Thursday, January 28, 2010

Reaction Paper #3 due 2-4

Here is the article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/22/magazine/the-marketing-of-no-marketing.html

What is unusual about PBR's situation?
How have they tried to adapt?
What do you think of PBR's strategy?
With regards to the guy with the PBR tatoo, do you think it is unusual for people to have such strong ties to a brand (or even a brand of beer?) Are there any brands that you have such strong feelings for? Can you describe what the brand means to you and how you relate to it?

Friday, January 22, 2010

Reaction Paper #2 due 1-28

Here is the article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/20/education/20wired.html

If you can't get to it from there, try this link:

http://news.google.com/news/search?aq=f&pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&hl=en&q=if+your+kids+are+awake

And click the first story.

Now, I'd like you to argue both sides of this issue: For half a page, talk about why it is a BAD thing that kids are online all the time. What are the dysfunctions here? For the second half, take the other side. Why is it a GOOD thing that kids are always online? How does it make them a better person, smarter, etc.? Remember to quote the article.

One tip... read the article. Then read the questions again. Let it soak in for a day or two. Then sit down to write. You'll find you'll have more to say than if you try to write it right after reading. Your brain will work on it even if you don't realize it. (It does work!)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Class update

Hi folks,

In case you haven't checked, DMACC is delayed until 10 a.m. Let's go ahead and change our schedule:

Old schedule:
Today: Chapter 3
Tuesday: No class (take home test)
Thursday: Chapter 13

New schedule:
Today: No class
Tuesday: Chapter 3
Thursday: Chapter 13

Since we won't have that day off to work on the test, I'll give a couple extra days to get the test done when I send it out early next week. Just to give you an idea, it will be two essays based on information i the book, 2-3 double spaced pages each.

Any questions, let me know..

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Reaction Paper #1 due 1-21

Background on Facebook:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/32261

http://www.newsweek.com/id/207843

Privacy concerns:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122170459104151023.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

http://www.startribune.com/local/west/13549646.html

http://www.newsweek.com/id/32332

http://www.geekculture.com/joyoftech/joyarchives/1055.html

I'd like you discuss whether you think it is right for schools or workplaces to use information gathered from Facebook for punishment. If a student on a sports team signs a pledge not to drink, and they are "caught" on Facebook, should they be kicked off the team? Should employers be searching Facebook profiles when hiring?
Finally, what is your personal experience (if any) with these sites? Do you take any precautions? Has anyone ever posted something about you that you didn't want up, and what did you do? Is there anything you can do to be "safe"?

If you use quotes from the articles above, you can say it like this:

Sarah Kliff says in Newsweek, "I spend an inordinate amount of time like this, worrying about what's in my online profile. When I graduated from college this May, I decided it was time for a Facebook makeover."

Or... According to the Wall Street Journal article, etc etc etc.

Try to use examples from the reading to make your point. You have about 500-700 words. You can go longer if you want. This isn't as formal as a research paper, but I still expect complete sentences and grammar. You don't have to use outside sources but if you do be sure to cite them.

You can turn it in during class or email it to me before class.

Andy

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Syllabus!

JOU 110 - Intro to Mass Media
Spring 2010 - Ankeny Campus

Instructor : Andy Langager
Email: andylangager@gmail.com
Cell phone: 319-290-8229
AIM: andylangager2
Office Hours: By appointment (Ankeny or Urban)
Class website: http://spring110.blogspot.com
This class meets TR 8:05-9:30 a.m. via Iowa Communications Network

Course goals:
We have Freedom of the Press, but have you ever considered what isn't allowed to be printed in the newspaper or broadcast on the radio? Have you thought about how the invention of television impacted the film industry? What about the content of your Facebook profile as a new concern when you're applying for a job?
We can't escape the mass media in our daily lives. TV, radio, the Internet, film, music, magazines and books surround us everyday. To be an effective participant in our democratic society, it is essential to be able to 1) think critically about the mass media and 2) understand its history, laws, ethics, and effects.
I want you be engaged with this class: participating in class discussions and writing reaction papers will hopefully challenge your critical thinking, while the tests will demonstrate your understanding of its history, laws, ethics and effects.

