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Bridgewater State College
Department of Communication Studies
Spring 2006
CC 396-01 Mass Communication Theory and Research
Tuesday & Thursday 2:00-3:15
 http://blackboard.bridgew.edu
 http://webhost.bridgew.edu/jalobaidi
 Contact Information
Dr. Jabbar Al-Obaidi
Office: Lib 215K
Phone: 508-531-2187
Fax: 508-531-1705
                            E.M.: jalobaidi@bridgew.edu                            

Office Hours

Monday

9:30-11:30 AM

Wednesday

9:30-11:30 AM

Or by appointment

 

                                                                                                               Course Description

This course is designed to look at various theories of mass communication while also investigating how to perform scholarly research in the mass media and communication. Students will learn how to choose a research topic, create a research design, collect and analyze data, write a report, and do a presentation. Students will also learn how to study and discuss the radical developments in mass communication technology; multimedia, computer-mediated communication, and the Internet hat are essentially redefining mass communication.
                                                                                                                Required Textbooks

1. Theories of Mass Communication, Melvin L. Defleur and Sandra Ball-Rokeach, 5th ed., 1989.
2. Mass Media Research: An Introduction, Roger D. Wimmer and Joseph R. Dominick , 2006, 8th ed, Thomson Wadsworth.
Note: You are asked to read the assigned chapters. Please, have texts ready for classes.

                                                                          Course  Policies

  1. This course is conducted in a lecture-discussion format, supplemented by online and in-class group and individual exercises and activities. 
  2. It is expected that you check Blackboard and a workable e-mail account on a regular basis. 
  1. Due to the nature of the course, I reserve the right to make any necessary changes to the distributed schedule.
  2. Attendance is mandatory for this course including online sessions. This class uses a lecture-discussion format. We will be relying on class discussion, exercises, and demonstrations for illumination of the material we will be learning. Your participation will be considered an important part of your learning in this course. Therefore, significant course credit will be attached to your attendance. One excused absence will be allowed. In the event you are absent, you will be held responsible for materials discussed in class and your assignment. Be aware of any changes in the assignments!
  3. Attendance, which is a minimum requirement, means showing up; participation, which is an evaluated requirement, means joining in  discussion, intellectual argument, critical inputs, comments, clarifications, and questions.
  4. A failing grade may be resulted from excessive absences despite the quality of any written work submitted. I would consider any more than two documented absences to be excessive. Lateness (or leaving class early or leaving during class time, disruptive behavior or inattentiveness -doing other work during class) will have a negative effect on your final grade. Class will begin promptly at 2:00 PM. Thus, being late to class and undocumented absences will adversely affect your final grade.
  5. You are required to read the material assigned prior to class (whether or not you are presenting the reading) and to contribute with comments, clarifications, and questions.
  6. All written work must be typed, double- spaced and 12 font with proper margins. No exception. When a bibliography or footnotes and endnotes are used, follow the
    APA Style Bibliographic Entries . All papers are graded on form and content. Late homework and papers will not be accepted. DO NOT EMAIL YOUR PAPER!IT WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED!
  7. Always make a copy of your paper or electronic assignments before turning it in. This will eliminate any potential problems.
  8. You aren’t allowed to use previous papers in this course. When utilizing the work of any other person you must give credit to the source. See the college manual and regulations for further information on plagiarism.
  9. Three Online Tests  are scheduled for this course (1/31, 2/23 and 4/18) Expect unscheduled quizzes too!
  10. Two Short papers(individual) Due in class/See scheduled events.
  11. Four Research Units will be discussed. Please see scheduled group paper, Due online/drop box in 24 hours after the discussion each UNIT.
    1/26 Unite One: Structure and Design.
    2/9 Unite Two: Methodology and, Objectives and Purpose of Study.
    2/28 Unite Three: Theories and Discussion.
    3/21 Unite Four Findings, conclusion and Documentations.
  12. I will set aside class time for group works and  I will closely observe and evaluate your academic growth and educational development in this course. Don’t engage your group in unrelated discussion during group work and discussion.
  1. Speech Day: Final presentation(PowerPoint) will be held on  May 2 & 4 (Not Optional). It should be brief and to the point. Students are asked to attend or else their final grade will be severely reduced.
  2. A final paper of twelve pages, double-spaced, 12 font size, Times New Roman with proper margin is required. For this assignment, you are asked to use no less than fifteen sources(at least 5 scholarly journals.) Due on May 4.
  3. I addition to the electronic data you may need to set aside time for visiting the periodical section at the library to complete the literature review.
  4. You are asked to schedule at least two visits during my office hours to discuss your final paper. Quality of the final paper will determine your final grade. I will do my  best to help you and to make your educational experience more beneficial and enjoyable. Quality of the final paper will determine your final grade.
  5. No Incomplete grade will be considered for this course. There will be no make- ups for missed presentation, tests and paper.
  6. Class will form small groups and you are required to show support and professionalism for your group.
  7. Online discussion and participation is not optional. Participation and quality of contributions will be graded accordingly.
  8. To  get a passing grade and obtain credits for COMM 396 you must complete all assigned assignments. NO EXCEPTIONS!
  9. Each group will choose an article from a scholarly journal  of mass communication and media to be used as a model for the final paper. Groups may select their article from the attached list. Groups are to make copies for themselves and one copy for the instructor. Do not forget to bring your article to class on 1/26, 2/9, 2/28 and 3/21 . Members of  each group will write a report of two pages in which they critique and evaluate the unit. Reports due online/digital drop box in 24_hour after class. You will get a feedback on your work.
  10. Online sessions are viewed as regular classes. You are asked to log on in time and stay to the end of the session or as noted by your instructor. Remember your activity is being registered electronically whenever you enter or leave.
  1.  I reserve the right to alter scheduled activities to accommodate your educational needs.
  2. Please, while in class:

