OAKTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GENERIC COURSE SYLLABUS
I.
II.
Course
Prefix
Course
Number
EGL
220
Course
Name
Introduction to Mass
Communications
Credit
Lecture
Lab
3
3
0
Prerequisite:
None
III.
Course (Catalog) Description:
Course explores mass media’s roles in society. Content includes mass media historical
development, contemporary characteristics, functions, responsibilities, and interrelationships among media.
IV.
Learning Objectives:
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
V.
1.
Trace the historical development of various media forms.
2.
Comprehend methods of media organization, finance and regulation in a global
environment.
3.
Describe the use and impact of the various media.
4.
5.
Demonstrate an understanding of the reciprocal influence of the media and
contemporary society.
Critically analyze legal and ethical media issues.
6.
Apply knowledge of media production techniques.
Academic Integrity:
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate
academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:








cheating,
plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
helping others to cheat,
unauthorized changes on official documents,
pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s
policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you.
Generic Course Syllabus
Page 1
If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the
assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of
the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI.
Sequence of Topics
Although the following sequence of instruction may be rearranged, the contents and
objectives of the course remain the same.
VII.
A.
Communication and Prerequisites of Mass Communication
B.
Introduction to Producing a Media Presentation
C.
The Newspaper Industry
D.
The Magazine & Book Publishing Industries
E.
The Radio Industry
F.
The Television Industry
G.
The Movie Industry
H.
The Recording Industry
I.
Computers and Mass Communications
J.
Advertising & Public Relations
K.
Ownership and Ethical Issues
L.
Legal and Regulatory Issues
Methods of Instruction
Course may be taught as a face-to-face, media-based, hybrid, or online course.
Methods of presentation include: lecture, class discussions, media presentations, field
observation and practical exercises.
VIII.
Course Practices Required
Students are expected to complete assigned readings and out-of-class media viewings, attend
class meetings, participate in discussions, present the assigned Communication Celebrity
report as scheduled and achieve passing grades on tests and quizzes. Adherence to
announced deadlines is essential for full credit.
I:\USERS\COMM\COM\COM220.DOC
Generic Course Syllabus
IX.
Page 2
Instructional Materials
Note: Current textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton’s
Schedule of Classes.
A.
B.
Appropriate text (such as):
1.
Biagi, Shirley. Media/Impact: An Introduction to Mass Media., Third
Edition. Belmont, CA. Wadsworth Publishing Co. 1995.
2.
DeFleur Melvin L. and Everette E. Dennis. Understanding Mass
Communication. Sixth Edition. Boston. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1998.
Audiovisual materials
1.
2.
3.
4
X.
Videotapes
Sound/slide presentations
Movies
Computer-based visual aids
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
The final grade is calculated as follows (See "Course Practices.")
Quizzes (2)
(10% each)
Unit Tests 1 & 2 (15% each)
Cumulative Test 3
Communications Celebrity Report
On-site broadcast studio experience 5%
Class participation / attendance
XI.
20%
30%
20%
15%
10%
Other Course Information:
Attendance Policy:
For whatever information/procedures the instructor holds the student accountable.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be
entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations
or services, contact the Access and Disability Resource Center at the Des Plaines or
Skokie campus. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The
College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
Effective beginning term: Fall 2013
Ending term:
Syllabus prepared by:
Date:
Revised by:
Reviewed by Chair:
Approval by Dean:
Robert R. Burton
Lynn Woodbury
Lynn Woodbury
Linda A. Korbel
I:\USERS\COMM\COM\COM220.DOC
Date:
March 2006
August 2011
Date:
August 2011
Date:
June 2013