Syllabus
Introduction to Mass Communication [COMM 101]
Fall 2011
Section 7, M/W/F 10:25–11:15 (Ely 341) 10194

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Professor Nigel Dobereiner
Office: Ely 321
Office Hours: MWF 11:30 -12:30 and by appt.
Office Phone: (413) 572-5743
E-mail: ndobereiner@wsc.ma.edu

In this course we will conduct a comprehensive survey and critical analysis of mass communication. This will be accomplished through the study of the history and structure of mass media industries and an examination of social, economic, political, cultural, and global factors that create the context in which media operate. 

Among other things, when you finish this course you will be able to:

• Understand the role that media plays in socialization
• Identify the five to seven main media conglomerates
• Describe why media conglomeration and concentration can have a negative effect on our democracy
• Recognize negative depictions of race, gender and class that permeate our media
• Show what role media has in establishing and perpetuating hegemony in our culture
• Explain the difference between advertising and public relations and how both those institutions work to manipulate public perceptions and decisions

ATTENDANCE:
Students are expected to get to class each day. I will take attendance at every class and excessive missed classes will lower your final grade. (I define "excessive" as being in the bottom 10% -20% of the class in attendance.) Missing classes will almost certainly affect your final grade also in that much of the material on the exams will come from class lectures and participations. Anyone with borderline scores at the end of the semester will benefit from a good attendance record, and vice versa.

If you expect to be absent, please notify me as soon as possible. If feasible I will give you assignments ahead of time. I will not provide copies of my lecture notes. All make-up exams must be completed within one week of the date the exam was originally given. If you miss an exam, it's your job to arrange a time with me to make it up before a week has passed. If you do not take your make-up exam within the one week period, your ultimate score on that exam will be lowered by two full letter grades. NO EXCEPTIONS!

SUGGESTED MATERIALS:
Media/Society (4th edition) by David Croteau, William Hoynes and Stefana Milan- available at the bookstore

GRADING:
Three exams will make up the majority (75%) of your grade. They will be spread throughout the semester. You will also receive several writing assignments (3 – 5) which together with attendance and participation will contribute (25%) to your grade. The writing assignments will be based on your text readings, case studies or films we watch in class. Attendance counts. Be here. If you miss a writing assignment you can hand it in up to a week late (TYPED!), but don't expect me to chase you down to complete it. A writing assignment that is more than a week late will not be accepted! 

It is my view that students, in effect, grade themselves. That is, I will make every effort to assist you and give you all the information you need to succeed. However, the ultimate responsibility for success (or failure) is your own. Below you will find the Grading Structure. 

GRADING STRUCTURE:

You will also be graded based on class participation. During many classes I will lecture for part of the class, encouraging participation, and then have you participate in a group activity. I am a big believer in group-based activities in all my classes. This is a communication course, after all, and I feel you will learn best through communication with each other as well as with me. 

If you are having trouble, please arrange to meet with me during office hours. I will be happy to assist you in any way I can. Anyone whose final grade is close to a borderline status between two letter grades will receive the benefit of the doubt (or vice versa) by a consideration of class attendance and participation records. Again, it's all up to you.

The following Classes and Topics listing is subject to change as our/your interests and progress dictate. However, barring instructions to the contrary, reading assignments should be listed in advance of the day of lecture on that topic. We'll use the lectures, movies and current events as talking points, and I don't just call on people who raise their hands; so be prepared to discuss the material.

ONLINE RESOURCE:
All assignments and study guides will be available online at www.znod.com.