Elizabeth M. Perse Spring 2001

Office: 240 Pearson Hall Section 80

Phone and voice mail: 831-8041 Class Meetings: T & R 9:30 - 10:45

e-mail: eperse@udel.edu

Office Hours: T & R 11:00 - 12:00
 

Course Objective/Description: The course provides an overview of print and electronic media, film and advertising, and Internet-based media. We will consider history, structure, functions, and effects of the various media. The course material is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of mass communication and its various applications in contemporary society.
 

Course Web Site: http://www.udel.edu/comm245/comm245.html

Textbook Web Site: http://www.abacon.com/vivian/

http://www.dushkin.com/annualeditions
 

Texts: Vivian, J. (2001). The media of mass communication (updated online ed.). Needham Hts., MA: Allyn & Bacon. [V]
 

Annual editions: Mass media. (2000). Guildord, CT: Duskin. [AE]
 

A packet of required readings is available at the Newark News Stand. [R]
 

Exams. Students will complete two exams, each covering half of the course material (readings, lectures, and presentations). Make-up exams will be given only (a) when arrangements have been made with the instructor in advance and (b) in case of illness verified by a physician's note. Exams will be given on March 20 and during final exam week. Each exam will count 50 points.
 

News Highlights. We will begin each class with a short discussion of mass communication issues currently in the news. Each student will be expected to provide a minimum of 10 current news highlights. Students should bring to class either a short summary of the issue on an index card or a copy of the printed news article. News highlights will contribute 10 points to final grades.
 

Presentations. Students will be organized into five teams that will each make a presentation and lead class discussion about a media issue.
 

1. Media monopolies: benefits and harms.

2. Book censorship. What causes it? Are there any economic impacts?

3. Music censorship/labeling. Why? Benefits and harms.

4. Media violence. Should it be regulated?

5. Mass media tomorrow: What does the future hold?
 

Each team will draw on information from class readings and library research (academic research and evidence from popular periodicals). Teams are encouraged to use audio-visual materials in their presentations. Check with the instructor to make sure that we have any equipment you need available the day of the presentation. I will be available to help teams get leads and ideas. Grading will be based on content and presentation (this is a communication class!), so comprehensiveness and creativity both count. Teams will be given the entire class period for their presentation. The presentation should involve the class in discussion. The presentation is worth 15 points.
 

Assignments. Each student will complete five assignments. Each assignment is worth 3 points.
 

1. Compare and contrast the same day's issue of a large metro newspaper - its online and print version. Describe the strengths and weaknesses each from a consumer's perspective.
 

2. Go to a newsstand or library and find four magazines that you have never heard of before. Make notes about who the target market it, what kinds of advertising appears, and how this magazine reflects cultural trends.
 

3. Work with your group to present the history of a musical form and how it is reflected in current music.
 

4. Compare the news coverage of the same story in at least two different media (radio, TV, WWW, newspaper, news magazine).
 

5. Find five print ads that illustrate propaganda devices. There will be a handout.
 

There will be a total of 140 possible course points. Grades will be assigned as follows:
 

130 points = A	108 = B-	88 = D+
122 = A-	102 = C+	84 = D
116 = B+	98 = C	80 = D-
112 = B	94 = C-	below 80 = F

 

Extra Credit: Because the Department of Communication is committed to advancing knowledge in our field, extra credit will be given only for participating in communication research. Research opportunities will be announced as they arise.
 
 
 

Course Schedule
Date	Topic	Assignment
Feb 6	Introduction to the class
Feb 8	Why study mass comm.	R 1-3
Feb 13	Mass and other communication	V 1, 15
Feb 15	Media systems	V 18, R 14-18
Feb 20	Economic constraints	R 19-27, AE 28, 29
Feb 22	Media Monopolies	R 28-32, AE 11
Feb 27	Regulation and First Amendment	V 20, R 28-32, AE 9
Mar 1	Presentation 1
Mar 6	World Wide Web	V 9
Mar 8	Newspapers Assignment 1	V 4, 19 (pp. 231-239), AE 11
Mar 13	Magazines & Books Assignment 2 Bring a Magazine to class	V 2, 3
Mar 15	Presentation 2
Mar 20	EXAM 1
Mar 22	Recorded Music Assignment 3	V 5
Mar 26 - Apr 1	No Class Spring Break
Apr 3	Presentation 3
Apr 5	Film	V 6
Apr 10	Radio	V 7, R 33-44,
Apr 12	Television	V 8, R 45-57
Apr 17	Television	R 58-71
Apr 19	Ratings	V 14 (pp. 327-332), AE 27
Apr 24	Media Effects	V 16, V 19, AE 5, 7, 8
Apr 26	Media Effects	V 17,
May 1	Presentation 4	AE 2, 4
May 3	Journalism Assignment 4	V 10, AE 12, 13, 20
May 8	Politics
May 10	Advertising Assignment 5	V 13, R 72-76
May 15	Presentation 5	AE 32
May ??	FINAL EXAM

Note. The dates on this course outline are approximate. You are responsible for any changes.