COMM 171 Introduction to Mass Communication
This course provides an examination of the role of mass media in contemporary society. An emphasis is placed on the relationships between various forms of media and other social and political institutions and on a critical analysis of current media issues.
COMM 171Introduction to Mass Communication
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
Department
Social Science
II. Course Specification
Course Type
Program Requirement
Credit Hours Narrative
3 Credits
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
45
Grading Method
Letter grade
III. Catalog Course Description
This course provides an examination of the role of mass media in contemporary society. An emphasis is placed on the relationships between various forms of media and other social and political institutions and on a critical analysis of current media issues.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Illustrate the historical development and current structure of the mass media by creating and presenting a web-based multimedia timeline of events.
- Analyze the processes of creating, distributing, and exhibiting mass media content for diverse audiences as demonstrated by written responses on reflection questions and quizzes.
- Analyze the legal and ethical issues facing media outlets as demonstrated by a research paper with scholarly research.
- Apply a media effects theory to historic and contemporary media examples in discussions, quizzes, and written responses.
- Analyze the cultural impact of the mass media in our society as demonstrated by written responses on reflection questions and/or quizzes.
- Construct, deliver, and evaluate public speeches based upon external criteria presented in class for successful public presentations.
- Utilize their personal inventories of knowledge as an aid to developing future presentations.
- Analyze the public presentations of others.
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
This course provides an examination of the role of mass media in contemporary society. An emphasis is placed on the relationships between various forms of media and other social and political institutions and on a critical analysis of current media issues. Individual instructional units include: Media Effects, Internet/Media Convergence, Music, Media Economy, Movies, Culture of Journalism, Print Journalism, Television /Cable, Radio, Advertising, Public Relations, and Freedom of Expression
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Assignments
This course is intentionally taught with a variety of mass media elements as instructional support. Documentaries, podcasts, websites, movies, television shows, etc. are used as lecture content to reinforce course concepts.
Critical reflection questions
Timeline presentation
Research Paper
Required Exams
Final exam
Grading rubrics for the above assignments provided upon request
Required Text
Textbook selection at instructor discretion Access to National Public Radio’s On the Media through their webpage, blog, radio broadcast and/or podcast. College of Southern Idaho’s email and LMS.
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
This course is intentionally taught with a variety of mass media elements as instructional support. Documentaries, podcasts, websites, movies, television shows, etc. are used as lecture content to reinforce course concepts.
Critical reflection questions
Timeline presentation
Research Paper
Final exam
Grading rubrics for the above assignments provided upon request