Chabot College
Fall 2009
Course Outline for Mass Communications 41
INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATIONS
Catalog Description:
41 - Introduction to Mass Communications
3 units
History of the press and mass media; the political, social and economic impact of the press on government
and public opinion. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1A or 52A. (May not receive credit if
Mass Communications 5 has been completed.) 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Expected Outcome for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
explain the operations and effects of print and electronic media as social forces;
understand legal and ethical aspects of each medium as profit making operations;
assess job opportunities.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The nature of mass communications, newspapers, magazines, books, the movies, radio, television
Economic and political influences of the media
Advertising
Public relations
Media support
The news process
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Discussions
Lectures
Visuals
Tapes
Homework
Assignments
Written work
Tour of the college newspaper offices
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a. Research paper profiling a specific job in media
b. Group discussions on specific questions from a chapter with a presentation to the class
c. Reading chapters in the textbook and correlating lectures with the topics
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Class participation in group discussions and presenting ideas during lectures
b. Examinations on chapters in the textbook and their correlating lectures
c. Final examination covering all topics in course
Chabot College
Course Outline for Mass Communications 41, Page 2
Fall 2009
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Media of Mass Communication-2008 Update 8th Edition, John Vivian, Allyn and Bacon, 2008
Understanding Mass Communications, 7th Edition, Melvin L. Defleur and Everette E. Dennis, Houghton Mifflin
Co., 2002 (This is a classic textbook in the field.)
Special Student Materials:
CD ROMs, USB drive, access to radio, television and the Internet.
CMG
Rev. 11/04/08