TC 101: Understanding Media
Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media
Michigan State University
Fall 2012*
Class Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:40 pm – 2:00 pm
Class Room: Erickson 103
Instructor: Dr. Robby Ratan, Assistant Professor
E-mail: rar@msu.edu
Office: CAS 428
Office hours: Mondays, 9:30am to 11:30am, or by appointment
Office phone number: 517-355-3490
Google Voice #: (727) 537-6229 (PARLE ROBBY)
Instructor: Julia Crouse
E-mail: crouseju@msu.edu
Office: CAS 423
Office hours: Monday, 10 am to Noon, or by appointment
Mobile: (Emergency ONLY): 863-255-2810
Teaching Assistant: Laeeq Khan
E-mail: khanmuh7@msu.edu
Office: CAS 249
Office hours: Tuesday, 1:15 - 3:15, or by appointment
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course provides an introduction to and overview of the history and significance of mediated
communication in our recent past. The course addresses:
-
numerous media technologies, including television, radio, film, video games, social
media, and the Internet.
the history, policy, industry structure, and ethics of such media.
important research questions and findings about such media (e.g., do video games cause
violence?)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To learn the historical development of the media industry, including newspapers, radio,
film, television, the Internet, and new media.
2. To learn about the concept of the information society and its economic, political, and
social implications.
3. To be informed about the social and policy issues affecting the information society.
*Please note: this syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester. Please refer to Angel for the most updated version.
4. To be critically aware of the effects of information and communication technologies on
yourself, other individuals, social institutions and society.
COURSE MATERIALS
This section is participating in an eTexts (electronic textbooks) pilot study. Electronic textbooks
will be provided at no cost to students. Students may print unlimited pages on their own
printer at no charge, or they have the option to purchase complete print textbooks for a
charge. See the eText handout for more details.
Straubhaar, J., LaRose, R., & Davenport, L. (2012). Media now: Understanding media, culture,
and technology (7th ed). Belmont, CA: Thompson Wadsworth Publishing. ISBN: 978-14390-8258-4
Sparks, G. G. (2010). Media effects research: A basic overview. (3rd Edition). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth. ISBN: 978-0495-56785-1
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (6th ed). [Electronic Version]. Retrieved from:
http://flash1r.apa.org/apastyle/basics/index.htm
iCLICKERS are required for class participation and can be purchased at the bookstore. Note:
students are required to register their iClickers by September 14 from
http://www.iclicker.com/registration/ (“Student ID” is your Net ID, e.g., ABC@msu.edu)
CenterClass account: We will be using CenterClass to facilitate student questions during
and after lectures. Please sign up with your MSU email address at
www.centerclass.com and use this access code: OMHWN
WORKLOAD AND GRADING POLICIES
If you are concerned about your grade we need to hear from you before the final exam. Once the
final exam is given, the only basis for changing your grade will be to correct errors on our part in
recording or calculating your grades.
Exams (60%):
There will be three noncumulative exams during the semester. The exams will cover all available
material (readings, presentations, and lectures). The exams may be made up of multiple choice,
true/false, and/or short answer questions. Each exam is worth 200 points.
You may schedule a make-up exam without any penalty if you have a verifiable egregious
excuse (e.g., written excuse from a doctor denoting surgery). Family vacations, family reunions,
your boss requiring you to work on the day of the exam, your having to entertain visitors from
out-of-town, extracurricular activities, etc. are not valid excuses. Alternate exams must be
scheduled before the exam is administered as-scheduled, and are offered at the instructor’s
discretion.
*Please note: this syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester. Please refer to Angel for the most updated version.
APA Take-Home Exam (10%):
One goal of this course is to begin preparing every student to be a scholar, both in thought and
articulation of those thoughts. One aspect of this scholarly work is ensuring that you can find
information and communicate your thoughts clearly to others, and particularly those reading
your work. One way this clarity can be accomplished is through precise writing and support of
your work.
You will be given a take-home exam to help you learn how to find information from the
library/library database and hone your critical reading skills as well as application of APA style.
You will have two weeks to complete the exam—it will be due at the beginning of the
September 19 class session, and those attending class late may not be able to turn in their exam.
The exam will consist of two parts—the first part will require you to go to the library to seek
resources to practice searching the library; the second part will have you practice citing specific
references and/or construct a reference page from sample resources. Though it is a take-home
exam, students should work on and complete their exams individually. However, each student is
welcome (and encouraged) to use non-peer resources (i.e., books, tutorials, online aids,
librarians, etc.) to complete their exam. There will be no “make-up” opportunities for the
exam except for valid and verifiable hospitalization.
