COMM 101 Introduction to the Communication Process (Fall 2008)
Instructor: Dr. Teresa Heinz Housel
Credit: 4 credits
Class Meets:
MWF 11-11:50 a.m. MMC 239 (section 2)
MWF 2-2.50 p.m. MMC 239 (section 4)
Contacting Dr. Housel:
Office: Martha Miller Center Room 126
Office Phone: 395-7268 (with voicemail)
E-mail: housel@hope.edu
Office Hours: M 3:15-5 p.m. and R 9:30-11:30 a.m. or by appointment
Required Readings and Materials
• Wood, J. T. (2008). Communication mosaics: An introduction to the field of communication. Belmont,
CA: Wadsworth/Thomson. (fifth edition)
• COMM 101 Coursepack: Purchase from Hope-Geneva Bookstore
• A small number of class readings will be given to you as hand-outs. If you need another copy, all handout readings will be posted as PDFs on our class Moodle page. The password for our Moodle page is:
communication
Course Description
Welcome to COMM 101! This class is based on the study of the communication process with the goal of
developing communication competence. Communication competence is the ability to effectively produce
messages and critically analyze the messages that you receive. To this end, the first part of the semester
focuses on learning about different communication processes. The second part of the semester looks at
those processes within specific larger structures: self, interpersonal relationships, small groups,
intercultural communication, and mass media. You will also have opportunities to present in front of the
class because public speaking, and being able to effectively communicate a message to an audience, are
important parts of communication competence.
About the Professor
I received my Ph.D. in Communication and Culture with a journalism emphasis from Indiana University.
I have taught a wide range of courses ranging from journalism history to interpersonal communication. At
Hope, I teach COMM 101, COMM 255 Print Media I, COMM 356 Print Media II, and COMM 470
Cultural Communication Theory. My academic research focuses on social class in America, newspaper
and magazine coverage of race and class, narratives of upward mobility in reality programs, and online
fan sites.
I have a keen interest in interpersonal communication and culture, media and cultural studies,
international issues, and journalism. Prior to beginning my doctoral studies, I lived in Perth, Western
Australia and Britain for three years. I received my M.A. in journalism at the University of Missouri
School of Journalism, where I focused on international journalism and newspaper features reporting. I
have worked professionally as a news and features reporter for various newspapers and magazines such as
The Columbia Missourian, Lawrence Journal World (Kansas), The Big Issue (London, England), and
Good Housekeeping. I currently do freelance features reporting for i Magazine, a West Michigan
magazine.
Your Responsibilities and Mine
You will be responsible for completing the readings on time, doing your assignments in a thoughtful
manner, and contributing to class discussion and in-class activities. I expect you to come to class prepared
with questions and issues that you want to discuss. Every assignment has the overall aim of developing
your understanding and skills in the complex process of communication. Because the assignments build
on one another, you should put a strong effort into each of them.
In addition to your responsibilities, I will come to class prepared to discuss the course concepts and
answer your questions in a thoughtful way. I will provide constructive feedback on your assignments in a
timely manner. I am excited about the course concepts and enjoy helping others apply them to everyday
life.
My Philosophy of Teaching and Teaching Methods
I am committed to learning that is challenging, exciting, and rewarding. I try to convey my sense of
enjoyment of the subject in every class. I also believe that the classroom should be a collaborative space
with mutual respect given between teachers and students. With all learning comes a certain amount of
questioning and sometimes frustration. As you tackle challenges, rest assured that this is a classroom
where your ideas and differences are respected and valued. This is a space where you can try new things.
I am very approachable and open to your suggestions, too, about the course.
Some of our class sessions will include some lecture so that I can introduce concepts and readings.
However, I typically use a variety of methods such as short lectures, class discussion, in-class
collaboration and discussion among small groups of students, and multi-media presentations. I place
strong emphasis on class discussion because we should all learn from each other. There will be frequent
in-class activities, primarily designed to emphasize course concepts and prepare you for upcoming
assignments.
