Office:  Kennedy 111             Phone:  927-7794            e-mail:  huffwak@peachnet.campuscwix.net

Office Hours:  Monday 2p.m. to 4 p.m./Wednesday 11a.m. to 12 noon/Thursday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Text:  Black, Jay, Bryant, Jennings, and Thompson, Susan.  (1998) (5th Ed.).  Introduction to media communication.
        Boston, MA:  McGraw-Hill.

Catalog Course Description:  “General examination of the foundations, organization, control, and status of the mass media.
        Economic and social impact of the media (radio, television, newspapers, books, magazines, and comics) are surveyed.
        Broad comparisons of the American with foreign media systems are included.”

Course Objective:  The student should gain a better understanding of mass communication technology and industries,
        including print and electronic media, public relations, advertising, and other related areas.  Course content is theoretical,
        practical, historical, etc.

Methods of Instruction:  Several types of activities are planned, including lecture, group discussion, possible
        guest lecture(s), and media exposure (pertinent films, video, and audio tapes).

Attendance:  For group discussion and exams, attendance is mandatory.  Attendance is expected at class lecture.
        (Note:  80% and more of material on exams will be covered in class.)  Students are responsible for all lecture material.
        Athletes must leave written notice of schedule conflicts at instructor’s office during the first week of class.  All phones,
        beepers, radios, etc. must be turned off before class begins and they will remain off throughout class.  No
        headphones will be allowed during class.

Four Exams:  Each exam will stand on its own.  There is no comprehensive exam covering material from the
        entire course.  Exams ask for objective answers on a pre-printed form and are computer graded.

Exam Make-Ups:  Students who miss an exam must present a bona fide reason as covered under the same policies
        that govern final exams; for example, serious illness,* or a University-sponsored event,** or a death in one’s immediate
        family.***  For any of these reasons, the student must present his/her case to the instructor in person and in written form.

        * Illness:  The student must contact the instructor prior to the exam.  If you are unable to do so, have a friend or RA do
        so.  (Note:  Under most circumstances the make-up must be scheduled prior to the next class period or within the same
        week of the exam.  Note:  you may not take a makeup without an official medical excuse, then verification still must be
        presented to validate.)

        ** University-sponsored event:  Note:  The student must submit a written request to the instructor no less than two weeks
        prior to the event and must complete arrangements to make up the exam in advance.  As stated above, athletes must
        present a written notice to the instructor during the first week of class.

        *** Family death:  Students must contact the instructor prior to the exam or discussion.  The university typically verifies
        that the student must miss class because of a family death.  At the very least, leave a message at 356-2169 and see the
        instructor as soon as possible.

Audio/Visual and other classroom presentations (ex. guest speaker):  Some questions on exams will be taken
        from these.  There will be no opportunity for make-ups on these.  Video and/or audio tapes will be played in class only.
        They will not be made available outside class!  Obviously, the same goes for any guest speaker who may appear in class.

Grading:  Based on the results of three exams of equal value.  Exams ask for objective answers on a pre-printed form and are
        computer graded.

        Exam I         25 percent
        Exam II       25 percent
        Exam III      25 percent
        Exam IV      25 percent

Grade Scale: A = 90 to 100 points, B = 80 to 89, C = 70 to 79, D = 60 to 69, F = 59 and Below

Special Notes:

        Students who for some reason cannot take an exam as scheduled must notify the instructor in writing no less than
        two weeks prior to the exam.  Furthermore, the student must get that reason approved in writing by the instructor.
        Students who have a need for special accommodations due to any type of disability should schedule an appointment
        with me within the first week of the class.

        Academic dishonesty penalties and definition are adhered to as outlined in the Student Handbook.

I.      Orientation
        A.  Syllabus/Introduction to Course
        B.  Mass Communication Origins

II.     Print Media
        A.  Newspapers (Chapter 4)
        B.  Magazines (Chapter 5)
        C.  Books (Chapter 6)

III.  Electronic Media Part I
       A.  Photography (Chapter 9)
       B.  Recordings (Chapter 9)
       C.  Film (Chapter 7)

IV.  Electronic Media Part II
        A.  Radio (Chapter 8)
        B.  Television (Chapter 10)

V.  Media Services
        A.  News Services (Chapter 6)
        B.  Syndicates (Chapter 6)
        C.  Advertising (Chapters 12-13)*
        D.  Public Relations (Chapters 12-13)*
                * Information on Advertising and PR also found in other chapters

VI.  New Electronic Media (Chapter 11)