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

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing

INSTRUCTOR: Samuel Ebersole, PhD
Office location, hours, email & phone: see prof. e.'s website
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Description

Application of information theories to mass communication problems. Nature of the communication process in groups and between mass media and audiences. Contribution of theoretical concepts to solving specific problems. (CSU-Pueblo Catalog)

theory (noun): 1. an idea or plan of the way to do something. 2. a systematic statement of principles involved. 3. a formulation of apparent relationships or underlying principles of certain observed phenomena which has been verified to some degree. 4. that branch of an art or science consisting in a knowledge of its principles and methods rather than in its practice. 5. popularly, a mere conjecture, guess, etc. (Webster's New World Dictionary, 1964). According to Kurt Lewin, "There's nothing as practical as a good theory."

Overview

The purpose of this course is to explore the theoretical foundations of the media from a social scientific perspective. We will trace the development of media theories following the four eras of mass communication theory as defined by the textbook: mass society theories, limited-effects perspectives, critical and cultural approaches, and meaning-making perspectives.

Format

This class is structured in a lecture-seminar format and is designed to create an environment for students to discuss topics of interest as they relate to theories of mass communication and media. You will be expected to come to class prepared to engage with the material and with your classmates. This is a 400-level course and is seen as preparatory for graduate studies.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. develop a working knowledge of theories that explain the world of mass media and users of the media
2. understand the historical development of the field of mass communication and its theoretical foundations
3. critically evaluate theories as applied to practical mass communication problems, e.g., media portrayals of sex and violence
4. demonstrate enhanced media literacy skills
5. develop a personal understanding of a particular theoretical approach and demonstrate that via a multimedia project

Text

Baran, S. & Davis, D (2008). Mass communication theory: Foundations, ferment, and future, 5th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company. The companion website for the text is located at the Thompson/Wadsworth website.

Select articles and papers will be assigned and made available in Blackboard. The reading load for the course will be extensive at times and will require that adequate time and attention be devoted to the course materials.

Evaluation

Policy Statements

Attendance & Participation

Because of the seminar format, attendance at all class meetings is expected. Student participation is critical to the success of the course, and to your success. 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 and other portable electronics 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 you must leave before the normally scheduled end of class, please make arrangements with me ahead of time and sit near the door in order to minimize disrupting your classmates.

Academic dishonesty

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 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.