JRN 1001-01
Introduction to Mass Media
Fall 2009

Course Description: This course presents a survey of the historical, economic, political, international and intellectual contexts of the media. Emphasis is on criticisms and challenges to newspaper, magazines, radio, television and films. 

Required Texts and Materials:
Biagi, Shirley. Media/Impact: An Introduction to Mass Media. 9^th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2010.

Course Requirements:
Successful completion of JRN 1001 requires the following:

1. Successful completion of tests on materials in text, audiovisuals, outside reading, guest speakers, discussion, projects.
2. Successful completion of short reports as assigned.
3. Participation in and successful completion of a group project.
4. Successful completion of regular assignments on the campus newspaper.
5. Regular class attendance and participation in small group activities.

Expected Student Outcomes:
Students successfully completing JRN 1001 will be able to meet the following goals:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of:
    a. the operation and scope of mass communications, both nationally and globally
    b. the history of American mass media
    c. the growth of the concept of free press
    d. current and enduring controversies in media, including ethical and legal issues.
    e. the diversity of modern mass media
    f. current trends and technological developments in mass communication
2. Participate productively in a group.
3. Deliver an oral report
4. Write short, informational reports
5. Participate in media production.

General Education Goals:
The purpose of general education at IVCC is to enhance students’ abilities to think and act responsibly as citizens in a changing world. This course addresses the following IVCC general education goals:

1.   To apply analytical and problem solving skills to personal, social, and professional issues and situations.

2.   To communicate orally and in writing, socially and interpersonally..

3.   To understand and use contemporary technology effectively and to understand its impact on the individual and society.

4.   To develop an awareness of the contributions made to civilization by the diverse cultures of the world.

5.   To work and study effectively both individually and in collaboration with others.

6.   To understand what it means to act ethically and responsibly as an individual in one’s career and as a member of society.

International Education Goals
This course meets the following International Education goals:

1.   The major components of emerging global society (government, economic, historical, civil, technological, political or social)

2.   The major dimensions of emerging global consciousness (i.e., new understandings of the physical universe, forms of spirituality, the breaking of the boundaries between the physical, biological and social worlds).

Grading
Final course grades are determined on the following basis:

Extra credit available through an additional short report, beat reporting and Web quizzes on textbook reading (1/2 percent per quiz)

Short Reports
You are required to write five of the six short reports assigned and submit each during the deadline week identified in the schedule. You select the five to submit. No late submissions will be accepted. If you submit all six reports, and on deadline, the last report will be for bonus credit.

Web Quizzes
Quizzes over assigned textbook readings will be available for bonus credit. Each quiz will be worth ½ percent. A total of 12 chapters are assigned. By completing the Web quiz for each chapter, a total of 6 percent could be added to the semester total; therefore, if a student had a semester total of 84 percent (a B), the Web quiz bonus points could bring the grade to a 90 percent (an A). The Web quizzes are available on the textbook Web site. Students must choose the chapter from the drop down list and then select "Tutorial Quiz" from the menu on the left.

All questions on a quiz must be correct for that quiz to receive credit.  A quiz may be submitted no more than one week before and no later than one week after a chapter is assigned in the schedule. Completed quizzes and scores must be e-mailed to lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu. Students also are encouraged to print a copy for backup and exam preparation. 

Publication Participation
Students are expected to have hands-on experience in media production by participating in the publication of the campus newspaper. For each of the five issues published during the semester, students can earn 2 percent of credit by working on some aspect of news, sports, columns, graphics, cartoons, photos or page design and layout. Students may select the areas in which they wish to participate, and, as much as possible, the specific assignments for each deadline. No prior media experience is necessary; students will be provided with the training or guidance needed to successfully complete the assignments. Students who choose to cover a beat for the semester (for example, student government or admissions) may earn an extra 5 percent in bonus points by showing they have contacted their beat representative and written stories for each issue of the newspaper.

Attendance/Participation/Discussion
Students should complete the required reading and come to class prepared to discuss media issues. Miscellaneous work also will be completed individually and as part of group activities.

In accordance with college policy and with the course requirements, students are expected to attend this class regularly. The group work in the course makes a student’s good attendance essential to other members of the group. Attendance at the group meeting sessions (during class) will be a significant factor in the group project grade.

The attendance grade is figured on the following basis:
   0 absences A+ (10 bonus points)
   1-2 absences A
   3 absences B
   4 absences C

To avoid problems in defining "excused" absences, only college-approved field trips, including athletic events, will be exempt. All other absences will count.
Any student absent for more than the above sessions (more than 4 sessions) will receive an "F" for attendance and should withdraw from the class.

Withdrawal policy: To withdraw from the class, the student must request a withdrawal from the instructor. Failure to assume this responsibility results in a failing grade. Read the Illinois Valley Community College catalog for details of the withdrawal policy. The final date to withdraw for the fall semester is Nov. 6. Early withdrawal from a course can affect students receiving financial aid. Students who received financial aid should see an advisor in the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from a course.

Disability Statement: You may be eligible for academic accommodations if you have a physical, psychiatric, or cognitive disability. If you have a disability and need more information regarding possible accommodations, please contact Tina Hardy at 224-0284, Judy Mika at 224-0350, or stop by office B-204.

Student Behavior
Participate actively. Read and study all assignments thoroughly and carefully. Come to classes prepared to generate and share ideas. Participate in class group activities.

Respect others. Students will respect each other’s personal beliefs and be committed to helping each other learn about the texts and themselves. Students also are expected to help other students in improving their writing abilities through one-on-one and group activities. Students who fail to show other students or the instructor respect will receive a warning, will be asked to meet with the instructor and then may be withdrawn from the class.