MEDIA 4 - Introduction to Mass Communication

Fall 2017 Sections 1445 and 2026

Class begins: 8/21/2017      Class ends: 12/15/2017                 Final Exam: 12/15/2017

Location: Online                   Days/times: No in-class meetings – Office hours are conducted online

 

Linda Schoen – media4tchr@gmail.com            Cell/Text #707-486-2761

Welcome to Media 4 online. This class is designed to provoke critical thinking about the structure, content, and effects of mass communication. In other words, we learn a lot about what we do every day – use, consume, and create media. For many of us, we greatly underestimate how entwined our lives are with mass communication. But then again, we do – there’s no shortage of postings or discussion about our interaction with technology, rather than people.

In addition to the reading (which includes the textbook and the online lectures), exposure to several media sources, whether print, broadcast, or web, is essential for understanding current issues & topics. You need to read current news stories through traditional media sources, as well as, social media. Yes, the consumption of media is required.

Student Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Evaluate the historical development of the print, electronic, and digital media.
2. Analyze the economic, social, technological, and aesthetic impacts of the media on culture.
3. Critically analyze the ways in which the media have influenced mass consciousness.
4. Gather, identify, and interpret mass media overt and covert messages.
5. Demonstrate a critical understanding of media’s impact on their daily lives.

Class Elements

There are four modules, covering three to four chapters each.

We cover one chapter in the book per week (one chapter takes two weeks), accompanied by online lectures. Since the text can’t cover every subject, nor include up-to-date events, the online lectures offer important extra information. You’ll need to have access to a word processing program, Adobe Acrobat reader, or another program that can open those files.

There is a quiz at the end of each week (14 total). Please do not attempt to take the quiz until you have *read* the material.

You are required to complete online discussions during some weeks (there are EIGHT). Topics are provided and the discussion submissions require some thought and/or research. The discussions are interactive, so you are required to make a post and comment on at least one other student’s submission – the purpose is to establish a dialogue. The class is divided into several discussion groups for better interaction and these groups will remain for the entire semester. You choose which discussion group (however, all groups have limits, so choosing early is encouraged).

There are also assignments for each module. The assignments are submitted online to the instructor. You may need to respond/research a topic, provide a content analysis, design a timeline or presentation, analyze a current article that is presented or write an introspective analysis.  You will only submit TWO of the four assignments - you choose an assignment module group, which determines which Module assignments are required. This is the only exception for any of the required work in this class.

There are two tests. Each test contains matching, fill-ins (terminology & concepts), timelines, multiple choice, and essay questions. You will need to budget your time wisely; while you won’t need it, you have four hours to take the test but as with all work, late submissions will not be accepted.

Every week there will be an instructor announcement sent to you via email and also posted online. Updates include clarifications, reminders, explanations, and additional information. Please read these updates – they are very important.

Getting started

This class has been structured to accommodate experienced online class participants, as well as novices. You will need to be familiar with the basic functions of a computer, word processing, presentation software, and internet access, however. You can be instructed how to add images and web links on input forms if you aren’t already familiar. You also need to have software to view and complete your work.

This class uses the online course management system Canvas. Hopefully, the design will be easy to navigate; that is the goal. Don’t be hesitant to try all the links… there is a lot of information at your fingertips. You can set notification preferences but the navigation and completion is up to you. Remember: online learning offers convenience, but requires time management *and* self-motivation.

Class Cross-Listing and FERPA Compliance

This course may be taught in a format that combines multiple sections into one online course environment, or that allows students in one section to view or comment on the work of students in another section of the same course being taught by the same instructor. If you *have* any concerns about this, please contact your instructor for more details.

This is the first semester I am cross-listing the two full semester sections. As stated in the previous paragraph, please contact me if you have any issues or concerns. While the class is seen by all students in sections 1445 and 2026, the discussion groups are within one section, as are the assignment module groups. As far as *I* know, the only time your name is available to all sections is during system notifications.

Textbook

There is a textbook on reserve in the Santa Rosa and Petaluma libraries.

Class Requirements

This class is point-based. Percentages are included in the gradebook to let you know where you stand in the class and you are encouraged to check your grades periodically. The system will notify you when you have a graded score completed.

Quizzes

There are 14 quizzes (each worth 10 points) which cover one chapter and the corresponding online lecture. These questions are objective and help you to review the reading material for each module in advance of the tests. You have up to 30 minutes to take the quizzes: please read the assigned chapter before attempting to answer the questions.  In addition, you have two attempts - even if you are content with the first score, please open and submit a second attempt in order for the correct answers to be displayed for you (this is a restricted option in Canvas).

Quizzes are due on Sundays at 11:59 pm. They are due each Sunday the chapter is covered, but you actually have until the end of the Module to submit them. If you choose to, for instance, complete two chapters on the following weekend, Canvas will alert you that the quiz is late - don't worry. You will be given credit. But these warnings are useful to keep you on schedule. And please note: ALL work is available to complete at least a week early - you can complete the requirements long before the deadlines.

