A syllabus to be shared with faculty as a model

1. Fall 2009 Introduction to Mass Communication
Required Course Resources
Textbook
Vivian, John. The Media of Mass Communication (Study Edition). Allyn and Bacon, 9th
edition, 2010 update. This award-winning, dynamic interactive Study Edition (print
version) is streamlined with useful information and includes a required e-book component
that is necessary for all the weekly tests. The study edition, complete with a companion e-
book, comes with your access code for the Pearson my communication lab at
www.coursecompass.com. The study edition, offered at a significantly lower rate, is
available at the WSSU bookstore. Code access cannot be shared. The e-book can be
bought separately at www.coursecompass.com. Make sure you are in the correct course
section MCM 2325-01.
Blackboard
Although you will use Blackboard to access course materials, this is an attendance-based,
on-campus course requiring participation, and intelligent discussion to ensure success.
Your diligence as a self-propelled learner allows you to spend more class time engaged in
discussions relevant to the field of mass communications. Stay connected via
www.coursecompasscom Blackboard. This is your PRIMARY site for all announcements,
assignments, emails and weekly lessons. For special projects, you will be directed to MCM
2325 WSSU Blackboard site. Your syllabus is available on both websites.
Coursecompass.com Enrollment
The new Study Edition package gives you the print version of the textbook coupled with e-
book resources and code access for all your chapter tests and study plans. You can
purchase the Study Edition package at the WSSU bookstore. The instructor code for the
course is (goldman78853). The e-book is also available online at
www.coursecompass.com. Registration instructions on WSSU website,
Course Description
This attendance-based, on-campus course provides an overview of the structure and
functions of the mass media in contemporary society. It promotes awareness of the social,
economic, cultural, political, and technological aspects of mass communications. It also
provides an introduction to basic theory and aesthetics. Prerequisite ENG 1302.
Introduction to Mass Communication -- Syllabus Fall 2009 – MCM 2325-01 1

2. Fall 2009
Introduction to Mass Communication
Goals of the Course
• Encourage independent thinking, research and collective teamwork
• Study professionals making a difference in the field of mass communications
• Understand the economic numbers and demographics that drive the industry
• Explore cultural diversity when it comes to media trends, participation and representation
• Develop media literacy when it comes to analyzing stealth and overt messaging
• Appreciate, apply and understand the principles of freedom of speech and the press
• Connect students to the global realities of media convergence and career possibilities
• Foster understanding of historical milestones, theories, media effects and significant
technological contributions
Student Learning Outcomes
• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of
professionals and institutions in shaping communications through weekly chapter
readings in tandem with pre and post testing, a personalized study plan and exam -- 17
exams total
• Students serving as discussion team leaders and facilitating group presentations on topics
of interest will be able to think critically, creatively and independently while also
developing collective teamwork skills
• Students will be able to experientially comprehend the changing environment of media
convergence with assignments asking them to attempt going media-free for 24 hours and
Blog about the experience; they will also use a Wiki to converse with classmates about the
division of labor for their group presentation and exchange work
Weekly Lessons, Assignments and Rubrics (available under weekly assignments online at
www.coursecompass.com)
Greetings. MCM 2325 Introduction to Mass Communications is designed to immerse you
in media by integrating the latest technology to enhance learning. This on-campus course
requires attendance, participation, and completion of weekly assignments, discussions, and
presentations to ensure success.
Weekly chapter tests can be taken only ONCE and at any time during the assigned week --
but all work must be submitted before Sunday at midnight of that week. The chapters
typically are about 20 - 25 pages in length. During the week, I discuss key communication
issues, theories and information related to the chapter. Pre and post tests are submitted
but not graded and merely provide an individualized study plan for you to follow. You
submit the study plan online each week to chart your progress (the study plan, although not
assigned a letter grade, is assigned points for submission).
30% Weekly tests submitted online via Blackboard each Sunday before midnight
10% Submitted weekly study plans (available online after you’ve taken pre and post tests)
Introduction to Mass Communication -- Syllabus Fall 2009 -- Subject to Revision -- Goldman 2

3. Fall 2009
Introduction to Mass Communication
The other assignments are interspersed throughout the course. The media-free experience
Blog is the second week. The rest of the assignments include leading a group discussion
with a partner (s), Power-Point presentation (participants Wiki one another to divide labor
for a related weekly chapter topic of choice), and writing an individualized annotated
bibliography for your section of the group Power-Point presentation (assigned by week
three and starting week five). Mr. Forest Foster from the library will conduct a required
seminar in class on writing an annotated bibliography. He is also available at the library to
answer any questions. Attendance is extremely critical to your success (see grading
guidelines on page six of your syllabus for assigned percentages). The assignments are
designed for student interaction, engagement and leadership. That is why student directed
discussion groups and presentations are important. This is your class as much as mine.
EVERYTHING IS DUE ON SUNDAY BEFORE MIDNIGHT AS INSTRUCTED ON
THE FRONT OF WEEKLY LESSON FOLDERS POSTED ON THE
www.coursecompass.com website.
Week 1 Chapter 1 lecture: Mass-Media Literacy
Class introduction - Syllabus review
Online demonstration of www.coursecompass.com
Responsibilities of the self-propelled learner
Fun in-class Media-Literacy test (not graded)
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 1 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan and exam
Week 2 Chapter 2 lecture: Media Technology
Media-free experiential assignment discussed and
Blog demonstrated for this week’s assignment
Discussion teams assigned (starting week 3)
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 2 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, exam and Blog
Week 3 Chapter 3 lecture: Books
Group Presentation assignment discussed in class
and Wikis demonstrated so students can share
information for their presentations (starting week 5)
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 3 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Introduction to Mass Communication -- Syllabus Fall 2009 -- Subject to Revision -- Goldman 3

