Syllabus

Course Description:

Study of mass communication models, theory development, mass communication and theory relationship to research in mass communications.

Course Objectives:

1. Awareness of the major theoretical and research forces and trends in the field of mass communication;

2. An understanding of the various social scientific theories existing in the field of mass communication;

3. To understand the way theories (in general) and mass communication theories (in particular) are formulated; and

4. To develop the ability to critique existing mass communication theories; and

Course Requirements:

Text (Required)

*Bryant, Jennings and Zillman, Dolf (eds), Media Effects: Advances in Theory and Research. Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2002.

*A compilation of readings will be placed on reserve at the Dean B. Ellis Library.

Text (Supplementary): You do not have to buy these. They are available in the library for your benefit.

*Baran, Stanley J. and Davis, Dennis K., Mass communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future. Belmont, California: Wadsworth, 1995.

*DeFleur, M. and Lowery, S., Milestones in Mass Communication Research, 2nd ed. New York: Longman, 1988.

*DeFleur, M., and Ball-Rockeach., Theories of Mass Communication, 4th ed. New York: Longman, 1982.

*Severin, J.W. & Tankard, J.W. (1988). Communication Theories: Origins, Methods, Uses (2nd edition). New York: Longman.

*Tan, A. S., Mass Communication Theories and Research, 2nd ed. New York: Wiley, 1985.

Note: A considerable amount of out-of-class reading is required in this course. Some of these readings will be kept on reserve at the Dean B. Ellis library. You will be responsible for finding other articles yourselves.

Participation:

Participation is quintessential to success in this course. Students must cultivate the habit of reading articles of interest in scholarly journals relating to the field of mass communication. All assigned readings must be done by or before their due dates. Being poorly prepared can be a detriment to success in this class.

Papers:

Two papers are required. The first is a 7 to 10 page critique of an existing theory. The critique should point out the main strengths and weaknesses of the theory. The critique should be supported by authoritative sources which are well documented within the text. It should be well written and organized. That is, it should have an appropriate introduction, body and conclusion. Only the APA citation style should be used all papers for the class. The critique is on Thursday, October 4.

The second paper will be a full-length, topical and theoretical research paper, in which you propose a brand new, or modify an existing, mass communication theory. The length of the paper should be at least15 pages, excluding bibliography, diagrams, tables, figures and appendix. The completed paper is due on Thursday, November 29. I am available to drafts. The paper must be scholarly and imaginative in conception, exposition and evidentiary support. Its ideas should be presented as clearly as possible, and should conform to the following structure:

· An INTRODUCTION, that describes and justifies the purpose of the study, and links this purpose with suggested areas for research in an existing body of literature.

· A BODY, where you use research evidence to develop your theory or model through a critical assessment (your own ideas supported by research evidence) of available literature (use diagrams here to illustrate the path of your theoretical reasoning, and

· A CONCLUSION that summarizes the main precepts of your theory. Use this section to pose questions that your theory suggests for research.

A major requirement for the final paper is that it is worthy of publication submission to a relevant scholarly outlet. Therefore, the theory should be both logical and well presented.

The topic for the first paper is due on September 6. That of the second paper is due on September 7. Both must be approved by the professor. No paper on an unapproved topic sill be accepted. The topic idea should be presented in no more than two paragraphs, with emphasis placed on why the topic is worthy of research. Please note that extensions will not be granted on due dates.

An oral presentation of the second papers will be made at a time to be stipulated by the professor. Oral presentations should last between 10 and 15 minutes. During the presentation, maximum eye contact must be maintained. The presentation must be done with PowerPoint slides. It is important that you are thoroughly familiar with your material. No reading of papers will be allowed.

Class leadership

In addition to the papers, students are required to lead one class discussion on the topic of the day. The discussion should last for not less than 75 minutes. The leader will submit the questions to stimulate discussion to the professor the day before class. The leader will be graded on how well they do the following: begin the discussion, ask poignant questions to keep the discussion going, reiterate pertinent point from the discussion to enhance learning, and summarize the salient point in the discussion. Each student will write a 1 to 2 page research abstract or summation of what they learned from the discussion. This is due at the beginning of the next class period. The abstract should be typed single space, with full citation in the APA format.

Attendance

Although the university does not require mandatory attendance for upper class students, students will be held responsible for all lecture materials, class reports, projects and handouts. Students missing any class material will be doing so at their own risk. Three missed class presentations (abstracts) will result in a ten point reduction in the student overall grade in the class. Make up and extensions will not be permitted on assignments missed due to an absence. Any graded work missed due to an absence will earn a zero. Students obligated to other activities that might preclude their regular attendance and full participation in this class should plan to take the class at another time, when attendance can be assured. All readings and other class assignments must be competed on schedule.

Examinations:

A midterm and final examination will be given in the course. Both will be take-home. Both will cover lecture materials, assigned readings, readings from scholarly journals and other pertinent materials. Both exams will be comprehensive in nature.

Note: Final Date is Wednesday, December 6, 2004, from 7:15 to 9:15 pm.

Grading:

Final course grades will be distributed according to the following percentages: Theory Critique 15%; Theory paper 35%; Class leadership 10%; Written Summations 10%; Midterm Exam 10%; Final Exam 10%; Class Participation 10%.

The following scale will be used to determine letter grades: 92-100=A; 82-91=B; 72-81=C; and Below 72=F. Only the final class grade will be curved.

Safety Statement:

"This course may require the use of hazardous chemicals or equipment that the University Safety Committee recognizes as potentially hazardous to a student's safety and health. Every instructor is required to provide instructional information and training on safe handling and usage procedures prior to engaging students in the use of hazardous chemicals or equipment.

In addition, students are advised to notify the instructor or laboratory supervisor of any medications or conditions that may impair their mental alertness and/or their ability to safely engage in the use of any hazardous chemical or equipment.

All students should participate in the use of hazardous chemicals and equipment only under the direct supervision of the instructor or by approval of the instructor, using recommended methods and procedures. Failure to adhere to the outlined safety precautions could result in disciplinary action."

Cell Phone/Pager Policy:

All cell phones and pagers must be turned off before class commences; no exceptions. Please advise anyone who may have the need to reach you by cell phone or pager to do so after class. It is your responsibility to make your class schedule available to all prospective callers.
Disability Support Services

Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him/her from fully participating in this course should contact the Disability Services (972-3964) as soon as possible, so we can make the necessary accommodations to facilitate your educational experience.