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Canyon College

COURSE SYLLABUS: Theory & Influence of Media

Course Title: Department: Instructor:

JC306 - Theory & Influence of Media Journalism Eric P. Brown, MBA, MS, MA E-Mail | Vita

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Media and Society is about the ways in which the mass media have become deeply entwined in social life in a large scale postindustrial society. It examines real, imagined, and potential effects of the mass media on individuals and society. It will create an understanding of the processes through which the mass media are enabled and constrained by such factors as technology, law, industry structure, organizational structure, occupational careers, and market. In recent years there have been major changes and each one of these factors and these changes have had important consequences. This class uses classical sociological theory, contemporary industry data, and detailed examples to give students a better understanding of why they have certain media choices available to them and the possible effects of those choices.

This class is divided into two parts. Part I looks at what mass communication is and the place of mass media in social life. Part II looks at the factors that influence media content. Media and Society will give them insights into how the industry operates. This is an exciting time to be studying the mass media and this book gives students a clear understanding of the factors influencing the media today.

The time frame for this course is eight (8) weeks.

Required Text: Online Bookstore

Media and Society: The Production of Culture in the Mass Media,
John W. Ryan, William M. Wentworth, both of Clemson University
ISBN #: 0205174000
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Copyright: 1999

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Week One

• Read Chapter 1.
• Write a 2 to 3 page, double spaced paper on an example of how you believe society has been altered by or through the media.

Week Two

• Read Chapter 2
• From your reading, choose a theory that you believe is the most compelling argument for the role of the media and provide 2 to 3 examples of this.

Week Three

• Read Chapter 3
• In a four to five page paper, discuss the Evidence for and against the effects of media.
• Coordinate with the instructor for online meeting where we will discuss a specific media vehicle in depth and the impact it has had on society.

Week Four

• Read Chapters 4,5
• Compare and contrast the changes in technology and discuss the differences in how the role of media has shifted.
• Submit Midterm (90 minutes/open book)

Week Five

• Read Chapters 6
• Find an article discussing the regulation of media. Are you for or against this? Prepare an outline that you will present online in a discussion format with your instructor.

Week Six

• Read Chapters 7,8
• Find an article or journal that discussed a media organization and the particulars that go with the day to day running of the organization. This can be a domestic or international company, and can encompass any aspect of media. Your focus should be on the examination of what the organization is trying to accomplish and how they are doing this.

Week Seven

• Read Chapters 9,10
• In a 1 to 2 page paper, discuss the impact of advertising on media and how it can shape the news.

Week Eight

TERM PAPER

• In 8 to 10 pages, double spaced, using all of the information learned from this course, revisit the theories and cases that you have read about the influence and media. In a comprehensive research paper, pick one or two ideas, theories or situations that you feel are major shapers or influences on media. You may choose a particular medium or organization as your focus, but should include many examples to support your opinion of the media focused on. Due to the complexity of this paper, and all that is involved, this should be started no later than the second week of class.

Assignments and Writing

At the undergraduate level, students are expected to have an advanced writing style, Therefore, all written assignments must be typed on a computer in an organized format of your choice as long as it is appropriate for the information being presented. Because effective communication is a primary element of success in today's competitive business environment, spelling, grammar and punctuation will be strictly enforced and graded as part of the assignment. Exceptions will not be made.

The length of your writings is up to you as long as content is not sacrificed. Please stay within the maximum guidelines I have listed.

Plagiarism is unquestionably the worst academic violation a student can commit. If you are caught utilizing material without proper reference or citation, you will receive an automatic failing grade for this course. All references must be cited as a footnote or endnote utilizing any acceptable style of your choice. If you have any questions in this area, please contact me.

All assignments must be turned in on time to receive full credit. Please make prior arrangements for unusual circumstances.

Grading

The course grading criteria is as follows:

Attendance Mid-Term Cases Questions Final Paper

05 points 20 points 20 points 10 points 45 points

100 - 90 89 - 80 79 - 70 69 - 60 Below 60

A B C D F

Final Note

I look forward to guiding you through this class and hope you find it an enjoyable experience. Feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail any time. I will be happy to assist you in any way I can during this course or any other time during your studies.