Class Attendance and Tardiness
To experience “communication” you must attend class. You are allowed two absences with no point
penalty. However, please e-mail me as a courtesy if you know that you are going to miss class. After
these two “freebie” absences,” for every absence I will deduct 1/3 of a letter grade (equal to 3.3 points)
off of your accumulated course grade at the end of the semester. In other words, if you end up with a 95
(A) in the class and miss two days beyond the “freebie” allotment, your final course grade would be an 88
(B+). I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences, so you should plan doctor’s
appointments, job interviews, job work times, and other commitments accordingly. Absences that I
accept without penalty are generally situations such as medical emergencies, religious observances,
funerals, and scheduled school-related travel (such as a sports meet). Please see me if you have any
questions.
I will take attendance by passing around a purple sign-in book at the beginning of class each day. Using
the attendance policy outlined above, I will take attendance into account when deriving your class grade
at the end of the semester.
Tardies: You must come to class on time. I count “tardiness” as arriving in class after class has formally
started at the beginning of the hour. Two tardies will equal one full class absence. For our class
start/end times, I will use the clock that is in our classroom or my watch if there is none. I frequently
make important announcements and introduce assignments at the beginning of class.
Late Assignment Policy
Your work must be printed out and ready to turn in at the beginning of class. The late penalty for our
class is 30 percent point deduction for each day late. Work that is given to me anytime after class on
the same day as class will be given a 15 percent point (one-half day late) penalty. Therefore, if you
have an assignment due on Monday and you give it to me anytime after class on that same day, I will start
at an 85 (B) and will grade down from there. If you had turned in this same paper on Tuesday (one day
late), I will start at a 70 (C-) and mark it down from there. Oversleeping, job obligations, and lack of time
due to extra-curricular involvements are not documented reasons for assignment lateness. Also, last-
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minute computer problems are not acceptable reasons for lateness: plan ahead to avoid computer hassles.
I only accept late work without penalty in extreme emergency situations.
If you know that you will not be attending class (including your freebies), please turn in your work prior
to class in order to get full credit. The Department of Communication Office Manager is located in Room
107 of the Martha Miller Center. This person will date and time stamp your work before giving it to me.
Do not send written assignments to me via e-mail attachment unless I indicate otherwise when
giving the assignment. Unless indicated otherwise, the assignment will be considered late until I
receive a hard copy. I do not accept a disk or USB stick.
Class Participation Grade
Our subject matter requires that you attend and participate in class. Although some lecture is inevitable,
you will be expected to be prepared for and to participate in activities and discussions. I understand that
some of you are more comfortable than others when it comes to speaking in class, so not only quantity,
but also the quality of your contribution to the discussion is considered. Talking more does not
necessarily mean a better participation grade. This means that you must have the readings completed and
assignments done by class time. We will use active learning strategies, such as working in pairs or
groups, extensive class discussion, and individual and group presentations.
Your class participation grade is 85 points. Your participation grade is weighted at 15 percent of your
overall course grade. I expect you to be an active member of the classroom community. Therefore, you
can expect a C or lower on your course participation grade if you simply just come to class. Also, students
who regularly chat during class will first receive a verbal warning, and thereafter no higher than a D on
the participation grade. To receive a stronger grade, you should show all of the following: (1) excellent
attendance; (2) active and thoughtful participation in class discussions; (3) timely completion of written
assignments and online Moodle submissions for some assignments; (4) active and thoughtful in-class
group-work participation; and (5) bring the day’s reading(s) to class.
Using Moodle (Our Class Web Site)
Opening Up Our Moodle Page:
• Type in the following URL into your browser: http://courses.hope.edu
Logging In:
From Fall 2006 onwards, all new Hope students are able to log onto Moodle by using their regular Hope
e-mail username and password. See me if you have any questions.
Enrolling In and Accessing the Course:
Once you have successfully logged into Moodle, go to “Communication” under the “Social Sciences”
category. Then, click on COMM-101-02/04 F08 The Communication Process (Housel) to gain access.
You will need to “enroll” in the course before the first time you access it. The “enrollment key” is a onetime course password that will allow you to access the course for the remainder of the semester. Each
time you login to Moodle after you are enrolled, you only need to click on the specified course to gain
access. The enrollment key for our class is: communication. Also, be sure that your e-mail address is
correct in your Moodle profile.
Using Moodle:
The course is set up in a weekly format. The schedule of topics, readings, and assignments matches the
hard copy syllabus you received in class on the first day. You will turn in some assignments on Moodle.
To complete an assignment, such as a reflection paper, simply click on the link in the appropriate week
and paste or type your text into the box. We will go over how to submit assignments on Moodle in class.
