MCOM 101 - Mass Media & Society

Fall 2005 - MWF 1:30-2:20 p.m. - Miller 223

Instructor

Dr. Tracy Lauder Office Hours

216 Miller MW 12:30-1:30 p.m.

944-6152 (and by appointment)

tlauder@ehc.edu

Course Objectives

- To become become knowledgeable, well-functioning citizens within our media culture

- To challenge commonly held beliefs about media effects, how the human mind works, media content, and opinions about the media..

- To become familiar with scientific research to support criticisms about the media and to help to answer questions we have about the media.

- To not only better understand how media messages are constructed and how the media industry operates, but to also understand how to use that information to better live better lives.

- Ultimately, to become better consumers, and possibly producers, of media content.

Required Texts

Media Literacy, 3^rd ed., by W. James Potter (Sage 2005)

Course Requirements

A variety of assignments will be utilized in this course, including:

- readings

- assignments and quizzes

- short research projects

- class presentations

- midterm and final exams

The instructor will make every effort to explain the process, expectations, and grading criteria for each assignment. Students should seek clarification from the instructor as soon as questions arise. In addition, exams will test accumulated knowledge. Classroom attendance and participation are necessary for successful completion of the course, especially due the instructional nature of class discussions.

Writing & Editing Skills

As in mass communication course, the highest standards of writing and editing will be expected and enforced. Students, therefore, must be able to edit their work for grammar, punctuation, accuracy, clarity, conciseness, and style. Poorly written and/or edited work will receive a reduced grade. Students who foresee or encounter difficulty in maintaining quality writing should consult the instructor and/or seek help through the collegeÕs Writing Center.

Academic Misconduct

Representing another personÕs work as your own not only violates journalistic ethics, but it also violates the collegeÕs Honor Code. Copying homework assignments, cheating on quizzes or exams, lying about sources of information, and plagiarizing on projects all constitute academic misconduct, a serious offense with serious consequences. Cases of academic misconduct will be turned over to the DeanÕs office for investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures.

Grading

The final grade for this course will be computed in the following manner:

Assignments / quizzes / projects 40 percent

Media literacy worksheets 20 percent

Midterm Exam 15 percent

Final Exam 15 percent

Participation/attendance 10 percent

Attendance Policy

Dedicated class attendance is essential for learning in this course. Students are expected to attend every class meeting and arrive on time unless absolutely unable due to unusual circumstances. A student should make every effort to contact the instructor prior to the class meeting if he or she will be unable to attend; in some cases (such as the death of a family member or a serious injury to the student), makeup work may be arranged. In general, makeup work will not be allowed, and the absence of completed assignments will decrease the studentÕs final grade.

Students will be penalized for more than three absences in the course; five points will be deducted from the final course grade for each absence after three. If you already know that you will need to miss several classes due to extracurricular activities, a job, family responsibilities, or other obligation(s), you should consult the instructor before the course begins.

Attendance will be taken at the beginning of the class period. If you arrive after roll is taken, you will be counted absent. If you arrive late for class, you should verify your attendance with the instructor after class. Three tardy arrivals will count as one absence.

Deadlines

As in any mass communications course, students are being trained to follow the professional standards of the media industry. However, even non-majors will be expected to meet due dates in other professions. Deadlines, therefore, are strictly enforced.

Assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the class period in which they are due. Late assignments will be accepted but will receive a penalty of one letter grade for every 24-hour period past the deadline. As with class attendance, if a student encounters circumstances that prohibit him or her from completing the assignment by the deadline, he or she should contact the instructor as soon as possible, but exclusion of a late penalty is never guaranteed.

The House Rules

Respect for fellow students and the instructor are necessary for an enjoyable learning experience. This includes being prompt for class, turning off cellular phones before class, fulfilling oneÕs responsibilities in group assignments, and participating in classroom discussions that foster a healthy exchange of ideas.

The subject covered in this class by nature will result in controversial issues. In fact, students will be required to make arguments about certain topics and explore values and ethics in classroom discussions. Good will and respect should be extended to all classroom participants, regardless of the opinions and personal beliefs shared.

Course Schedule

H 26 Introduction

Week 1

M 8/29 Ch. 20, Media Violence

W 8/31

F 9/2 Ch. 1, Why Increase Media Literacy?

