Comm 220: Introduction to Mass Communication
Fall 2014 (online session)
Instructor: Zengjun Peng, Ph.D., Professor
Office Phone: 320-308-3278.
Office Location: SH138
Email: zpeng@stcloudstate.edu
Textbook:
Dominick, J. R. The Dynamics of Mass Communications: Media in the Digital Age (12th
edition). New York: McGraw-Hill
How to Reach Me
I expect we can solve most problems via online communication. If you do need to
see me in person, you are welcome to schedule an appointment with me at the front desk
of the mass communications department (SH125).
You are advised to keep copies of correspondence with me in case you need to “fight”
with my short memories.
Prepare for the Course:
1. You must have the required textbook. You must read the book chapters and
complete the online chapter quizzes. They will be on the tests.
2. The course materials are accessible online by logging in to D2L website. You are
strongly advised to play around with D2L course components to familiarize
yourself with the software. For technical assistance, please check with the
university technology helpdesk. The instructor will not be able to offer much help on
technical issues beyond his control.
3. You must use your husky e-mail account as your default email account for this
course. You must check your e-mail regularly throughout the semester. Official
announcements will be made by e-mail, and on the course web site. When you send
the instructor or TA emails, you must use the subject comm. 220 and your full name
typed in the message, or the e-mail may be junked by the computer or me.
4. I will try my best to answer emails in a timely manner. However, please be
reminded that I am not online every single. If multiple questions arise for one issue,
I would send a mass email or post an answer on the message board, rather than
respond to each individual emails.
5. You are strongly advised to keep copies of your submissions.
Course Description
This course introduces students the history, nature, function, laws/regulations, and
criticisms of mass media and their role in society. In addition, students will learn the
changing roles and functions of mass media in the context of new communication
technologies and media convergence.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of the media industry.
2. Analyze the relationship between commercial profit motive and the character and
quality of media content.
3. Recognize the power of mass communication in shaping attitudes, opinions, and
beliefs about self and others and about dominant and non-dominant groups.
4. Identify the characteristics of ethical mass communication.
5. Appreciate the importance of inclusiveness and representing diverse voices and groups
in society with care and fairness.
6. Articulate the nature and consequences of media convergence.
Outcome Evaluations
This class cherishes the philosophy of active and effective learning through
interaction between the instructor and students. To achieve this goal, outcomes of
teaching will be monitored and measured on a regular basis. Apart from regular class
assignments, quizzes and exams, specific teaching evaluation surveys, when deemed
necessary, will be administered along with class progress. Normally but subject to change,
the first one, taken at the beginning of the semester, will measure students’ needs and
expectations. The second one, taken at mid-term, will further solicit students’ inputs so as
to make adjustments to the course accordingly before it’s too late. The final one, taken at
the end of the semester, will be a comprehensive evaluation on the contents, structure,
and teaching styles. Students are required to complete all of the three surveys.
.
Course Components:
1. Textbook and other class material Reading and Comprehension
2. Tests
3. Projects (not for summer and online sessions)
4. Weekly Assignments
5. Discussion (posting and responses)
Course Format and Procedures:
Different from a traditional classroom lecture course, this online course will be
largely student-centered where the instructor and teaching assistant will act more like an
organizer and facilitator of learning. Although students will enjoy the flexibility and other
benefits of an online course, it is by no means a self-paced independent study. Instead,
students will have to progress in line with the course schedule: complete required
readings, meet assignment deadlines and take tests on the designated time and date.
An outline of the course schedule is provided at the end of this syllabus where you
can get a rough idea of the weekly topics, readings and dates of tests.
A more detailed weekly schedule can be found D2L by click content on the
navigation bar. This detailed schedule lists the specifics tasks you need to complete each
week. I may modify the schedule based on class performance and feedback. So, please
check the weekly schedule regularly to keep you current.
You may be alerted of important due dates; however, it’s your responsibility to keep
pace with class progress.
Participation:
One crucial point distinguishes this online course from a self-paced independent
study: It’s a learning community where students share their experiences and learn from
each other. Therefore, active participation and sharing in this learning community will
constitute a large percentage of the final grade.
Active participation means you have to meet the following three rules, apart from
other required activities specified in the weekly activities.
Three General Rules:
1. As a rule, you are required to log on D2L at least twice a week (a week in this
course is defined as Monday through Sunday). Your login records will be
automatically registered by D2L.
2. As a rule, you will need to keep an electronic journal recording your learning
experience with the class. At least one entry per week is required. You can write
anything related to mass communications. You can keep notes/reflection of
textbook chapters, comment on a news story you read or watched, or critique a
TV show. It does not have to be a formal, long essay. Blog entry of this nature is
acceptable. You will need to submit your electronic journal at the end of the
semester together with your final project.
3. As a rule, you will need to go to the Dominick textbook website (you will find
login information on your textbook) and complete the online chapter quizzes.
Quizzes have to be taken within the week the chapters are assigned. As you may
find later on, doing the quizzes will not only help you with comprehending the
chapters but also be extremely helpful for three class tests. You need to email the
quiz results to me as evidence of your completion. Your scores will be counted
toward your attendance and participation grade.
Contribution to 220 Community:
Extra credits will be given to students who contribute to the 220 online community.
You can do various presentations in a multimedia platform. For instance, you can sing a
song, recite a poem, record it and post the link to the class discussion list. Sharing an
article or YouTube video related to the course topic is also considered a contribution.
Forming interest groups such as PR, Advertising, TV journalism etc. will be encouraged
and given extra credit.
