This course provides an overview of key concepts and theories regarding the interrelationships between communication, media, culture and society. It will examine how cultures and societies both influence and are influenced by communication and media. Some of the main topics that will be covered include concepts of communication and media, the development of communication technologies within social and cultural contexts, and the ethical implications of media within culture and society. Students will be evaluated based on class participation, midterm and final exams, coursework, and a final examination. Requirements include attendance, participation in class discussions, adherence to deadlines, and proper formatting of written assignments.

1. Communication, Media,
Culture and Society
Cindy Cruz-Cabrera
English, Women and Development, Media Studies and Media Anthropology
about.me/cindycruzcabrera en.gravatar.com/cindycatz
prof.cindycatz@gmail.com

2. COURSE DESCRIPTION

3. This course surveys the concepts, models, and
theories for the study of communication and
media in their interwoven and interlinked
relationships and dynamics with culture, and
society. Cultures (as ever changing and fluid
entities) and societies (groups of interacting
individuals) both contribute to and are
influenced by communication processes and
the forms of media. In the same way,
communication and media shape and are also
shaped by culture and society.

4. COURSE OBJECTIVES

5. • Gain a general knowledge of key theories,
concepts, models, and perspectives in the study
of communication and media;
• Understand the relevance and roles of
communication and media in individual lives as
well as in the larger context of culture and
society;
• Discuss, analyze, and critique the functions and
various uses of communication and media within
culture and society; and
• Discuss, analyze, and critique the relationships,
dynamics, issues, trends, and products within
communication, media, culture, and society.

6. COURSE CONTENT

7. • Concepts, Models, and Theories on
Communication and Media
• Concepts, Models, and Theories on Culture
and Society
• The development of communication and
media within cultural, social, political,
economic, and technological contexts
• The ethics, problems, criticisms, societal
implications, and power relations within and
among communication, media, culture, and
society

8. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
and GRADING

9. • 20% Class Participation
• 20% Midterms
• 20% Coursework
• 40% Final Examinations
• Sixty percent (60%) is required as a passing
mark for each requirement and for the
course.

10. CLASS MEETINGS

11. • Discussions
–lectures, discussions, reports, activities,
and presentations.
• Work Sessions
–composition, research, consultation,
assessment and evaluation
(teacher/group/peer).
• Film Viewing

12. ATTENDANCE and
CLASS WORK

13. • Attendance is mandatory.
• You are allowed a maximum of three (6)
absences from class.
• The Office of Academics shall automatically
drop you from the roll on your absence
beyond 6 meetings.
• 3 counts of tardiness = 1 absence.
• Arriving 15 minutes late = absent.

14. • Any class work done on the day of one’s
absence is automatically forfeited, regardless
of whether the absence is excused or not.
• Any questions you may have for me regarding
attendance will be about your requirements
only.
• All other concerns (submission of
certificates/letters/etc.) should be
accompanied by a cover letter addressed to
me, Mr. Berbano and Mr. Silva.

15. CLASS PARTICIPATION

16. • You are expected to participate consistently in
class discussions.
• The success of discussions depends to some
extent on the work you do before stepping in
the classroom. Make sure you come to class
prepared.
• Read the required texts carefully. Put a lot of
thought and effort into your assigned work.
• We do not need mere talk in class. What we
need is talk that is interesting and insightful.

17. DEADLINES

18. • Work should be turned in on time. Failure to
comply will affect your grade.
• All assignments in hardcopy are due at the
beginning of class.
• All assignments in softcopy shall be submitted
via email:
prof.cindycatz@gmail.com
• Closing dates and times shall be strictly
observed.
• Any requirements not submitted when due
need not be turned in.
• Deadlines are non-negotiable.

19. COURSEWORK FORMAT
Soft Copy / Printout
APA

20. Handwritten
• Intermediate Pad OR College Ruled Pad –
white or yellow only
• NO SCENT
• One-inch borders
• LEGIBLE script / print
• Black or blue ink only

21. A NOTE ON PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is cheating and is punishable
by:
• failure in a requirement
• failure in a course
• suspension
and
• expulsion.

22. CONSULTATION

23. • CONSULTATION takes place during Workshop
Sessions. These will be announced.
• Sign up for consultation on Facebook.
• Please be ready to consult and deliver during
your designated time.
• You may consult briefly via email. Be sure to
indicate the course title.
• I do not refuse ambush consultations, but, to
ensure having your pertinent documents,
grades etc. on hand, sign up for consultation.

24. Students with Disabilities
• If you have (or suspect you have) a disability
for which you are or may be requesting
accommodation, you are encouraged to
speak to me privately as early as possible in
the term.
• We will properly verify your disability and
determine reasonable accommodations for
this course.