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NOTE: The right side of the course homepage contains upcoming events and news. Upcoming Events
lists the tasks to complete and the deadlines for Moodle tasks. Be sure to check this area often because I
will post class-wide announcements here.
We will also be using Moodle in other ways:
Lecture Outlines:
I will post general outlines for upcoming lectures on Moodle by 5 p.m. on the evening before our class.
They are designed for you to print out, bring to class, and fill in as you listen to class lecture. Please note
that full lecture notes will not be posted on Moodle. You are responsible for coming to class and taking
notes. Feel free to make an appointment if you must miss class and would like to go over what we
covered on that day. In addition to the lecture outlines, other materials such as class handouts, any slides
shown in class, class announcements, and examples of excellent student work will be added throughout
the semester.
Checking Your COMM 101 Grade:
Early in the semester, I will post a link to our online Gradebook at the top of our Moodle page. The
Gradebook requires a user ID and password. Your user ID is typically your name in this format: Last
Name, First Name Middle Initial. For example, my user ID would be: Housel, Teresa H. (note the period
after the middle initial and no comma between first name and middle initial and the comma after
the last name). Your password is the last 6 digits of your student ID. If you have less than 6 digits in
your ID, merely add zeros at the front of the number. For example, if your ID is 1234, enter 001234. I
will e-mail each of you your IDs and password at the beginning of the semester to make sure that
everyone has the correct login information.
Academic Misconduct
In case you’re unsure about what constitutes academic misconduct, here are guidelines:
• All work must be your own, and your work alone.
• You must accurately quote and represent all sources in your essays.
• Making up quotes, presenting material as your own interview quotes when you’ve simply lifted it
from a Web site, inventing sources, or collaborating on a paper with another student are examples of
serious academic dishonesty in COMM 101.
You
can
check
out
Hope
College’s
http://www.hope.edu/lib/plagiarism/policy.html.
official
policy
on
plagiarism
at:
You can expect that any form of academic dishonesty in COMM 101 will result in an F either for the
assignment or for the entire course, depending on the severity of the misconduct. If you have questions or
are unsure about a particular practice, please see me before you turn in your assignment.
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Assignments and Points/Weights Breakdown
Here is a general summary of our class assignments. I will provide detailed guidelines for each
assignment as I introduce them in class.
Assignment
Point Worth
Class Participation
Critical Issues Symposium Assignment
85 points
15 points
Midterm and Final Exams
100 total points
100 points each
Reading Quizzes
200 total points
5 @ 10 points each
Class Preparation Tasks
(includes discussion questions, worksheets, and
other tasks)
Reflection Papers:
• Personal Communication Profile Reflection Paper
• Family Communication Reflection Paper
• Memorial Analysis Reflection Paper
Class Prep Tasks will be graded on the
following scale:
Weight for Assignment
Weighted 15 percent of final
course grade
Each exam weighted 10
percent of overall course
grade
Combined points for these
assignments will be
weighted 10 percent of final
course grade
Excellent=9 points
Satisfactory=7 points
Unsatisfactory=5 points
No assignment received=0 points
Note: I will go over in class what
comprises each of these categories in
more detail
3 @ 20 points each
Combined points for these
assignments will be
weighted 15 percent of your
final course grade
60 total points
Perspective-Taking Assignment
• Perspective-Taking Prep Assignment: In-Class
Interview Practicum
• Topic Proposal
• Presentation Outline, Follow-up Reflection, Interview
Questions, Interview Notes
• Contribution to Class Discussion
• Peer Evaluations
• Presentation
20 points
Combined points weighted
15 percent of final course
grade
5 points
20 points
15 points
10 points
70 points
140 total points
Group Media Criticism Project
Parts of Assignment:
• Group Tasks List
• Media Criticism Project Brainstorming Draft
• In-Class Media Analysis
5 points
15 points
20 points
• Final Presentation Outline
• Class Discussion and Project Conference
• Group Presentation
25 points
30 points
75 points
• Self and Peer Evaluation
10 points
Combined points weighted
25 percent of final course
grade
180 total points
Total Weight
100 percent total weight
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Grading
I will give you specific grading rubrics for all assignments as I introduce them in class. If you have a
question/complaint/appeal about a grade on your assignment, please make an appointment to see me. I
cannot discuss grades in class right after I hand them out. I generally do not discuss them by phone or email. Please contact me to set up an appointment by e-mail, phone, or in class, or drop by my office
during office hours so we can discuss your questions and concerns. When we meet to discuss the grade,
you should have in your possession all materials (including the graded assignment itself) relevant to the
assignment.
