MCOM 105 - Introduction to Mass Communication
Spring 2005 Syllabus
Tuesday & Thursday, 3:30-4:45 GC 110
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Course description: Study of the field of mass communication in the United States with attention
to the historical origins of film, print, and electronic media; the relative effects of these media upon
society; the general nature of management organization in the industry; and an overview of the
origins and nature of media regulation.
Instructor:
Dr. Tyra C. Phipps
Telephone: X4782
Administrative Asst: X3049
E-mail: tphipps@frostburg.edu
Office: Guild Center 109-2
Office Hours: MW 1:15-2:45 p.m.
TR 2:00-3:00 p.m.
and by appointment
Text: Dominick, Joseph R. The Dynamics of Mass Communication, 8th ed., 2005
Additional Requirement: You will need to obtain all materials for this course from the
departmental website. Log onto http://faculty.frostburg.edu/mcom/tphipps/CourseList.htm.
Attendance/Tardy: Strive for perfect attendance and punctuality. Attendance is taken
promptly at the beginning of class. If you are tardy, it is your responsibility to see me after class to
correct any recorded absence. Any tardy or missed portions of class will be recorded as a 10-point
per class deduction from the final grade.
There is no differentiation between excused and unexcused absences. THREE PERSONAL
DAYS are allowed. Any additional absences will result in a 25-point per absence deduction from
the final grade. While there is no penalty for University-sanctioned attendance at co/extracurricular
activities, all course assignments must be completed prior to participation in such activities. It is
essential that you meet with me during office hours at least two days prior to the activity to discuss
your class standing. Please stay within the three-day limit.
Inclement Weather: Please check the voicemail at ext. 4782 for an update on class meeting and
assignments.
Participation: Expected during every class. Prepare materials in advance of due date, and be
ready for discussions. Bring your textbook. Do not bring food or drinks to class. Please no cell
phone, beeper, or pager interruptions. Any interruption will result in a ten point deduction from
your final grade. Please discuss personal matters with me privately during office hours, not during
class time.
Class Activities: Current events play a major role in mass communication. Please read
newspapers, listen to the radio and watch the news for discussion.
Academic Dishonesty: In accordance with the policy of Frostburg State University, see the
statement on Academic Dishonesty in the Pathfinder supplement.
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Resubmission: There are no circumstances in which work previously submitted in another course
will be accepted. Any resubmitted work will result in an automatic “0” for the project.
Student Behavior: Please be courteous at all times and do not disrupt the learning environment of
the class. A student found responsible for disruptive behavior in the classroom may be
administratively withdrawn from the course (Student Code of Conduct).
Exams: There are three exams, including the final exam.
Projects: There are two graded projects. 1) A short project that covers a career in broadcasting
field, requires an interview, and then a 5-7 minute presentation to the class. 2) A group project
investigating a topic in-depth that is introduced in the textbook. This project is also presented to the
class and earns an individual as well as a group grade.
Late Assignments: "Late" means work turned in beyond the time it is collected in class. Only in
cases of an extreme emergency will late work be accepted. Individual cases must be discussed with
me privately prior to the anticipated late assignment. Otherwise, 25 points per day will be deducted
for late work. No make-up exams.
Grading:
3 Exams @ 100 points each =
1) Career project grade =
2) Group individual grade =
2) Group project grade =
Total
300 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
600 points
Scale:
A=600-540 B=539-480 C=479-420 D=419-360 F=359-0 points
Syllabus: Subject to change. Criticisms and suggestions are welcome.
Course Objectives:
1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the technology of mass communication, e.g., newspaper,
radio, computer, television, cable, telephone (fax).
2. Relate how the media interact and influence society, including the socialization of values,
interpersonal relationships, the family, our economy and government.
3. Identify historical developments of each of the major media, from print to satellite technology,
major inventors, industrial leaders, FCC regulations and the impact upon society.
4. Demonstrate how media message design draws from learning theory, intrapersonal,
interpersonal and public communication, as well as antecedents in theatre and folklore.
5. Demonstrate how media ancillary services (networks, news wires, advertising agencies,
syndication, etc.) interact and support the industry.
6. Actively participate in small group work designed to simulate the problems that students might
encounter in the field.
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MCOM 105 - Introduction to Mass Communication
Spring 2005 Course Schedule
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Date
Jan. 27
Chapter
Orientation
Class Work
Review Syllabus & Schedule, Get-Acquainted Ex.
Feb. 1
Feb. 3
1: Communication
2: Perspectives
3: History
What Forms? Introductions
Functions & Uses, Career Assignments
Writing, Print, Telephone, Photo, TV, Film
Feb. 8
Feb. 10
4: Newspapers
5: Magazines
Penny, Yellow, Dailies, Look Ahead
History, Specialization, Symbiosis
Feb. 15
Feb. 17
Chapters 1-5
Chapters 1-5
Review
EXAM 1
Feb. 22
Feb. 24
6: Books
7: Radio
Organization, Online, Audio - Review Exam
Formats, FM, Friendola, Ratings, Guest Speaker
Mar. 1
Mar. 3
8: Sound Recording
9: Motion Pictures
Coming of Rock & Roll, Trends, New Models
Edison Lab, Sound, Trends, Independents
Mar. 8
Mar. 10
10: Television
Chapters 6-10
Golden Age, Cable, ZAP, ZIP, GRAZE, SURF
Take Home Exam (due March 17)
Mar. 15
Mar. 17
Career Presentations
Career Presentations
Mar. 17
Take Home Exam Due in class
Mar. 19-27
SPRING BREAK!!!
Mar. 29
11: Internet/WWW
12: News Gathering
13: PR
14: Advertising
Evolution, Economics
News, Flow, Technology
Planning/Evaluation, Risky Business
Campaign, Consumer vs. Business, Video
Apr. 5
Apr. 7
15: Formal Controls
Project
Law, Courts, News Sources, Regulations
New groups and individual requirements
Apr. 12
Apr. 14
Project
Project
In-class group work day
Group Work Day, E-mail Check-in
Mar. 31
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Date
Chapter
Class Work
Apr. 19
Apr. 21
Group Presentation
Group Presentation
Apr. 26
Apr. 28
Group Presentation, Evaluation
Group Presentation
May 3
May 5
Group Presentation
Group Presentation
May 10
May 12
Group Presentation
Review Chapters 11-15
May 20 (F) Chapters 11-15
(2:30 – 5:00 p.m.)
FINAL EXAM
*Schedule subject to change.
"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
-Anais Nun, 1903-1977
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