COMM 245

Mass Communication and Culture

Elizabeth M. Perse Winter 2000

Office: Pearson 240 Class Meetings: Section 12

Phone: 831-8041 M - F 1:15 - 2:45

e-mail: eperse@udel.edu

Office Hours: M-F 11:00 - 11:30 & by appointment

Course Objective/Description: The course provides an overview of print and electronic media, film and advertising. We will consider history, structure, functions, and effects of the various media. The course material is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of mass communication and its various applications in contemporary society.

Course Web Site: http://www.udel.edu/comm245/comm245.html

Textbook Web Site: http://www.abacon.com/vivian/

Text: Vivian, J. (1999). The media of mass communication (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. [V]

Reading packet. [R]

Grading: Grading will be based on quizzes and assignments.

Quizzes. Students will complete five quizzes, each covering the week's material (readings, lectures, and presentations). I will give make-up quizzes only (a) when arrangements have been made with me in advance and (b) in case of illness verified by a physician's note. Each quiz will be worth 25 points. Quizzes will take place at the beginning of class each Friday.

Assignments. Students will complete four projects that relate to class material. Each assignment is due on Friday and worth 5 points. The assignment will be the basis of class discussion on Friday.

There will be a total of 145 possible points. I will assign final grades as follows:

134 points = A 111 points = B- 91 points = D+

126 points = A- 105 points = C+ 87 points = D

120 points = B+ 102 points = C 82 points = D-

116 points = B 97 points = C- below 82 = F

Extra Credit: Because the Department of Communication is committed to advancing knowledge in our field, extra credit will be given only for participating in communication research. Research opportunities will be announced as they arise.

Course Schedule

WEEK 1

Text assignment V Chapters 1, 14, 16 (pp. 411-418, 424-431), 17, 18, R pp. 1-32

Course content The mass communication process. The functions and uses of mass communication. Economic and political issues in mass communication.

Assignment Keep a media use and gratification log for the week. The form will be discussed in class.

WEEK 2

Text assignment V Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, part of 10 (pp. 257-265)

Course content Newspapers, magazines, books, films, and music.

Assignment Newspaper front page content analysis: USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, Washington Pose, Wilmington News Journal. Form will be provided.

WEEK 3

Text assignment V Chapters 7, 8, R pp. 33-57

Course content The electronic media. History, structure, and content.

Assignment Analysis of radio format.

WEEK 4

Text assignment V Chapters 13 (pp. 348-363), 15, 16 (pp. 418-431), R pp. 58-71

Course content Ratings. Media effects research. Effects on individuals and society.

WEEK 5

Text assignment V Chapters 9, 10, 12, R pp. 72-76, 77-86

Course content Advertising, news, politics, and the newer technologies.

Assignment Web Assignment, to be handed out in class.