D+ 69-67
D 66-64
D- 63-60
F 59
or below
Never throw any graded assignment away. If you have a question about a grade or comment, it is your
responsibility to produce the document in question.
Grades will be broken down using this
scale:
A 94-100
A- 93-90
B+ 89-87
B 86-84
BC+
C
C-
83-80
79-77
76-74
73-70
Special Needs and Circumstances
If you need an accommodation because of a documented disability, you are required to register with
Student Disability Services at the beginning of the semester. It is your responsibility to inform me of any
special needs before the end of the second week of classes. I also encourage you to contact Student
Disability Services in the Dewitt Student and Cultural Center at x7800, an office that can be very helpful.
Seeking Extra Help
I want you to succeed in COMM 101. If you have questions or concerns about how you’re doing,
please see me at once. Don’t wait until the 12th week of the semester; by then it may be too late to
salvage a poor grade. However, if you find that you are falling behind, your first stop is to see me and I
will try to help you get back on track. I encourage you to call, e-mail, or stop by my office to discuss your
work. If you have class during my office hours, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with me at a time
that fits your schedule.
If you are having trouble keeping up and want to leave us, you must formally withdraw through the
college. Telling me alone is not enough. The last date to add/drop courses is Wednesday, September
3. Please contact the Hope College Registrar for more information.
If you do not understand a reading or assignment, please see me as soon as possible. Additional assistance
in writing, test taking, studying and note-taking can be obtained through the Academic Support Center
(VZN 261, x7830). For personal difficulties feel free to talk to me so I may best be able to assist you in
keeping up with the class; also please contact the Counseling Center (x7945).
Let’s Work Together to Make This a Good Semester. Good Luck!
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COMM 101 Reading and Assignment Schedule
Please note: This schedule may be subject to change depending on class needs.
Important:
• Please bring your Wood textbook and/or COMM 101 Coursepack, any hand-out readings, COMM 101 syllabus, and lecture notes to class daily.
• I will post PDFs of all hand-out readings on Moodle in case you need another copy.
• There are study guides for most hand-out readings and COMM 101 Coursepack articles on our class Moodle page under the week in which they are assigned. You can review
the Wood textbook readings by using the questions for review and glossaries at the end of each chapter. We will also review in class.
• We will have five reading quizzes over the course readings during the semester. One or two of the quizzes will be open book (these will not be announced in advance),
so you’ll want to be sure to have the day’s assigned reading(s) with you (no sharing during open book quizzes).
Unit I: Course Introduction: Course Overview and Definition of Communication
Date
Wed. 8/27
Fri. 8/29
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Introduction to Course
• Overview of Course Structure and Major Assignments
Assignment(s) Due
• No assigned reading
• Introduction to Course and Communication (cont.)
• Overview of the Communication Field and the Communication Process Model
• Wood, Chapters 1 and 2
Student Info and Course Policies Sheet DUE IN CLASS
Unit II: Functions of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Date
Mon. 9/1
Wed. 9/3
Fri. 9/5
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Introduction to Unit II
• Three Features of Language
• Wood, Chapter 4, pp. 66-72
• Principles of Communication and Symbolic Abilities of Language
• Introduction to Nonverbal Observation Class Prep Task (hand-out will be passed out in
class)
• Wood, Chapter 4 (cont.)
• Review Wood, pages 66-72 and then read rest of chapter
• Guidelines for Effective Verbal Communication
• Why Do People Gossip? Communicating Regulative and Constitutive Rules Through
Gossip
• Wood, Chapter 4 (cont.); review pp. 84-87
• Hand-Out Reading: Suls essay, “Gossip as Social Comparison”
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Assignment(s) Due
Personal Communication Profile Reflection Paper DUE IN
CLASS
Class Prep Task (DUE ON MOODLE): Two discussion
questions that incorporate the Wood and Suls readings are due
on Moodle by midnight the night before class. You must also
bring a copy of your questions to class.
Date
Mon. 9/8
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Principles of Nonverbal Communication and Types of Nonverbal Communication
Assignment(s) Due
Class Prep Task (DUE IN CLASS): Nonverbal Observation
Wed.
