Introduction to Mass Communications
COMM 1010

Spring 2014


Instructor: Jim Leonhirth, Ph.D.
Home Phone: (615) 631-0977
E-mail: lwleonhirth@mscc.edu
Web site: http://www.tecomm.com

Office Hours:
By appointment (wleonhirth@mscc.edu)

Students are welcome to send requests for further explanations of course materials or assignments or other questions by e-mail to the instructor. Please use e-mail as a learning tool. Use of leonhirt@tecomm.com will bring a quicker response than use of my university-assigned e-mail address.


PURPOSE:

To examine the social, political, and economic context of development and use of mass media in the United States. To examine how mass media affect individuals and society.

GOALS:

  • To gain an overview of trends in the development and use of mass media.
  • To gain an understanding of the roles of mass media in government, the economy, and society.
  • To improve skills in research and presentation of research.
  • To gain knowledge to improve one's perspective as a consumer, media practitioner, and citizen in an information-based society.
  • METHODS:

    The class will include lectures, guest speakers, discussions, and research projects to explore these topics. Grading of performance in the class and of understanding of course materials will include evaluation of tests, writing assignments, and class discussions. Grades for attendance will be based on the same scale as overall grading for the class. If you attend at least 90 percent of class sessions, for example, you will receive an "A" for attendance.

    READINGS:

    The required textbook for the course is Shirley Biagi, Media/Impact, 10th ed., 2013 update.

    Readings also will include materials online and class handouts. Students also should follow news coverage of mass media issues.

    TESTS:

    Examinations for the class will include short essay questions and will try to measure your understanding of course materials and allow application of course materials. The final exam for the class will be comprehensive.


    BRIEFING PAPERS:

    Each student will prepare two briefing papers during the semester. One briefing paper will deal with an individual in media history. Please focus on individuals who made significant contributions, but who may be less well-known. One briefing paper will deal with a current "hot" mass media controversy. Each briefing paper should be no more than 3 pages (typed and double-spaced, not including citations).

    Each briefing paper about the individual will include at least the following information:
    I. Concise biography.
    II. Contributions of individual to media history.
    III. Current status of those contributions.
    IV. List of at least five sources for additional reading. These do not include the references that you use for your citations.

    For the briefing paper about a current "hot" mass media controversy identify either a news story that is receiving extensive media attention or an issue that involves the mass media themselves. Determine under which of these categories the story or issue falls. If you do not think the story or issue falls under any of these categories, confer with the instructor.

    For your briefing paper, include:
    I. Information about the category. Does it represent a legal, ethical, or moral question? What provides the foundation for analysis of the issue?
    II. A summary of the facts of the specific "hot" controversy that you are examining.
    III. A summary of the positions of the opposing sides of the controversy.
    IV. Your analysis of the importance of this controversy to the study of the roles of the mass media in U.S. culture and society.
    V. List of at least five sources for additional reading. These do not include the references that you use for your citations.

    Students may do the briefing papers in the order they wish.


    GRADES:

    Grading Scale

  • A: 90-100
  • B: 80-89
  • C: 70-79
  • D: 60-69
  • F:0-59
  • Grading for the class will be as follows:

  • Tests (30%)
  • Final (15%)
  • Attendance and participation (15%)
  • Briefing papers (40%)

  • PLAGIARISM

    Any submission of an assignment that is not the original work of the student will result in a "0" for the assignment.


    REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
    FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

    Students with disabilities who may need special support should contact the Disability Services (931-393-1765 for information about such services.


    FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

    In general, under FERPA I am not permitted to disclose your academic progress to anyone not allowed to receive such information. Thus I cannot discuss your academic progress, grades, etc., over the phone or via e-mail. All such discussions must be in person. At the end of the semester I cannot disclose your final grade over the phone or via e-mail. Nor can I "post" your grades on my door.


    CLASS SCHEDULE AND READINGS