Faculty Syllabus

Introduction to Mass Communication examines the basic factors affecting mass communication.The course is designed around major modules of content which relate to the historical timeline for media and the platforms of communication which function as the vehicles for the delivery of the messages being transmitted. In various weeks in the semester an assignment will be given which will carry a weight of 25 points, four total, for a combined total of 100 available points. The specific requirements of each assignment will be described as the assignment is given and the manner of scoring will be communicated at the same time. The total points earned will be translated into a letter grade using traditional grading equivalents

There is no textbook required for this course. The course will rely on material provided, assigned readings and
links to available sources to support the goals of the course and basis of learning.

The course content is designed to help students develop a foundation for understanding mass media and the dynamics that
affect the messages transmitted by media. The course examines media technology and the historical development
of each of the major mass media platforms including newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television,
fi lm, recorded music and the Internet. The course examines the major content disseminated by mass media
including news, public relations, advertising and entertainment. Also examined in this course are media effects,
the global mass media, governance and the media, media law and ethics.

Please note: Assignments may need to be changed by the professor depending on the circumstances. The schedule
indicates the course progression through the term with assignments dates.

Jan. 20 - Jan. 23 - Orientation and Introduction to course
Jan. 26 - Jan. 30 - Print History, Technology and Evolution
Feb. 2 - Feb. 6 - Newspapers - Finding Mass Audiences
Feb. 9 - Feb. 13 - Magazines - Diversifying Readership (Assignment 1)
Feb. 16 - Feb. 20 - Photography/Film - Pictures Tell A Story
Feb. 23 - Feb. 27 - Motion Films - Pictures Come Alive
March 2 - March 6 - Television - Pictures in a Box
March 9 - March 13 - Social Impact and Implications of Visual Media (Assignment 2)
March 16 - March 20 - Spring Break
March 23 - March 27 - Radio - The New Frontier
March 30 - April 3 - Over the Airwaves and Social Implications
April 6 - April 10 - News and Information Broadcasts
April 13 - April 17 - Politics Finds a Voice (Assignment 3)

April 20 - April 24 - Advertising
April 27 - May 1 - Public Relations, Polls, Surveys and Ratings
May 4 - May 8 - First Amendment and Media Law
May 11 - May 15 - Final Week Wrap (Assignment 4)