- take good notes for your review
- you may be asked to answer questions or offer some comments
- ask and answer questions
- turn off cell phones and beepers
- don’t make bubbles with gum
- don’t eat crunchy foods in class
- don’t talk with your neighboring colleagues
- don’t do homework for other courses
- no email or text messages during class time

Grading and Evaluation Policy

Grades will be compiled from the scores on class participation, online discussion, , three tests, group work,  quizzes and a final paper.

Task

% of Final Grade

 

Grade

Range

Test 1

8%

 

A

93-100

Test 2

8%

 

A-

90-92

Test 3

8%

 

B+

87-89

Paper One

5%

 

B

83-86

Paper two

5%

 

B-

80-82

Group papers

16

 

C+

77-79

Atten& Partic.

15%

 

C-

70-72

Online Disc.

10

 

D+

67-69

Final paper 

 15%

 

D

63-66

Final Test

10%

 

D-

60-62

 

 

 

F

0-59

Total

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                        Expected Learning Outcomes


Typically upon completion of this course students will be able to:
-demonstrate their knowledge and understanding to the main features and use of major mass communication theories.

-making an intelligent connection between media practices, theoretical arguments and culture.
-developing a functional and working relationships between a research in the media field and mass communication theories.

Important Dates

1/24 Selected Articles

1/26 Unit One covered
1/26 Final paper proposal/two topics/form provided
1/31 Firs Test/ONLINE

2/7 Paper One

2/9 Unit Two

2/23 Second Test/Online
2/28 Unit Three covered

3/21 Unit Four Covered and Second Short Paper Due

5/2-4 Speech days/presentations/Final paper

Note: Final test/Online TBD/BSC

Schedule of Class Events and Activities

Date/Day

Place

Topics and Reading

September

 

 

17

 

Course Overview and Policies. Groups Formed. Rd. Ch. 1, 2 & 3. in Wimmer & Dominick.
Final paper Guidelines provided.
Select an article from Scholarly Journals. One article for each group and make a copy for yourself. Selected articles must be approved by the instructor. Selected articles due 1/24.

Final paper proposal due, 1/26. Use the FORM distributed in class.

19

 

Discussion: Review Ch. 1,2& 3 and read Ch. 4&6.  in Wimmer & Dominick.
Post 300 words on the Discussion Boards. Due within 24 hours.

24

 

Selected Article submitted in class.

* Group Discussion:  The Magic Bullet Theory and Theories of Selective Influence. Rd. Ch. 6 & 7 in DeFleur and Ball-Rokeach.
Post 300 words on the Discussion Boards. Due within 24 hours.

26

 

Unit # 1: Structure and Design. Please, bring in your copy of the selected article. Instructions will be provided in class.
Two pages (GROUP REPORT) due online/digital drop box in 24 hours. Critique and discuss structure and design used by the authors. Are you going to use it as a good model for your own work? Also indicate points of agreement and disagreement.
* Proposed topics for final paper due in class.