Required Text:
Dominick, Joseph R. The Dynamics of Mass Communications, 10th Ed.

A note about the text: Each lecture (except video games) is more or less based on a chapter from the text. The text will be useful for studying for exams, and for each lecture you should read the chapter beforehand so you'll be prepared for discussions.

Attendance policy: Attendance is required. Part of your grade will be based on your attendance and participation. That said, I know conflicts arise. It's possible to miss some classes and still get an A (see Grading, below).
Missing class won't count against you as much if you touch base with me via phone or email. Obviously this won't help too much if you miss class regularly.

Long story short: If you want an A or a B (which I hope everyone does), plan on coming to class every day.

Academic Achievement Center: Building 6. MW 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. / TR 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
For an appointment call 515-633-2472

Day to day assignments: Assignments, unless otherwise noted, are expected to be finished the day they are listed.

Reaction Papers: I'm going to assign 14 reaction papers throughout the semester. You will be responsible for writing 9 of them. If you do a 10th paper, it will be counted as extra credit. Each paper is worth 10 points. I highly recommend not skipping the early ones thinking you'll just do the last 9. Plus, the earlier ones are easier.

Papers will be about one full page single spaced, based on a short reading assignment or theme.


Tests: There will be five tests (including the final). Tests can be essay or the typical multiple choice, true false, short answer and essay. I will have a study guide for each.

Academic dishonesty: Cheating and plagiarism will be dealt with according to DMACC's official policies. Always cite your sources, never lift other sentences word for word without using quotes. Attribute any ideas or facts that aren't common knowledge to the original author. If you're not sure, ask for help.

Grading:
Tests: 4 x 50 points = 200 points total
Reaction Papers: 9 papers x 10 points each = 90 points
Quizzes and participation: 60 points
= 350 total points

Grading scale:
95-100% A
90-94 A-
87-89 B+
84-86 B
80-83 B-
77-79 C+
74-76 C
70-73 C-
67-69 D+
64-66 D
60-63 D-
59 and lower F

"A" work: Deadlines met regularly for assignments; student has gone above and beyond to demonstrate he or she understands the concepts of the assignment. Shows time and effort put into every assignment. About zero to three missed classes (some exceptions for excused absences). Communicates with instructor about missed classes. Overall work is excellent.

"B" work: Deadlines met for nearly every assignment; student has show he or she has a strong understanding of the concepts of the assignments. The basic requirements of the assignments are fulfilled with good, solid work. About zero to six missed classes. Communicates with instructor about missed classes. Overall work is above average.

"C" work: Most deadlines met, but some missed. Not all assignments fulfilled to specifications. Student shows some understanding for the concepts at hand, but some of the work could have benefited from more time or effort put into it. Has missed more than four classes. Sometimes communicates with instructor about missed classes. Overall work is average.

"D" work: Deadlines missed regularly. More than one or two assignments missed. Student does not fully demonstrate an understanding of the concepts. Has missed more than six classes. Rarely communicates with instructor. Not much effort put into work. Overall work is below average.

"F" work: Deadlines missed regularly. Assignments left incomplete. Student shows distinct lack of effort towards the class. No demonstration of learning the concepts at hand. Almost no communication with instructor. Overall work is far below average.

Staying in touch with the media: Since this class is all about the mass media, I encourage you to stay current, especially with news (whether it be TV, Internet, or radio). Keep in mind anything interesting going on in the media to discuss in class (or email me a link and I'll put it on our class blog!)

Late assignments.
Your reaction papers will be due every Thursday in class or via email BEFORE class. Late assignments have a grace period of 5 days, but understand:
1) I'd really like them in on time so I can grade them over the weekend
2) More importantly, I'd really like them in on time because we will be discussing them in class on Thursdays.

After 5 days (weekends included), assignments won't be accepted. (This means you'd have to get it to me sometime on Tuesday)

Although your assignment won't be marked down, I will take the number of late assignments into account for your final grade (See the descriptions of each letter grade above).

