Journalism 105 - Mass Communications
(Section 1108; MTWTh (10:35 a.m.-1 p.m..); 3 UNITS, Lecture
INSTRUCTOR: PAUL McLEOD, former Los Angeles Times reporter
Office: 1-310-233-5430;
Hours by appointment
email: mcleodpl@lahc.edu Access class web site: http://www.lahc.edu/communications/journal.htm
Course
Description:
This
course is a survey and evaluation of the mass media, with special attention given to interpretation and analysis of ethical
and legal media issues. Students will examine and assess arguments related to newspapers, magazines, radio, television, motion
pictures and advertising and evaluate their impact on society and the individual.
Course
Objectives:
1) To acquaint students of journalism, communications
and interested areas of study with the functions, impact, effects and skills of various mass media that include, but are not
limited to radio/television, newspapers, magazines, websites and the internet with respect to cultural diversity, global awareness
and aesthetics.
2) To develop critical thinkers and intelligent consumers
of mass media by identifying and defining information through the use of appropriate resources to match needs; encourage students
to analyze influences of mass media in everyday life so to help develop effective communication skills.
3) To provide students with a working knowledge of
the roles of mass communication in society, as well as their personal, professional and civic responsibilities.
Class
Structure:
10:35 a.m. - class starts. Roll taken anytime
during class period.
10:35 - 11 a.m. – Discussion of current
events in media. Students will be assigned to bring topics to class each day.
11-
11:45 a.m. Lecture, discussion
11:45 -11:55 a.m. - Break
11:55 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Lecture, discussion,
group projects, multimedia presentations
|
|
POINTS |
Course Requirements and Grading: |
|
Tests |
200 |
Midterm & final;
not comprehensive; open book - one page notes |
|
Media Self Survey |
150 |
(Contrast
and compare your media usage for a week) |
|
Oral Report I |
50 |
(Briefly
tell class the contents of your self-study) |
|
Newspaper Lesson |
25 |
(Bring
a local paper to class and analyze it in groups) |
|
Written Project |
150 |
(One-page,
typed summation demonstrates course objectives) |
|
Oral Report II |
50 |
(Briefly
tell class the contents of your Written Project) |
|
Radio Station Lesson |
25 |
(Listen
to unfamiliar station for an hour and record the program wheel) |
|
Web site scan |
25 |
(Review
our class web site – turn in copy of “Front Page”) |
|
Magazine Lesson |
25 |
Bring
your favorite magazine to class for analysis |
|
Current Event |
25 |
Bring
relevant topic on media to class for opening discussion |
|
Opening day questionnaire |
25 |
Answer
questions and Brain Teasers – how much do you know about media? |
|
Participation &
Attendance |
250 |
Lose
35 points for each absence; 20 points for each tardy |
|
TOTAL SCORE POSSIBLE |
1,000 |
A=900-1,000 points; B=800-899; C=700-799; D=600-699; F=599-below |
PLEASE
NOTE: NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. IF YOU DO NOT TURN IN YOUR WORK ON TIME YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT. IF YOU HAVE A SCHEDULING
PROBLEM, SEE THE INSTRUCTOR PRIOR TO THE DATE WORK IS DUE. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DUE DATE TO DISCUSS A SCHEDULING ISSUE WITH
THE INSTRUCTOR. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE ASSIGNMENT.
EXTRA
CREDIT: Bring to class an additional current event about media, suitable for sharing in a class discussion. Write NO MORE
THAN a one-page, double-spaced, typewritten summation. You will be responsible for leading class discussion. It
need not be selected for class discussion to earn full value. Point value: INSTRUCTOR SUPPLIED: 25 POINTS. STUDENT SUPPLIED:
35 points. (Other extra credit may develop in class as semester progresses, or as instructor sees fit). LIMIT: One written
extra credit allowed per semester. Become a registered user of the Harbor Tides (20 points). Find a typographical error in
a published article or story (15 points).
ATTENDANCE: Three
or more absences makes you eligible to be dropped from the class. You are responsible for all paperwork should you choose
to drop this class. All provisions of LAHC General College Policies apply to this course, including, but not limited to plagiarism and prohibition
of the use of headphones, earphones or cellular telephones in the classroom. Please turnoff devices during class. No recording
devices of any kind are allowed unless first cleared by the instructor. No eating or drinking, or food or drink allowed
in the classroom. As this is a media class, instructor reserves the right to alter or change course assignments and/or schedule
as current issues arise during the semester.
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ALL MATERIAL, INCLUDING THIS SYLLABUS, AVAILABLE FROM CLASS WEB SITE –
