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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "COM 220-1"
COURSE NAME: "Media, Culture and Society"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Pier Paolo Sarram
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 1:30 PM 2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: COM 111
OFFICE HOURS: M&W 11-12

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an introductory survey of the mass media, including print and electronic media. The main emphasis of the course will reside in delineating the complex relationship that exists between the mass media and other social institutions, from government to local political activist groups. 
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The structure of the media industries is examined, along with the economic, social and political forces that influence the operation of these media and, conversely, how the mass media structure and influence those same forces. The content of entertainment and news media is analyzed (the very categories of “entertainment” and “information” will be critically engaged), considering the underlying ideas and values presented in this media content, as well as the portrayal of various groups. The role of the audience for media is explored by examining how media organizations seek out and measure the audiences for their products, and to what extent audiences are served by these media. The potential influence of media on people’s attitudes, beliefs and behavior is discussed. The course also focuses on emerging media based on new information technologies and issues in international communication such as the globalization of popular culture.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
This is a lecture and discussion course. We will shift back and forth between discussing theoretical and practical issues in relation to the mass media and their relation to society. Lectures and discussions will be supported with screenings and presentation of films, televisions programs, recorded music and other media content. Students are encouraged to propose their own choice of media material for the class.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Converging Media; 3rd editionJohn Pavlick & Sean McIntoshOxford978019996846     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Mid-term exam 25%
Final Exam 25%
Final PaperFinal Paper Requirements: A formal assignment will be handed out after the midterm exam. Term Project proposals are due no later than the second week of April. The completed papers are due on the last day of classes.30%
Participation/Attendance 10%+10%

-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:
Please note that frequent absences automatically lower your participation grade. 

Also consider that three unexcused absences (those not justified by a medical certificate or a note from the administration) will result in your final grade for the course to be dropped by one letter grade. Anything above five unexcused absences will result in failure. 

Lateness: Students more than 10 minutes late are marked as absent. Late arrival (less than 10 minutes) is marked as such, and 3 late arrivals are counted as one absence. 

Class procedure:   Students are requested to make sure their cell phones are turned off (and not just muted) at the start of class.
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

Course Outline:   

Week 1&2 

Overview of Course Institutional Analysis & Political Economy: 
The Public Sphere, Democracy and Access: The Role of the Media Media Systems: History Screening: Manufacturing Consent 

Week 3&4
 
Information: Commodity  or Public Resource             
Media Systems: Theory Public and Commercial Media Systems Journalism, Ethics and Privacy Screening: OutFoxed/Citizen Berlusconi     

Week 5 

Advertising and The Public Relations Industry Screening: Consuming Kids 

Week 6 & 7   

Audiences             
Effects, Uses, Gratifications and Culture             
Ratings, Assessments and Business MIDTERM   

Week 8&9 

Entertainment & Ideology             
Popular Culture: Film, Music, Sports &Video Games Stars 
Readings: 
Screening: The Ad & The Ego 

Week 10&11 

The Problem of Images Policing Images and Speech 

Week 12 

Media, Gender, Race and Sexual Identity 
Screening: Dreamworlds 3   

Week 13 

Global Media Cultural Imperialism and Information Dependence 
Screening: Dishing Democracy   

Week 14 

New Media, Convergence and New Information Technologies