COM101: Introduction to Mass Communication Spring 2014

This course covers the sociological, economic and political effects of mass
communication systems on American culture. We will examine communication and mass
media theories and models, the various communication industries, historical and
contemporary research, and the effects of media on society. This course will use selected
readings, lectures, viewing of films and class discussions of topical issues in
communication as the instructional methods. This course requires extensive writing and
research. 3 credits

Mr. Paul Singley
Office: Kinney Hall 646
Phone: 203-574-3636, ext. 1437
Email: psingley@nvcc.commnet.edu

Textbook: Media and Culture: An Introduction to Mass Communications, 9th Edition
by R. Camobell, C. Martin and B. Falbos
Bedford/St. Martin Publishers

e-Book found at ISBN-10 0-4576-2831-7
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/mediaculture9e/#t_857007____ ISBN-13 978-1-4576-
2831-3

Course Outcomes
1. Recognize the historical role and social impact of media in American society
2. Identify the current structure of the newspaper, magazine, film, radio, TV and
Internet industries and their diverse audiences
3. Explain basic concepts of media theory, research and effects
4. Examine the legal and regulatory framework that frame freedom of expression
and media regulation through the oral and written analysis of current media issues
5. Develop media literacy skills by critically evaluating contemporary national and
global media messages
6. Demonstrate awareness of the roles and ethical responsibilities of professionals in
journalism, public relations and advertising through the review of each industrys
code of ethics and by producing an analysis paper (journalism) and creative
presentation (public relations and advertising) to demonstrate ability within each
field.
7. Design media messages using the channels of mass communication by analyzing
audiences, applying social scientific methods and academic documentation, and
employing the ethical standards in each industry as students create media including
blogs, podcasts and wikis.


Learning Outcomes
In order to successfully complete COM 101 with a grade of C or better, the student
will have demonstrated the following abilities by the completion of the course:
1. The student will be able to identify major events and individuals involved in the
development of mass media industries by completing written examinations,
participating in organized class discussions and completing enrichment
assignments, such as creating a radio debate, viewing and evaluating current films,
and a Web 2.0 technology Wiki.
2. The student will demonstrate knowledge of strengths and weaknesses of the
various methods of news coverage, including newsworthiness and reporting styles.
3. The student will demonstrate and understand the importance of laws, rules, self-
regulation and ethical decisions in mass media by participating in case studies and
examination of ethical and legal dilemmas.
4. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the history and development of public
relations and its move toward professionalism by completing written examinations
and participating in an organized class/group discussion of case studies of
successful PR campaigns and creating a mock PR campaign for a real product.
5. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the history and development of
advertising and the relationship between advertising and mass media by completing
an enrichment assignment to design a storyboard for an advertising campaign for a
given product to reach a specific target audience based on demographics and
psychographics and using the language of advertising, i.e. positioning, emotional
appeals and the marketing cycle.


Instructional Methods
Each week you will be expected to complete readings from the textbook and
supplemental materials, participate in reading quizzes and show application of your
knowledge in enrichment activities and examinations. All work is due Friday night of
the week assigned. NO late work is accepted.


Discussions: Case studies of each industry will be analyzed weekly
Essays: There are several essay activities providing opportunities for creative
application of knowledge and the development of analytical thought and the
application of research skills. All research must be cited with in-text
parenthetical citations and a Reference page in the APA style.
Chapter Quizzes: There is a chapter quiz for each chapter we read and
discuss


Evaluative Criteria
Discussions (8) 30%
Chapter Quizzes (11) 40% lowest quiz score dropped
Essay Assignments (2) 30%

Class Cancellation and Make-Up Policy: Online classes are not cancelled if NVCC closes
for inclement weather. If I am absent, I will post a message in Announcements including
make-up work.

See Deans Message on College Policies



Class Work/Assignment Schedule


(Note only the first four weeks are shown. This will be updated within the next
couple of days, and you will be notified when it is. For now, I have posted all
assignments through the first quarter - the first four weeks.)


This is subject to change and will be updated.


Week One: Monday, Jan. 27 to Friday, Jan. 31


Read Chapter 1. Mass Communications: A Critical Approach
Discussion 1. pg. 22 Case Study
Quiz: This will be open until the end of the day on Friday, Jan. 31, to
complete


Week Two: Monday, Feb. 3 to Friday, Feb. 7


Read Chap. 2. The Internet, Digital Media and Media Convergence
Discussion 2. pg. 52 case study
Quiz: This will be open until the end of the day on Friday, Feb. 7, to complete


Week Three: Monday, Feb. 10 to Friday, Feb. 14


Read Ch. 3.. Digital Gaming and the Media Industry
Discussion: Can video games be blamed for violence in our society? Why or
why not?
No Quiz this week - Thank St. Valentine!


Week Four: Monday, Feb. 17 to Friday, Feb. 21
Read Ch. 4. Sound Recording and Popular Music
Discussion: pg. 143 The song machine: The hitmakers behind Rihanna
Quiz: This will be open until the end of the day on Friday, Feb. 21


The remainder of the course will be added once all students are in the class and the class
if officially closed to new students/additions in the next couple of weeks. Thank you for
your patience. - Paul