Writing Assignments (30%):
In an effort to get you familiar with the latest information and communication technologies, there
will be three writing assignments. These writing assignments are also closely related to the
material we cover in class. These activities will be announced via email approximately two
weeks before they are due and you need to accomplish these activities. You have to submit the
assignment on time, otherwise zero points will be given. You have to fulfill the requirement
for the activity adequately, otherwise 0 points will be given.
Please type up and print all responses; handwritten responses may not be
accepted. Your name, MSU NetID (i.e., the part of your email before “@msu.edu”) and the
assignment number (e.g., “Assignment 3”) must appear at the top of your response. Assignments
are due before the start of the lecture session listed. Late assignments are not accepted for any
reason, so it is important to be in class at the scheduled start time. Please do not email
assignments unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor; unapproved assignments
received via email will not be accepted. All written assignments must follow APA 6 style.
Extra Credit Opportunities (up to 50 points):
There MAY be a few extra credit opportunities for research participations. The extra credit
points will be added to the basic student score in final grading. There are no guarantees for extra
credit and it is each student’s responsibility to be aware of and take advantage of such
opportunities. While specific point values will be announced for each extra credit opportunity, in
general each 30 minutes of participation in an extra credit event that you can accomplish at home
will earn you 10 points. Each 30 minutes of participation in an extra credit event that you need to
come to a lab will earn you 15 points. For example, if you participate in a research study that
requires you to spend an hour in a lab, you would likely earn 30 points. We will get evidence of
*Please note: this syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester. Please refer to Angel for the most updated version.
participation and the time of participation from the researchers who administer the research
studies. It is your responsibility to ensure your participation is completed and recorded, and to
track which opportunities you have taken advantage of. A maximum of 40 points can be earned
from extra credit opportunities.
iClickers
In an effort to encourage active learning, most lectures will include in-class exercises and polls.
Evidence of active participation will be collected during each class using the iClicker device.
STUDENTS MUST BRING THE ICLICKER TO CLASS EACH DAY. Students are
responsible for acquiring an iClicker, registering it, and bringing it to class each day. As
described in the Attendance section below, students will earn bonus points for iClicker usage.
Students must register their iClicker by September 14 from http://www.iclicker.com/registration/
We will use the iClicker starting on September 15 to record your participation.
Attendance
Attendance at every lecture is expected of you. You will not be penalized for absences.
However, for every class in which you respond to a question during lecture with your clicker,
you will receive 1 extra attendance credit point (20 max for the semester).
Complaints, excuses, or entreatments will not be entertained when considering these bonus
points. It is the students’ full responsibility to ensure that the iClicker is properly registered,
operational, and present in class. Attendance bonus points will only be awarded to students who
are present in class and use their iClicker appropriately. If a student is present but does not or
cannot submit responses through an iClicker, this student will not receive attendance bonus
points for that day. No exceptions.
Grade Bumps
Final grade percentages will be rounded appropriately (e.g., an 89.5% is rounded to a 90%).
Further, students may receive up to a 0.6% a "bump" to their grade percentage if this will affect
the final grade (e.g., an 88.9% can be bumped to an 89.5%, which would then be rounded up), IF
AND ONLY IF the student has used the iClicker consistently throughout the semester, has
turned in all assignments on time, and has adhered to all other class requirements.
Grading Summary
Grade Point (portion)
Breakdown
Final Grade Assignment
4.0
900-1040
Use this space to record and
calculate your grade
*Please note: this syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester. Please refer to Angel for the most updated version.
Exams: 600 (200 points each)
Assignments: 300
APA Exam: 100
Extra credit opportunities: 50
(maximum)
Extra Attendance credit: 20
(max)
Total: 1000 (+70)
* I do not grade on a curve. I
will give as many 4.0s, 3.5s etc
as are earned.
Each of these assignments will
be explained in more detail
below.
1.5
3.0
1.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
850-899
800-849
750-799
700-749
650-699
600-649
0-599
Exam 1: ____ / 200
Exam 2: ____ / 200
Exam 3: ____ / 200
Final Exam: ____ / 200
APA Exam: ____ / 100
Assignment 1: _____/150
Assignment 2: _____/150
Exams Total: ____ / 600
APA Exam: ____ / 100
Assignments: ____ / 300
+ Extra Credit: ____ / <70
Total: ____ / 1000
COURSE POLICIES
Communication
Before you decide to send an email inquiry, check the syllabus. You are most likely to find
answers there. Please begin the subject line of any course e-mail with “TC101” to ensure
timely responses. Appropriate e-mail will be replied to within 24 hours. Do not expect to
contact instructors through voice mail unless it is a bona fide emergency.
