200
Instructor: Journalism Marilou Blaine [e-mail]
Introduction to Mass Media
Fall 2006
Office hours/ MWF 10-10:45, W 5:30-6:15. By appointment Office: Media Arts Center, Room 122
Course Description: This course is a survey of different types of mass media newspapers, documentary films, television etc. We will look at each from a historical and technological perspective as well as the relationship of each medium to the society and culture in which it has developed. Besides giving students a background in how mass media is and has developed, this course should help students build media literacy skills so they may interpret what is presented to them in different media situations. The text is written from the perspective that "although not all individual are directly affected by every media message they encounter, the media nonetheless do have important cultural effects. Today, the media are accepted as powerful forces in the process through which we come to know ourselves and one another." So, author Stanley J. Baran says, the text will: Emphasize the influence of new technologies on media and society. Give students a deeper understanding of media-related issues and the role it plays in society. Gives examples of how media practitioners and audiences use the mass communication process to further important social, political, or cultural causes. Point out cultural issues being debated in the mass media. It is a required course for journalism and communication majors. Course Texts: Baran, Stanley J. Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture, 4th edition. The Associated Press Stylebook. Course Methodology: Generally, we will follow the book chapter by chapter but may occasionally read or refer to other sections out of sequence. Also, discussions and presentations in class will be an of extension material presented in the text. Students will be responsible for knowing this material. Since we will probably not cover all the material in this text, we will focus on books, newspapers, magazines, television, radio, documentary film and the Internet. This is not a lecture course and class participation is expected as well as regular oral presentations and short writing assignments by students. We will also have visiting speakers from various media. Announcements, assignments and other material will be presented via Blackboard.
All assignments must be typed, submitted to me as hardcopy - not electronically, and written in APA style. NO work will be accepted late unless he/she has permission from the instructor. All sources should be properly documented. Academic honesty is required. Please check your student handbook for KSC policy.
Attendance: Attendance is required and three absences will result in a reduction in your grade. If you have missed the equivalent of three weeks of classes, you will be asked to withdraw or take and F. Tardiness will be counted toward absences. Two times tardy will equal one absence. We will follow the KSC inclement weather policy: "During average winter weather condition for southern New Hampshire, Keene State College Shall remain open for all regular operations, including classes and events. Individuals are at liberty, and indeed are asked, to make responsible individual decisions for themselves..." I will attempt to post any cancellations on Blackboard. In Class: Please turn off beepers, cell phones and other personal communication devices for the duration of class. Please stay in the classroom for the duration of the class. Visit the rest room before class. Grading: Homework Participation in class Oral and written assignments Tests Attendance
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