MCOM 346 - Mass Communication Theory
Fall 2005 Syllabus
Tuesday & Thursday, 12:30-1:45 p.m. in GC110
Course Description: Survey and analysis of communication within mass society, including
examination of culture, effects, audience, and industry. Prerequisite: MCOM 105.
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: Baran, Stanley J. and Dennis K. Davis. Mass Communication Theory, 4th ed., Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth, 2006
Additional Requirement: You will need to obtain all materials for this course from the FSU
department 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 10point 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. No electronic submissions of assignments are accepted
under ANY circumstances. Bring your textbook. Do not bring food or drinks to class. Please turn
off ALL electronic devices when you arrive to class. Any noisy interruption will result in a tenpoint deduction from your final grade. Lastly, please discuss personal matters with me privately
during office hours, not during class time.
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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Submissions: 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. No
electronic submissions of assignments are accepted under ANY circumstances.
Student Behavior: Mind your manners. 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.
Projects: There are two graded projects:
1. Paper/Presentation – Involves working on an approved topic suitable for conference
presentation. In-depth analysis of theories or theorists, specific sets of research findings,
controversies over various effects, historical reviews, and critical assessment of personal
media use are possible areas of investigation. Abstracts of 200 words or less are required and
three sources (minimum) must come from hard copy. There will be a 5-7 minute
presentation in class.
2. Cultural Representation Assignment – Involves a team approach to applying theory. The
team critically assesses the way culture is portrayed on television or in film, by comparing
paradigm shifts in television or film with the emphasis on human relationships. The project
involves a serious study and application of theory to the changes within a genre and
concludes with an in-class presentation.
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:
Exam 1 =
100 points
Exam 2 =
100 points
Exam 3 =
100 points
Paper =
100 points
Individual Speech Grade = 100 points
Group Project Grade =
100 points
TOTAL
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. Develop awareness and basic understanding of a broad range of theories that deal with mass
communication.
2. Trace historical developments of media theories.
3. Develop a personal perspective on mass media.
4. Prepare for advanced courses in communication theory, law, psychology, sociology, or
related fields.
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MCOM 346 - Mass Communication Theory
Fall 2005 Course Schedule
Date
Aug. 30
Sept. 1
Chapter
Orientation
1: Introduction
Class Work
Review Syllabus & Schedule, Ice-Breaker, Group Work
Mass Society Theory, J. Pauley video
Sept. 6
Sept. 8
2: Evaluating Theory
3: Rise Media Industries
Defining and understanding theory
Yellow Journalism-Tabloids reviewed
Sept. 13
Sept. 15
4: Rise of Media Theory
5: Normative Theories
Freud/Jung - Magic Bullet/Archetypes
Professionalism-Kennedy video, social responsibility
Sept. 20
Sept. 22
Ch. 1-5
Ch. 1-5
Review for Exam, Catch-up
EXAM I
Sept. 2
Sept. 29
6: Limited Effects
Review Exam, Group Work
Paradigm, Research, Two-Step Flow, Attitude
Oct. 4
Oct. 6
7: Middle-Range
Oct. 11
Oct. 13
Functional Analysis, Info Flow, Diffusion, Phenomenistic
Cultural Presentations
Cultural Presentations
Cultural Presentations
Oct. 18
Oct. 20
8: Dominant Paradigm
Cultural Presentations
Violence, Catharsis, Social Learning, Cognition, Systems
Oct. 25
Oct. 27
Chapter 8 continued
9: Critical/Cultural Theories Macro vs. Micro, Empirical, Literary, Ritual, Symbolic
Nov.1
Nov. 3
Ch. 6-9
Ch. 6-9
Review for exam, Paper Assignments
EXAM II
Nov. 8
Nov. 10
10: Media and Audiences
11: Theories of Media
Uses and Gratification, Review Exam
Cultural and Societal Controversies, spiral of silence
Nov. 15
Nov. 17
12: Trends in Theory
Regroup
Seeking consensus, Facing challenges
Paper presentation review, Course Evaluations
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Date
Chapter
Class Work
Nov. 22
Out-of-class
Research Day, e-mail check-in
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Nov. 29
Dec. 1
Final Presentations
Final Presentations
Dec. 6
Dec. 8
Final Presentations
Final Presentations, Review for Final Exam
PAPER DUE – NO E-MAIL SUBMISSIONS
Dec. 15 (R) Ch. 10-12
11:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
FINAL EXAM
*Schedule subject to change
"Of all forms of caution, caution in love is perhaps the most fatal to true happiness."
-Bertrand Russell
"When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that in itself is a choice."
-William James
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