9/10
• Wood, Chapter 5, pp. 92-108
• Nonverbal Communication (cont.): Guidelines for Effective Nonverbal Communication
• Nonverbal Communication in Dating
• Introduce Family Communication Reflection Paper
Class Prep Task (DUE ON MOODLE): “The Rules” Journal
Entry Due on Moodle by midnight the night before class. Bring
your printed out entry to class.
Fri. 9/12
• Wood, Chapter 5 (cont.), pp. 109-111
• Hand-Out Reading: Excerpts from “The Rules” by Fein and Schneider
• Meaning of Space & Symbols
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Introduction to Memorial Analysis Reflection Paper
• Hand-Out Reading: Blair article
• Hand-Out Reading: USA Today article on memorials
Mon.
9/15
• Meaning of Space & Symbols (cont.)
• Review Blair Article
DUE ON MOODLE: Memorial Analysis Reflection Paper
Topic due on Moodle by midnight the night before class.
Unit III: Formation of Self-Concept Through Communication in Society, Family/Peers, and Filters of Communication
Date
Wed. 9/17
Fri. 9/19
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Introduction to Unit III
• Communication and Self-Concept (family & peers)
Assignment(s) Due
Family Communication Reflection Paper DUE IN CLASS
• Wood, Chapter 9
• Communication and Self-Concept (society)
• Developing Self-Concept in the Amish Community: A Case Study of Amish Teens
During Rumspringa
• Hand-Out Reading: May, “Social Responsibility”
• Review Wood, Chapter 9, pp. 187-188 on “the generalized other”
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Watch excerpts from “The Devil’s Playground” in class
Date
Mon. 9/22
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Communication and Self-Concept (society)
Assignment(s) Due
Class Prep Task (DUE IN CLASS): Complete worksheet for
“The Devil’s Playground” and reading. Bring completed
worksheet to class because we will use your responses in class
discussion.
• Review Hand-Out Reading: May, “Social Responsibility”
• Review Wood, Chapter 9, pp. 187-188 on “the generalized other”
• Discuss “The Devil’s Playground”
Wed. 9/24
• Communication And Self-Concept (society)
• Predictors of Individual Communication: Sex, Gender, Individual Differences, and Power
• COMM 101 Coursepack: Wood and Dindia, “What’s the Difference?”
• Review Wood, Chapter 9, p. 196 on “gender”
Fri. 9/26
• Filters of Communication: Listening and Responding to Others (we will hit major terms
throughout the chapter)
• Hearing Versus Listening
• Mindfulness
• Introduction to Perspective-Taking Assignment
Class Prep Task (DUE ON MOODLE):
COMPLETE and SCORE SAI Questionnaire prior to reading
Canary, then complete the Predictors of Individual
Communication assignment due on Moodle by midnight the
night before class. Bring a copy of your Predictors assignment to
class.
Class Prep Task (DUE IN CLASS): First, listen to online clip
of Ehrenreich discussing her experiment. The website
information will be provided in class. Then, complete worksheet
with reading reflection questions.
Memorial Analysis Reflection Paper DUE IN CLASS
• Hand-Out Reading: Excerpt from Ehrenreich’s book, Nickel and Dimed
• Wood, Chapter 6
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Unit IV: Communication Contexts: Building Understanding and Skills in Intercultural, Gender, and Group Communication
Date
Mon. 9/29
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Introduction to Unit IV
• Perception and Intercultural Communication: Skills and Barriers to Understanding
• Social Communities, Categories, and Stereotypes
• Language, Social Communities, Class, and Race
• Pass out Midterm Take-Home Exam. You will also receive a review sheet in class.
Assignment(s) Due
• Wood, Chapter 8
• Hand-Out Reading: Gumperz article
Wed. 10/1
Critical Issues Symposium – No Class
Fri. 10/3
• Perception and Intercultural Communication: Skills and Barriers to Understanding (cont.)
• “He said/She said”: Gender Communication
• CIS Symposium Communication-Related Topics/Issues
Sign in with Dr. Housel at the end of the keynote speech and
write a half-page journal entry on one of the workshop
sessions. You will receive an assignment hand-out in class.
Perspective-Taking Assignment Topic Info DUE ON
MOODLE by midnight the night before class
CIS Symposium Assignment (DUE IN CLASS): Journal
entry
• Hand-Out Reading: Tannen Article
• Wood, Chapter 8 (cont.)
