COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will examine the ways that mass media, in its multiple forms, helps to define reality and shape our social, political, and cultural experience. We will examine and critically discuss media including books, newspapers, magazines, films, audio, television, gaming, and the Internet.

We are constantly engaging in media. Therefore the ability to interpret the intent and strategies of media will significantly inform our lives. You will learn media literacy skills that are crucial in our world today, as well as gain awareness of the methods, issues, theories and subtleties of mass media both historically and in regards to its rapid development.

In this course you will take an active role by participating in and shaping contemporary media and culture. Be prepared to contribute to every class through discussions and debates. There are no right or wrong ideas, but we will move toward clear and educated understandings of mass media.

GRADING

Media Blog 30%
Create and maintain a media blog using either Blogger or Word Press that you post to, at minimum, twice a week. Design, develop, and network this site and add content to it throughout the duration of the course.

Posts should included responses to readings, media issues, current news events, links and descriptions of relevant and inspiring websites, project research and updates (ideas, samples, videos). All blog links will be available on the course website. Reading and commenting on each other’s blogs will also be an important part of this term-long assignment.

Media Use/Effect Paper 10%
Recount your personal mass media use history and give examples of effects it has had upon you. This paper should include sections on your preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, and your current media use. Each section should discuss your favorite media and why, how you used the media, and effects from the media. Minimums: 1500 words, 5 references. 

Participation 10%
Participation in this course is a requirement and is mandatory. You are expected to assume an ACTIVE role in class. It is your responsibility to engage and participate in the entire duration of every class. Participation can include and is not limited to verbal expression of ideas in class discussions, constructive criticism, and asking questions. 

Reading Quizzes 10%
There will be several, unannounced reading quizzes throughout the semester to assess your knowledge of course material.  

Group Research Project and Presentation 10%
In assigned groups of 4 or 5, select a media product to investigate. Create a 15 to 20 minute report deconstructing the methods, message, and meaning of the product. Consider the advertising framework, strategy, and the affects. Examine target audience, personal appeal, overall design, and effectiveness.  

Individual Final Research Project and Presentation 30%
Create a proposal and professional presentation for a chosen research topic. This multimedia presentation should include visual material such as photos and/or videos as well as text. Spend time on the research and development of your report and be sure to practice your oral presentation. Presentation materials (Powerpoint, research, videos) are to be turned in the same day as the presentation is given.

Project and Presentations will be assessed on concept, depth of research, quality of information, critical content, structure, ambition, professionalism and overall presentation.  

GRADING CRITERIA
Total is based on 100%
A 100-90 (Exceptional)
B  89-80 (Above Average)
C  79-70 (Average)
D  69-60 (Below Average)
F  59-50 (Failing)

**Your attendance will affect your final grade (refer to attendance portion of syllabus below). Based on your attendance, points will be deducted from your final percentage.

REQUIRED TEXTS
Baran, S. J. Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture. 5th ed. New
York: McGraw-Hill, 2007.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Emails
Communication will occur through email. Be sure to check your email daily. You are responsible for emails sent by the professor.

Laptops
You are not permitted to use laptops during class, use a notebook. You may use your laptop computer for presentations only.

Late Assignments
There will be no late assignments accepted.

Incompletes and withdrawals
Any request for an incomplete or withdrawal from the course needs to be substantiated by documentation of hardship: accident, illness, death.

Attendance
Attendance in this course is a requirement and is mandatory. You are expected to attend every class and stay for the entire duration. Tardiness, early departures, lack of being prepared, or lack of awareness or attention during class will count as absences--two incidents of any of previously stated will equal one absence and will accumulate and impact the final grade. A student may be absent from class two times during the semester without his or her final grade being affected. There are no excused absences beyond those two. Any further absences will result in a grade reduction for every missed class-–upon the 5th absence the student will receive a failing grade. 

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the intended or unintended use of someone else's language and/or ideas without revealing the source of that material, leading the audience to believe that the work is original. So attribute all your sources. Minimum penalty for plagiarism is a zero on the assignment (and possible course failure); I will also follow College rules and report any instances of plagiarism to the administration.

Accommodations
If you need course adaptation or accommodation because of a disability (physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.), please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.