MCCNM 101, Media & Society

Department of Mass Communications and Center for New Media
Colorado State University - Pueblo
2200 Bonforte Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81004

INSTRUCTOR: Samuel Ebersole, PhD
Office location, hours, email & phone: see link
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Description

Media & Society is a survey course designed to explore the mass media and the role they play in shaping our culture. Using a variety of theoretical perspectives, we will examine the historical, sociological, economic, technological, and ethical foundations of mediated communication from a social scientific perspective. Significant historical developments will be examined to provide a context for current media issues. Sociological issues related to the mass media will be examined to better understand the human dynamics that are affected by media use. The economic framework in which media corporations function will be explored in order to better understand the forces that shape media business practices. Because of the dynamic nature of media technologies, we will focus on the role that those technological developments have had in shaping the media landscape. And because all of these perspectives demand that value judgments be made by media producers and consumers, we'll explore the pertinent ethical issues that continue to challenge us all. Students in Media & Society will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and media literacy skills that will make them more responsible consumers and producers of culture.

The course meets a general education requirement in the Social Science category and is the first course for the Mass Communications major at CSU-Pueblo

Objectives

At the conclusion of the course students should be able to:

  1. articulate the functions of the mass media
  2. demonstrate understanding of the significant historical events in the development of the mass media
  3. explain the social, economic, and technological context in which the media have evolved
  4. apply critical methods to the study of mass-mediated culture
  5. understand and articulate the ethical issues associated with media production, distribution and consumption
  6. explain the importance of mass media to a democratic society

Format

Primarily lecture, but in-class writing, small-group work, media screening, and discussion will also occur.

Text

Required: Campbell, Martin, and Fabos (2008). Media & Culture. An Introduction to Mass Communication, 6th ed.

Expectations

Students are expected to read the assigned text chapters, attend class, participate in discussion and complete all tests and assignments on deadline. Attendance may or may not be recorded, however it is expected that students be in attendance and prepared to participate in class. Announced assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date specified. No makeup work will be allowed in exchange for missed assignments.

Technological Competency

Technology will be used to deliver course content. The course instructor will utilize email, PowerPoint, online and DVD video, and web-based internet sources. Blackboard will be used for this course. Students are encouraged to update Blackboard with their current email address, and to check both their email and Blackboard on a regular basis for course assignments and notices.

Evaluation

Three 100 point Exams: (300 points)
Exams may not be taken early. Students who have an excused absence must make up a missed exam within 72 hours.

The third and final exam is set for Thursday, June 5th at 10 a.m. in this room. You have 4 weeks to place this date on your calendar. The final exam may not be taken early.

Two 50-point Position Papers. (100 points) The first paper will take a media literacy approach applying the critical process (description, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and action) to a media “problem” outlined in your text. Format and writing mechanics will be assessed and will constitute a portion of your grade. The second paper requirements will be provided at a later date.

Course Tasks: (100 points) Additional brief assignments/tasks will be assigned over the course of the semester. Each will be worth 5-10 points. Tasks will be drawn from the following list of options.

  • Quizzes & Surveys
  • Written responses to media clips presented in class
  • Topical news summaries
  • Comments posted to the MCCNM or prof. e. blogs
  • On the Media podcast reviews
  • Media fast exercise

To receive credit for Course Tasks, collect printouts of all tasks and submit on the final day of class. A cover page should be carefully labeled with your name, email address, and a title list of each task assignment in the order presented.

Grading Breakdown
450-500     A
400-449     B
350-399     C
300-349     D
 <300        F

 

Course Policies

Make-up of any quizzes, exams or other assignments missed due to an excused absence must be arranged with the professor before the next scheduled class meeting to avoid a grade of 0 being registered. Cell phones, beepers, and 2-way communication devices may not be used during class time. Please be sure that they are turned "off" before class begins. If it rings during class, I get to answer it! If my cell phone rings during class, class is immediately cancelled. If you must leave before the normally scheduled end of class, please make arrangements with me ahead of time and sit near the door.

Academic dishonesty in any form, including cheating on examinations, fictionalization, using another student's work as your own, plagiarism of written documents, whether covered by copyright protection or not, or falsely representing another's work as your own, is not tolerated in the professions of mass communications, nor in this department. Students found in violation of this policy will receive a grade of F or unsatisfactory for the course upon the instructor's findings and recommendations to the department chair. In extreme cases, such violations may also result in dropping such students from the department and their major or minor in mass communications.

Disability Statement
This University abides by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which stipulates that no student shall be denied the benefits of an education "solely by reason of a handicap." If you have a documented disability that may impact your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please see the instructor as soon as possible to arrange accommodations. In order to receive accommodations, you must be registered with and provided documentation of your disability to the Disability Resource office, which is located in the Psychology Building, Suite 232.

 

Course Outline

Section  Content
Chapters
Part I   Critical Media Analysis, Internet & New Media
1-2
Part II  Music, Radio, TV, and Cable
3-6
  Exam #1
Part III Movies, Newspapers, Magazines, and Books
7-10
Part IV  Advertising, Public Relations, and Media Economics
11-13
  Exam #2
Part V Journalism, Media Effects & Research, and Legal Issues
14-16
  Final Exam