These modified quiz deadlines allow you the maximum flexibility possible to complete the reading. Please know that this flexibility comes with responsibility - it is NOT recommended that you wait until the end of the Module to read the chapters and online lectures and take the quizzes. There will be a lot of stress, and little learning.

The deadlines on Sundays at the end of the Modules, however, are inflexible. If you are taking a quiz at that time, it will automatically be submitted. Please do not miss the deadlines – there is no opportunity to make up missed quizzes. 13 of the quiz scores are included in the class point totals; in other words, the lowest score is dropped. Since deadlines are firm, this allowance can relieve some concern about a missed deadline.

Tests

There are two tests - while some concepts are covered in both, the final exam is not technically cumulative. The tests include 7 chapters each (two modules): please plan enough time to take them. The test deadlines are on Fridays at 11:59 pm; the last test is the last day of the semester for this section: Friday, December 15th.

You will have up to 4 hours to submit your test unless you begin the test less than 4 hours before the deadline. The timer starts the moment you open the test and continues to run even if you take a break or lose connection and have to re-open. If you have provided an accommodation letter that allows you extra time to take the test, you must also start the test long enough before the deadline to use that time - the software cannot extend the deadline for you.

Tests contain questions about terms (fill-ins & multiple choice), concepts (essay), event timelines (fill-ins and matching), significant people (objective), and inventions/technology (objective and essay).

They are worth 100 points each. None of the test scores are dropped so missing a deadline greatly damages your grade. As with all other work, you can take the tests at least one week before the deadline - please plan your schedule. You may not make up a missed test (the only exception is when a student has an unforeseen pivotal event and contacts me before the deadline). 

Discussions (REVISED 10/21 due to the fire)

There are EIGHT discussions throughout the semester. The purpose of the discussion boards is to respectfully discuss issues, topics, events, or other information. Please read the topics at the beginning of the week or prior – some will require research. They are similar to short papers. The requirements are detailed in each forum link. Total possible points for each discussion is 25.

Please abide by these guidelines:

• Use informative subject lines/titles
• Stick to the required topic and use pertinent examples
• Think, plan and research before you post
• Do not forward someone else’s messages without permission
  

A discussion is not a single post. 20 of those points are possible with your submission – the other 5 possible points are earned from engaging interaction with students in your discussion group. Your score is determined by the quality of your participation.

One discussion score is dropped. Discussion deadlines are in two parts: your post must be submitted no later than Fridays at 11:59 pm and your responses must be submitted by 11:59pm on Sundays. Why? Sometimes there are quite a few last minute submissions and this allows for more posts to respond to.

Assignments (REVISED 10/21 because of the fire)

You are required to produce a total of TWO assignments which will be submitted privately to the instructor using our Canvas page. They are worth 40 points each. These assignments vary and the details are included in each description (for the easiest view, use the "assignments" link. Deadlines are on Sundays – please consult the calendar for dates. There is no dropped score so timely submissions are extremely important.

While there are four assignments (one for each Module), you are required to submit TWO of them. Which ones you are required to submit is up to you. Each assignment module group submits three, and they are listed below. It is up to you to request a group - this is done on a first come-first served basis. To join a group, please access the "people" tab on the left and choose addition to both a discussion and assignment module group.

Extra

In addition to the dropped quiz and discussion, there is an opportunity for extra credit. You may earn 10 points for submitting the Introductory Survey by the deadline (Wednesday, 8/23).

There are also three extra credit news quizzes. You are encouraged to read/view the news frequently during this class. There are 10 multiple choice questions on each quiz covering recent news events so you may accumulate up to 30 extra points. These news quizzes measure your awareness of notable national and international events – they do not include gossip, which is unfortunately more well-known (but they can sometimes include cultural or sports events).

New this semester: during weekly updates, I will hold up an image - the first five students who respond to me with a short identification and explanation of what it is will get 5 points (to a maximum accumulation of 15 points). The system sends you a notification when there are weekly updates (announcements) posted.

Grading

Fourteen quizzes (13 counted x 10 points)	130
Two tests (2 x 100 points)	200
EIGHT discussions (7 counted x 25 points)	175
TWO assignments (2 counted x 40 points)	80
Total:	585

Class Check-in and Initial Tasks

There is no official “check in” with Canvas but there are a few mandatory tasks, some of which must be completed by the end of Tuesday, 8/22. If you do not complete the tasks in the checklist by this date (except for the Introductory Survey, which has a deadline of 8/23), you will receive one reminder. If not completed by Wednesday, 8/23, you will be dropped from the class. The class will be opened on the evening of 8/18, so you may complete them early; in fact, you are encouraged to do so.

The task *requirements* are as follows (as listed in the “What You Need to Know” Checklist):

1. Read this entire syllabus.
2. There are six words within asterisks in this syllabus. Send a Canvas message, text (707-486-2761 - don't forget to include your name and section) or email to the instructor with these particular six words, placed in the order that makes the most grammatical sense.
3. Edit your profile and settings. Look on the left side of the class page for “account”. You will need to add an image for your profile - the preferred image is your picture but if you are camera shy, any image will do. Please also set notifications for all class activities – to your email, twitter, and/or text on your phone. We have these tools now - please use them.
   