Week 2

M 9/5 Ch. 2, Defining Media Literacy

W 9/7 Ch. 3, The Media Literacy Model

F 9/9 Ch. 4, Developing Media Literacy

Week 3

M 9/12

W 9/14 Ch. 5, Reality and Media Messages

F 9/16

Week 4

M 9/19 Ch. 6, Entertainment Content

W 9/21

F 9/23

Week 5

M 9/26 Ch. 7, What is News?

W 9/28

F 9/30

Week 6 (Homecoming Week)

M 10/3 Ch. 8, Advertising

W 10/5

F 10/7

Week 7

M 10/10 Midterm Exam

W 10/12 FALL BREAK

F 10/14 FALL BREAK

Week 8

M 10/17 Ch. 9, Development of the Mass Media Industries

W 10/19 Ch. 10, Economic Perspective

F 10/21

Week 9

M 10/24

W 10/26 Ch. 11, Who Owns and Controls the Mass Media?

F 10/28 Guest Speaker

Week 10

M 10/31

W 11/2 Ch. 12, What is an Audience?

F 11/4

Week 11

M 11/7 Media History: Books, Newspapapers, Magazines

Appendix

W 11/9 Media History: Film, Recording, Radio

F 11/11 Media History: Broadcast TV, Cable TV, Computers/Internet

Week 12

M 11/14 Ch. 13, Broadening Our Perspective on Media Effects

W 11/16 Ch. 14, How Does the Effects Process Work?

F 11/18 Appendix B (Media Effects Data)

Week 13

M 11/21

W 11/23 THANKSGIVING BREAK

F 11/25 THANKSGIVING BREAK

Week 14

M 11/28 Ch. 15 , Media Effects on Institutions

W 11/30

F 12/2 Ch. 19, Media Influence on Sports

Week 15

M 12/5

W 12/7 Supplemental Reading: Gender & Media

F 12/9

Final Exam Period: Monday, Dec. 16, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

