Course Objectives:

1)       To acquaint students of journalism, communications or other 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. The course is designed for students who have no background in communications or journalism, but want a survey of communications media.

2)       To develop critical and intelligent consumers of mass media.

3)       To provide students with a working knowledge of the roles of mass communication in society.

Class Structure:

      6:50 p.m. –roll call

      6:55-7:20 p.m. – Discussion of current events in the media/guest speakers

      7:20-8:15 p.m. – Lecture (text, handouts, class web site)

      8:15-8:30 p.m. - Break

      8:30-8:35 p.m. – media terminology/short subjects and hints

      8:35-9:45 p.m. – Lecture/review and/or guest speakers; video, multimedia, testing.

Course Requirements & Grading:

  A=900-1,000 points

  B=800-899

  C=700-799

  D=600-699

  F=599-below

Point Scale:

     Tests………………………………..300 points

       Two-midterm & final (not comprehensive)

     Assignments:        http://mysite.verizon.net/res8dhka/laccjournalism101/links.html

     Written Report…………………......300 points

     Oral Report………………………...100 points

     Participation & Attendance……….300 points*

         Total score possible………….1000 points

Late work loses 25% of its value per class day it is late.

*NOTE: You are allowed one absence during the semester. Each additional absence will be a deduction of 50 points off participation & attendance. Make up one absence by submitting a written topic (not to exceed one page) for our opening discussion of current events in mass media. You will lead the discussion. The topic need not be selected by the instructor to gain full point value, but must be well thought out and adaptable to current event discussion.