Course

20801251 Introduction to Mass Communication
Course Information
Description
Introduction to Mass Communication is a four‑credit course examining the history, evolution, and ethical responsibilities of various media. Students explore how media systems shape society through platforms ranging from print and broadcast to digital and AI and analyze how and why messages are created and delivered across news, public relations, advertising, entertainment, and research reporting.
Total Credits
4
Course Competencies
  1. Examine the history and evolution of our media, including books, radio, music, film, television, newspapers, broadcast reporting, internet, and AI
    Assessment Strategies
    Actively participating in team activities and class discussions
    Writing two in-depth argumentative essays, between 1,500 and 2,000 words in length, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding media history
    Writing two short blogs, each between 250 and 500 words, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding course content
    Taking two content quizzes
    Producing a final multi-media project
    Completing a final course content exam
    Criteria
    Distinguish between facts and opinions
    Engage with internet browsers and AI to locate reputable research sources
    Use library databases to locate reputable published research sources such as peer reviewed journals
    Integrate Modern Language Association (MLA) style documentation that supports a point of view regarding media history and ethics
    Build on a topic from the course and present in a multi-media platform(s) that is impactful to the intended audience and shows evidence of topic research
    Apply correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax
    Apply course terminology and theories to real-world models

  2. Analyze contemporary media trends from gaming to AI and machine learning
    Assessment Strategies
    Actively participating in team activities and class discussions
    Writing two in-depth argumentative essays, between 1,500 and 2,000 words in length, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding media history
    Writing two short blogs, each between 250 and 500 words, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding course content
    Providing an oral presentation (three to five minutes)
    Taking two content quizzes
    Producing a final multi-media project
    Completing a final course content exam
    Criteria
    Distinguish between facts and opinions
    Engage with internet browsers and AI to locate reputable research sources
    Use library databases to locate reputable published research sources such as peer reviewed journals
    Integrate Modern Language Association (MLA) style documentation that supports a point of view regarding media history and ethics
    Build on a topic from the course and present in a multi-media platform(s) that is impactful to the intended audience and shows evidence of topic research
    Apply correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax
    Apply course terminology and theories to real-world models

  3. Examine the role of journalists, novelists, screenwriters, musicians, and film and documentary directors in the United States and throughout the world
    Assessment Strategies
    Actively participating in team activities and class discussions
    Writing two in-depth argumentative essays, between 1,500 and 2,000 words in length, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding course content
    Writing two short blogs, each between 250 and 500 words, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding media ethics and issues
    Taking two content quizzes
    Completing a final course content exam
    Criteria
    Distinguish between facts and opinions
    Engage with internet browsers and AI to locate reputable research sources
    Use library databases to locate reputable published research sources such as peer reviewed journals
    Integrate Modern Language Association (MLA) style documentation that supports a point of view regarding media history and ethics
    Build on a topic from the course and present in a multi-media platform(s) that is impactful to the intended audience and shows evidence of topic research
    Apply correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax
    Apply course terminology and theories to real-world models

  4. Analyze the effect that public relations, advertising, and government propaganda have on the United States and countries elsewhere
    Assessment Strategies
    Actively participating in team activities and class discussions
    Writing two in-depth argumentative essays, between 1,500 and 2,000 words in length, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding course topics
    Taking two content quizzes
    Completing a final course content exam
    Criteria
    Distinguish between facts and opinions
    Engage with internet browsers and AI to locate reputable research sources
    Use library databases to locate reputable published research sources such as peer reviewed journals
    Integrate Modern Language Association (MLA) style documentation that supports a point of view regarding media history and ethics
    Build on a topic from the course and present in a multi-media platform(s) that is impactful to the intended audience and shows evidence of topic research
    Apply correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax
    Apply course terminology and theories to real-world models

  5. Understand ethical situations and laws that impact media professionals today
    Assessment Strategies
    Actively participating in team activities and class discussions
    Writing two in-depth argumentative essays, between 1,500 and 2,000 words in length, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding course topics
    Writing two short blogs, each between 250 and 500 words, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding media ethics and issues
    Taking two content quizzes
    Completing a final course content exam
    Criteria
    Distinguish between facts and opinions
    Engage with internet browsers and AI to locate reputable research sources
    Use library databases to locate reputable published research sources such as peer reviewed journals
    Integrate Modern Language Association (MLA) style documentation
    Build on a topic from the course and present in a multi-media platform(s) that is impactful to the intended audience and shows evidence of topic research
    Apply correct and appropriate grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax
    Apply course terminology and theories to real-world models

