Instructor: Roman Koenig
Voice Mail: (760) 943-0264
E-mail: scribe@owl.csusm.edu
Lectures: Are on the following Tuesday's 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6 from 6p.m.-9:20p.m.in Room P-32

Required Text:
The Dynamics of Mass Communication (seventh edition) by Joseph R. Dominick

Course Objective:
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the mass media in the United States. Discussions will include information about current practices, problems, issues, and significant trends. Topics will include the history, structure, and social impact of television, radio, cinema, journalism, and new forms of communication. Each segment of the communication industry will be explored including background, current issues, and employment opportunities. In addition, the impact of the media on society and their beliefs, values, and perceptions will be examined.

Assignments and Course Requirements:

Tests:
There will be three tests over the course of the semester. The tests will contain a mix of multiple choice, true/false, listing, and short essay questions. The tests will focus on topics discussed in class and topics from the text and videos.

Written Assignments:
You will complete two assignments during the semester. The first assignment will require you to develop a new magazine. The second assignment will be an analysis of advertising effects. You will be given extensive handouts on both of these assignments during the semester.

Attendance and Participation:
The on-campus seminars give us the opportunity to review and better understand the video series. Because there are only six seminars during the semester, your attendance is important. You will discover that regular attendance will ensure successful completion of this course. If you must miss one class - clear it with me before the scheduled seminar.

Learning about the effects of the mass media in our society requires more than just reading theories, statistics, etc. found in your textbook and the video series. The learning process involves active participation in critical thinking about these theories, and discussion of materials during class time. Individuals are expected to regularly attend classes and participate in the learning process. In this class, participation is worth 50 points toward your final grade. For individuals who find themselves on the border line between grades, these points will prove to be crucial. You can assure yourself of these points by attending classes, as well as actively participating in class discussions, attempting to show enthusiasm in the learning process, and displaying a competent understanding of the reading assignments.

The MediaWaves Videos:
Programs will be televised on Adelphia Cablevision - Ch.67 and Cox North - Ch.16 M-F 11:00-11:30pm or Wednesdays, 2:30-5:00am. These videos are also available to check out from the San Marcos Campus Library, the Escondido Center Library, and the Ramona, Mt. Carmel, and Fallbrook College Centers. I strongly suggest you videotape the broadcasts for review purposes. You will have a difficult time passing this course without watching the video series.

Grading:
There are no make-ups in this class. Because we only meet six times during the semester - make-ups are impossible!! Please, don't ask!

Grade Breakdown:

Test study guides will be given for each test.

Important Dates to Remember:

COMMUNICATION 100 - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

COMMUNICATION 100 - BROADCAST SCHEDULE