Syllabus

SYLLABUS
CMN 153                                                                                                                         
GCC: Summer 2019

Media and Popular Culture                                                                                          
Time:  T/TH 1-3:20 PM

INSTRUCTOR:    Lillian Ruiz                  
Phone: 775-1236

Office: N328A                                             
Office Hours: By Appointment

Mailbox: Humanities Division Office       
E-mail: ruiz@gcc.mass.edu

Class Blog: cmn153.blogspot.com

                          

TEXTS:

Media and Culture 11:  Mass Communication in a Digital Age - Campbell

Note: It is assumed that students will have a good dictionary and thesaurus for reference.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

From the course catalog: A general overview of the history and influence of mass media on popular culture. The course examines advertising, books, newspapers, magazines, radio, film, television, gaming, music, and the internet with a focus on developing visual literacy and critical thinking skills.

NOTE: Students may receive credit for CMN 153 or HUM 153, but not for both.

Prereq: ENG 101, 103, or 105

 STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. To identify and understand contemporary media techniques

         2. To read and critically examine the images in contemporary media

         3. To identify major themes/issues in contemporary media

         4. To see the relationship between media and our society

         5. To improve oral and written communication skills

          

         CMN 153 offers a general introduction to the content and techniques of contemporary media by examining representative mass media. This course emphasizes critical thinking, critical analysis, and critical writing.

PROCEDURES:

Procedures include class discussion, group work, and mini-lectures.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to complete all reading and writing assignments by the due date. Students will submit periodic journal entries discussing their reactions to the various media (see JOURNAL). A final exam will also be given.

RESPONSE JOURNAL:

The journals are meant as an opportunity for students to analyze media. Guidelines will be very informal, as each student should use the journals as an opportunity to explore the media in the way he or she feels would be most beneficial. Some suggestions will be given in class, but on the whole the journals should reflect whatever relevant thoughts, questions, etc. the individual student has about a particular form of media. The journals will also provide an excellent opportunity to brainstorm and freewrite project topics and final examination questions.   Journals should be typed or handwritten in blue or black ink on loose paper (NOT in a notebook) and numbered. They will be collected on a regular basis and graded. Journals will be graded excellent (  ), good (  ), satisfactory (  ), less than satisfactory (  ), or unsatisfactory (  ). Late journals will lower your grade by one full grade and no late journal will be accepted after one week has elapsed unless you have made other arrangements with me beforehand. Please use a staple if your journal is over 1 page long.

INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES DISABILITY STATEMENT:

To support access and inclusion,  Greenfield Community College offers reasonable accommodations to students who have documented disabilities (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, sensory, etc.).  If you require accommodations for this class, please provide me with a copy of your Accommodation Agreement as soon as possible so that we can discuss your specific needs.  Any information that you share with me will be held in the strictest confidence, unless you give me written permission to do otherwise.  If you require academic accommodations but do not have an Accommodation Agreement, please contact Disability Services as soon as possible to establish your eligibility for services.  For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 413-775-1332.  Disability Services is located in the Wellness Center on the fourth floor of the Core in C423.

ATTENDANCE:

Class activity and discussion is extremely important and cannot be made up. Thus, absences and tardiness will be negatively reflected in your participation grade (while each case is different, anything more than 2 absences could lower your grade). In the event that you absolutely must be absent, you are required to obtain that day’s notes and assignments from another student. Excessive absences could result in failure. You do not need to notify me that you are going to be absent for a particular class. However, do speak with me if you miss several classes.

CONSULTATIONS:

Students may meet with me by appointment.

COURSE PROJECT:

The final course project is an analysis of a particular form or technique of media (guidelines will be discussed in class). It is due on or before the last day of class (early submissions encouraged). Text should be typed, double-spaced, and have one inch borders. Pages should be numbered. Papers should also be stapled and include a cover page. Cover pages should include a title, your name, the course and section #, my name, and the due date.

Note: Students may have the option to revise their graded project, subject to permission of instructor. Consult with me if you wish to revise. The original project must be submitted with the revision.

PLAGIARISM:

Plagiarism is defined by the Modern Language Handbook: Fourth Edition as “ us[ing] another person’s ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source” (26). DO NOT plagiarize in your papers or writing. Plagiarism can result in stiff classroom penalties, and may also lead to college disciplinary action.

GRADING (approximate percentages):

10%           Participation (attendance, in-class assignments and activities, etc.)

30%           Journal

30%           Course Project

30%           Final Exam

100%                    

A = Excellent, B = Good, C = Satisfactory, D = Poor, F = Failing