Mass Media Studies and Theories
ONLINE CLASS
JOUR 5040
Spring 2017
Instructor: Dr. Tracy Everbach
Office: Sycamore 286A
Phone: 214-995-8464 (cell)
E-Mail:
Twitter: @TracyEverbach
Office hours: Wednesdays 11 a.m. -3 p.m. or appointment by phone, Skype or other virtual meeting.
About the instructor
Tracy Everbach, Ph.D., is an associate professor of journalism in the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas. She teaches undergraduate and graduate classes on race, gender and media, news reporting, mass communication theories and qualitative research methods. Her research focuses on women’s work and leadership in journalism, and on representations of race and gender in media. She is a former newspaper reporter, including 12 years on the city news desk at The Dallas Morning News.
What you will learn
This class is designed to introduce students to theories about and studies of the American mass media. We will discuss how media operate, regulation of media, ethics, social, political and cultural issues, and effects of media. You will learn about how various theories of media developed over time and their places in mass communication history. We also will discuss technology’s role in media development and in the evolution of media theories. Students will examine mass media from a critical perspective and learn to use theoretical concepts to evaluate and study mass media. Media literacy also is a component.
Materials
Stanley J. Baran and Dennis K. Davis, "Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Foment and Culture, Seventh Edition, Wasdworth/Cengage Learning, 2015.
(Can be purchased online for a less expensive price than through the bookstore. Also, go to for the online version.)
Articles found through the UNT Library databases (library.unt.edu)
Videos found online and through the UNT Media Library
Films streamed online or through the library
Recommended
Choice of Publication Manual of the APA (6th Edition), orChicago Manual of Style (16th Edition) Also, other online citation tools for academic research.
Course description:This is an online graduate seminar. Students are expected to read all assignments, lead online class discussions and teach each other in addition to what they learn from the instructor and the readings. In this class we will discuss and dissect scholarly research into mass media. It also is crucial that you stay up to date with what is happening in news media by reading newspapers, watching television network/local/cable TV news, reading magazines, keeping up with Internet news sites, blogs and other news media. You also should pay attention to advertising, film, videos, video games and other forms of mass media. This is so you will be able to apply the theories you learn here to practical formats.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop awareness and basic understanding of a broad range of theories relating to mass communication.
- Enable students to trace the historical development of media theories and link it to historically important societal, political and technological events such as the Great Depression, rise of totalitarianism, World War II, the cold war, Civil Rights Movement, and development of various media technologies.
- Encourage students to develop a personally meaningful and well-developed perspective on mass media so they can make better use of media to achieve valued goals. This should include a critical understanding of newer media so that students can make effective use of technology and media.
- Develop an understanding of the strengths and limitations of various media theories, including normative, critical and scientific theories.
- Increase student awareness of recurring criticisms of media and the limitations of these criticisms. (For example, the recurring debate over the effects of media portrayals of sex or violence.)
- Increase student awareness of how media professionalization developed, its grounding in normative theory, its use in defending media industries from criticism and censorship, and its limitations.
- Prepare students for advanced coursework in communication theory and research that will help them enter careers as communication scholars, or in ethics, law and cultural diversity that will train them to become responsible media practitioners.
- Increase student understanding of how the role of media has changed over time and assess the advantage and limitations of concepts, and to consider how these concepts might change and evolve.
- Increase media literacy.
ACEJMC (accrediting body) competencies
• Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
• Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
• Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
• Think critically, creatively and independently;
• Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
• Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
• Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
Technical requirements/Assistance
The following information has been provided to assist you in preparation for the technological aspect of the course.
UNT Help Desk:
Hardware and software necessary to use Bb Learn:
Browser requirements:
Computer and Internet Literacy:
Necessary plug-ins:
Internet Access with compatible web browser
Headset/Microphone (if required for synchronous chats)
Word Processor
Access and Log in Information
This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing the University of North Texas’ Learning Management System, Blackboard Learn. To get started with the course, please go to:
You will need your EUID and password to log in to the course. If you do not know your EUID or have forgotten your password, please go to:
Student Resources
As a student, you will have access to:
- Student Orientation via Blackboard Learn. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the Orientation to better equip you in navigating the course.
- Blackboard’s On Demand Learning Center for Students . It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials to better equip you to navigate the course.
- From within Blackboard, you will have access to the “UNT Helpdesk“ tab, which provides student resources and Help Desk Information.
Being a Successful Online Student
-What Makes a Successful Online Student?
-Self Evaluation for Potential Online Students
How the Course is Organized
The course is organized on Blackboard in a week-by-week format. Check each week to find assignments, readings, discussions and other material.
Discussion questions are posted under Discussions.
The syllabus is posted under Course Content.
How Students Should Proceed Each Week for Class Activities
All written assignments except discussions will be turned in through Blackboard assignments or TurnItIn assignments, posted under the week of the due date. Discussions take place on the Discussion board.
