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 link
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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 five eras of mass communication theory as defined by the textbook: mass society theory, scientific perspective, limited effects, cultural criticism, and moderate effects.

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 (2006). Mass communication theory: Foundations, ferment, and future, 4th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company. The companion website for the text is located at the Thompson/Wadsworth website

Postman, N. (1985). Amusing ourselves to death. Public discourse in the age of show business .

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. This is a 400-level course and is seen as preparatory for graduate studies.

Evaluation

Policy Statements

• Attendance
  Because the class meets once per week, attendance at all class meetings is expected. However, you will be allowed one absence without penalty. Two absences will limit your final grade for the course to a "B", regardless of your performance. Three absences will limit your grade to a "C", and more than three will result in a grade of "F"

• 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.