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Introduction to Mass Communications
I. Course Prefix/Number: EGL 220
Course Name: Introduction to Mass Communications
Credits: 3:3:0
II. Prerequisite
None
III. Course (Catalog) Description
Course explores mass media’s roles in society. Content includes mass media historical development, contemporary characteristics, functions, responsibilities, and inter-relationships among media.
IV. Learning Objectives
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
A. Trace the historical development of various media forms.
B. Comprehend methods of media organization, finance and regulation in a global environment.
C. Describe the use and impact of the various media.
D. Demonstrate an understanding of the reciprocal influence of the media and contemporary society.
E. Critically analyze legal and ethical media issues.
F. Apply knowledge of media production techniques.
A. Trace the historical development of various media forms.
B. Comprehend methods of media organization, finance and regulation in a global environment.
C. Describe the use and impact of the various media.
D. Demonstrate an understanding of the reciprocal influence of the media and contemporary society.
E. Critically analyze legal and ethical media issues.
F. Apply knowledge of media production techniques.
V. Academic Integrity
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity
and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:
• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI. Sequence of Topics
Although the following sequence of instruction may be rearranged, the contents and objectives of the course remain the same.
A. Communication and Prerequisites of Mass Communication
B. Introduction to Producing a Media Presentation
C. The Newspaper Industry
D. The Magazine & Book Publishing Industries
E. The Radio Industry
F. The Television Industry
G. The Movie Industry
H. The Recording Industry
I. Computers and Mass Communications
J. Advertising & Public Relations
K. Ownership and Ethical Issues
L. Legal and Regulatory Issues
A. Communication and Prerequisites of Mass Communication
B. Introduction to Producing a Media Presentation
C. The Newspaper Industry
D. The Magazine & Book Publishing Industries
E. The Radio Industry
F. The Television Industry
G. The Movie Industry
H. The Recording Industry
I. Computers and Mass Communications
J. Advertising & Public Relations
K. Ownership and Ethical Issues
L. Legal and Regulatory Issues
VII. Methods of Instruction
Methods of presentation include: lecture, class discussions, media presentations, field observation, and practical exercises.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
VIII. Course Practices Required
Students are expected to complete assigned readings and out-of-class media viewings, attend class meetings, participate in discussions, present the assigned Communication Celebrity report as scheduled and achieve passing grades on tests and quizzes. Adherence to announced deadlines is essential for full credit.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid, or online course.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid, or online course.
IX. Instructional Materials
A. Appropriate text (such as):
1. Biagi, Shirley. Media/Impact: An Introduction to Mass Media. 3rd Ed. Belmont, CA. Wadsworth Publishing Co. 1995.
2. DeFleur Melvin L. and Everette E. Dennis. Understanding Mass Communication. 6th Ed. Boston. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1998.
B. Audiovisual materials
1. Videotapes
2. Sound/slide presentations
3. Movies
4. Computer-based visual aids
1. Biagi, Shirley. Media/Impact: An Introduction to Mass Media. 3rd Ed. Belmont, CA. Wadsworth Publishing Co. 1995.
2. DeFleur Melvin L. and Everette E. Dennis. Understanding Mass Communication. 6th Ed. Boston. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1998.
B. Audiovisual materials
1. Videotapes
2. Sound/slide presentations
3. Movies
4. Computer-based visual aids
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
The final grade is calculated as follows (See "Course Practices.")
Quizzes (2 at 10% each) 20%
Unit Tests 1 & 2 (15% each) 30%
Cumulative Test 3 20%
Communications Celebrity Report 15%
On-site broadcast studio experience 5%
Class participation/attendance 10%
Quizzes (2 at 10% each) 20%
Unit Tests 1 & 2 (15% each) 30%
Cumulative Test 3 20%
Communications Celebrity Report 15%
On-site broadcast studio experience 5%
Class participation/attendance 10%
XI. Other Course Information
Attendance Policy: For whatever information/procedures the instructor holds the student accountable.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