SS 12/10-11 Review Days

M-S 12/12-17 Final Exams

tlauder 08/2005



	About Mass Communication News Faculty Courses The Liberal Arts Alumni Contact us Mass Comm Home Campus media EHCWired.com EHC-TV WEHC-FM The Whitetopper Emory and Henry College	MCOM 101 - Tracy Lauder
			MCOM 101 - Mass Media & Society Fall 2005 - MWF 1:30-2:20 p.m. - Miller 223 Instructor Dr. Tracy Lauder Office Hours 216 Miller MW 12:30-1:30 p.m. 944-6152 (and by appointment) tlauder@ehc.edu Course Objectives - To become become knowledgeable, well-functioning citizens within our media culture - To challenge commonly held beliefs about media effects, how the human mind works, media content, and opinions about the media.. - To become familiar with scientific research to support criticisms about the media and to help to answer questions we have about the media. - To not only better understand how media messages are constructed and how the media industry operates, but to also understand how to use that information to better live better lives. - Ultimately, to become better consumers, and possibly producers, of media content. Required Texts Media Literacy, 3^rd ed., by W. James Potter (Sage 2005) Course Requirements A variety of assignments will be utilized in this course, including: - readings - assignments and quizzes - short research projects - class presentations - midterm and final exams The instructor will make every effort to explain the process, expectations, and grading criteria for each assignment. Students should seek clarification from the instructor as soon as questions arise. In addition, exams will test accumulated knowledge. Classroom attendance and participation are necessary for successful completion of the course, especially due the instructional nature of class discussions. Writing & Editing Skills As in mass communication course, the highest standards of writing and editing will be expected and enforced. Students, therefore, must be able to edit their work for grammar, punctuation, accuracy, clarity, conciseness, and style. Poorly written and/or edited work will receive a reduced grade. Students who foresee or encounter difficulty in maintaining quality writing should consult the instructor and/or seek help through the collegeÕs Writing Center. Academic Misconduct Representing another personÕs work as your own not only violates journalistic ethics, but it also violates the collegeÕs Honor Code. Copying homework assignments, cheating on quizzes or exams, lying about sources of information, and plagiarizing on projects all constitute academic misconduct, a serious offense with serious consequences. Cases of academic misconduct will be turned over to the DeanÕs office for investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures. Grading The final grade for this course will be computed in the following manner: Assignments / quizzes / projects 40 percent Media literacy worksheets 20 percent Midterm Exam 15 percent Final Exam 15 percent Participation/attendance 10 percent Attendance Policy Dedicated class attendance is essential for learning in this course. Students are expected to attend every class meeting and arrive on time unless absolutely unable due to unusual circumstances. A student should make every effort to contact the instructor prior to the class meeting if he or she will be unable to attend; in some cases (such as the death of a family member or a serious injury to the student), makeup work may be arranged. In general, makeup work will not be allowed, and the absence of completed assignments will decrease the studentÕs final grade. Students will be penalized for more than three absences in the course; five points will be deducted from the final course grade for each absence after three. If you already know that you will need to miss several classes due to extracurricular activities, a job, family responsibilities, or other obligation(s), you should consult the instructor before the course begins. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of the class period. If you arrive after roll is taken, you will be counted absent. If you arrive late for class, you should verify your attendance with the instructor after class. Three tardy arrivals will count as one absence. Deadlines As in any mass communications course, students are being trained to follow the professional standards of the media industry. However, even non-majors will be expected to meet due dates in other professions. Deadlines, therefore, are strictly enforced. Assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the class period in which they are due. Late assignments will be accepted but will receive a penalty of *one letter grade for every 24-hour period past the deadline.* As with class attendance, if a student encounters circumstances that prohibit him or her from completing the assignment by the deadline, he or she should contact the instructor as soon as possible, but exclusion of a late penalty is never guaranteed. The House Rules Respect for fellow students and the instructor are necessary for an enjoyable learning experience. This includes being prompt for class, turning off cellular phones before class, fulfilling oneÕs responsibilities in group assignments, and participating in classroom discussions that foster a healthy exchange of ideas. The subject covered in this class by nature will result in controversial issues. In fact, students will be required to make arguments about certain topics and explore values and ethics in classroom discussions. Good will and respect should be extended to all classroom participants, regardless of the opinions and personal beliefs shared. Course Schedule H 26 Introduction Week 1 M 8/29 Ch. 20, Media Violence W 8/31 F 9/2 Ch. 1, Why Increase Media Literacy? Week 2 M 9/5 Ch. 2, Defining Media Literacy W 9/7 Ch. 3, The Media Literacy Model F 9/9 Ch. 4, Developing Media Literacy Week 3 M 9/12 W 9/14 Ch. 5, Reality and Media Messages F 9/16 Week 4 M 9/19 Ch. 6, Entertainment Content W 9/21 F 9/23 Week 5 M 9/26 Ch. 7, What is News? W 9/28 F 9/30 Week 6 (Homecoming Week) M 10/3 Ch. 8, Advertising W 10/5 F 10/7 Week 7 M 10/10 Midterm Exam W 10/12 FALL BREAK F 10/14 FALL BREAK Week 8 M 10/17 Ch. 9, Development of the Mass Media Industries W 10/19 Ch. 10, Economic Perspective F 10/21 Week 9 M 10/24 W 10/26 Ch. 11, Who Owns and Controls the Mass Media? F 10/28 Guest Speaker Week 10 M 10/31 W 11/2 Ch. 12, What is an Audience? F 11/4 Week 11 M 11/7 Media History: Books, Newspapapers, Magazines Appendix W 11/9 Media History: Film, Recording, Radio F 11/11 Media History: Broadcast TV, Cable TV, Computers/Internet Week 12 M 11/14 Ch. 13, Broadening Our Perspective on Media Effects W 11/16 Ch. 14, How Does the Effects Process Work? F 11/18 Appendix B (Media Effects Data) Week 13 M 11/21 W 11/23 THANKSGIVING BREAK F 11/25 THANKSGIVING BREAK Week 14 M 11/28 Ch. 15 , Media Effects on Institutions W 11/30 F 12/2 Ch. 19, Media Influence on Sports Week 15 M 12/5 W 12/7 Supplemental Reading: Gender & Media F 12/9 Final Exam Period: Monday, Dec. 16, 1:30-4:30 p.m. SS 12/10-11 Review Days M-S 12/12-17 Final Exams tlauder 08/2005

About Mass Communication \| News \| Faculty \| Courses \| The Liberal Arts \| Alumni \| Contact us \| Campus media \| EHCWired.com \| EHC-TV \| WEHC-FM \| The Whitetopper Mass Comm Home Emory and Henry College Department of Mass Communications Emory & Henry College P.O. Box 947 Emory, VA 24327-0947 (276) 944-4121 (College's central number)