Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "COM 220-2"
COURSE NAME: "Media, Culture and Society"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Peter Sarram
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 10:00 AM 11:15 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: COM 111
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an opportunity to investigate the intersection of media, culture and society. The complexity and intricacies of this nexus are explored with particular attention to seminal issues in the fields of Media Studies, Cultural Studies, and Sociology.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course examines the close links between media, culture and society in reference to various topic areas including but not limited to the following: Specific Media including Print Media, Radio, Film, Television, & the Internet; Advertising; Media Effects; Media Values & Ethics; Media Literacy; Representation and Stereotyping.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Primary Objectives

• To familiarize oneself with and develop a firm understanding of key issues in the fields of Media Studies, Cultural Studies, and Sociology.

• To be exposed to and analyze issues stemming from the nexus of media, culture, and society.

Secondary Objectives

• To develop and sharpen one’s critical thinking skills both in oral and written communication.

• To advance one’s ability to produce written texts of varying complexity and length according to formal academic citation styles.

• To develop the ability to proficiently work in teams respectful of differences (background, experience, opinion…).

• To foster a passion for learning and scholarship beyond the confines of the course content itself.

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Class Participation	Class participation consists of your contributions to class discussions, group work, and other activities. Classroom participation is encouraged and emphasized. Students are required to come to class having completed the assigned readings.	10% of final grade
Intellectual Autobiography	A one-page intellectual autobiography or a one-page letter addressed to me in which you explain your intellectual and cultural life. This will give me a sense of who you are, what your interests and aspirations are. Also, this exercise will hopefully help you focus and start the semester with a clear mind.	Not Graded
Midterm Exam	The Midterm Exam consists of 4-5 essays based on readings and discussions to be composed in class.	30% of final grade
Two Reaction Papers	Throughout the semester (One before the midterm and one after) * Two (2) Reaction Papers need to be completed throughout the semester. Each will critically address a different chapter/reading: it is not supposed to be a summary, but a critical take on the material. You can reflect on a statement or challenge it, expand on a theory or offer a new take on an old issue… Length: 2-3 double-spaced typed pages.	30% of final grade
Final Exam	The Final Exam consists of 4-5 essays based on readings and discussions to be composed in class.	30 % of final grade

-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 cours
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 refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.

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

The course is structured around readings, short lectures, related in-class activities, group work, discussions, and the occasional screening of film and/or video excerpts.

The following schedule provides a general overview of the topics and themes that we will cover throughout the course. Specific details and additional readings will be revealed/assigned on a weekly basis.

==> Week 1

Introduction(s)

==> Week 2

Media, Culture and Society

Croteau, D., Hoynes, W., & Milan, S.: Chapter 1 & Handouts

==> Week 3 & 4

Globalization

Croteau, D., Hoynes, W., & Milan, S.: Chapter 10

==> Week 5 & 6

Media Production

Croteau, D., Hoynes, W., & Milan, S.: Chapter 2, 3, & 4

==> Week 7

* Review for Midterm

** Midterm

==> Week 8

Media Production (Cont.)

Croteau, D., Hoynes, W., & Milan, S.: Chapter 2, 3, & 4

==> Week 9 & 10

Media Content

Croteau, D., Hoynes, W., & Milan, S.: Chapter 5, 6

==> Week 11, 12 & 13

Media Audiences

Croteau, D., Hoynes, W., & Milan, S.: Chapter 7, 8 & 9

==> Week 14

* Wrap-up & Review for Final

** Final Exam