This course is designed to engage the student by delivering an insider’s understanding of the various impacts and effects of converging mass media elements on the American society: newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, film/home video, recorded music, and the Internet. The primary objective of the course is to create an environment in which students (through reading, writing, group discussion, listening, thinking and analyzing) become better informed and more critical consumers of the mass media presented to them on a daily basis.

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Overall Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the effects of media convergence and be a better critical consumer of mass media.
• Discover important historical events in the development of mass media.
• Learn about the concept of an information society and it’s economical, political and social implications.
• Identify and rank the major functions of the mass media.
• Understand the essentials of the communications media and information technolgies industries. 
• Explain various approaches to research on mass media effects and impacts. 
• Learn about possible careers in mass media and communications.
• Discuss the effects of mass media on individuals and societies.

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Major Course Topics

• Traditional Media (Books, Magazines, TV, Radio, Newspapers, Film, Recorded Music)
• The Internet - Impact and Penetration
• Video Games
• Media Uses, Ethics, Effects/Impacts
• Public Relations and Advertising
• Approaches to Media Industry Strategies
• Being a Critical Consumer

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Course Format

• The syllabus lists course readings, homework assignments, projects, quizzes and exams.
• This schedule is posted within the course and is available for students all semester.
• Does not require on-campus meetings.
• Does not require real-time chats.
• Weekly modules will contain all readings, materials and links necessary for the week ahead.
• Communications will take place through e-mail and scheduled posted threaded discussion questions (weekly).

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Orientation

This course has no required face-to-face orientation.

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Course Requirements

Review the “What you should know before you register” section of the eLearning home page.

• All materials are administered online. All quizzes and examinations are multiple choice, true-false, and short anser.
• Active participation in the forums is mandatory.
• There are weekly focus questions, current affairs and five additional assignments.

Referencing your work and adding citations to your responses is highly recommended.

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Texts and Materials Required:

Additional textbook information:  Please visit www.howardccbooks.com and follow the instructions for selecting textbooks.

Technical Requirements and Plug-Ins:

Review the Technical Requirements link above. The following software or plug-ins are required for this course:

• Acrobat Viewer
• Flash
• A Current Browser (Firefox, Safari, Explorer or Chrome)
• PowerPoint Viewer, if you don’t have the full version of Microsoft PowerPoint
• QuickTime
• Real Player
• Windows Media Player
• Word 2010 (or better)

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Exams

For purposes of verification and assessing learning outcomes, this course may have online testing or proctored exams at the HCC Test Center for students in the local region or at a regional institution for remote students. The exam will have a flexible window of time during which it needs to be taken rather than a single date and time. 

If you have any questions or comments about this class, please send a message to

Anthony J. Hoos, thoos@howardcc.edu

Last updated on April, 20 2012
© Howard Community College, 2012

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