COMM 1307 (3:3:0) Syllabus for Introduction to Mass Communications. Radio, Television, & Film (Communications)

Transcription

1 COMM 1307 (3:3:0) Syllabus for Introduction to Mass Communications Radio, Television, & Film (Communications) Division of Arts & Sciences South Plains College Levelland Campus Fall Semester, 2014 Instructor: Billy Alonzo Office: CM 153 Phone: Office Hours: Mon & Wed: 9:15 11:45, 4:15 5:15 Tues. & Thurs: 1:05 2:05, 4:00-5:00 Friday: 9:30 12 noon or by appointment

2 Introduction to Mass Communications Common Syllabus Department: Communication Discipline: Mass Communication Course Number: 1307 Course Title: Introduction to Mass Communications Available Formats: Conventional Campuses: Levelland Course Description: A broad survey of communications agencies in modern life. History, ethics and professional emphasis on newspapers, magazines, radio-television, and motion picture. Credit: 3 credit hours- 3 spent in lecture Supplies: Three-ring loose leaf notebook. This course satisfies a core curriculum requirement: Yes- Language, Philosophy, and Culture and currently Behavioral Science (students begin before Fall 2014) Core Objectives addressed: Communication skills- to include effective written, oral, and visual communication Critical thinking skills- to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information Social Responsibility- to include intercultural knowledge and competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national and global communities. Personal responsibility skills- to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making Course Purpose: The purpose of this course is to provide the opportunity for students to learn about the powerful mass communication media. The student is exposed to a discussion of the history of each medium, the strengths and weaknesses, and the responsibilities and challenges associated with each. The student is also introduced to the concept of media literacy and basic theories of mass communication.

3 Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the student will show competence in the course objective listed below: From Lecture: Course Requirements: From Lecture: 1. Analyze dimensions of individual media use 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of media literacy 3. Understand basic history of common media forms such as radio and television; Demonstrate ability to relate past to present 4. Demonstrate a mastery of blogging 5. Identify and analyze the function of various communication theories as they apply to the media 6. Identify the impact and relevance of social media 7. Understand the concepts of public relations 8. Understand issues related to a current definition of news and journalism 9. Understand concepts of ethics as they pertain to mass media; demonstrate ability to balance factors and concerns a. Read the assigned chapters in the textbook b. Attend all lectures c. Take notes in class d. Participate in class discussions e. Participate in class online discussions f. Participate in blogging assignments g. Complete assigned outside reading material and homework h. View audiovisual materials on selected topics i. Use computer software in the lab and/or classroom as it is assigned j. Complete the exams on the assigned dates Course Evaluation: Please see the instructor s course information sheet for specific items used in evaluating student performance

4 Department: Communication Department Discipline: Mass Communications Credit: 3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab Syllabus COMM 1307 Introduction to Mass Communications This course satisfies a core curriculum requirement in Visual and Performing Arts, and Behavioral Science Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course. Available Formats: conventional Campus: Levelland Textbook: Media & Culture 8 th Edition Supplies: Notebook or spiral to take notes Course Specific Instructions: None Course Description: This course provides a broad survey of mass communications as it affects the individual and society. This course includes discussions of major print, broadcast and online media as well as an introduction to mass communication theory. Discussions of current trends and developments are also included. Course Purpose: The purpose of this course is to provide the opportunity for students to learn about the powerful mass communication media. The student is exposed to a discussion of the history of each medium, the strengths and weaknesses, and the responsibilities and challenges associated with each. The student is also introduced to the concept of cultural literacy and basic theories of mass communication. Course Requirements: In order to maximize the potential to successfully complete this course, the student should attend all class and complete all assignments. Since this is a lecture and discussion class, each student will need to spend time taking and organizing lecture notes and preparing for in-class discussions. Evaluation: Grade determination: The student's grade will be determined by performance on four major exams as well as participation in current media issue discussions Assignments Projects Major Exam Average Participation Attendances Final Exam 300 points 300 points

5 Attendance Policy: Persons who arrive after the roll is checked will be considered absent. Attendance in this class is mandatory. Students with more than four absences will be dropped from the class with either an F or an X without further warning. Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following areas: Mass Communications relationship to culture Media Literacy The history, current role and future of the internet, newspapers, magazines, the film industry, the radio industry, and the television industry The history, current role and future of the public relations industry, and the advertising industry Mass communications theory The relationship between mass media and government in free and oppressed societies Current Issue Discussions- During the course of the semester, several class meetings will be devoted to group discussions of the current issues affecting various areas of mass communications. These discussion topics are fluid and change from semester to semester. Some examples of topics discussed in previous semesters include: the regulation of the internet; ethical considerations related to releasing or withholding the names of rape victims; the affects of the 9/11 tragedy on mass media; the protection of privacy in the information age; mass media and children; the media s focus on body image and how it affects individuals. Students with Disabilities- Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Special Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must provide acceptable documentation of his/her disability to the Special Services Coordinator. For more information, call or visit the Special Services Office in the Student Services building, ext Diversity Statement-In this class, the teacher will establish and support an environment that values and nurtures individual and group differences and encourages engagement and interaction. Understanding and respecting multiple experiences and perspectives will serve to challenge and stimulate all of us to learn about others, about the larger world and about ourselves. By promoting diversity and intellectual exchange, we will not only mirror society as it is, but also model society as it should and can be. Contacting your Instructor- Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns about your progress in this class. It is acceptable to call me at home, provided you call at a reasonable hour. Please try to let me know in advance if you will have to miss class. You may reach me by phone at , or via at balonzo@southplainscollege.edu. Student Learning Outcomes/Competencies-