4. Fall 2009
Introduction to Mass Communication
Week 4 Chapter 4 lecture: Newspapers
View clips in class: Soldiers Without Swords
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 4 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Week 5 Chapter 5 lecture: Magazines
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 5 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with annotated
bibliography)
Week 6 Chapter 6 lecture: Sound Recordings
View in class: Rock & Roll Invaders
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 6 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with annotated
bibliography)
Week 7 Chapter 7 lecture: Motion Pictures
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 7 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with Annotated
Bibliography)
Week 8 Chapter 8 lecture: Radio
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 8 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with Annotated
Bibliography)
Introduction to Mass Communication -- Syllabus Fall 2009 -- Subject to Revision -- Goldman 4

5. Fall 2009
Introduction to Mass Communication
Week 9 Chapter 9 lecture: Television
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 9 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with Annotated
Bibliography)
Week 10 Chapter 10 lecture: Internet
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 10 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with Annotated
Bibliography)
Week 11 Chapter 11 lecture: News
View: Outfoxed clips in class
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 11 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with Annotated
Bibliography)
Week 12 Chapter 12 & 13 lecture: Public Relations and
Advertising
Video: Clio Award clips
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 12 & 13 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with Annotated
Bibliography)
Week 13 Chapter 14 lecture: Entertainment
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 14 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with Annotated
Bibliography)
Introduction to Mass Communication -- Syllabus Fall 2009 -- Subject to Revision -- Goldman 5

6. Fall 2009
Introduction to Mass Communication
Week 14 Chapter 15 & 16 lecture: Media Research and
Media Effects
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 15 & 16 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with Annotated
Bibliography)
Week 15 Chapter 17 lecture: Global Mass Media
ASSIGNMENTS:
Chapter 17 weekly Blackboard assignments
Pre and post test; submit study plan, and exam
Discussion Team (TBA)
Group Presentation (TBA) (Wiki with Annotated
Bibliography)
Week 16 FINALS WEEK -- CELEBRATE/STUDY
(No final exam in this class)
Grading Scale
A) 100 - 90
B) 89 - 80
C) 79 - 70
D) 69-60
F) 59 - 0.
Grading Policy
Coursework is structured so it can be completed during a normal semester. Late work is
not accepted without official WSSU documentation whether from counseling center,
medical center or academic affairs. Grades will be based on the following:
30% Weekly tests submitted online via Blackboard each Sunday before midnight
10% Submitted weekly study plans (available online after you’ve taken pre and post tests)
10% Media-free experience blog (week two)
15% Lead a group discussion, partnering with another class member, on assigned chapter
15% Small group PowerPoint presentation -- participants Wiki each other to divide labor
10% Individual annotated bibliography for group presentation
10% Attendance and Participation -- Attendance taken at start of class
Number of unexcused absences -- A) Two or less; B) Three C) Four D) Five and F) Six
Introduction to Mass Communication -- Syllabus Fall 2009 -- Subject to Revision -- Goldman 6

7. Fall 2009
Introduction to Mass Communication
Office Location and Hours
Laine Goldman, Assistant Professor
120 Hall Patterson
Winston-Salem State University
Office phone: 336-750-3167
Email: goldmane@wssu.edu
Hours: 10 - 12:30 PM Monday and Wednesday
2:00 - 3:30 PM Tuesday and Thursday
Class location for MCM 2325-01
TR 12:30 - 1:45 PM Elva Jones Computer Center 3101
Academic Integrity
Students will be held accountable and responsible for academic integrity. Academic
dishonesty: cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication facilitating academic dishonesty is not
permitted at WSSU. Consult WSSU’s policy on Academic Integrity in the current catalog.
Disability Statement
Students with a documented disability must register with the WSSU Disability Services
Office within the first five weeks of each semester in order to receive any consideration for
accommodations in this course. You may reach the Disability Services Office by emailing
waddellm@wssu.edu.
Diversity Statement
The department seeks (1) to have a diverse student population where all students feel
welcome while obtaining a quality educational experience; (2) to maintain a level of faculty
and staff diversity that matches the student body; (3) to create and maintain an environment
where all ethnicities and genders feel empowered and one that encourages their
participation that is free of discrimination.
Introduction to Mass Communication -- Syllabus Fall 2009 -- Subject to Revision -- Goldman 7

8. Fall 2009
Introduction to Mass Communication
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to
self-confidence is preparation.” Arthur Ashe
Cell Phones
No texting in the classroom. Be courteous.
Code of Ethics
Media practitioners must be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, producing, reporting
and interpreting information. Never plagiarize. Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age,
religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social
status.
Showing Up
Attendance is taken immediately when class starts. We have a lot to cover in a short
period. As the filmmaker Woody Allen noted, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
Introduction to Mass Communication -- Syllabus Fall 2009 -- Subject to Revision -- Goldman 8