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)

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

• Media & Culture: An introduction to mass communication
  by R. Campbell, C. Martin, and B. Fabos
  Fourth Edition, 2005 Update
• Online Study Guide for Media and Culture

Students may also refer to glossaries of terms used in this course:

• Telecommunications Terms: Technology and Industry
• Media Communication Terms: Aesthetics and Criticism

Course Assignments
All assignment must be completed.

1. Quizzes: Short quizzes will be given on the first day of each new reading. Quiz days are noted on the class schedule. The total grades from 10 quizzes will constitute the quiz grade.
   20 points each:
   Total: 200 points
2. Position Papers
   Each student will write two 750-word essays. Here are some examples:

   Overrun by Assassins By Timothy Kar
   
   Bush’s turn By Dan Kennedy
   
   Sex and The TV-Watching Teen By L Brent Bozell III
   
   Politics of the Rich and Famous by Jabari Asim
   
   Was Dan Duped? By Patrick Buchanan

   100 points each
   Total: 200 points
3. Team Project
   Total: 250 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. Grading:
5. No late assignments will be accepted. Due dates for assignments are stated on the syllabus.
6. 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/Fall2004/com250f04.htm
Revised: 18 August 2004