Introduction to Communication (COM 1000)
Syllabus
Spring, 2016
Dr. Judy Buller
Office: St. Mary’s 120/8
Email: jbuller@ndnu.edu
Phone: 650/508-3734
Required Text
Media and Culture: An Introduction to Mass Communication by Richard Campbell
ISBN 978-0312485467
If students use earlier editions of this text, they must ensure that the textbook contains the
historical timelines for each chapter.
Additional readings will be assigned and made available during the semester.
Catalog Description:
COM 1000 Introduction to Communication (3) Fall
A survey of media including broadcast, print, radio, film and Internet. Students learn critical
approaches to media messages and media ethics.
Learning Outcomes
Students will understand the history of mass media in America.
Students will develop critical thinking skills to analyze mass media.
Program Learning Outcome #2:
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate the role of mass media’s effect on culture
and its role in a democracy.
Credit Hour Report
Hours in Class
Research/Homework
Written Assignments
Total
45
20
25
90
Attendance policy
Please see the NDNU catalog regarding attendance and excused (and documented) absences. In
addition, this course will have the following attendance policy. Attendance is worth 50 points.
You are not allowed to miss any class without an excuse. You will be docked for each absence,
this will have a negative influence on your grade.
Students with Disabilities
If you have learning or other disabilities for which accommodations are needed, you’ll need to
contact Dr. Peggy Koshland-Crane in the Academic Success Center at x3670. Accommodations
cannot be given without authorization from Dr. Crane.
1
Assignments/Grading
1. Media Diary
2. Midterm Exam
3. Media Presentation/Paper
4. Final exam
5. Attendance/Participation
6. Weekly news stories
TOTAL:
SCHEDULE
Week 1
January 14
Week 2
January 19
January 21
Week 3
January 26
January 28
Week 4
February 2
February 4
Week 5
February 9
February 11
50 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
50 points
50 points (10 x 5 points each)
450 points
Greetings/Syllabus/Roll
Media Diary handout/discussion
Overview of Mass Media
Media Diary discussion
Weekly news stories
handout/discussion
Media Diary DUE
Weekly news stories DUE
Chapter 1. A Critical Approach to
Mass Media
Discussion of presentations
(handout)
Assignment to presentation topic
Chapter 8. Newspapers and the Rise
of Modern Journalism
Additional Reading: Newspaper
Handout
Chapter 8. Newspapers and the Rise
of Modern Journalism
Additional Reading: Newspaper
Handout
Weekly news stories DUE
Culture of Journalism/Media Ethics
(Reading to come)
Culture of Journalism/Media Ethics
(Reading to come) pres men
finish/handouts
Weekly news stories DUE
2
Week 6
February 16
February 18
Week 7
February 23
February 25
Week 8
March 1
March 3
Week 9
March 8
March 10
Week 10
March 15
March 17
Week 11
March 22
March 24
Week 12
March 29
March 31
Week 13
April 5
Media Ethics Code/Case
Present handouts
(Reading to come)
Media Ethics Code/Case
Prep midterm – handout
Newspaper history handouts
discussion
Weekly news stories DUE
Prep for Midterm Exam
Midterm
History Presentation Due (Books)
1st Amendment handout/talk
Presentation/Papers Due (Books)
Weekly news stories DUE
SPRING BREAK!
SPRING BREAK!
Chapter 5. Television
History Presentation Due (TV)
Presentation/Papers Due (TV)
Weekly news stories DUE
Media Ethics (Reading to come)
Quiz Show/Broadcast News/Good
night
Media Ethics (Reading to come)
Weekly news stories DUE
Chapter 7. Movies and the Impact
of Images
History Presentation Due
(Movies)
Call to Action Day!
Presentation/Papers Due (Movies)
Weekly news stories DUE
3
April 7
Week 14
April 12
April 14
Week 15
April 19
April 21
Week 16
April 26
April 28
Week of May 2
Weekly news stories DUE
Chapter 4. Popular Radio and the
Origins of Broadcasting
History Presentation Due (Music)
Presentation/Papers Due (Music)
Weekly news stories DUE
Chapter 11. Advertising and
Commercial Culture
History Presentation Due
(Advertising)
Presentation/Papers Due
(Advertising)
Weekly news stories DUE
Chapter 11. Advertising and
Commercial Culture
Weekly news stories DUE
Prep for Final Exam
Final Exam, date TBA
4