Introduction to Mass Communications at St. John's University

1. Fall 2014
D’ ANGELO C ENTER 410
COM1001
Introduction to Mass Communication
Instructor: Karina Greenberg
E-Mail: vasquezk@stjohns.edu
Mailbox: Bent Hall, 2nd Floor
Overview
This course attempts to help the student understand and appreciate the
structure and functions of the various mass media of information, persuasion
and entertainment. This field is very broad and so an introductory course does
not address many of the issues and topics in depth, thus we expect to lay the
groundwork for future exploration.
Goals
- Understand the history and development of mass communication
- Investigate the impact of new technologies
- Consider the impact of social media
- Describe how basic concepts of media law and ethics are applied
- Use the vocabulary of mass communication to effectively communicate
key concepts
- Apply prominent theories to explain and/or predict effects of mass
media
- Understand the complex role media economics play in shaping media
practices and consumption
- Understand key developments in media ownership and their impact on
democracy
- Become a more discerning media consumer
- Describe typical careers in various mass media fields
- Have a clearer idea of your aptitude for a professional career in mass
media
Required Texts
- The Digital Divide:
Arguments for and Against
Facebook, Google, Texting,
and the Age of Social
Networking by Mark
Bauerlein
- Supplementary articles will
be assigned throughout the
semester
Assignments/Grading
25%
Midt erm (10/16)
25%
Advertising Campaign (11/10)
25%
Paper (12/9)
20%
Final (TBD)
Evaluation
A (93-100): Outstanding performance in mastering of the subject.
A- (90-92):
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2. B+ (87-89):
B (84-86): Consistent performance in achievement beyond the usual requirements of the course.
B- (80-83):
C+ (77-79):
C (74-76): Performance of a satisfactory nature. Achievement demonstrating an understanding of the subject sufficient for
continued study in the discipline.
C- (70-73):
D+ (67-69):
D (60-66): Minimally acceptable performance; achievement demonstrating below average understanding of the basic elements of
the course.
F (0-59): Achievement at a level insufficient to demonstrate understanding of the basic elements of the course.
Class Rules
Participation: This class requires that you participate in lesson related discourse. Participating isn’t just showing up to class,
sitting in your chair and updating your Facebook status or catching up on sleep. You need to be alert and involved.
At t endance: Two unexcused absences will result in a deduction of half a grade. If you know you are going to be absent or late,
please email me prior to class.
Assignments: All papers and presentations are expected to be submitted the date they are due. You will receive a deduction of
half a grade each day it is late. After three days past due, I will not accept your assignment.
Eat ing/Drinking: St. John’s University does not allow food in the classroom, however because this is an early class, I will allow a
light breakfast (e.g.: fruit, oatmeal, pastry, etc.) and beverages (e.g.: coffee, water, juice). Please do bring anything with a strong
odor or that makes a ton of noise.
Cellphones: Make sure to turn your phones to vibrate before entering the classroom.
Laptops: Please bring your laptops to every class, as you may need to use them.
Plagiarism and Cheating: Plagiarism (which arises when written materials are used without due credit to the author) and
cheating (which takes on too many forms to list here!) will not be tolerated. Such behavior amounts to academic misconduct and
will result in severe penalties (see University guidelines).
Ac ademic Ho nor Pledge (as quoted from t he University’s S tudent Handbook) : “St. John’s University is a diverse community of
teachers and scholars committed to the principles of truth, love, respect, opportunity, excellence and service. Members of th e St.
John’s University community strive to create an atmosphere, which embodies the University’s Vincentian mission. Students and
faculty commit themselves to the pursuit of wisdom and academic excellence, while fostering a responsibility of serving other s.
As members of this community, students are expected to maintain the principles of compassion and the values of honesty and
academic integrity.
In accordance with this pledge, students acknowledge their commitment to the values and principles of the mission of St. John’s
University.
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3. I will not tolerate or participate in any form of academic fraud by cheating, lying or stealing, nor will I accept the actions
of those who choose to violate this code.
I will conduct myself both honorably and responsibly in all my activities as a St. John’s University student, both
academically and non-academically.”
Assignments
Advertising Campaign (25%): You will be assigned a brand and product and provided with a creative brief. Given the business
goals and timing, you will define a strategy to meet the brand’s goals. This strategy should be organize d into a PowerPoint or
Prezi presentation and will be presented in class.
This assignment is meant to develop your presentation skills and creativity.
Paper (25%) Research Paper: Based on Katherine Mangu-Ward’s essay, “Wikipedia and Beyond: Jimmy Wale’s Sprawling Vision,”
you will be assigned a significant technological advancement in communications that you must research and profile. Your paper
should be a minimum of 6 pages, double-spaced.
This assignment is meant to develop your academic writing skills and your ability to research a topic.
Midt erm and Final Exams (25% each): Your midterm and final exams will consist of multiple choice, fill-in and essay questions.
We will review thoroughly before each exam.
Class Schedule (Mondays/Thursdays)*
9/4: Introduction to Class; Syllabus Review
9/8: Communications and Why We Study I t
9/1 1: Books. Yes, They Still Exist!
9/15: A History of Newspapers and Magazines
9/18: The Visceral Medium that is Photography
9/22: Journalism Today
9/25: Radio; Audio that Stirred Our Imaginations
9/29: Hollywood Now and Then
10/2: Television and it s Beginning
10/6: Television and it s Impact on American Culture
10/9: Midterm Review; Advertising Brands Assigned
10/13: Columbus Day; Class Cancelled
10/16: MIDTERM
10/20: Stereotypes in American Media
10/23: The Internet and it s Beginning
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4. 10/27: Guest Speaker
10/30: The Internet: Today and Tomorrow
1 1 /3: An $8 Billion Industry and Ho w I t’s Advertised
1 1 /6: Public Relations and Social Media
1 1 /10: ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN PRESENTATIONS
1 1 /13: Media Economies: Contemporary Mergers and Acquisitions
1 1 /17: Media Law and Media Ethics: Contemporary Case Studies
1 1 /20: Mass Media Around the World: Latin America
1 1 /24: Mass Media Around the World: East and South Asia
1 1 /27: Thanksgiving Recess; Classes Cancelled
12/1: Mass Media Around the World: The EU and the UK
12/4: Working in a Communications Related Field
12/8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception; Classes Cancelled
12/9: (Tuesday) Monday Classes Meet; Final Review; FINAL PAPER DUE
12/11-12/17: Final Exam Week
*Course Outline is Subject to Change
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