Course Syllabus

MEDIA 4 - Introduction to Mass Communication

Summer 2017, Sections 8142 & 8438

Class begins: 6/18/2018      Class ends: 7/29/2018                 Final Exam: 7/29/2018

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 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.

Please contact me if you have any issues or concerns. While the class is seen by all students in sections 5462 and 5976, the discussion groups are within one section. As far as I know, the only time your name is available to all sections is during system notifications.

Class Format

This class has been structured to accommodate experienced online class participants, as well as novices. You will need to be familiar with 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. Most content can be seen via the Canvas app, although some functions are easier on tablet, laptop, or computer screens.

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 Elements Summary

There are four modules, covering three to four chapters each. Here are the time frames: Module 1 – June 18th to June 24th; Module 2 - June 25th to July 8th; Module 3 – July 9th to July 22nd; and Module 4 - July 23rd to July 29th.

Each chapter in each Module is covered in Canvas with an online lecture and accompanying current articles document and you are expected to *read* the corresponding chapter in the text. Since the text can’t cover every topic, nor include up-to-date events, the online lectures and accompanying articles offer important extra information.

You are required to complete online discussions. Topics are provided and the discussion submissions require thought and research. The discussions are interactive: you post a response to one other student. Canvas refers to this as a peer review. There are five discussions; one score is dropped. The class is divided into several discussion groups for better interaction and less reading and review. The groups are randomly assigned by the Canvas software.

There are also projects for each module. You are only required to complete one Module project, but must complete four peer reviews (three counted). Projects are submitted online. 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.  Only one of the four projects are counted toward your final score. If you prefer, you may submit a total of two assignments, with one dropped score.

There are tests to complete each module. Each test contains randomly selected matching, fill-ins (terminology & concepts), timelines, multiple choice, and essay questions from question banks. You will need to budget your time wisely; while you won’t need it, you have four hours to take the test.

To get access to the test, you need to complete and achieve a score of at least 7 out of 10 on each of the chapter quizzes. Their purpose is to review the module material and prepare for the test. You have three attempts to achieve the score of 7/10. If this is not accomplished, please contact the instructor immediately for another attempt. A review of the material and short conversation with the instructor should help you achieve the goal.

Weekly Instructor Announcements

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

Textbook

Important: this is the LAST semester using this textbook. An update was published in January and will be used in the Fall. Please seek out the cheapest/most expedient way to get access to the text. There is a textbook on reserve in the Santa Rosa and Petaluma libraries.

Class Requirements Detailed

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.

Discussions

There are five discussions throughout the summer term. The purpose of the discussion boards is to respectfully discuss issues, topics, events, or other information and share learning and experience. 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 discussion link. Total possible points for each discussion is 30. Please do not forget to respond to at least one other student (peer review) - these are discussions.

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. 10 possible points are earned from engaging interaction with students in your discussion group. Your score is determined by the quality of your participation. A rubric is included.

One discussion score and one discussion peer review are dropped. Discussion deadlines are in two parts: your post must be submitted no later than Thursdays at 11:59 pm and your responses must be submitted by 11:59pm on Saturdays. Why? Sometimes there are quite a few last minute submissions and this allows for more posts to respond to and not having to wait Thursday evenings for your assigned peer review to be posted.

Module Projects

You are required to submit one of the four Module projects, which will be submitted privately to the instructor using our Canvas page. They are worth 40 points each. These projects 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.

While there are four projects (one for each Module), you are required to submit only one of them. Which one you submit is up to you. You may submit two of the projects, with one dropped score. That is voluntary.

As with discussions, you are required to submit at least three peer reviews of Module project submissions. In addition to comments, you will need to complete the rubric. Peer reviews provide recommendations but do not represent your final score, however; the instructor grades all work.

Quizzes

There are 14 quizzes (each worth 10 points) which cover one chapter in the text and the corresponding online lecture (the lowest score is dropped). These questions are objective and help you to review the reading material for each module in advance of the tests. You have up to 60 minutes to take the quizzes: please read the assigned chapter before attempting to answer the questions.  In addition, you *have* three attempts - your highest score will be recorded for your grade but it must be at least a score of 7 in order to meet the standard to take the test.

Quizzes are due on Saturdays at 11:59 pm. There is a one day grace period but waiting until the day of the test presents a problem if you do not reach the 7 point minimum on all the Module quizzes: you will not get access to the test. Please note: ALL work is available to complete at least a week early - you can complete the requirements long before the deadlines.

Tests

There are four tests: one for each module - while some concepts are covered in more than one test, the final exam is not technically cumulative.

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). Each are randomly chosen from question banks, like the quizzes.

Each test is worth 50 points. One of the test scores is dropped. As with all other work, you can take the tests anytime within the module dates. 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). Please do not expect to make up the Module 4 test after the class is over and grades submitted.

Extra

In addition to the dropped quiz, discussion, test and (perhaps) project scores, there is an opportunity for extra credit. You may earn 5 points for submitting the Introductory Survey by the deadline (Tuesday, 6/19).

There are also two 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 20 extra points for these quizzes. 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).

Grading

Fourteen quizzes (13 counted x 10 points)	130
Four tests (3 counted x 50 points)	150
Five discussions (4 counted x 30 points)	120
Five discussion peer reviews (4 counted x 10 points)	40
One Module Project (1 counted x 40 points)	40
Four Module Project peer reviews (3 counted x 15 points)	45
Total:	525

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, 6/19 (preferably earlier). If you do not complete the tasks in the checklist by this date, you will receive one reminder. If not completed by Wednesday, 6/20, you may be dropped from the class. The class will be opened on the evening of Friday, June 15th (or sooner), 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 (including this one: *class*). Send a Canvas message, text 707-486-2761 (don't forget to include your name and section), or email to the instructor with these six words, placed in the order that makes the most grammatical sense. (hint: IHRAACR)
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 if you haven't already done so - 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.
5. Take the Introductory Survey (extra credit).
6. Schedule a short meeting via text, phone or CCConfer.org with the instructor during the first week.

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). Opportunities for submitting late work during the summer are extremely limited.

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. The exception to this is the last test - since it is on the last day of the semester, a delay cannot be granted. The class is over and grades must be submitted.

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. Contact me when issues arise - do not wait until it's too late.

Here are some tips:

• Treat this class as you would one that takes place in a classroom – schedule a time to attend to work at least twice each week and devote at least three hours of your time and concentration each visit. Deciding to work on the class in your “free” time doesn’t work – Netflix and social media may seem more inviting at that time. When I review logs, there is a direct correlation between a student's time spent in the class and grades.
• Configure the Canvas settings to receive 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 contact me personally. Responses will be made within hours. 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 all 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.

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.

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 you *accept*. 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