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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CMS 323"
COURSE NAME: "Media and the Environment"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Antonio Lopez
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 6:00 PM 7:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 45
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: COM 220
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

As we transition from an industrial model of media distribution to networked communications, corporations and grassroots environmental activists are vying to define environmental opinion in an evolving media landscape. By applying media literacy tools to examine paradigms of communication and ecology we seek to understand how environmental concepts are mediated and explore communication strategies for addressing issues such as global climate change.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

With an emphasis on a cultural studies approach to the environment, this course covers three core concepts: 1) examining media and environmental ethics and paradigms, 2) environmental messaging, and 3) the interrelationship between the form of media systems and sustainable business practices. Because this course combines both theory and practice, there will be reading combined with in-class viewing and student projects designed to implement ideas explored in the course. 

 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will gain an understanding of how media frame environmental issues by learning how the political economy of media marketing, news and popular culture feature environmental themes. Finally, students will understand the different implications of environmental messages disseminated through traditional versus new online social networks. 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Media EcoystemLopez, AntonioNorth Atlantic Books978-1583944592 Please use Almost Corner Books   
Greening the MediaMaxwell and MillerOxford978-0-19-532520-1 Please use Almost Corner Books   
Handbook of Sustainability LiteracyThe Handbook of Sustainability LiteracyGreen Books978-1-900322-60-7 Please use Almost Corner Books   
Communicating NatureCorbett, JuliaIsland Press978-1-59726-068-8 Please use Almost Corner Books   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
MidtermA take-home analytical essay that will examine key issues from the first half of the semester. 25%
Research paper7-9 page paper and on a theme related to class. Topic approval required. 30%
Final Exam Final exam covers the main themes, readings, and course content from the semester.25%
Ecomedia show and tellChoose an example of environmental media from your research project and make a 10-minute presentation to the class10%
Attendance and participation More than three unexcused absences and excessive tardiness will result in an automatic F for attendance and participation.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:
Viewing and discussions in class are a crucial part of the course material. Three or more unexcused absences will result in a loss of a letter grade.
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

Readings are subject to change.

Pt. 1 Media’s Political Economy and Constructing Environmental Paradigms

Week 1: Corbett Intro, chs. 1-2; Lopez ch. 2

Week 2: Stibbe chs. 1, 16; Maxwell-Miller Intro, ch. 1; Lopez ch. 4

Week 3: Maxwell/-Miller chs. 2-4

Week 4: Maxwell/-Miller chs. 5-6, Conclusion

Viewing: Manufacture Landscapes

Pt. 2 Advertising and Popular Culture

Week 5: Stibbe chs. 2, 3, 4, 26; Corbett chs. 4-5; Lopez ch 3

Week 6:  Corbett ch. 6, 7;

Viewing: Winged Migration, Avatar

Pt. 3 Constructing Environmental Issues

Week 7: Corbett TBA

Week 8: Corbett 8-9

Viewing: Gasland

Midterm paper due

Pt. 4 Sustainability and Cultural Change

Week 9: Lopez 1, 5, 6

Week 10: Stibbe Intro; Corbett: 3, 10

Week 11: Stibbe 5-11

Week 12: Stibee 20-22

Week 13: Stibee 23-28 (presentations)

Week 14: Stibbe 29-32 (presentations)