FL 2014
J-427(21), History of Mass Comm.
Prof.: P. Strother-Adams
Office Hrs. TTH: 2:00-3:15 and W: 11-2:00 p.m., and by appt.Rm.:
226-J
Ph.: 309-298-1425
Hm. 309-836-5616
Email: p-strother-adams@wiu.edu
Class Time: TTH: SI-327: 2:00-3:15 p.m.
ADA Compliance: Please see me after class or come to my office and let me know if you have special
needs, which may call for special seating, modifications of testing or other class requirements.
Required Text: Fellow. American Media History. Wadsworth. 2010. At Union Book Store. Selected
supplemental readings will also be distributed from a Course pack: Sloan, David. The
Significance of the Mass Media in American History.
Other Materials: Videos will be shown. You are to take notes and prepare for
discussion of these videos. Material from these selections will also be
included on responses.
Course Description: History of Mass Communications involves the development
of journalism and the evolution of mass communication/ media in the context of
American political, social, and economic changes, with emphasis on freedom and
responsibility of the press.
Course Objective: This course is a discussion and exploration of the
historical significance of the American media which have played a role in
shaping the world at home and abroad. You will explore factual content about
media's relationship to the political, social, and economic historical trends
in society and the world.
To do this we will do the following: First, examine the conditions and
influences in designated historical eras and determine how each has
cumulatively affected the shape of the media past and present. Second, we will
explore issues and events in mass communications history that have affected
the many diverse groups represented in American society and abroad. In
essence, it would be impossible to discuss the history of mass communication
without discussing issues of race/ ethnicity, gender and class. All of these
are a part of the historic fabric of American media.
Requirements:
Class Discussion: You are required to show that you have
completed the readings by participating vigorously in the class
discussions. Your discussion should relate to the reading
material, etc. as well as draw upon current similar media related
activities.
Short Response Papers: Five, four page response papers are
required. These will emanate from text readings, handouts,
videos, and discussions. Any and all material covered in class
or distributed in class as assigned readings may be included. ,
Chapter Presentation of Readings: Each student will lead a
chapter discussion or supplementary reading discussion.
Concentrate on the theme and main point of the reading. Do not
read to the class. Your discussion should be informative.
Final Paper: You will complete one major ten page paper. The
focus of this paper will be the significance of mass media on
popular culture, which dates from the late 1970's to the present.
This paper will involve both research and observation analysis.
You will also present a short synopsis of this paper to the
class. Your presentation will be accompanied by an abstract
(outline or summary of your discussion) and a short video
presentation. You will use a minimum of five sources for the
completion of the paper, which may be a combination of current
books and articles. Unsubstantiated Internet articles are not
acceptable. Further explanation will be provided.
Policy:
Plagiarism is not allowed and could result in a grade of "F" for
the course. Sources will be randomly checked from time to time.
If you are not clear as to what Plagiarism is, please make an
appointment to discuss this with me in my office.
Attendance is mandatory. Keep in mind Attendance Policy: You are excused
three absences to this class--no questions asked--no explanation needed. For each
absence beyond three, I will deduct an automatic half grade from your final grade for
Attendance/ Participation. For each absence beyond five, I will also deduct an additional
one half grade from your final grade. No further explanation will be provided. There will
be no excused absences beyond the three. You are advised to use your three days as
you would sick days on a job--”wisely.”
Participation and Absence: If you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact a
classmate and find out what you have missed and what you will need in order to be
prepared for the next class. You will be expected to follow through as usual. Absence is
no excuse for falling behind. If you are absent, to avoid a late grade on an assignment,
you should give the work to another student to turn in or place it in my mailbox on the day
due (located on the first floor, Simpkins 122).
Tardy to class: Lateness to class will have the same effect as
absences since the effect is the same. More than five minutes
late to class should be explained at the end of class or you will
be counted absent.
If this lateness is unavoidable on a regular basis due to other
obligations, you should drop this class and take another more
conducive to your schedule.
Grading Formula: Each graded work will receive a letter grade and
a percentage grade. This should make calculations easy for you.
Written Responses:
Student Chapter presentations
Discussion and Participation
and class discussion
Final Paper:
Total:
40%
15%
15% (calculated from attendance
participation)
30% (first draft=10% of the
30%)
100%
(New Grading Scale: Using plus minus scale is mandatory)
100-96=A; 95-90=A; 89-87=B+;86-85=B+; 84-80=B; 79-77=C+;76-75=C;
74-70=C; 69-67=D+; 666-65=D; 64-60=D- and all below equal F.
Reading assignments will be made daily.
Text readings will follow.
An attached schedule of
Expect changes to this syllabus. Any changes will be announced.
Class Schedule: J-427: History of Mass Comm
Class Reading and Discussion List
Aug. 25
Wk. 1:
for
Sep. 1
Week 2:
Introduction: Syllabus
What is mass comm?
Mass Comm History Theory: Historical search
significance (handout c. 1)
Labor Day Week
Historical Search, contd. (same handout)
Sep. 8
Week 3:
Response #1 Due
Ch.1: The Colonial Years
Sep. 15
Week 4:
Ch. 2: The Press and the Revolution
Sep. 21
Week 5:
Ch. 3: The Press and Founding of a Natin
Sep. 28
Week 6:
response #2 Due
Ch. 4: A Press for the Masses
Oct. 6
week 7:
Ch. 5: A Divided Media
Oct. 13
Week 8:
Ch. 6: The Yellow Press and the Times
Oct. 20
Week 9:
Ch. 7: Magazines, Muckracking, PR
Oct. 27
week 10:
response #3 Due
Ch. 8: American Film
Nov. 3
week 11:
Ch. 9: Radio ...its Promises
Nov. 10
week 12:
Ch.10: Television Progress and Problems
Ch.13: The Internet Exploration
Nov. 17
Week 13:
Response #4 Due
Ch. 11: Advertising as a Social, Economic and
Political Force
Nov. 24
Fall Break
Dec. 1
Week 14:
Dec.8
Week 15:
guidelines)
Dec. 15
Ch.12: The Media and the National Crisis
Final Response #5 Due
Presentation of final projects (see
Week 16:
fifty minutes.
Final Exam Week
Tuesday @ 3:00: All finals are one hour and