Discuss CIS Symposium
Mon. 10/6
• Group Communication
• COMM 101 Coursepack: Conquergood article
• Discuss film, “Heart Broken in Half”
• Wood, Chapter 11, pp. 234-237, 241-248
View film, “Heart Broken in Half,” by today’s class.
Granberg Room screening times will be announced in class
and posted on Moodle.
Class Prep Task (DUE IN CLASS): Complete “Heart Broken
in Half” reflection sheet.
You should have firmed up your Perspective-Taking
Interview date and time by now
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Date
Wed. 10/8
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Building Interviewing Skills
• Types of Interview Questions
• Introduce In-Class Interview Practicum Assignment (you will get a hand-out in
class)
• Begin Brainstorming Questions and Meet Interview Partners
Assignment(s) Due
In-Class Interview Practicum Prep Work
Pass out list of daily volunteer (for extra credit) timekeepers and introducers
for Perspective-Taking Presentations
• Wood, Appendix: Communication in Interviews (read entire chapter)
Fri. 10/10
Communication in Interviews
In-Class Interview Practicum Workshop
Bring interview questions, paper/pen/pencil to class
Wear “business casual” for today’s class
Take-Home Midterm Exam DUE IN CLASS
Mon.
10/13
Wed.
10/15
Fall Break—No Class
• Perceiving and Understanding: The Perception Process
• Interpreting Information
• Influences on Perception
• Cognitive Complexity
In-Class Interview Practicum Reflection Sheet, Interview Notes, and
Interview Questions all DUE IN CLASS
View film clips related to Jupp article in class; class discussion
• Wood, Chapter 3
• Hand-Out Reading: Jupp article
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Date
Fri. 10/17
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
Perspective-Taking Presentations (Group 1)
Peer Evaluations (Group 2)
Note: You must attend class even when you are not presenting or doing
peer evaluations. Please note that part of your assignment grade will be
based on your participation during the in-class discussions following the
presentations.
Mon. 10/20
To get credit for the assignment, you must deliver your presentation and do
peer evaluations on your assigned days. Wear “business casual” on the day of
your presentation.
Perspective-Taking Presentations (cont.) (Group 2)
Peer Evaluations (Group 3)
Wed. 10/22
Perspective-Taking Presentations (cont.) (Group 3)
Peer Evaluations (Group 4)
Fri. 10/24
Perspective-Taking Presentations (cont.) (Group 4)
Peer Evaluations (Group 5)
Mon. 10/27
Perspective-Taking Presentations (cont.) (Group 5)
Peer Evaluations (Group 6)
Note: ALL of the hand-out readings for Unit V (our mass media unit) will
be given to you today in class
Wed. 10/29
Perspective-Taking Presentations (cont.) (Group 6)
Peer Evaluations (Group 1)
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Assignment(s) Due
Perspective-Taking Presentation Outline, Interview Notes, Interview
Questions, and Reflection are all DUE IN CLASS on the day of your
speaking presentation
Unit V: Communication Analysis in Mediated Contexts: Understanding Meaning-Making Symbols in Everyday Life
Date
Fri. 10/31
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Introduction to Unit V
• What is “Mass Media?”
• Mass Media as Meaning-Making Symbols
• The Differences Between Map, Hierarchical, and Cultural Approaches to the Media
• Introduction to Group Media Criticism Project
Assignment(s) Due
• Wood, Chapter 14, pp. 304-309
• Hand-Out Reading: Campbell excerpts on “Mass Communication: A Critical
Approach” from his book Media and Culture
Mon. 11/3
• Mass Media (cont.)
DUE AT END OF CLASS: Group Rep Hands in Group Tasks List
• Wood, Chapter 14, pp. 309 to rest of chapter
Wed. 11/5
• Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches to Media Analysis
• Theories of Mass Communication
• Review Wood, Chapter 14, pp. 315-318; Chapter 2, pp. 28-30
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Date
Fri. 11/7
Mon. 11/10
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Introduction to Media Criticism: Lenses for Media Criticism
• Analysis of Production Elements
Assignment(s) Due
Class Prep Task (DUE IN CLASS): Listen to Sound Clip about
“Wizard of Oz” on Moodle and Complete Journal Entry
Hand-Out Reading:
• Excerpts from Silverblatt, “Analysis of Production Elements” (pp. 47-58; pp. 196197)
Before class, highlight and take notes on what you think are the
important terms from the Silverbatt reading
• Lenses for Media Analysis (cont.)
