SYLLABUS FOR THE CLASS - JOUR-002.-64Z

Instructor Information

Name: Cecilia Deck

Office Location: L-41

Office Hours: TBA

AN OVERVIEW

Mass Communication and its Impact on Society examines how mass media works and its effects on culture and society. Students seek out and decide how the media around you - whether it be television, radio, books or the Internet - affects YOU.

We will be studying the impact mass communication has on national and global institutions.

Researchers offer many theories about the effects of mass media. We will examine a few in the context of each medium: Books, Newspapers, Magazines, Movies, Radio, Recordings, Television and the Internet.

More importantly, however, we will see how all of these affect different aspects of society, including gender, ethnic and racial issues.

This course will guide you in exploring the ever-changing and dynamic world of mass communication. We will dive into the depths of this vast medium and see what makes it central to human existence today. We will separate the grain from the chaff and challenge beliefs with research. We will investigate media ethics and the rationale behind them in a changing world. We will challenge the giants and demand explanations of existing trends. Oh yes! We will ask a lot of questions.

How does a news story reach the front page? What makes news and what does not? Is there too much violence on TV? Is copying rented videotapes and using peer-to-peer downloading of MP3s from the Net stealing? Should libraries filter their computer content to prevent kids from accessing adult material? Are music videos and their lyrics all right for general audiences? What is justified public relations and what is not? How do the media influence our thinking? Are we controlled by the ones who control the media?

Let’s hope that we move from being the mere recipients of this medium to using it as intelligent and discerning consumers.

I strongly believe that this is one of the most important undergraduate courses that you will take. This impacts your life every time you plug in your iPod or computer; change channels on TV or radio; pick up a book or newspaper and surf the Net. This course deals with things happening to you NOW! Welcome aboard!!

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course covers a survey of the mass media and measurement of its impact on society. Mass media effects on global and American institutions. Theories of mass communication in the context of the media: radio, television, recordings, magazines, newspapers, books, films and the Internet. Ethical, moral and legal implications of media and their effects on the individual and society. Influences of the media on gender and minority issues.

This course qualifies for the De Anza A.A./A.S. degree in area D, the general education requirement for CSU in area D7, and the general education requirement for UC/CSU (IGETC) in area 4G

OBJECTIVES
After completing the reading and written assignments, you will be able to:

1. Define the nature and importance of mass communications media (books, newspapers, magazines, movies, radio, recordings, television and the Internet) within the larger communication field.

2. Examine historical, cultural and consumer-oriented aspects of media in America and the world, to better understand the impact of the media in contemporary society.

3. Explore interrelationships and synergy between media industries.

4. Analyze various media theories and apply them to mass communications issues.

5. Examine legal and ethical issues within the media from various perspectives.

6. Interpret and apply ethical philosophies in mass communications contexts.

7. Explore career possibilities and interests in the mass communication field.

8. Explore the role of minorities, ethnic groups, women in the mass media and the effects of the mass media on those groups.

THE BOOK

THE TEXTBOOK FOR THIS COURSE – George Rodman's "Mass Media in a Changing World- 3rd Edition" can be purchased from the college bookstore on campus or online at DeAnza Bookstore

It is also available from Aida's Bookstore in the Oaks Shopping Center (phone 408-517-0245), or any other online textbook source. You must have your textbook by the second week of class.

If you are interested in a career in Mass Communications, you may also wish to purchase the recommended book: "Media Career Guide" by James Seguin. You will find it useful for the Final Assignment.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

By registering for JOUR 002, that you agree to follow the guidelines of this course. You are expected to:

1. Keep current in the reading of the text, "Mass Media in a Changing World," by George Rodman.

2. Be prepared to spend minimum 12 hours a week studying and using the course materials.

3. Finish the weekly assignment by the due dates. The first and the second week are dedicated to orientation to the course and the subject and have light but INTERESTING assignments. From the 3rd week, regular assignments begin. They are posted in the block for that week, clearly marked with Week Number and Title and date range. Each block is availale from Sunday midnight until the following Sunday at 11:55 p.m. This means you have a week to do the assignments listed in the block. These will primarily consist of:

a. Reading the assigned textbook chapters.

b. Answering an Assignment Question OR

c. Doing the Discussion Question for the week AND

d. Attempting the Quiz based on chapters readings for that week.

Don't be scared; all of these quizzes are open book and you

have plenty of time. These weekly quizzes do not start until

the third week of the quarter.

4. Complete and turn in the RESEARCH PAPER (Due: Week 11). This will be open in the 3rd week and you will have 2 months to do it.

