Mass Media Theory (CMCN-384)
Syllabus
Venue: Monday, 6:00 - 8:50 PM, FGM 103.
Instructor: Steven Dick, Ph.D. Mass Media Michigan State, M.A.
Telecommunication Southern Illinois Carbondale, B.A. Broadcasting Western
Kentucky.
Office: Monday & Wed 10 AM to Noon, Appointments are available
on request. Office: OK Allen 160 -- office may change during term.
Texts: Required - Mass Communication Theory: Foundations,
Ferment, and Future By Stanley J. Baran, Dennis K. Davis, ISBN: 0495503630.
Students will be required to participate in an online discussion list
and post reviews online. I will also require you to receive e-mail. Significant
class resources will be available on Moodle and at ModernMediaBarn.com.
Description: Concepts including functions and effects of mass
media on society, persuasion, influences on mass media content, and
interpersonal/organizational communication. Restr: Upper division status.
(formerly CMCN 344).
Grades will be based on participation, assignments, and exams.
| Assignment |
% |
|
|
| Participation -class |
10% |
Proposal |
5% |
| Online Quizzes |
10% |
Abstracts |
10% |
| Midterm |
20% |
Presentation |
5% |
| Final |
20% |
Mini-paper |
20% |
All homework should be delivered to Moodle PRIOR to class.
I do not collect homework in class.
Participation: Students will be expected to come to class
prepared after completing the readings and developing fully formed opinions.
Attendance is required but is NOT enough for a high participation grade.
Participation requires speaking in class.
Mini-paper will consist of a proposal, three annotated abstracts,
a presentation, and the paper itself.
Quizzes. Each student will be required to complete a short quiz on
the book chapter prior to classroom discussion.
Quizzed are due even if you choose not to come to class. NO LATE QUIZZES
ACCEPTED.
Exams: Tests will include a midterm and a non-comprehensive
final.
Anyone that does not take a test on time will be given a different an
probably more difficult test.
Mini-Term Paper
Description Each term paper should be from 1000 to 1500 words in length
plus references. I expect that most papers will use the Publication
Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) as a guide to
citing sources, footnoting, and references. Copies should be available
in the bookstore. If you prefer to use the Modern Language Association
guidelines, you are free to do so. Papers should have from three to
seven citations to either books or research articles. Online sources
are not generally acceptable except those that reprint recognized print
sources. These online source may be use only IN ADDITION TO acceptable
sources.
Topics We will discuss possible paper topics in class. However, it
is possible for you to base your papers on any of the theories being
covered in the textbook or lecture. Most papers will review the literature
in some area of media theory or effects. However, other topics are possible.
Please discuss your ideas for papers with me early in the semester.
Television violence has again become a focus of attention. This would
be an appropriate topic for your second paper since we will cover the
theories that deal with TV violence after the midterm. Another possibility
would be to focus on new media technologies or new media industries.
Consider the challenges posed by these technologies or industries. Choose
a theory that could be useful in investigating or understanding these
challenges.
Due Date The first term paper is due just before the midterm examination.
The second term paper is due on the last day of class.
Structure Give careful thought to the overall structure of your paper.
Write the paper as though it were intended to communicate to some informed
peers who are interested in your topic. Include an introduction that
explains the significance of the topic and introduces the theme or issues
that the paper will explore and discuss. The body of the paper should
systematically develop your points. The conclusion should summarize
key points and offer your perspective on them. Keep your readers in
mind as you write. Express yourself clearly.
|