• Feminist Analysis
Before class, highlight and take notes on what you think are the
important terms from the Henke reading
Hand-Out Reading:
• Henke, “Construction of the Female Self: Feminist Readings of the Disney Heroine”
Wed. 11/12
Fri. 11/14
Class Prep Task (DUE IN CLASS): Disney Heroine and Feminist
Analysis Discussion Worksheet
• Lenses for Media Analysis (cont.)
• Genre Analysis
Before class, highlight and take notes on what you think are the
important terms from the Clover reading
• Hand-Out Reading: Clover, “Her Body, Himself: Gender in the Slasher Film”
• Hand-Out Reading on Genre Analysis
• Lenses for Media Analysis (cont.)
• Ideological Analysis
Class Prep Task (DUE IN CLASS): Media Analysis Using the
Ideological Interpretive Lens
Hand-Out Readings:
• Winn, “Moralizing Upward Mobility: Investigating the Myth of Class Mobility in
Working Girl”
• Hand Out Reading on Ideological Analysis
Mon. 11/17
• Internet Communication
• Revisit Map, Hierarchical, and Cultural Models of Communication
• Utopian Versus Distopian Views of Technology (Dr. Housel will present these two
concepts in class; they are not in the reading)
• Wood, Chapter 15
14
DUE IN CLASS: Media Criticism Project Brainstorming Draft
Due From Each Group Rep
Date
Wed. 11/19
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Internet Communication (cont.)
• Revisit Map, Hierarchical, and Cultural Models of Communication (cont.)
• Utopian Versus Distopian Views of Technology (cont.)
• The Role of the Reality Show Audience on Fan Sites (Dr. Housel will share her
current research on American Idol Season 7 and David Archuleta/Archey’s Angels)
If you have any questions about what constitutes a reality show,
please see me.
• Wood, Chapter 15 (cont.)
• Hand-Out Reading on Celebrity Fandom
Fri. 11/21
Assignment(s) Due
Class Prep Task (DUE IN CLASS): Visit a fan site (examples
will be provided in class) for a reality show that you follow or
know about and complete analysis questions. An assignment
sheet will be passed out in class.
In-Class Workshop for Group Media Criticism Projects
NOTE: To pass the group media analysis project, you MUST
attend this in-class work session. Attendance will be taken.
Dr. Housel will be at the National Communication Association Annual
Convention in San Diego
Final Project
Conferences
Dr. Housel will meet with all final project groups to discuss the assignment and
answer any additional questions you may have. More details to follow in class.
Mon. 11/24
In-Class Media Analysis Assignment for Final Project Presentation
Dr. Housel will be at the National Communication Association Annual
Convention in San Diego
Each final project group will meet in class to work on a media
analysis assignment that will become part of your final project
presentation. Your group’s work on the first part of the media
analysis assignment will be due on Moodle to Dr. Housel.
Details will be provided in class.
NOTE: To pass the group media analysis project, you MUST
attend this in-class work session. Attendance will be taken.
Wed. 11/26
• Final Group Media Criticism Presentations
• Analysis of Production Elements
Group 1 Presentation
Note: All Group Media Analysis Presentation Outlines are
DUE IN CLASS on the day they are presented
Thurs. 11/27Fri. 11/28
No Class—Thanksgiving Break
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Date
Mon. 12/1
Class Topic and Reading Assignment (to be completed prior to class)
• Final Group Media Criticism Presentations (cont.)
• Feminist Analysis
Assignment(s) Due
Group 2 Presentation
Wed. 12/3
• Final Group Media Criticism Presentations (cont.)
• Genre Analysis
Group 3 Presentation
Fri. 12/5
• Final Group Media Criticism Presentations (cont.)
• Ideological Analysis
Group 4 Presentation
This is the last date that I will accept Media Analysis Project
Self and Peer Evaluations. You must turn them in to pass the
project. They are due by 5 p.m. TODAY in my office in MMC
126.
Exam
Week
12/8-12/12
Your final exam date and time will be announced in class.
Dr. Housel will be available for additional final exam review as
the class leads up to the final.
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