TVF 4600 Theories of Mass Communication: TVF 4600 Theories of Mass Communications Syllabus

TVF 4600 THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS

Fall 2016

“Knowledge is not for knowing: Knowledge is for cutting.” – --Michel Foucout—

Instructor: Roberto S. Oregel Class Location: KH C4071

Days/Time: Thursday 6:00 – 8:45 PM Office Hours: 5:00 – 6:00 (By Appt)

TVF Dept: 323-343-5425 Email: oregelfilms@yahoo.com

WELCOME TO TVF 4600 Theories of Mass Communications. This course will provide a survey of the significant importance of media in our society, namely journalism, radio, film/tv, and web based content. The course will consider historical, social, political and technological forces that have contributed to the evolution of Mass Communication. The goal for this coarse is to allow students hands on practice in the variety mass media communication…ie print journalism, radio, and film and TV.

COURSE CONTENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explore the historical development and practices of mass media.

2. Examine the process of creating, distributing, and exhibiting mass media content for diverse audiences

3. Discuss the ethical issues facing media outlets

4. Understand the power structures that disseminate media.

Readings and Additional Video Clips will be posted in the Class Blog that I will keep up through out the quarter. Please reference the class blog for readings and extra video clips: http://masscommwithoregel.blogspot.com/

REQUIREMENTS

1. FULL ATTENDANCE at lectures, screenings and discussion is mandatory. Class attendance means you are present at the start of class and stay until the period ends. Students are allowed no more than 2 absences. Each absence will result in a deduction of 5points per day missed. There is no make up work. After 4 absences, student is at risk of obtaining an “F” as their final grade. Tardiness is unacceptable – arriving late to class 2 times will be counted as 1 absence. Leaving and returning during class time will be counted as a tardy as well as using your phone. You are expected to arrive on time after their class break. If you’re late before class and after the break time you will accumulate two tardies which is equivalent to an absence.

You are expected to be in class for all screenings. Should you miss a video, it will be your responsibility to find, rent, and view a copy on your own – course tapes/DVD’s will not be loaned.

MOST IMPORTANT COME WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

2. Each class will conclude with a homework assignment for the following meeting. NO LATE WORK IS PERMITTED.

3. 4 Projects – You will work on 4 different mass media projects journal/newspaper, Graphic Meme, Short Radio program (group), Short Film (group),

4. Midterm exam based on readings, films, and discussions.

5. Final Exam and final Group Short Film presentations listed on #3

6. Publish your works on the class facebook page.

GRADE POINT BREAKDOWN

ATTENDANCE 15 points

HOMEWORK 0-2 points each (30 Points possible)

4 Projects 5 points each (total 20 points)

MIDTERM 15 points

FINAL EXAM 20 points

TOTAL POINTS 100

GRADE SCALE

A 96 – 100 A- 90 – 95

B+ 86 – 89 B 80 – 85 B- 76 – 79

C+ 70 – 75 C 66 – 69 C- 60 – 65

D+ 56 – 59 D 50 – 55 D- 46 – 49

F 0 - 45

CLASS SCHEDULE

Schedule is subject to change. Students are responsible for ALL schedule & assignment changes announced in class.

August 25

Class Review and INTROS...

Class Exercise

PRINT MEDIA

Start Film: Manufacturing Consent part 1

Homework: find a person who is voiceless, exploited, and see if you can share their story. Bring a pitch to share.

September 1

Print Mass Media

BREAK THE CLASS INTO 4 GROUPS (PRINT MEDIA, RADIO, FILM AND TV)

Homework Assignment— Listen to pitches identify the power structures and audience for set pitches.

PRINT MEDIA

Manufacturing Consent part 2

**Homework: 1. Write up a one to two paragraph summary of the story you’re interested in writing up. 2. Read PRINT MASS MEDIA in BLOG

September 8

Sound Mass Media to Timeline of Developments in the Internet

Orson Wells- Citizen Kane Part 1

PRINT MEDIA

**Homework

**Readings in Blog—

September 15

Functions and Theories of Mass Communication: 1. Functions of Mass Media

2. The Media as Gatekeeper 3. Theories of Mass Communication

Orson Wells- Citizen Kane Part 2

PUBLISH YOUR PRINT MEDIA-----PRINT MEDIA GUEST SPEAKERS

**Homework