Student Support
The University of North Texas provides student technical support in the use of Blackboard and supported resources. The student help desk may be reached at:
Email:
Phone: 940-565-2324
In person: Sage Hall, Room 130
Regular hours are maintained to provide support to students. Please refer to the website ( for updated hours.
RESOURCES
Links to Academic Support Services, such as Office of Disability Accommodation, Counseling and Testing Services, UNT Libraries, Online Tutoring, UNT Writing Lab and Math Tutor Lab can be located within Blackboard Learn on the “Academic Support” tab.
UNT Portal:
UNT Blackboard Learn Student Resources: Technical Support:
UNT Library Information for Off-Campus Users:
UNT Computing and Information Technology Center:
UNT Academic Resources for Students:
Computer Labs: [provide information if departmental labs are available for use to students]. General access computer lab information (including locations and hours of operation) can be located at:
Academic honesty
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or exams; dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor, the acquisition of tests or other material belonging to a faculty member, dual submission of a paper or project, resubmission of a paper or project to a different class without express permission from the instructors, or any other act designed to give a student an unfair advantage. Plagiarism includes the paraphrase or direct quotation of published or unpublished works without full and clear acknowledgment of the author/source. Academic dishonesty will bring about disciplinary action, which may include expulsion from the university. This is explained in the UNT Student Handbook. The instructor reserves the right to issue a ZERO for any assignment found to have involved plagiarism, fabrication, dual submission or any other act of academic dishonesty.
Mayborn School of Journalism policy
The codes of ethics from the Society of Professional Journalists, American Advertising Federation and Public Relations Society of America address truth and honesty. The Mayborn School of Journalism embraces these tenets and believes that academic dishonesty of any kind – including plagiarism and fabrication – is incongruent with all areas of journalism. The school’s policy aligns with UNT Policy 18.1.16 and requires reporting any act of academic dishonesty to the Office for Academic Integrity for investigation. If the student has a previous confirmed offense (whether the first offense was in the journalism school or another university department) and the student is found to have committed another offense, the department will request the additional sanction of removing the student from the Mayborn School of Journalism. The student may appeal to the Office for Academic Integrity, which ensures due process and allows the student to remain in class pending the appeal.
Assessment and grading
Discussions: 20 percent (5percent each)
Projects 1 and 2: 30 percent (15 percent each)
Final exam (take-home): 20 percent
Final paper/literature review (also called Project 3): 30 percent
Final grades
90-100=A
80-89=B
70-79=C
60-69=D
Below 60=F
Discussion
Under the Discussion page on the Blackboard/Learn page for the course, you will find questions posed to you about the readings on assigned weeks. Each student must post a 500- to 750-word discussion response about the readings for that week by MIDNIGHT Thursday of that week.
Projects
Each project is described in detail on Blackboard. Projects are due at MIDNIGHT Thursday of that week.
Study proposal and paper
Your final paper (literature review) for this class will focus on a project you may be able to use for a thesis or other academic study. Before you go forward with your paper, you MUST submit a proposal, dueMarch 20, that must be approved by the instructor. (You may submit it earlier if you like.) Your proposal should be 1-3 pages long (with references). Your final paper should be 10-15 pages long, with a bibliography of references/works cited attached. (The bibliography should be in addition to the 10-15 pages.)
Further information will be give on how to structure the paper, but you should think of a research question or hypothesis about an issue in mass media that you are interested in studying. You will complete a literature review on this topic and will describe the theories/concepts you would use to study this issue. You will have your choice of methods you would like to use for the study: qualitative, quantitative, historical, or a combination of methods. You will not actually carry out the study, but you will complete the literature review and describe the method you would like to use. This possibly could be the foundation for a thesis if you choose to write one or for a conference paper if you’d like to pursue that.
Final exam
You will have a take-home final exam, which will consist of a question I will pose to you. You will have 24 hours to answer the question, using any research resources you prefer.
Schedule (some details may be subject to change).
Week 1, Jan. 16 week: MEET DURING CLASS TIME ON GO TO MEETING/GO TO TRAINING THROUGH BLACKBOARD. Introduction/overview on mass communication theory. Explanation of the course, assignments, discussion groups, paper. Access to library databases. Pew Research news quiz:
PPT Overview of book posted on Blackboard for reference at any time.
Week 2, Jan. 23 week: What is mass communication theory and why should we care? How has it developed over time?
READINGS: Baran and Davis, Chapter 1.
Discussion 1 due Thursday.
Week 3, Jan. 30 week: Mass society, propaganda and normative theories
READINGS: Baran and Davis, Chapters 2 & 3.
WATCH film: “Merchants of Doubt” (2014). Can be streamed through Amazon and other services, borrowed from UNT Media Library on DVD. (Trailer on YouTube at
Week 4, Feb. 6 week: Media effects
READINGS: Baran and Davis, Chapter 4.