4. Download or print the class calendar.  There is a tool on the right side of the calendar (link on the left margin) for the calendar feed. Adding the deadlines to your phone is essential to get reminders for deadlines.  Again - since we have these tools now, we should use them.

How to Succeed in an Online Class (or at least this one)

Online classes allow students to work at their convenience. That freedom, however, can lead to procrastination, and it is easy to fall behind schedule. Therefore, due dates published on the section schedule are not flexible. You may complete the class in advance, but you cannot work behind schedule. Otherwise, the class material becomes unmanageable and it is physically impossible to grade in a short amount of time.

All work will be available to complete at least one week in advance of the deadlines (except for the first week).  That is why deadlines are firm - you are given flexibility but must use it wisely. Late work without previous permission is not accepted for reduced credit - it is not accepted.

There is an exception, however, as described in the "test" section: if you have an unforeseen event that prevents you from meeting a deadline, please contact me before the deadline and you will most likely receive an accommodation. For some reason, many students do not think about or want to "bother" instructors during times of undo stress. But it's better to work on issues before a breaking point - and I do care about your well being.

Here are some tips:

• Treat this class as you would one that takes place in a classroom – schedule a time to “attend” at least twice each week and devote at least an hour and a half of your time and concentration each visit. Deciding to work on the class in your “free” time doesn’t work – Netflix and Facebook may seem more inviting at that time. It's not a surprise when I review logs and see a direct correlation between a student's time spent in the class and grades.
• Configure the Canvas settings to *accept* updates to your phone so you get reminders and alarms of work that is due.
• Contact the instructor immediately if anything urgent occurs and you need accommodations – without face-to-face interaction, I have no indication of personal issues.
  

Please refer to the schedule often. You are encouraged to complete the work well before the due date so you can:

• reduce stress
• avoid panics when technology breaks down
• meet important deadlines

Questions

In online classes, it is normal to have questions, such as clarification about assignments and other required elements. If you have a question for the instructor, please post them in the “Q&A about this course” board. Answers will be posted within 48 hours. It is advisable to check the contents occasionally – the answers may be helpful to you. Questions and answers are also included in weekly class updates - usually they are of interest to the entire class.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity includes cheating, lying, collusion, and plagiarism. Guidelines are in the student handbook – please review them. Plagiarism is of particular concern, since this is an online class. It is very easy to copy & paste content from other websites, and even my lectures. But I strenuously suggest that you don’t. I have unwillingly memorized the definitions of terms used on Wikipedia pages and the first links on Google searches. Remember: it is just as easy for me to search online as it is for you.

Please, when I ask for examples, use your own experience or those of friends or family. When you are asked to define terms or concepts, use your own words. Finding passages and pasting text does not demonstrate you have learned, or understand, the concepts. This applies to discussions, too. I will check submissions that do not seem to be in your “voice”.

This does not, however, preclude you from including research information you have found (including Wikipedia, which is a good start, in some cases). Just cite the information, and include the location of the information (reference) at the end of your work. This is required for all college work, not just this class.

Recent public events have highlighted the fact that plagiarizing doesn't usually happen only once. In the past, I have always assumed this as a one-time transgression and haven't reported the student to the campus notification system. I am currently re-thinking and researching this decision.

Contact Information

Since this class is taught entirely online, it is necessary to communicate. I add extra students and while I do access logs to see what students are doing, I cannot do this regularly or often. If you disappear, I may contact you but that is not a guarantee. I may also remind you of deadlines but don't depend on these.

Please, if you have issues, contact me (and not just in the last weeks). Your ONLY chance to extend any deadline is to contact me BEFORE that deadline to explain your situation – permission is almost always granted. There are no make-ups, however.

My official school email address: lschoen@santarosa.edu but I prefer to use media4tchr@gmail.com These emails are given high priority throughout the day.

In addition to email, I can be reached via cellular phone through calling or texting: (707) 486-2761. You will receive a reply to your question fairly quickly, as I constantly check my messages during the semester. Like many students, I find texting to be a good tool.

I do not live in Sonoma County – I am in Nevada (Reno/Sparks) so if you would like a face-to-face meeting, we will need to plan. I regularly use CCConf for online office hours and can easily set up a video/audio meeting with you. If given enough time, I can also make a trip to Sonoma County for an in-person appointment - I visit fairly often. 

Problems/Concerns

I want you to do your best in this class and earn the highest grade you possibly can. If you have an accommodation letter please submit it to me as soon as possible. If there is any other factor that could affect your class performance, contact me as soon as possible. It is always better to ask permission than forgiveness.

Technical support is offered by Canvas 24/7. The phone number is (844) 698-7484. In addition, there are websites with training and answers, such as: https://community.canvaslms.com/welcome