31

 

FIRST TEST/ ONLINE. Cover materials discussed in the previous meetings.

February

 

 

2

 

Group Discussion.  Doing Mass Comm.  Research. Read Ch. 7, 8&9 in Wimmer& Dominick. Also read Ch. 5 in DeFleur and Ball-Rokeach.
Post 300 words on the Discussion Boards. Due within 24 hours.

7

 

First Short Paper due (two pages must cover theories discussed in previous meetings).
More on Mass Communication Theories. Use the previous handouts.

9

 

Unit # 2: Methodology, Objectives& Purpose of Study. Please, have your copy of the selected article ready. Instructions will be provided.
Two pages (GROUP REPORT) due online/digital drop box in 24 hours. Critique and argue the methodology in relations to  the specific  objectives, the purpose and theoretical applications. Are you going to use it as a good model for your final paper? Also indicate points of agreement and disagreement.

14

 

Library research: Final Paper: Locate scholarly articles and draft a theoretical argument to be used for your final paper.

16

 

Library Research: Final paper:  Draft your: Introduction, Purpose, Objectives and  Methodology.

21

 

NO CLASS> Monday Day and Evening Schedule of Classes.

23

 

SECOND TEST/ ONLINE . It will cover materials discussed in February.

28

 

Unit # 3: Theories and Review of Literature. Please, have your copy of the selected article ready. Instructions will be provided.
Two pages (GROUP REPORT) due online/digital drop box in 24 hours. Critique and argue findings and discussion in relations to the method, objectives and results. Are you going to follow it as a good example for your own work? Also indicate points of agreement and disagreement.

March

 

 

2

 

Library Research: Final paper:  Draft your Selected Theories. Second short Paper due on March 21.

6-17

 

SPRING BREAK. ENJOY!

21

 

Unit # 4: Findings, Conclusion and  Documentations. Please, have your copy of the selected article ready. Instructions will be provided.
Two pages (GROUP REPORT) due online/digital drop box in 24 hours. Critique the conclusion  in relations to the other sections in the article. Also, examine the format and style of writing and documentation.

Are you going to follow it as a good example for your own work? Also indicate points of agreement and disagreement.
Second Short Paper Due!

23

 

Group Discussion:  Rd. Ch. 13 &14 in Wimmer & Dominick.
Research in the Electronic and Print Media.

Post 300 words on the Discussion Boards. Due within 24 hours.(Individual)

28

 

2:00-2:30: Online Group Discussion:  Rd. Ch. 15 in Wimmer & Dominick.
Research in Advertising.

2:30-3:15: Post 200 words on the Discussion Boards. Due within 24 hours.(Individual).

30

 

2:00-2:30: Online Group Discussion:  Rd. Ch. 16 in Wimmer & Dominick.
Research in Public relations.

2:30-3:15: Post 200 words on the Discussion Boards. Due within 24 hours.(Individual).

April

 

 

4

 

Group Discussion: Media System Dependency Theory. Rd. Ch. 11  in DeFleur and Ball-Rokeach.

6

 

Final Paper discussion: One-on-one meetings/Not Optional. Introduction, Methodology, objectives and theory.

A-M

11

 

Final Paper: One-on-one meetings/Not Optional. N-Z, Introduction, Methodology, objectives and theory.

13

 

2:00-2:30: ONLINE Group Discussion: Mass media Research and the Internet. Read Ch. 17 in Wimmer & Dominick.
2:30-3:15: Post 200 words on the Discussion Boards. Due within 24 hours.(Individual).

18

 

Third Test/ONLINE. Test will cover materials discussed after the second test.

20

 

Discussion: Emerging Media Systems, Read Ch. 12 in DeFleur and Ball-Rokeach. Also a discussion about the final paper.

25

 

Library Research:. Finalize your Final Paper

27

 

Library Research:. Finalize your Final Paper

May

 

 

2

 

 Speech Day: Final paper Presentations. Each Students will have five minutes to report on her/his paper. All student must attend this class activity. The final grade will be severely affected if you missed attending or presenting. No PowerPoint.

4

 

 Speech Day: Final paper Presentations. Each Students will have five minutes to report on her/his paper. All student must attend this class activity. The final grade will be severely affected if you missed attending or presenting. No PowerPoint. Final papers must be submitted today in class. NO DELAY! NO EXCUSES!

NOTE

 

 A final written test will be given on the date assigned by the college administration. The test will be online.

.

 

 

Last updated
01/18/2006
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