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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "COM 220-5"
COURSE NAME: "Media, Culture and Society"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2022
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Helton Levy
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 3:00 PM 4:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: COM 111
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines the mass media as complex social institutions that exercise multiple roles in society—none more crucial than the circulation and validation of social discourses. Introducing students to a variety of theoretical approaches, the course focuses on media operations and textual analysis.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course examines the mass media as complex social institutions that exercise multiple roles in society—none more crucial than the circulation and validation of social discourses. Introducing students to a variety of theoretical approaches, the course focuses on media operations and textual analysis.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The course splits in two parts. The first one covers the history of communications before the popularization of the Internet, as the second part emphasises the media influence after the Internet.

1. Learn how to distinguish mass media from other types of media and gain a better understanding of various forms of communication developed by humans over time.

2. Develop an understanding of the origins, forces, and principles that helped shape the media.

3. Learn how to critically evaluate the relationship between media, culture and society.

4. Develop an awareness of legal and ethical issues that media users and practitioners may face.

5. Examine current and future trends in media and how media are changing in the 21st century.

6. Gain a better understanding of media’s effects on themselves, society, culture, religion, politics, and populations.

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Media, Culture & SocietyPaul HodkinsonSage14/3902363  
Revolutions in CommunicationBill KovarikBloomsbury1628924780  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Group research projectsA research report will be conducted over the course of 7 weeks. The topic will be chosen by midterm and the development will be supervised by the professor.30
Individual research report (Weeks 1-4)Students are expected to write a research report due on week 4 about the topics seen hitherto. A topic or question will be offered in the classroom.15
Midterm research reportStudents are expected to write a research report about one of the topics seen during weeks 1-7 in which they answer a topic or question to be communicated in the classroom.25
Weekly exercisesStudents must attend weekly activities aimed at updating the class about ongoing projects and join exercises that will prepare them for the creation of the research project and sharpen their skills in critical analysis.15
Attendance and participation Students are expected to attend lectures and be responsive to exercises with colleagues or on an individual basis15

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

This module uses an engaged research-led teaching approach. This means that the module is designed as space for collective inquiry around a “real-life” problem or question. Students taking this module engage in “learning by doing” and undertake group projects with guidance from the module convenors

 

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Every student will be writing a research-based critical essay based on a topic related to their future group presentation or other of their interest to be delivered on week 7. This assignment should be a stepping stone for the group research project. 

Part 1 - Before the Internet
This part sets the foundations for the understanding of the media as an advent of our time. It focuses on developments that took place before the popularization of the Internet.

Week 1 - Writing and printing
Week 2 - Advertising
Week 3 - Electronic media
Week 4 - Television and mass media

Week 5 - Journalism
Week 6 - Computer and software
 Week 7 - Review and catch-up

 

Part 2 - After the Internet - This part conjugates knowledge that exposes the foundations of our digital age. Every week explores a phenomenon or institution that has made the media industry after the popularization of the Internet.

Week 8 - Political economy
Week 9 - Audiences
Week 10 - Media representations
Week 11 - Digital advertising
Week 12 - Media and identity
Week 13 - Technology and simulacra
Week 14 - Alternative media