Course Descriptions

COM 250: A survey of the print, broadcast, and film media in their relationship and influence on society. Study topics include mass communication theories, documentaries, commercialism, news media, media effects, and control, feedback, edicational broadcasting, and audience analysis. (Purdue University)

JOUR C200: Survey of functions, responsibilities and influence of various mass communication media. For nonmajors. directed toward the consumer and critic of mass media in modern society. (Indiana University)

Successful completion of COM 250/JOUR C200 can fulfill 3 credits in IPFW General Education Area III -- Indovidual, Culture, and Society
NOTE: COM 250 is designated automatically as 3 credits for GE Area III for COMM and COMI majors.

Courses in General Education Area III -- Individual, Culture, and Society

• Should require the student to demonstrate understanding of the nature and diversity of individuals, organizations, cultures, and societies. May involve developing an historical consciousness; familiarity with social structures and institutions; knowledge of behavioral processes; comprehension of the interplay among ideas, technology, and social organization.
• Should show how knowledge of social and behavioral processes is developed; how information is gathered, hypotheses formulated and analyzed, and theories developed.
• Whenever possible, should involve students in writing of their own, e.g., critically evaluating published articles, reaction papers.
• May also involve students in demonstrations or hands-on participation to develop an understanding of data collection and analysis and quantitative problem-solving.

Course Objectives
At the conclusion of the course, students will be able:

1. To define the functions of the mass media in the United States;
2. To describe the various mass media as technologies of communication;
3. To articulate the complexity of the media industrial practices; and
4. To apply critical methods to the study of mass communication industries.

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Texts

• Communication, Media, and American Society: A critical introduction
  by Daniel Rossides
• Media and Culture 5, 2007 Update
  by Richard Cambell, Christopher Martin, and Bettina Fabos
• Addition readings are linked to the Schedule page

Course Assignments
All assignment must be completed.

1. Tasks: Tasks (including quizzes) will be assigned during the semester The total grades from 10 tasks will constitute the Task grade.
   10 points each:
   Total: 100 points
2. Position Papers
   Each student will write two 6-10 page essays on topics related to the course content.
   Essay #1 Due: September 20
   Essay #2 Due: November 6
   200 points each
   Total: 400 points
3. Team Project
   Total: 150 points.
4. Midterm Examination
   Total: 200 points
5. Final Examination
   Total: 150 points.

Grading
The final grade will be based on the following scale:

Points	Grade
1000-890 points	A
889-790 points	B
789-700 points	C
699-600 points	D
599 points-below	F

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Course Policies

1. You are expected to attend class.
2. All assignments must be completed in order to earn a passing grade.
3. Class presentations are scheduled in advance. Failure to appear on a day when you are assigned to perform will result in a grade of "F" for that assignment (see above).
4. No late assignments will be accepted. Due dates for assignments are stated on the syllabus.
5. All assignments should be typed or computer printed except by instructor's permission.

Campus Services

• In making the transition from novice to experienced college student, the Center for Academic Support and Advancement (CASA) an make the critical difference. CASA offers study-skills assistance, free tutoring, supplemental instruction, and free computer-technology courses (STEPs). The center is also the advising unit for students studying English as a Second Language.
• Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) coordinates IPFW’s programming for people with disabilities, as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Persons with qualifying disability conditions per these regulations are eligible for specialized academic support services and other assistance through SSD.
• For questions about how the University experience will enhance your life and potential career, please contact Academic Counseling and Career Services.
• For help with writing, please contact the Writing Center. In free one-on-one conferences, knowledgeable writing consultants will talk with you about your writing for any class, wherever you are in the writing process — understanding assignments, brainstorming and planning, revising, and polishing final drafts. Consultants help you focus, organize, develop and analyze your thoughts, revise, and work on issues of editing and style. (Consultants will not edit or proofread for you but will help you learn how to edit and proofread your own papers).

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URL:http://users.ipfw.edu/tankel/syllabi/Fall 2006/com250f06.htm
Revised: 14 August 2006