Master Syllabus MO1603, Intro to Mass Communications

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Credits 3 Lab Hours 0 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical Hours 0
Course Description

Introduction to Mass Communications will acquaint students with various media for communicating public information. The theory of mass communications, culture of media, Internet and gaming, sound, radio, TV/Cable, movies, newspapers, magazines, photojournalism, books/publishing, advertising, and public relations are emphasized.

For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.

Program and/or Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Humanities and Social Sciences is to foster an appreciation of the role that the humanities and social sciences has played in the evolution of civilized society and to explore the ways that an understanding of theory and practice in philosophy, the social and behavioral sciences, the fine arts, and written and oral expression will enable students to participate thoughtfully in a global society.

SCCC Outcomes

Outcome #3: Communicate their ideas clearly and proficiently in speaking, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations

Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.

Course Outcomes

Outcomes are in accordance with the 2016 Kansas Core Outcomes Project:

Demonstrate the ability to access, analyze, and evaluate information in a variety of media.

Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.

Demonstrate an understanding of the history and current state of mass communications.

Identify social, ethical, and legal issues in the media.

  1. Media Literacy
  2. Impact of Media on Society
  3. History of Media
  4. Social Responsibility
Course Outline

The following topics will be covered, including within each an historical perspective and discussion of current trends.

  1. Role and theory of mass communications
  2. Culture of media
  3. Media effects/propaganda
  4. Internet/gaming industry
  5. Sound
  6. Radio
  7. TV/Cable
  8. Movies
  9. Newspapers
  10. Magazines
  11. Photojournalism
  12. Book/publishing industry
  13. Advertising
  14. Public Relations
Instructional Methods
  1. Class lectures
  2. Online course management system (Canvas)
  3. Written and practical assignments
  4. Class discussion and projects
  5. Student presentation of Final Project
  6. Examinations
Instructional Resources and Materials
  1. Assigned textbook.
  2. Resources provided in online course management system.
  3. Individual project materials.
  4. Industry resource materials.
Methods of Assessment

Outcome 3.

Outcome 5.

  1. Students will prepare and communicate a project (on a mass communications related topic approved by the instructor), which will be organized in five steps of critical thinking and presented orally to the class
  2. Students will think critically in the completion of fake news assignments requiring extracting material from various media sources, and then presenting in writing an evaluative analysis and interpretation of material using the five steps of critical thinking.
  3. Students will think critically in the completion of fake news assignments requiring
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Seward County Community College will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations. Students should identify themselves to the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or go to the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic building, room A149.