MC 251 – Television and Film in America1

DEPARTMENT OF MASS MEDIACOURSE NO. MC 251

COURSE TITLE: Television & Film in America NEW 2011

I.Catalog Description

An exploration of the impact of American television and film on culture and society. (3)

II.Prerequisite(s)

Completion of 15 credit hours.

III.Objectives

The Department of Mass Media at Southeast Missouri State University holds accreditation in mass communication from the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). We embrace the values and competencies of ACEJMC.

The five key values are (1) freedom of speech and press; (2) history of communications; (3) diversity in a global society; (4) application of theories in communications; and (5) legal and ethical issues in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.

The six key competencies are (1) critical, creative and independent thinking; (2) correct and clear writing; (3) appropriate use of research and evaluation; (4) application of basic numerical and statistical concepts; (5) appropriate application of tools and technologies for the communications professions; and (6) critical evaluation of work for accuracy, fairness and clarity.

This course includes the values of research, ethics, law, history and diversity, with units on the history and development of television and film; units on broadcast law and ethics; a unit on the cultural influence on filmmakers; and two research papers on the cultural impact of television and film.

A.To understand the role of television and film in the formation of culture and ideology.

B.To understand the ways television and film reflect, support and challenge dominant ideologies.

C.To understand how television and film use various storytelling methods and how that content effects how we view our society.

IV.Expectations of Students

  1. To attend lectures and screenings regularly
  1. To read all text and supplemental assignments
  1. To demonstrate their knowledge of the subject in three or more examinations
  1. To write at least one research paper on a topic related to television and/or film
  1. To participate in classroom discussion
  1. To complete all other class assignments

V.Course Content

A.Sounds and Images2 weeks

1. Importance of Movies in American Culture

2. Importance of Television in American Culture

B.Words and Pictures3 ½ weeks

1. The technology of film

2. The business of film

3.The artistry of film

C.The Shift to Broadcast3 ½ weeks

1. The technology of television

2. Television delivery systems

3. From broadcast to cable

4.The business of television

D.The Impact of Film3 weeks

1. Issues and trends in American filmmaking

2. The cultural influence of filmmakers

3. The future of film in American society

E.Television Entertainment3 weeks

1. The power of the visual culture

2. From news to reality TV

3. A converging media

VI.Textbook

TBD

VII.Basis for Student Evaluation

  1. Sixty percent will be determined by objective exams
  1. Twenty percent will be determined by a paper related to television and culture
  1. Twenty percent will be determined by a paper related to film and culture

VIII.Grading Scale

A = 90 to 100%

B = 80 to 89%

C = 70 to 79%

D = 60 to 69%

F = 59% or below