HONORS INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION

MCOM 102

Instructor: Prof. Beth Haller

Phone: 704-2442

Office: Van Bokkelen 205B

E-mail: bhaller@towson.edu

Web page: http://www.towson.edu/users/bhalle/

 

Course prerequisites:

None, except previous admission into the Towson University Honors Program.

 

Course description:

Analysis of the theories, processes, and norms within mass communication fields.

 

Course objectives:

1. To gain understanding of mass communication and its processes.

2. To become aware of the effects of mass media upon society.

3. To understand the theoretical underpinnings and ethical standards within mass media fields.

4. To enhance media literacy.

5. To learn about the norms and practices within mass media fields.

 

Textbooks/Supplies (Required):      

Media & Culture: Introduction to Mass Communication by Richard Campbell

Annual Editions: Mass Media 07/08

The New York Times newspaper, (which are available free in the Media Center foyer and on the first floor of Van Bokkelen.).

 

Course format:

The class will be primarily lecture and discussion. Students should prepare for each class by doing the readings assigned. We will also do some in-class media analysis work and group projects.

 

Grading:

Exam Number 1: 20 percent     Exam Number 2: 20 percent     Exam Number 3: 20 percent

Research paper: 15 percent      Group project presentation: 5 percent  

Media use/effect paper: 10 percent

Current events quizzes/In-class assignments/attendance/class participation: 10 percent

Grading criteria for written assignments and course in general: (Whenever written assignments are given, I expect you all to produce the best written work of which you are capable.)

 

90 - 100           ("A" & “A-“) On the written assignments, this means the paper is clear, organized coherently, and well-written. It is an effective discussion of the topic. It has no spelling, grammar, format, or accuracy errors. In terms of the course, this means you have almost perfect attendance, scores in this range on the tests, and have good questions and discussion in class.

 

80 - 89             ("B+", “B” & “B-“) On the written assignments, the paper is cohesive and well-organized, although it may have some minor spelling or grammatical errors. The discussion covers almost all of the important information and follows proper format. In terms of the course, this means you have good attendance, scores in this range on the tests, and have good questions and discussion in class.

 

70 - 79             ("C+" & “C”) On the written assignments, the paper is disorganized and contains many minor errors. The discussion missed some pertinent information or does not follow proper format. In terms of the course, this means you have poor attendance, scored in this range on the tests, and have not participated in class discussions.

 

60 - 69             ("D") On the written assignments, the paper ineffectively discusses the topic; it is not coherent or understandable. It contains an unacceptable number of spelling, grammar errors and/or inaccurate information or does not follow proper format. In terms of the course, this means you have missed more classes than you have attended, scored in this range on the tests, and have not participated in class discussions. Students may receive upper level elective credit with a D, but this course will not count among MCOM credits.

 

Below 60         ("F")* The paper contains major factual error(s) related to the topic. The information presented is completely incorrect. The paper does not meet the requirements in page length, focus, or format. In terms of the course, this means you have missed more classes than you have attended, scored in this range on the tests, and have not participated in class discussions.  If you are caught cheating in any way, you will automatically receive an F in the course. If you attend the final exam and your average is below 60, you will receive F rather than an FX.

 

("FX")* This is an administrative failure for non-attendance or failure to withdraw. If you do not withdraw from the course by Towson’s preset deadlines for the semester and stop attending the class, this is the grade you will receive.

 

("I") Incomplete. At Towson University, students may only receive an Incomplete with "verifiable circumstances" and “where students have completed most of the term” (Towson University Undergraduate Catalog). I recommend a medical withdrawal over an incomplete. In many years of teaching, I have had only one student finish an Incomplete.

* If you receive an F or FX, you may only repeat the course once. After repeating the course, students will only receive credit for the course once and the highest of the grades will be calculated. The lower grade will remain on the transcript with an "R" before it to indicate the course was repeated. For the transcript to reflect the repeated course, students MUST submit a Repeated Course Form to the Records Office. Transcript adjustments are NOT automatic  (Towson University Undergraduate Catalog).

 

Guidelines for all assignments

* No late papers will be accepted after the last day of the semester’s classes.

* Any late papers will lose points for each day they are late.

* Do not plagiarize, fabricate, or submit work you have done for another class.

Academic Dishonesty:

I do not tolerate plagiarism or fabrication of any kind. You should adhere to the University's policy on cheating and plagiarism. If you are caught breaking this policy, you will be prosecuted to the full extent that the policy allows. You should adhere to the highest possible standards of ethical behavior for this class.

* All assignments must be typed in the form requested and should contain your name, the date, and the assignment topic in the upper left-hand corner. (No folders or binders are necessary for assignments. Just staple the pages together.)

* Proofread and correctly edit your papers!

 

Participation:

If you regularly contribute to discussions, you receive 90-100 points for the 10% participation part of the grade. If you moderately contribute, you receive 70-89 points. And if you never or rarely contribute or have numerous absences, you will receive a 69 or below. Prolonged serious illnesses or hospitalization will be considered individually.

 

Students with Disabilities:

If you are registered with the Office for Students with Disabilities, please see your instructor during the first two weeks of class to arrange your specific accommodations. If you believe you may need accommodation and have not registered with OSD, please do so by calling ext. 42638.