DESCRIPTION: "Mass Media and Society" is an exploration of the process and effects of mass communication. Emphasis is on the mass media as a social and cultural institution as opposed to a business.

COURSE GOALS: Most of what you know about the world comes from the mass media. Therefore, to have a more accurate picture of that world, you must understand the history, structure, regulation and effects of the mass media. My hope is that you exit the course with a different understanding of your place in our media culture.

READINGS (first is in the bookstore, chapters from the second are on the Humanities and Communications course server):

        Tichi, C. (1991). Electronic Hearth: Creating an American Television Culture. Oxford.
        Wells, A. & Hakanen, E.A. (1997). Mass Media and Society. Ablex.

EVALUATION:

    1. Midterm (50 pts): The exam will be objective, short answer and an essay.
    2. Final (50 pts): The exam will be short answer and an essay.
    3. Term Project (50 pts each): You will find and read a communication journal article.
        Write a review of that article. More about this in class
    4. Attendance (50 pts): For every hour of class time missed subsequent to your first absence,
        you will receive a 10% (5 pts) reduction in your overall grade.

Policy on missed exams, projects and plagiarism: Missed exams cannot be made up without a legitimate and documented excuse. There are no make-ups for projects. Anyone accused of cheating will receive a zero for all work done to that point.

GRADING: Grading will be based on the performance of the group (F<60%).

Topics & Readings (The instructor maintains the right to deviate from the following schedule)