JRN F101
Introduction to Mass Communications
Spring 2009
Time/Location:Mon./Wed./Fri. 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
122 Bunnell
Instructor:Lynne Snifka
Assistant Professor, Bunnell 105A
Email:
Phone: 474-6245
Office Hours: Mon. 1 p.m.-2 p.m.,
Wed. 10 a.m.- Noon, and by appointment
Required Text
Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture,
5th Edition, by Stanley J. Baran
Course Description
History and principles of mass communications and the role of media in American Society. Introduction to professional aspects of mass communications, including print, broadcast and digital(online) media.
Course Objectives
We engage the mass media almost every day and have become so used to it that we don’t really pay much attention. How does it work? Why does it work? How does it influence us and the rest of the world? This course aims to answer some of these questions.
Much is happening behind the scenes in advertising, television, film, radio, magazines and all other forms of mass media. I hope this course will teach you to understand what’s beneath the surface of what you are seeing, reading and hearing and to be critical of the many messages you receive.
Requirements & Expectations
- You must arrive on time. Arriving late is disruptive and rude to both your fellow students and me. So do what you have to do: set your alarm clock 15 minutes fast, tell yourself the class starts at 11:30, run. Showing up late is the same as not showing up and you will lose attendance points if this becomes a problem (more on that later).
- Turn off your cell phone. If your phone rings in this class, I get to answer it and truly embarrass you.
- Attend every class. Attendance and participation are a significant portion of your grade.
- Participate generously. There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people who don’t ask questions! If you don’t understand something, chances are good that someone else in the room doesn’t either. Please ask! If you’re shy, come to my office hours and talk to me then.
- You may use a laptop in this class. However, chances are good that I will know if you are Facebooking or shopping or chatting rather than taking notes. If I even suspect this is what is going on, I will ask you to close your laptop and you will not be allowed to bring it to class for the rest of the semester.
- The assigned reading for each week or class must be completed before the day listed on the class schedule. The day on the schedule is the day we will discuss the reading.
- All assignments must be turned in on time. “On time” means the beginning of class on the day the assignment is due. Failure to turn in an assignment on time will result in a MINIMUM deduction of 50% of your points for the given assignment.
- Finally, if over the course of the semester if you have an issue (health, family, etc.) that affects your ability to perform in this class, please let me know as soon as possible. Doing well in college is important. You need to work hard. But don’t let the pressure overwhelm you. Your health and sanity are more important than getting good grades. If you want to talk about things – whether or not they’re class-related – I hope you’ll come and see me.
Final Grade Breakdown
Attendance & Participation: 10%
Attendance is mandatory, unless you have an excused absence. An excused absence is one you have cleared with me before class time. YOU MUST CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL (even if we speak after class or similar) TO EXPLAIN AN ABSENCE SO WE BOTH HAVE A RECORD. If you miss class without clearing it with me first, do not come to me expecting notes or assignments for that day. It is your responsibility to get that information from a classmate.
You are allowed two unexcused absences for the semester before it affects your final grade. Note that if you miss eight or more classes without an excuse you will automatically FAIL THE COURSE. Please don’t test me on this. Last semester three people failed because of attendance.
Unexcused absences’ affect on your final grade:
0 = 2% bonus to your final grade
1 = no effect
2 = no effect
3 = 2% deduction from final grade
4 = 4% deduction from final grade
5 = 6% deduction from final grade
6 = 8% deduction from final grade
7 = 10% deduction from final grade
8+ = Grade of F in the course
Quizzes: 20%
Every chapter of the Baran book is fair game for quizzes, as is everything discussed in class. Expect 15 or so quizzes (multiple choice & true/false mainly) over the course of the semester. You may not make up quizzes if you miss the class in which the quiz is given. You may want to access the textbook’s web site. You can take practice quizzes there and many of the questions on the quizzes I give will be exactly the same. Quizzes are “no book, no notes” and cheating will not be tolerated.
Presentations: 10%
Several short in-class presentations. Details will be announced in class.
Research Paper: 10%
A three- to five-page, double spaced paper on a subject to be determined.
Midterm Examination: 25%
A mix of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.
Final Examination: 25%
A mix of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.
Extra Credit: There will be several opportunities for extra credit throughout the semester. The points earned on these exercises, etc. will be added to your quiz grade total before it is averaged. This is good news for you.
Journalism Department grading guidelines:
A: An honor grade that indicates originality and independent work, mastery of the subject and the satisfactory completion of more work than regularly required.
A: 94-100%A-: 90-93%
B: Indicates outstanding ability above the average level of performance.
B+: 87-89%B: 83-86%B-: 80-82%
C: You’ve done above average work, a satisfactory level of performance. 77-79%
C+ 77-79% C: 73-76%C-: 70-72%
D: The lowest passing grade. Indicates work of below-average quality and performance: 60-69%
F: Indicates failure to meet lowest standards: Below 60%
Plagiarism/Fabrication
Evidence of plagiarism or fabrication in any assignment will result in a minimum penalty of an F for the course. Further action, such as expulsion from the department and additional academic penalties, may be taken. Plagiarism is using other people’s words or ideas as your own. Fabrication includes making up quotes, sources, or events. If you have questions about what constitutes plagiarism, please ask! “I didn’t know” is not an acceptable excuse.
Formatting
All assignments should be typed, double-spaced in an easy-to-read 12-point font, such as Times New Roman or Helvetica. Pages should be stapled together in the upper left corner. Assignments may NOT be submitted via email.
The top of the page should look like this:
Jack Jackson (name)
JRN 101/Snifka (class)
Research Paper (assignment)
January 14, 2007 (date)
Disabilities
I will happily work with the Office of Disability Services to provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities. Please notify me within the first two weeks of class if you have special needs. Their office can be reached at 474-7043.
1