Week 5, Feb. 13 week: Critical and cultural studies.
READINGS: Baran and Davis, Chapter 5
Discussion 2 due Thursday.
Week 6, Feb. 20 week: Children and adolescents, media violence, video games, child development
READINGS: Baran and Davis, Chapter 6.
WATCH film: “The Mean World Syndrome: Media Violence and the Cultivation of Fear” streamed through the UNT Media Library:
Week 7, Feb. 27 week:Audience theories, uses and gratifications, entertainment theory, reception studies, semiotics
READINGS: Baran and Davis, Chapter 7.
Project 1 due Thursday.
Week 8, March 6 week: Watch film “Killing Us Softly 4” streamed through the UNT Media Library:
Discussion 3 due Thursday.
*********************************SPRING BREAK************************************
Week 9, March 20 week: Media and society
READINGS: Baran and Davis, Chapter 8& 9
Part 1 of Project 3 due (proposal for literature review) Thursday.
Week 10, March 27 week: News media, news production and media literacy
READINGS (find in UNT Library):
Todd L. Belt and Marion R. Just, “The Local News Story: Is Quality a Choice?” Political Communication 25, 2 (April 2008): 194-215.
Sue Robinson, “Someone’s Gotta Be in Control Here,” Journalism Practice 1, 3 (October 2007).
Week 11, April 3 week: Media and culture, media literacy
READINGS: Baran and Davis, Chapter 9 (the rest of the chapter) & 10 & 11.
Project 2 due Thursday.
Week 12, April 10 week: Work on final paper. Pose questions, ask for research help.
Week 13, April 17 week: Media effects: sex, violence, race, gender. Feminist theory.
READINGS (find in UNT Library): Lynn C. Owens, “Network News: The Role of Race in Source Selection and Story Topic,” Howard Journal of Communication 19, 4 (October 2008): 355-370.
Tracy Everbach, “The Culture of a Women-Led Newspaper: An Ethnographic Study of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune,” J&MCQ 83, 3 (2006): 477-493.
Discussion 4 due.
Week 14, April 24 week: Work on final paper. Watch on your own through streaming: “Digital Nation,” PBS “Frontline” program:
Week 15, May 1 week: Final paper (Project 3) due by midnight Thursday through Blackboard.
May 8 week: TAKE-HOME FINAL EXAM. DUE 24 HOURS AFTER IT IS ISSUED.
MAYBORN AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES
RE-TAKING FAILED JOURNALISM CLASSES
Students will not be allowed to automatically take a failed journalism course more than two times. Once you have failed a journalism course twice, you will not be allowed to enroll in that course for one calendar year after the date you received the second failing grade. Once a student has waited one calendar year after failing a course twice, the student may submit a written appeal to the director to be approved to enroll a third time. Students will not be allowed to re-take a failed journalism course more than three times.
TEXTBOOK POLICY
The Mayborn School of Journalism doesn’t require students to purchase textbooks from the University Bookstore. Many are available through other bookstores or online.
FIRST CLASS DAY ATTENDANCE
Journalism instructors reserve the right to drop any student who does not attend the first class day of the semester.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Students should meet with their Academic Advisor at least one time per long semester (Fall & Spring). It is important to update your degree plan on a regular basis to ensure that you are on track for a timely graduation.
- It is imperative that students have paid for all enrolled classes. Please check your online schedule daily through late registration to ensure you have not been dropped for non-payment of any amount. Students unknowingly have been dropped from classes for various reasons such as financial aid, schedule change fees, parking fees, etc. MSOJ will not be able to reinstate students for any reason after late registration, regardless of situation. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all payments have been made.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR SPRING 2017
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January 16, 2017 / MLK Day (university closed)January 13–20, 2017 / Student-requested schedule changes may be made during add/drop.
January 17, 2017 / First class day
January 20, 2017 / Last day for change of schedule other than a drop. (Last day to add a class.)
January 31 – April 4, 2017 / Student may drop a course with written consent of instructor.
February 24, 2017 / Last day for change in pass/no pass status.
February 24, 2017 / Last day to drop a course or withdraw from the university with a
grade of W for courses a student is not passing. After this date a
grade of WF may be recorded.
February 25 – April 21, 2017 / Instructors may drop students with a grade of WF for nonattendance.
March 13-19, 2017 / Spring break (no classes)
April 17, 2017 / Beginning this date a student who qualifies may request a grade of I,
incomplete. (See "Grading system" in the Academics section of this catalog.)
April 21, 2017 / Last day to withdraw from the semester. Process must be completed
by 5 p.m. in the Dean of Students Office.
May 3–4, 2017 / Pre-finals days
May 4, 2017 / Last class day
May 5, 2017 / Reading day (no classes)
May 6–12, 2017 / Final examinations
May 12, 2017 / End of term
May 12–13, 2017 / Graduation ceremonies
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