COMM 101 - Introduction to Mass Communication

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course is an introduction to the development and operation of the mass media industries. From a historical perspective, it examines their ever-changing relationship to the social, cultural, and political realms of society.

Text
Baran, Stanley J. Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture. 12th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2023.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Discuss and evaluate in writing the history and structure of each of the mass media, including the emerging technologies (i.e., computers, cable, satellites), through classroom discussion and written evaluations.

B. Discuss in critical writings the basic concepts of mass communication theory regarding the impact of mass media on society and the individual.

C. Name, discuss, and evaluate-both orally and in writing-the economic, legal, and ethical issues facing media professionals today.

Content
A. An analysis of the communication model from the mass media perspective.

B. A historical review of the print media, including books, newspapers and magazines.

C. A study of the transitional media of motion pictures and sound recordings.

D. A review of the development and impact of radio and television.

E. A study of the support industries of advertising and public relations.

F. An analysis of the impact of the media on society, looking at how they affect

and reflect our values.

G. A study of the economic, legal and ethical issues involving the mass media.

H. A basic look at mass communication theory and research.

Student Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on their performance on examinations and/or quizzes

covering readings, lectures and discussions. In addition, they will be required to write

papers analyzing current issues affecting the media. The papers will be evaluated on

completeness of analysis, use of research, and the student’s ability to communicate the

information effectively. The students will also be required to present their papers to the

class in an oral presentation.

Bibliography
Biagi, Shirley. Media/Impact: An Introduction to Mass Media. Thomson Learning, 2001.

Beniger, James R. The Control Revolution: Technological and Economic Origins of the Information Society. Harvard University Press, 1986.

Boddy, William. Fifties Television: The Industry and Its Critics. University of Illinois Press, 1990.

Campbell, Richard. Media Culture. St. Martin’s Press, 1998.

Christians, Clifford G., Kim B. Rotzoll, and Mark Fackler. Media Ethics. Longman, 1987.

Comstock, George A. The Evolution of American Television. Sage Publications, 1989.

Condry, John C. The Psychology of Television. L. Erlbaum Assoc., 1989.

DeFleur, Melvin L. Theories of Mass Communication, 5th ed. Longman, 1989.

Dominick, Joseph R. The Dynamics of Mass Communications. McGraw-Hill College, 1998.

Fox, Stephen. The Mirror Makers: A History of Twentieth Century American Advertising. Morrow, 1984.

Goodrum, Charles A. Advertising in America: The First Two Hundred Years. Harry N. Abrams, 1990.

Goodwin, H. Eugene. Groping for Ethics in Journalism. 2nd ed. Iowa State U P, 1987.

International Encyclopedia of Communications. Erik Barnouw, ed. OxfordU P, 1989.

Marchand, Philip. Marshall McLuhan: The Medium and the Messenger. Ticknor and Fields, 1989.

McLuhan, Marshall. Understanding Media. McGraw Hill, 1964.

_____.The Medium is the Message. Random House, 1967.

_____.Culture is our Business. McGraw Hill, 1970.

Meyrowitz, Joshua. No Sense of Place: The Impact of Electronic Media on Social Behavior. Oxford University Press, 1985.

Miller, Rex. Communication Industry and Careers. Prentice Hall, 1976.

Nacos, Brigitte Lebens. The Press, Presidents, and Crises. Columbia U P, 1990.

Nelson, Harold L., Dwight L. Teeter, Jr. and Don R. LeDuc. Law of Mass Communications: Freedom and Control of Print and Broadcast Media, 6th ed. Westbury, Foundation Press, 1989.

Noronha, Shonan F. R. Careers in Communications. VGM Career Horizons, 1987.

Schoenbrun, David. On and Off the Air: An Informal History of CBS News.Dutton, 1989.

Seib, Phillip M. Who’s in Charge? How the Media Shape News and Politicians Win Votes. Taylor Publishing Company, 1987.

Turow, Joseph. Media Tolday. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1999.

Ward, Ken. Mass Communications and the Modern World. Dorsey Press, 1989.

Whetmore, Edward Jay. Mediamerica: Form, Content, and Consequence of Mass Communications. 3rd ed. Wadsworth Publishing Co., 1987.