a family emergency, you must send an to let the Director of Academic Affairs (DAA) or Resident Director know at least one hour in advance of your class or meeting by ing. Note that calling the CAPA Center is acceptable only if you do not temporarily have access to the internet. An is still required as quickly as you can get access to the internet again. You will need to provide evidence of the reason for your absence. Unexcused absences will result in a grade reduction. In the event of a missed class or field trip, it is your responsibility to contact your instructor and make up any missed assignments. Class Participation Participation is a vital part of your grade: students are expected to participate orally in seminars and in online forums and discussions in a critical and evaluative manner; to interact with the faculty and fellow students with respect and tolerance; and to actively engage in discussion. Derogatory or inflammatory comments about the cultures, perspectives or attitudes of others in the class will not be tolerated. Academic Integrity The faculty expects from you, the student, a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the value of an academic course depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student, it is imperative that a student demonstrates a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work and class behavior. Plagiarism and cheating will result in dismissal from the program. See the Handbook of CAPA Academic Policies for more information and resources on plagiarism. Use of electronic equipment in class All devices such as laptops, I-pods, I-pads, netbooks, notebooks and tablets, smartphones, cell phones, etc. are NOT allowed unless you have express permission from the faculty or you have been instructed to do so. If you require an accommodation to use any type of electronic equipment, inform the Director of Academic Affairs or the Resident Director at the beginning of Term. Use of Electronic Translators In Language courses students are NOT allowed to use electronic translators for writing texts in the target language: those submitting compositions and texts of whatever kind translated in such a fashion will receive a final F grade for the course. ~ 4 ~

5 Late Submission Late submission of papers due, projects, journal entries, pieces of homework and portfolios is only permitted with prior approval. A request must be made to the relevant Faculty member no later than two days prior to the due date. Late submission without prior approval will result in a full alpha grade penalty. In either case, work cannot be submitted after feedback has been provided to the rest of the class on the relevant assessment or one week after the due date whichever comes first, after which point a grade of F will be given for the assessment. Behavior during Examinations During examinations, you must do your own work. Unless specifically instructed by the lecturer or instructor, talking during an exam is not permitted, nor may you compare papers, copy from others, or collaborate in any way. Any failure to abide by examination rules will result in failure of the exam, and may lead to failure of the course and disciplinary action. ~ 5 ~