Tests:
Three online tests will be given during the entire semester, which are composed of
true/false and multiple choice questions. The three tests cover required readings from the
course text and material presented and discussed in the course, such as discussions,
educational videos and supplemental readings.
The first two tests cover the related chapters only. The final will be more of a
comprehensive nature. The test will be administered through D2L. During the test, you
are free to consult anything, but you will have to finish the test within a limited time
frame. Under normal circumstances, you will have no time to go back to textbooks or
google online. Therefore, adequate preparation is the key.
You must do the test yourself. No other human beings are allowed to provide
assistance of any nature. You can use your robots or pets to do the tests for you, however.
Term Project (not for summer and online session)
Students will do a media use interview project in which students structure their own
interview questions and write a short analytical essay. Specific instructions will be
provided in a separate document posted on D2L.
Deadlines and Policies:
Again, although this is an online course, it is not self-paced. Due dates for assignments
are firm. All assignments will be due by midnight, U.S. central time, on the
announced due date.
Anyone who misses two due dates in a row, or more than three due dates, without
communicating with the instructor prior to the due date, may be withdrawn from the course
by the instructor.
No makeup examinations or assignment extensions will be given except with correct
and timely documentation for the following reasons: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, or
(3) an official St. Cloud State University function in which the student is officially
participating. Except in the case of emergency, the instructor has to be informed in
advance.
In cases where documentation is required, students must provide the instructor with
documentation within one week after the deadline or test. Attach an explanatory note
including your name, telephone number, email address, and times you are available for
the make-up quiz. It’s your responsibility to schedule makeup examination or ask for an
alternative assignment due date. Students will not be given the opportunity to make up a
missed examination without following these procedures. Missed examinations result in
zero points; late assignments result in a grade reduction
Grading Guideline
Class Attendance and Participation
15%
(See three general rules and weekly participation assignments)
Test I
20
Test II
20
Test III
30
Study Journal 15
Grading Scale
Shaded letter scheme shall be used in this course
A= 90% – 100%
B = 80% – 89%
C = 70% – 79%
D = 60% – 69%
F = under 59%
Note: If you find, for whatever reason, your grades are not correctly
documented on D2L, come to me early to fix it. Don’t wait until the last day of the
semester to bring up these issues. If you catch any error or have doubts about your
test score, raise the issue within one week after the scores are posted.
A Special Note on Diversity
Diversity in mass communication is a complex and critical issue. This course will
pay special attention to issues concerning race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
disability and so on. Students should not only gain knowledge, information and
sensitivity to these issues but also understand the political, social and cultural
implications and prepare themselves to be a professional communicator.
This course is intended to serve students from all diverse backgrounds. This course
values the diversity that students bring to class, and such diversity will be viewed as a
resource, strength and benefit. This instructor will make efforts to present materials and
lead activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexual orientation, disability, age,
socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, culture, and other background characteristics. Your
suggestions about how to improve the value of diversity in this course are encouraged
and appreciated.
In addition, diversity issues will be constantly addressed and discussed under
different topics of this class. Specific requirements on diversity are listed in the media
use/diversity project. You are also required to attend the C.A.R.E. workshop.
In addition, students will be rewarded with extra credits to attend
events---lectures/presentations related to diversity issues.
Academic Integrity
Students are responsible to know and adhere to the definitions, policies, and
procedures concerning academic (mis)conduct. Ignorance is NOT an excuse. The Student
Handbook is available at no charge from the Office of Student Life and Development;
you can also access it online at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/studenthandbook/
Infractions will be dealt with on an individual basis, at my discretion, and in adherence
with university polices.
Plagiarism/Cheating
Academic honesty is expected. Any advantage not given to all students is dishonest
whether or not the effort is successful. Cheating on an exam will result in an F (zero
points). Using someone else’s work as your own (plagiarism) OR incorrectly citing
sources will also result in an F (zero) on written and oral assignments. If asked, students
must produce proof that an assignment is their own work. Therefore, students should
maintain a verifiable working process on assignments including drafts of their work and
photocopies of research materials. Please save drafts or versions of assignments under
individual computer file names. The inability to authenticate student work upon request is
sufficient grounds for failing the assignment.
ADA Statement
If you have any special access or learning needs, please advise me immediately. You
will need to make the appropriate arrangements with the Office of Student Disability
Services at 320-308-4080 in room 202 Centennial Hall to coordinate reasonable
accommodations (http://www.stcloudstate.edu/sds/services.asp).
Good Luck!
220 Weekly Schedule (Subject to Change)
Fall 2014 Weekly Schedule
Week
1 (8/25)
2 (9/1)
3 (9/8)
4(9/15)
5 (9/22)
6 (9/29)
7 (10/6)
8 (10/13)
9 (10/20)
10(10/27)
11 (11/3}
12 (11/10)
13 (11/17)
14 (11/24)
15 (12/1)
15 (12/8)
Topic
Course Orientation and Intro to Mass Comm
Nature and Function of Mass Communication
Historical and Cultural Context
News Media: Print and Broadcasting
Consumer Media I: Magazine and Book Publishing
Review and Test I
Consumer Media II: Recording and Film.
Internet, Media Convergence & Social Media
Journalism and Related Profession I: News
Review and Test II
Readings (chapter)
Journalism and Related Profession II: AD and PR
Regulation & Control of the Mass Media. No class
Nov. 11
Social Impact of the Mass Media, Diversity Issues
Thanksgiving Holiday, No Class
14, 15
Mass Comm in a Global Context
Review and Test III
1
2
3
5, 8,11
6,7
9,10
4, 12
13
16, 17
18
Handout or posted
on D2L