BROOKLYN COLLEGE
Department of Television and Radio
Introduction to Mass Media
TV/R 6.5 Section EM6 (Course Code B065)
Spring, 2006, Mon, 6:20 - 9 pm
320 Whitehead Hall

Semester Syllabus

A more detailed version of this syllabus is available online at http://davis.foulger.net/brooklyn/spring2007/mediacriticism/syllabus.htm.

Course Description

This course is a survey of the history, industry practices, and controversies associated with the media of mass communication. We will, over the course of the semester, examine such mainstream mass media as books, newspapers, magazines, film, radio, recordings, and television. We will also take a look at the emerging mass media associated with the Internet, Cell Phones, and other convergent mass media infrastructures/interfaces. You will engage in analysis of news, entertainment, advertising and public relations strategies, as well as the impact of mass media, the legal issues that are associated with media use, and the ethical obligations of mass media practitioners.

Details: A series of reading assignments, lectures, discussions, and media presentations make up the course material. You are expected to read the assigned material before class and bring in any questions or items for discussion. Following that discussion, we will explore areas in class that are beyond the readings.

Required Texts

• George Rodman, Mass Media in a Changing World, Updated 2007 Edition, with Media World DVD (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2007). The Web site for the book can be found at http://www.mhhe.com/rodman.
• Andrea Lunsford, Easy Writer: A Pocket Reference 3rd edition + iCite CDR
  (New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006). This is a required text for all TV/Radio classes, so please retain it.

Additional Materials

• A package of 3"x5" index cards. This should cost you no more than a dollar or so.
• The Class Schedule and Assignments for this class are available on the Internet. See http://davis.foulger.info/brooklyn/spring2007/intro2massmedia/index.htm.
• Discussion Notes for this class will be available via the Internet. See http://evolutionarymedia.com/student.htm?Intro2MassMediaSpring2007. All important class information (assignment reminders, hints for tests, changes in course outline, extra credit opportunities) will be posted here.

Learning Objectives

1. Students should be able to discuss the origins of today's media industries, why they do what they do, and why those actions cause controversies.
2. Students should be able to critically analyze the media they use in their own lives.
3. Students should be able to relate current issues in media effects, media law, and media ethics to their historical precedents.

Outcomes Assessment

Your comprehension of reading assignments will be evaluated through three exams which will count for 60% of your course grade. Your synthesis of this material with our other class activities will be measured through the instructor's evaluation of your class participation (with 20% of your grade), and his evaluation of your term paper (worth 20% of your grade). Participation will be evaluated based on in class participation, evident effort, and your completion of three types of ungraded assignment that will be due for most classes: journal entries (8), questions (10), and think assignments (10). There are extra credit opportunities. Details of how grades will be computed can be found in the online syllabus.

Blackboard Discussion Group

A class discussion group will be maintained on Blackboard. You can also use this group to exchange of any class-related information or questions, especially those questions you didn’t want to ask in class. Only class members can post to the forum or read messages on the forum. The most general path for accessing CUNY Blackboard is http://portal.cuny.edu. I have provided instructions, including shortcuts) for accessing Blackboard at http://evolutionarymedia.com/student.htm?BlackboardTutorial. Pointers to all of the online material for this class are available both from Blackboard and my Brooklyn student web site: http://davis.foulger.info/brooklyn.

Course Rules

1. Attendance is required. Punctuality is much desired.
2. Complete reading assignments prior to coming to class. Be prepared to discuss readings.
3. Write in your own words. Reference the ideas you use to the original sources. Plagiarism and cheating will are unacceptable.
4. Papers should be printed out for submission. Double space your papers and print them out using standard 11 point fonts (Ariel, Times Roman, and Courier are all acceptable). I will notice attempts to pad the length of your papers with oversized fonts and lines spacing and count it against you.
5. Unexcused late papers will be penalized 1/2 of a letter grade if one period late and one full grade thereafter.

Good Advice

1. Keep a copy of any assignment you submit, just in case the original gets lost.
2. Write your name on the front of any assignment you submit, including questions, think assignments, and papers.
3. Assuming you work on a computer, maintain backups of your paper in a reliable and convenient format. USB flash drives work on just about all computers now, can be readily obtained for less than $20.00, and are much less likely to fail than diskettes. Assume the worst. Maintain two backups.
4. If at any time you find yourself confused or have questions, especially in terms of the writing assignmentss, please ask me (either in class or in private) for help. One person's question may help countless others in class. If you can't meet me during my office hours, we can probably find another time.
5. Please speak with me confidentially if you have a disabling condition that may require some accommodation in class. I'm here to help.
6. Brooklyn College's Learning Center (in Boylan) is an excellent resource if you have any issues working through the writing process. They can help you develop writing strategies for any stage in the process: from planning, to drafting, to editing, to reflecting.