Journalism 121 (21) Introduction to Mass Communication
Time: M, W, F – 11:00-11:50
Location: Simpkins 327
Instructor: Teresa Simmons
Office: Simpkins 3l7
Phone: 309.298.1426
E-mail: tl-simmons@wiu.edu
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 to 11:00, Friday from 2:00 to 3:00 or by
appointment
Text: Joseph R. Dominick. The Dynamics of Mass Communication. 12th ed. McGraw-Hill (2013)
Course Description:
This course provides students with a broad perspective and general understanding of the mass media and
how they function in our society. The course looks specifically at the technological, economic, political,
philosophical and sociological factors that impact the mass media.
Grading*:
With Paper:
Exams 1 - 4
Final (Cumulative)
Quizzes
Paper
Participation/Attendance
40%
15%
20%
15%
10%
100%
Without Paper:
Exams 1-4
Final (Cumulative)
Quizzes
Participation/Attendance
55%
15%
20%
10%
100%
*All grades are based the following scale:
92 and above – A
91 & 90 – A89 & 88 – B+
87 to 82 – B
81 & 80 – B79 & 78 – C+
77 to 72 – C
71 & 70 – C69 & 68 – D+
67 to 62 – D
61 & 60 – D59 & below – F
Tests and Quizzes:
There will be five exams and four or five quizzes throughout the semester. Dates of the exams are listed
on the next page of this syllabus. Each exam will cover between three to four chapters of the text and
class notes and will include multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions. The final will be
cumulative, covering all assigned reading and class notes. Quizzes will be announced at least one class
period in advance and will cover one to two chapters of the text and the applicable class notes. Quizzes
will be all multiple-choice questions.
Quizzes cannot be made up, and tests cannot be made up without a compelling reason (you will be
required to provide sufficient and approved written documentation) and the prior consent of the instructor.
Paper:
You will have the option of writing a research paper (5-7 typed pages) due in April, and you are strongly
encouraged to complete this assignment. You will be given a list of subjects to choose from, and will be
graded on the depth of your understanding of the issues surrounding your subject area and its impact on
society. Any plagiarism found in this paper will result in an automatic failure (0 points) for this
assignment, with your final grade calculated using the “With Paper” grading matrix (see above).
Western’s policy on academic dishonesty can be found at http://www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php.
Participation:
Grades for participation will be based on class participation and preparation, as well as on completion of
any in-class assignments. Attendance policy is discussed below.
Policies:
Assignments:
All assignments will be collected at the beginning of class. If an assignment is not ready at the
beginning of class, it is considered late. Late assignments will lose one letter grade or each day
they are late.
Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory. Excessive absences (more than five) will have an impact on your final
grade. Doctor appointments and absences for illness are included as part of your five excused
absences, and medical excuses will not be accepted.
Up to one half of the points allocated for attendance/participation will be awarded based solely on
class attendance. Should you miss more than five classes, one point a day will be taken away
from your final grade (up to 10% of your final grade). If you miss more than fifteen days of class
during the semester, you will automatically fail this course.
Attendance is taken at the beginning of class; if you are more than five minutes late for class you
will be counted as absent for the day.
Cell Phones:
Cell phones are to be turned off and stored in your backpack or bag during class. If you use your
cell phone during class time, you will be asked to leave the class and will be counted as absent for
the day.
DSS Accommodation:
In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic
accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an
accommodation. In order for me to provide the proper accommodation(s), you must provide me
with documentation of the need for an accommodation through Disability Support Services. It
is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to my attention, as I am not legally
permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students who may require special
assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact me as to the most
appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact Disability Support Services at
298-2512 for additional services.
Student Rights and Responsibilities:
For a full list of student rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.wiu.edu/provost/
students.php
Course Outline
Date
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Topic Assignment
21
23, 26
28, 30, Feb. 2
4, 6, 9
11
13, 16, 18
20, 23, 25
27, Mar. 2
4
6, 9
11, 13, 25
27, 30, Apr. 1
3
6, 8, 10
10
13, 15, 17
20, 22
24, 27, 29
1
4, 6, 8
13
Subject to change as needed
Introduction
Communication and Audiences
Mass Communication Theory/Media Effects
Books
EXAM 1 (Chapters 1, 2, 7, 18)
Newspapers
Magazines
Radio
EXAM 2 (Chapters 5, 6, 8)
Sound Recordings
Film
Television
EXAM 3 (Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12)
Internet/Social Media
OPTIONAL PAPER DUE
Public Relations
Advertising
Media Regulation
EXAM 4 (Chapters 12, 14, 15, 16)
Media Ethics
FINAL EXAM (10:00-12:00)
Chapter
1&2
18
7
5
6
8
9
10
11 & 12
4
14
15
16
17