Course announcements will be made in class and via email. It is your responsibility to check
your email on a regular basis; at least twice weekly.
Note: Instructors will not answer questions posted through the eText (Courseload).
Past Due Assignments
The written assignments for this class must be turned in complete and on-time. LATE WORK
WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. If you have a medical or family emergency which would prevent
you from getting your work done, it is your obligation to notify the instructors of this fact and
provide the appropriate documentation BEFORE the due date of the assignment, and makeup
opportunities or extensions may be arranged at the course instructors’ discretion. If your work is
not turned in on time and you have not provided the instructors an excuse prior to the due date,
do NOT email the instructor with justifications. You will not receive credit for the assignment.
Exam Policies:
*Please note: this syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester. Please refer to Angel for the most updated version.
Please make special note of the final examination date and arrange any end-of-term travel plans
accordingly. Cheating will not be tolerated and will result in a score of zero. Efforts to copy
exam questions or to remove them from the examination room will be considered a serious
violation resulting in a grade of 0.0 for the course.
Academic Honesty:
Academic Honesty: Article 2.3.3 of the Academic Freedom Report states: “The student shares
with the faculty the responsibility for maintaining the integrity of scholarship, grades, and
professional standards.” In addition, TC 101 adheres to the policies on academic honesty
specified in General Student Regulation 1.0, Protection of Scholarship and Grades; the allUniversity Policy on Integrity of Scholarship ad Grades; and Ordinance 17.00, Examinations.
(See Spartan Life: Student Handbook and Resource Guide and/or the MSU Web site).
If you turn in an assignment that contains plagiarized material (other people’s words or ideas
which are not cited appropriately and/or which you implicitly or explicitly represent as your
own), you will receive zero points. This is non-negotiable. Egregious violations may result in
failing the course or academic expulsion.
If you are unclear about what constitutes either of these, please read the relevant sections
of the Student Handbook and check the website www.plagiarism.org. Pay close attention to
the sections http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/what_is_plagiarism.html and
http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/types_of_plagiarism.html.
Your assignments and exams may be checked using turnitin.com or other academic
honesty software.
Courtesy to Fellow Students and Instructors:
The classroom is a community, and, as such, the instructor requires that the students must follow
several basic guidelines:
Cell Phones: The instructor has a strict no mobile device policy (this includes pagers and PDA
phones) during class time. Make sure your phone is turned off during class. If any student’s
phone rings during class, the instructor reserves the right to answer it and speak to the caller.
Unique Academic Needs: If you have an academic need or learning disability that should be
taken into account in either classroom activities or exams, please be sure that the proper
documentation is delivered to the instructor in the first two weeks of the semester.
Religious Observance: You may arrange to take an exam on an alternative date if the exam falls
on a religious holy day. Let the instructor know in the first two weeks of the semester if any
exam date falls on a religious holy day.
*Please note: this syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester. Please refer to Angel for the most updated version.
Course adjustments: Any aspect of this syllabus, including the content and reading schedule,
may be adjusted throughout the semester. Any changes will be announced in class. Students are
responsible for checking email on a regular basis.
TC101 FAQ
1) What is my grade currently?
All the grades will be posted on ANGEL gradebook. The testing center will also email your
exam grades. It is your responsibility to keep track of your grade. If you would like to confirm
your present grade with the official gradebook, please email Julia with your figures and she can
confirm or correct them. Feel free to use the space provided on page 3 of this syllabus to track
your performance; however uninformed, carte blanche requests of, “What is my grade,”
demonstrate a lack of involvement in your own studies and will not receive replies.
2) I missed the assignment deadline because I was [on holiday/away from the Internet/my
house was on fire/at a funeral/with my family/avoiding my family]. Can I turn it in late for
partial credit? Could I do an alternate assignment instead?
No. It is your responsibility to keep track of due dates and plan your schedule accordingly. No
late assignments are accepted for any reason. There are no exceptions to this rule. Please do not
even ask.
3) I’m not feeling well (or have jury duty), but there’s an exam this afternoon. What should
I do?
