Communication 020 is a survey course in mass communication designed to give students an overview of the field. This includes an examination of:

• fundamental terms, concepts, & theories
• key figures, events & milestones
• social, cultural, & technological implications
• effects & consequences of exposure/use
• ethical parameters

In addition, the course explores the historical, social, economic, and cultural forces that have influenced the development of the media. Individual media institutions are examined in terms of the information they distribute, the entertainment they provide, and the influence they bring. Special attention is paid to the audience/medium relationship as well as to improving audience members' media literacy.

At the end of this course, students will have established the foundation for further study into the field of mass media.

Click here for a current Syllabus

Class Schedule

Tuesday, 1/16	Course Overview
Thursday, 1/18	Introduction to Mass Communication Readings: Vivian 1
Tuesday, 1/23	Media Literacy & Culture Readings: Vivian 13
Thursday, 1/25	Books Readings: Lachlan 1
Tuesday, 1/30	Newspapers Readings: Vivian 4
Thursday, 2/1	Magazines Readings: Vivian 3
Tuesday, 2/6	Film Readings: Lachlan 2
Thursday, 2/8	Film cont.
Tuesday, 2/13	Film cont./review session
Thursday, 2/15	Exam 1
Tuesday, 2/20	Class Cancelled
Thursday, 2/22	Radio cont. Readings: Vivian 5
Tuesday, 2/27	Television cont. Readings: Lachlan 4
Thursday, 3/1	Television cont.
(spring break)
Tuesday, 3/13	Television cont.
Thursday, 3/15	Advertising Readings: Lachlan 5
Tuesday, 3/20	Advertising cont. & Public Relations Readings: Vivian 11
Thursday, 3/22	Public Relations cont./review session
Tuesday, 3/27	Exam 2
Thursday, 3/29	Class Cancelled
Tuesday, 4/4:	Theories of Mass Communication Readings: Lachlan 6
Thursday, 4/5	Easter Break
Tuesday, 4/10	Media Research and Effects cont. Readings: Lachlan 7,13
Thursday, 4/12:	Media Research and Effects cont. Readings: Media Research and Effects cont. Readings: Vivian 4
Tuesday, 4/17	Media Research and Effects cont. Readings: Lachlan 8,9
Thursday, 4/19	Research and Effects cont. Readings: Lachlan 9, 10
Tuesday, 4/24:	Research and Effects cont. Readings: Lachlan 11
Thursday, 4/26	Media Ethics Readings: Lachlan 12
Tuesday, 5/1	Prosocial media
Thursday, 5/3	Review Session
	Final Exam: TBA

Web CT Link

A WebCT account has been established for the class. Here you can access your most up to date grades. To access WebCT, click here [coming soon]