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.

Credits

3

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

General Education Competency

CSI Core Wellness

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

General Education Competency

CSI Core Wellness

Credit Hours Narrative

3

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Grading Method

Letter grade

Repeatable

N

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