Your health (and public service) is important, and you should seek to take care of yourself and
seek medical attention as appropriate. The most important thing to consider is to let the course
staff know (either via email or in person) before the exam if you will not be at an exam. If we are
proactively informed you may miss the exam, we may be able to schedule an alternate exam for
you. This is not a guarantee, and may require some documentation; but we will do our best to
provide an alternate exam. However, if we are informed after the exam period that you were
absent, there are fewer options available to us. With the exception of egregious incidents (i.e.,
admitted to the emergency room) that would make it implausible to contact course staff before
the exam, if you contact us after the exam, you will not be able to schedule a makeup exam. The
key here: Let us know before it’s a problem.
4) I’m so close to the GPA I’d hoped for. Is there anything I can do to improve and make
up those few points?
At the point you are likely asking this question, probably not. However, throughout the semester,
numerous extra credit opportunities will be offered. Be sure to proactively take advantage of
these opportunities. Although you may not need the points in the first few weeks of the course,
by the end if it they may be just the little nudge you need.
5) Will you be my Facebook friend?
Possibly, but not while I am your instructor.
*Please note: this syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester. Please refer to Angel for the most updated version.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Day
Date Lecturer Topic
Readings (to be
Assignments
finished before the day
listed)
Wednesday Aug Crouse
29
Course Overview
& Information
Society
Monday Sept 3 – NO CLASS
Wednesday Sept 5 Crouse Information
Straubhaar: Ch. 1 & 2
Society
Monday Sept 10 Ratan News and Political Sparks: Ch 9
Effects
Wednesday Sept 12 Crouse Print Media:
Straubhaar: Ch 3
APA Exam Assigned
Books and
Straubhaar: Ch. 4
Newspapers
Monday Sept 17 Ratan Media Literacy
(1) Livingstone, S. (2004). Media Literacy and
the Challenge of New Information and
Communication Technologies.
(2) Gillmor, D. (2008) Principles for a New
Media Literacy. (pg.1-7)
Wednesday Sept 19 Crouse Audio Media:
Recorded music
and radio
Monday Sept 24 Ratan Media ethics
Straubhaar Ch. 5
Straubhaar Ch. 6
Wednesday Sept 26 Crouse Visual Media:
Film
Monday Oct 1 Ratan Visual Media:
Television
Wednesday Oct 3 Crouse, Review 1
Ratan
Monday Oct 8
Exam 1
Wednesday Oct 10 Ratan History of media
effects and media
theory
Monday Oct 15 Ratan Media effects:
Violence
Wednesday Oct 17 Ratan Media effects:
Sexual Content
Monday Oct 22 Ratan Media effects:
Stereotype
Straubhaar Ch. 7
APA exam due
Assignment 1
assigned
Straubhaar Ch. 16
Straubhaar Ch. 8
Assignment 1 due
Sparks Ch. 3
Straubhaar Ch 14 (pp.
413-421)
Sparks Ch. 5
Assignment 2
assigned
Sparks: Ch 6
Sparks: Ch 10
*Please note: this syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester. Please refer to Angel for the most updated version.
Wednesday Oct 24 Ratan
New Media: Video Straubhaar: Ch 13
game
Monday Oct 29 Crouse Media effects:
Sparks: Ch 11
Assignment 2 due
New media
technology
1) Lee, K. M. & Peng, W. What do we know about
Wednesday Oct 31 Crouse Positive media
social and psychological effects of computer games?
effects
A comprehensive review of the current literature. In
Vorderer, P. & Bryant, J. (Eds.) Playing video games:
Motives, responses, and consequences (pp. 325346). Mahwah, NJ: Lwarence Erlbaum, 2006.
Read INTRO and pg 15-end.
2)
http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make
_a_better_world.html
Monday
Nov 5 Crouse, Review 2
Ratan
Wednesday
Exam 2
Monday
New Media: The
third screen
Wednesday Nov 14 Crouse New Media: The
Internet and Web
2.0
Monday Nov 19 Ratan Media effects:
Time spent with
media and
Emotions
Straubhaar: Ch 12
Wednesday Nov 21 No
No Class
Class
Monday Nov 26 Crouse Advertising and
PR/Persuasive
effect
Wednesday Nov. 28 Crouse Persuasion
Monday Dec. 3 Crouse Media Policy &
Law
Wednesday Dec. 5
Review 3
Straubhaar: Ch. 10 &
Ch. 11
Sparks: Ch 8
Friday
Nov 12 Ratan
Dec 14th;
10am-12pm
Straubhaar: Ch. 9
Sparks: Ch. 4
Sparks: Ch. 7
Straubhaar: Ch 15
Final exam
*Please note: this syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester. Please refer to Angel for the most updated version.