|
Wednesdays, 1:10-3:55 in Burk Hall 226
Instructor:
Elaine Chan
Graduate Assistant: Jane Ren Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor. Functions, effects, and uses of public media; roles of media in affecting social, cultural, and political values; avenues of freedom and control; problems and opportunities presented by evolving media technology. Course Materials:
Course Description:This course provides an in-depth study of the relationships between electronic media and society. We will examine how radio, television, film, and interactive media are shaped by political, economic, social, and technological forces. We will also investigate the social and psychological influences of electronic mass media. By the end of this course you will be able to:
Evaluation: Not including extra credit possibilities, your grade in the class is comprised of six parts: Course Grading Scale:
A+ = 975 – 1000 points
A = 925 – 974 A- = 900 – 924 B+ = 875 – 899 B = 825 – 874 B- = 800 – 824
C+ = 775 – 799
C = 725 – 774 C- = 700 – 724 D+ = 675 – 699 D = 625 – 674 D- = 600 – 624 F = less than 600 . Exams: Exams will include a mix of multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions. They are cumulative and may include any concepts covered from the beginning of the course until to the date of the exam. Reaction Papers: You will write several reaction papers in class from one to two pages in length. In your writing you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the assigned topic and offer personal insights and/or critiques. The exercises will ask you to draw on your knowledge of readings and lectures. Keeping up with all of the readings listed in the course syllabus on the day they are assigned will enable you to do well on these assignments. Group Presentation: Each week two groups of three or four individuals will present the key concepts from the previous week in an innovative and entertaining manner. These presentations help review course material and allow you and your classmates to explore your creativity. Each group gets 15-20 minutes to present. Participation: Your participation includes both your physical presence in the classroom as well as your participation in class discussions. Since we have few class meetings and only meet once a week, your attendance is crucial for your participation in the class. Your participation grade will be based on your attendance, as well as the frequency and quality of your contributions to discussion over the semester. High quality comments:
In addition, comments based on the readings (either reporting on them or critiquing them based on other knowledge you have) will also be considered high quality. Valid ways to participate in the class also include coming to office hours and/or emailing the Professor or TA insightful comments from class. Extra Credit: You may also have the opportunity to participate in activities or research studies conducted by BECA students and faculty. Participation is voluntary. More details will be given as the course progresses. Finally, this course is not graded on a curve. Each student has the opportunity to achieve the highest standards and grades. Policies: In order to create an atmosphere that fosters intellectual development, we are all expected to treat each other with mutual respect. All students are encouraged to use the classroom as a space in which to speak and to voice their opinions. My expectation is that you will respect not only the instructors but also your fellow classmates when they are participating in discussion and presenting their ideas. Each exam is to be taken on the designated exam date. No make-ups are permitted except in cases of extreme emergency. In the rare event that an emergency arises, the student is responsible for 1) informing the professor prior to the exam time, and 2) providing written documentation of the emergency (such as a medical note from a physician). Similarly, reaction papers will not be excused without written documentation from a certified physician of the medical emergency. Job interviews and family vacations do not constitute family emergencies. Students with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations are encouraged to contact the instructor as early in the semester as possible. The Disability Programs and Resource Center is available to facilitate the reasonable accommodations process. The DPRC, located in SSB 110, can be reached by telephone at 338-2472 (voice/TTY) or by e-mail at dprc@sfsu.edu. ScheduleWeek 1 (8/27): Introduction - Definitions, Understanding, and Overview Week 2 (9/3): History of Electronic Mass Media Week 3 (9/10): Economics Week 4 (9/17): Players and Politics Week 5 (9/24): Society and Ideology Week 6 (10/1): Researching Broadcast and Electronic Media Week 7 (10/8): EXAM # 1 Week 8 (10/15): Researching Broadcast and Electronic Media II Week 9 (10/22): Violence, Sexual Content Week 10 (10/29): Stereotyping Week 11 (11/5): Persuasion, News and Politics Week 12 (11/12): EXAM #2 Week 13 (11/19): Learning and Health Week 14 (11/26): *** No class. Happy Thanksgiving! *** Week 14 (12/3): Interactive Media I: Video Games and New Media Week 15 (12/10): Interactive Media II: Participatory Culture 12/19 Final Exam - Friday 10:45 - 1:15 am, Burk Hall 226 |