5. Complete the Eight Year Assignment which is your Final Exam (Due: Week 12).

TESTING/GRADING

1. Students are expected to complete all the weekly quizzes, discussion questions or assignments for a pass grade or better.

2. Every week the students will be expected to do their reading etc., which will be detailed in the “Book Section” for that week and answer the assignment or discussion questions set up for that week.

3. Assignments can be submitted early and only one late assignment will be accepted for the entire quarter.

4. There will also be one Quiz (open book and timed) per week starting from the third week till the tenth week. Each quiz is worth 20 points. There will be a total of 8 Quizzes during the length of the course. Each quiz consists of 20 multiple choice from two chapters assigned for reading that week. The questions are randomly generated so students will receive different questions.

5. You have three days to do the quiz and have only one attempt at it. You will be allowed to make up one missed quiz, with a reduction of 5 points. If you need to make up a quiz, notify your instructor so she can reopen the quiz for you.

6. The other major assignment is the Research Paper. You will want to plan for your Research Paper early in the term to allow enough time for completion.

7. The Eight Year Assignment will also be opened a few weeks in advance allowing you time to complete it.

The breakdown of grades is as follows -
Assignments – 110 points

a. Internet Search Project – 20 points

b. You Tube Assignment – 20 points

c. Movie Report – 20 points

d. Research Outline – 20 points

e. Research Paper – 30 points

Discussions – 90 points

a. Discussion Question 1(Student Introduction) – 15 points

b. Discussion Question 2 (Media & U) – 15 points

c. Discussion Question 3 (Media History) – 15 points

d. Discussion Question 4 (Media Today) – 15 points

e. Discussion Question 5 (News & PR) – 15 points

f. Discussion Question 6 (Impact/ Legal/ Ethical) – 15 points

Quizzes – 160 points

8 Quizzes x 20 points each

Eight-year assignment (final exam) – 20 points

Participation – 20 points

a. Responding to posts by classmates in the weekly Discussion Question [minimum once to all the six discussions] - 10 Points

b. Creating and monitoring your own Discussions in the Dialogue Chamber [minimum once] - 5 Points
c. Being an engaged, active and punctual learner - 5 Points

MAXIMUM POINTS – (110 + 90 + 160 + 20 + 20) = 400

Grade Scale:
97%-100% - A+

93%-96% - A

89%-92% - A-

85%-88% - B+

81%-84% - B

77%-80% - B-

73%-76% - C+

68%-72%- C

64%-67% - D+

60%-63% - D

56%-59% - D-

55% or Below - F

To earn an A, students must complete the weekly assignments/discussions, the research paper and the final exam.The Research paper is also a transfer requirement. Extra credit opportunities may be announced as the quarter proceeds.

CLASS INSURANCE

These are some suggestions to make this course FUN and STRESS FREE for all of us:

1. ALWAYS keep a copy of your quizzes and assignments as backup, in case the one emailed to the professor is lost. This is especially important since Catalyst is a new course software for all of us and things can go blank on us by accident.

2. When sending an email to the Instructor, write JOUR 2 in all caps in the subject line, along with the subject. That way you won't be confused with Spam. :-)

3. Schedule your time appropriately; the Instructor may take up to 48 hours to respond to queries. If I don't reply after 48 hours, please e-mail me again with “JOUR 2 Urgent” in the subject line.

4. Don't procrastinate and start work early in the week. Sometimes the Internet may be down later in the week or you may have some other emergency at the eleventh hour. Plan ahead, especially for your Research Paper and the Eight Year Assignment.

5. Look ahead at the assignments, and work ahead if you have the time.

6. In the online discussions, we will talk about interesting, and sometimes volatile, issues. I expect students to be professional and courteous, to listen to one another, and to show tolerance and respect for varying viewpoints. Students who exhibit inappropriate behavior will be given a lower grade and/or asked to leave the class.

EQUITY STATEMENT

All persons, regardless of gender, age, class, race, religion, physical disability, sexual orientation, etc., shall have equal opportunity without harassment in this course. Any problems with or questions about harassment can be discussed in confidentiality with your instructor. I will be happy to accommodate any special needs and these can be discussed with me via e-mail or in my office by appointment.

PLAGIARISM POLICY

Plagiarism is grounds for probation and/or suspension from the college. Any student who cheats on an exam, uses plagiarizes) someone else's outline, notes, or paper or lifts information from sources without citing those sources (another from of plagiarism) will receive a grade no higher than a C (or maybe lower) for the course. If you are uncertain about the college's policy on academic misconduct, please refer to the college policies and guidelines in the college catalog.

An online site about plagiarism with suggestions how to avoid it is available at Purdue University

Welcome to the class and please let me know how I can help you on this path to learning!!