Missing a test: If you miss a test, you can make it up for full credit if you have a note from the doctor. It must be taken in a reasonable amount of time from the original test date (two weeks is pushing it).
Otherwise, if you miss a test (overslept, alarm didn't go off, etc.) you can take it (or an alternate version to prevent leaked answers) with 15% penalty.
You need to arrange with me so I can leave your test in Building 6 in the make-up test center. You'll have 7 days to make it up.

Classroom conduct: It goes without saying to treat fellow classmates (as well as your instructor!) with respect. Please turn cell phones to vibrate and leave the class without disruption if you need to make a call, get a drink, etc. Please don't read newspapers, work on other assignments, or have side conversations during class time. Also, please come to class on time.

Conferences: Feel free to schedule a conference with me anytime. Email is a great way to reach me; I check it often. I may not be on campus when you are (outside of this class), so scheduling a meeting is the best way to get a hold of me. My office is in Room 2 (The Chronicle room), building 3W in Ankeny.

DMACC websites
Admissions & registration http://www.dmacc.edu/potienti.asp
WebCT http://webct.dmacc.edu/webct/public/home.pl
Student handbook http://www.dmacc.edu/handbook/welcome.asp
Add/drop dates http://www.dmacc.edu/registration/add_drop.asp
Refund policy http://www.dmacc.edu/refund.asp
Library (Building 6 Ankeny) http://www.library.dmacc.edu/

Support services
"It is the policy of DMACC to accommodate students with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability who requires reasonable accommodation should contact the special needs coordinator at 515-964-6850 voice or 515-964-6810 TTY." Also, http://www.dmacc.edu/student_services/disabilities.asp










Important: For each reading assignment listed, you should have it completed for the day it is listed.
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Tuesday - January 12
Introduction, Wikipedia, plagiarism
Discuss syllabus

Thursday - January 14
Part I: Nature and History of Mass Communications
Chapter 1 - Communication: Mass and Other Forms
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Tuesday - January 19
Chapter 2 - Perspectives on Mass Communication

Thursday - January 21
Chapter 3 - Historical Context
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Tuesday - January 26
No class - Take home test #1

Thursday - January 28
Part II: Specific Media Professions
Chapter 13 - News Gathering and Reporting
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Tuesday - February 2
News gathering continued (Video: News War)

Thursday - February 4
Chapter 14 - Publics Relations
Small groups - Different public relations situations
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Tuesday - February 9
Chapter 15 - Advertising

Thursday - February 11
Advertising, continued
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Tuesday - February 16
No class - Take home test #2

Thursday - February 18
Part III: Media History
Chapter 4 - Newspapers
Video: Star Journal
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Tuesday - February 23
Chapter 5 & 6 - Books and Magazines

Thursday - February 25
Chapter 7 - Radio
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Tuesday - March 2
Chapter 8 - Sound Recording
Thursday - March 4
Chapter 9 - Motion Pictures
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Tuesday - March 9
Chapter 10 & 11 - Television

Thursday - March 11
Catchup day
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March 15-20 SPRING BREAK!
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Tuesday - March 23
Chapter 12 - Internet

Thursday - March 25
Internet, continued
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Tuesday - March 30
Video Games

Thursday - April 1
No class - Take home test #3
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Tuesday - April 6
Part IV & V: Regulation and Impact of the Mass Media
Chapter 16 - Formal Controls: Laws, Rules, Regulations

Thursday - April 8
Chapter 16 continued
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Tuesday - April 13
Chapter 17 - Ethics and Other Informal Controls

Thursday - April 15
Chapter 17 continued
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Tuesday - April 20
Chapter 18 - The Global Village

Thursday - April 22
Chapter 19 - Social Effects of Mass Communication
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Tuesday - April 27
Chapter 19, continued

Thursday - April 29
Catch-up day
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Finals week!

Scheduled Final: Thursday - May 6 - Final - 8 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.


Disclaimer: "This syllabus is representative of materials that will be covered in this class; it is not a contract between the student and the institution. It is subject o change without notice. Any potential exceptions to stated policies and requirements would be addressed on an individual basis, and only for reasons that meet specific requirements. If you have an problems related to this class, please feel free to discuss them with me."