  6. Write in-depth argumentative essays about issues in media today
    Assessment Strategies
    Actively participating in team activities and class discussions
    Writing two in-depth argumentative essays, between 1,500 and 2,000 words in length, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding course topics
    Criteria
    Use different rhetorical strategies for writing argumentative essays
    Construct an effective thesis
    Use a compelling introduction and conclusion
    Construct an effective essay/research question
    Construct effective topic sentences for paragraphs
    Develop paragraphs using evidence to support topic sentences
    Use transitions linking the supporting points of the essay
    Use effective research strategies to provide evidence for the essays
    Effectively summarize, paraphrase and quote sources
    Integrate Modern Language Association (MLA) style documentation
    Use ethos/emotional appeals in addition to logical arguments
    Use audience analysis when constructing argumentative essays
    Accept, and put into perspective, peer feedback of rough and final drafts

  7. Write blogs about issues in media today
    Assessment Strategies
    Researching related topics content for blog content
    Writing two short blogs, each between 250 and 500 words, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding media ethics and issues
    Criteria
    Accept, and put into perspective, peer feedback of rough and final drafts
    Use different rhetorical strategies when writing blogs
    Construct a headline that ensures Search Engine Optimization value
    Construct an effective thesis
    Use a compelling introduction and conclusion
    Create an opportunity for audience engagement with the blog
    Use transitions linking the supporting points of the blog
    Use effective research strategies to provide evidence for the blogs
    Effectively summarize, paraphrase and quote sources
    Document sources using Associated Press Style (AP) for writing for the web
    Use emotional appeals in addition to logical arguments
    Use audience analysis when constructing argumentative essays
    Accept, and put into perspective, peer feedback of rough and final drafts

  8. Use effective research strategies and databases
    Assessment Strategies
    Researching and writing essays and blogs
    Participating in research practice activities
    Criteria
    Locate and use scholarly databases
    Evaluate the database sources
    Evaluate information discovered during the research stage
    Retrieve key information discovered during the research stage
    Locate and use primary sources in addition to secondary sources
    Develop an effective research process, from start to finish

  9. Give oral arguments about issues in media today
    Assessment Strategies
    Researching relevant content for the presentation
    Reviewing criteria for an argumentative presentation
    Preparing visual support for a presentation such as a slide deck
    Giving an oral presentation (three to five minutes) that is argumentative
    Criteria
    Use audience analysis when constructing oral arguments
    Use conventions of public speaking
    Use logical/logos and emotion/ethos appeals in your oral arguments
    Support your points of view with evidence
    Accept, and put in perspective, peer feedback of oral arguments

  10. Act professionally when engaged in team activities both inside and outside the classroom
    Assessment Strategies
    Providing timely and quality feedback on your classmates essay and blog drafts
    Providing timely and quality feedback on your classmates oral arguments
    Acting in a professional manner when in the classroom
    Acting in a professional manner when working collaboratively with classmates outside the classroom including online
    Criteria
    Enter into class discussions consistently and effectively
    Become a group member who performs the individual duties assigned by the group
    Become a group member who shares ideas and information
    Become a group member who helps the group reach consensus
    Understand the importance of peer feedback in the classroom
    Provide quality feedback on the writing and spoken assignments of others

  11. Produce a multi-media project that builds on course content
    Assessment Strategies
    Understanding the audience
    Researching potential media platforms
    Researching relevant content for the project
    Evaluating information discovered during the research stage
    Retrieve key information discovered during the research stage
    Locating and use primary sources in addition to secondary sources
    Building a multi-media project proposal
    Accepting and building on feedback to the proposal from classmates and instructor
    Completing a draft of the project
    Producing a multi-media project that includes visual and written elements
    Criteria
    Use universally accepted style and conventions appropriate to the platform(s) for citations
    Use AI as approved by instructor for data mining and content creation
    Effective use of visuals (slides, video, audio, graphics)
    Readable text, strong layout, and design consistency
    Media enhances—not distracts from—message

  12. Demonstrate media literacy
    Assessment Strategies
    Actively participating in team activities and class discussions
    Writing two in-depth argumentative essays, between 1,500 and 2,000 words in length, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding media history
    Writing two short blogs, each between 250 and 500 words, that show evidence of critical thinking regarding course content
    Taking two content quizzes
    Producing a final multi-media project
    Completing a final course content exam
    Criteria
    Distinguish fact from opinion
    Understand the First Amendment
    Analyze media messages critically
    Recognize bias, persuasive techniques, and misinformation
    Understand how media influences beliefs, culture, and public opinion