San Antonio College -- 1300 San Pedro Ave. -- San Antonio, TX, 78212-4299
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: See Faculty for instructors teaching the course.
Office: Loftin 204 Phone Number: (210) 733-2870 FAX: (210) 733-2868
Email: email to cfhunt@accd.edu Web Address: http://www.accd.edu/sac/j-p/chethunt.html
I. Catalog Description: Introduction to Mass Communications (3-3-0) Prerequisite: None.
This course develops an understanding of the interrelationship of the mass media in society and examines the influences governing the development of mass communication processes. It provides an overview of the mass media: their functions, structures, supports and influences.
II. Pre-requisites, co-requisites and other requirements:(1) Students should be eligible to take ENGL1301; the course may be taken concurrently.
III. Text: None.
Power Point production notes are available in the college bookstore. Some instructors have assembled all the textual materials necessary for this class in a volume titled COMM1307 Handouts. These materials contain source materials, instructor's explanatory and illustrative notes for this class, study guide questions, information on how to take essay exams, class assignments and links to other sources. The optional textbook is The Media in Your Life: An Introduction to Mass Communication, 2/e by Jean Folkerts and Stephen Lacy. The instructor will not test specifically on the textbook, but it is a good source for background information, and it is available on reserve in the library in Moody Learning Center.
IV. Instruction will consist of: Techniques include lecture, video presentations, Power Point presentations, Web sites, readings, guest speakers, enrichment assignments and group activities.
V. Course Content: The purpose of this course is to increase the student's understanding of communication: interpersonal. group and mass. We also will look at media ethics and media law before a closer inside glimpse at each of the measurable mass media: newspaper, magazine, radio, television plus public relations, photography and advertising. Emphasis during the study will be on history, organization and career opportunities.
VI. Learning Outcomes and Performance Objectives with their methods of measurement as used to determine the students' mastery of those outcomes.
Learning Outcome 1: The student, whether a communications major or simply a media consumer, will be cognizant of developments, components, criticisms and personalities in the development of electronic and print media and the ethical, legal and market environment in which they exist.
Performance Objectives/Method(s) of measurement for each objective
1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of strengths and weaknesses of the various methods of news coverage, including newsworthiness and reporting styles by completing written examination(s) and/or enrichment assignments.
2. The student will demonstrate and understand the importance of laws, rules, self-regulation and ethical decisions in mass media by completing written examinations, participating in case studies and examination of ethical and legal dilemmas.
3. The student will be able to identify major individuals involved in the development of measurable mass media by completing written examinations, participating in organized class discussions of the various periods in media history and completing enrichment assignments such as writing a letter to the editor and developing a mock magazine cover to demonstrate understanding of the formula or mix of a magazine.
Learning Outcome 2: The student will be cognizant of various forms of communication in today's Information Society, including nonverbal, interpersonal and mass forms.
Performance Objectives/Method(s) of measurement for each objective
1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of communication models, interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication and the creative process by completing written examinations, completing an enrichment assignment involving nonverbal communication, writing a six-day interactive journal and participating in an organized class presentation on The Creative Process.
2. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the selection and packaging of news and information by completing written examinations and participating in an organized class/group discussion of news selection and placement according to the demographics and psychographics of the San Antonio news market.
3. The student will demonstrate knnowledge of the dynamics of photography and its history by completing written examinations and completing an enrichment assignment to use his/her knowledge of photojournalism and the magazine formula to complete a magazine cover demonstrating effective use of audience attraction.
4. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the history and development of public relations and its move toward professionalism by completing written examinations and participating in an organized class/group discussion of case studies of successful public relations campaigns and using the language of public relations, e.g., the Race Formula and public relations techniques.
5. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the history and development of advertising and the relationship between advertising and mass media by completing written examinations and completing an enrichment assignment to design a story board for an advertising campaign for a given product to reach a specific target audience based on demographics and psychographics and using the language of advertising, e.g., positioning, emotional appeals and the Marketing Cycle.
