MC 251 – Television and Film in America
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DEPARTMENT OF MASS MEDIA
COURSE NO. MC 251
COURSE TITLE: Television & Film in America
I.
NEW 2011
Catalog Description
An exploration of the impact of American television and film on culture and society. (3)
II.
Prerequisite(s)
Completion of 15 credit hours.
III.
Objectives
The Department of Mass Media at Southeast Missouri State University holds accreditation in
mass communication from the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass
Communications (ACEJMC). We embrace the values and competencies of ACEJMC.
The five key values are (1) freedom of speech and press; (2) history of communications; (3)
diversity in a global society; (4) application of theories in communications; and (5) legal and
ethical issues in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
The six key competencies are (1) critical, creative and independent thinking; (2) correct and
clear writing; (3) appropriate use of research and evaluation; (4) application of basic numerical
and statistical concepts; (5) appropriate application of tools and technologies for the
communications professions; and (6) critical evaluation of work for accuracy, fairness and
clarity.
This course includes the values of research, ethics, law, history and diversity, with units on
the history and development of television and film; units on broadcast law and ethics; a unit on
the cultural influence on filmmakers; and two research papers on the cultural impact of television
and film.
IV.
A.
To understand the role of television and film in the formation of culture and
ideology.
B.
To understand the ways television and film reflect, support and challenge
dominant ideologies.
C.
To understand how television and film use various storytelling methods and how
that content effects how we view our society.
Expectations of Students
A.
To attend lectures and screenings regularly
B.
To read all text and supplemental assignments
C.
To demonstrate their knowledge of the subject in three or more examinations
D.
To write at least one research paper on a topic related to television and/or film
E.
To participate in classroom discussion
MC 251 – Television and Film in America
F.
V.
To complete all other class assignments
Course Content
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
VI.
Sounds and Images
1.
Importance of Movies in American Culture
2.
Importance of Television in American Culture
Words and Pictures
1.
The technology of film
2.
The business of film
3.
The artistry of film
The Shift to Broadcast
1.
The technology of television
2.
Television delivery systems
3.
From broadcast to cable
4.
The business of television
The Impact of Film
1.
Issues and trends in American filmmaking
2.
The cultural influence of filmmakers
3.
The future of film in American society
Television Entertainment
1.
The power of the visual culture
2.
From news to reality TV
3.
A converging media
Textbook
TBD
VII.
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Basis for Student Evaluation
2 weeks
3 ½ weeks
3 ½ weeks
3 weeks
3 weeks
MC 251 – Television and Film in America
VIII.
A.
Sixty percent will be determined by objective exams
B.
Twenty percent will be determined by a paper related to television and culture
C.
Twenty percent will be determined by a paper related to film and culture
Grading Scale
A = 90 to 100%
B = 80 to 89%
C = 70 to 79%
D = 60 to 69%
F = 59% or below
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