COMM 201 - Mass Communication

Number of Credits: 3
Examine mass media’s evolution and influence through a study of its forms and emerging technologies. Analyze and create messages in specific media for diverse audiences. Prerequisite: ENGL-101. Three hours lecture each week. Three credits. Three billable hours. (Spring Term Only) Three hours lecture each week. Three credits. Three billable hours.

GENERAL EDUCATION. Category: Arts and Humanities

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 101
Course Topics:
Mass media forms, including print, audio, visual, interactive, social.

Mass media theories, including cultivation, agenda-setting, uses and gratifications, limited effects.

Media convergence: technological, economic, and cultural.

Media ethics.

Media careers, including journalism, public relations, and advertising.

Communication law and regulation.

Digital and global media.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Assess mass media forms in terms of historical significance and audience (PG1,PG3; GE3,GE6)

2. Create messages suited to at least one mass media form and appropriate to a targeted diverse audience (PG2,PG4; GE1,GE6)

3. Analyze the evolution of the media industry, including the impacts of federal regulation, economics, and corporate structures in shaping media messages (PG3;GE3,GE4,GE6)

4. Use appropriate resources and vocabulary to research and write about media topics (PG1,PG3; GE1,GE3,GE4)

5. Identify careers in mass media and related fields (PG1,PG2,PG4;GE1,GE3,GE7)

6. Develop awareness of their perceptions of the content and delivery of media messages (PG1,PG2,PG3;GE1,GE3,GE4,GE7)