Learning Outcome 3: The student will demonstrate knowledge of various career opportunities in mass media. (See Media Careers)
Performance Objectives/Method(s) of measurement for each objective
1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of his/her chosen career path by completing an interview of at least 30 minutes with a professional in the student's chosen career and reporting on that interview either with a written report, a website, a video or a PowerPoint presentation. 2. The student will demonstrate knowledge of techniques of a job search by completing written examinations, participating in organized group discussions of techniques such as writing a résumé, preparing for a job interview, building a portfolio and finding his/her Unique Selling Proposition. (See Tips for getting a job) 3. The student will demonstrate knowledge of professionals in journalism and photography by exposure to speakers in the department from various measurable media by end-of-course evaluations.(SCANS COMPETENCIES are only required for courses which are a part of an AAS degree plan.) SCANS Competencies: See attached for a list of competencies related to the workplace as outlined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
VII. Course requirements and grade computation: Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, videotapes, slides and group activities as well as readings.
Grading will be based on four major essay exams during the semester (see "Help on Writing Essay Exams.") Other grades vary among instructors but include book reports, enrichment assignments, a journal assignment, an interview and daily quizzes. If a student must miss an exam, he/she should contact the instructor or call 733-2870 to make arrangements for a makeup exam.
A. College Requirements: A written, comprehensive final examination, not to exceed two and one-half hours in length, shall be given at the end of each semester for each course at the regularly scheduled time. Any exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the appropriate dean. Other examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor.
A student who must be absent from a final examination should petition that instructor for permission to postpone the examination. A student absent without permission from a final examination is graded "F." Postponed examinations result in a grade of "I." The final exam must be taken within 120 calendar days from the end of the semester or the grade automatically becomes an "F." (San Antonio College Bulletin, Faculty Handbook - January 1995)
B. Departmental Requirement: A student wishing to withdraw from this class during the semester must process a formal withdrawal through the Office of Admissions and Records. Failure to withdraw formally will result in the assignment of a failing grade (F) for the course. You may drop by going to the Office of Admissions and Records, or you may send me an e-mail requesting that I drop you from the class. If you do the latter, please be sure to type your full name at the bottom of your request. You also may drop by Room 204-a of Loftin Student Center to pick up a drop slip.
The college bulletin allows absences for the equivalent of two weeks of class, but you will be dropped after that number. After the drop date, each absence over six will take three (3) points off your final grade.
C. Instructor Requirements:
* Read the newspaper daily or at least on Sunday. VIII. College Policies:<p> A. San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access, employment programs or services.
* Read a magazine of your choice
* Watch television news occasionally and be aware of television trends
* Listen to radio
* Watch commercials on television -- form opinions as to your favorites and the most effective and least effective ads
B. Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab. Minors under the age of twelve (12) must not be left unattended on campus. College Academic Council - April, 1998
C. ADA Statement: "As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if accommodation is needed contact the Office of DisABILITY Support Services, CAC 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.
D. A Rapid Response Team exists for the purpose of responding to emergencies. If you have a disability that will require assistance in the event of a building evacuation, notify Disability Support Services, Chance Academic Center 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.
E. Academic Dishonesty: Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. For additional information refer to the "Student Code of Conduct" in the San Antonio College Bulletin.
F. Students are required to silence all electronic devices (e.g., pagers, cellular phones, etc.) when in classrooms, laboratories and the library. College Academic Council, 01/ 2000.
G. San Antonio College Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance at all classes and laboratories, day and/or evening, is required. A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed. Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of absenteeism. The instructor establishes the policy with regard to each.
Absences of each student are recorded without exception. The counting of absences begins on the first day of class. A student absent the equivalent of two weeks of instruction in a 16-week semester may be dropped by the instructor. If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absences, the instructor will record a grade of "W' (withdraw). It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the withdrawals have been submitted.
H. San Antonio College is a smoke free campus.
I. ACCD DPS Emergency Phone Numbers:
ACCD DPS Emergency Phone (210) 222-0911J. Students must also abide by the policies, procedures, and rules set forth in the "Student Code of Conduct" and all other policies set forth in the San Antonio College Bulletin.
ACCD DPS General Phone (210) 208-8099
ACCD DPS Weather Phone (210) 208-8189 (For information on college closures)