COM 150 Media & Society

This course is designed to enhance analytical skills needed to evaluate media critically and strengthen media literacy. Students learn mass media's function as a cultural industry and are introduced to: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations; impact of media on politics, technology, and society; the economics of media; the role of advertising; and the social and psychological effects of mass media.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

COM 150 Media & Society

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course is designed to enhance analytical skills needed to evaluate media critically and strengthen media literacy. Students learn mass media's function as a cultural industry and are introduced to: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations; impact of media on politics, technology, and society; the economics of media; the role of advertising; and the social and psychological effects of mass media.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Explain the evolution, significance, and effects of the media on individuals, culture, and societies. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 4)
  2. Differentiate among the different forms of media. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 4)
  3. Deliver a presentation on a significant topic in media. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Explain the evolution, significance, and effects of the media on individuals, culture, and societies.
    1. Explain the relationship among communication, mass communication, and culture.
    2. Identify trends in mass media, including concentration of ownership and conglomeration, vertical integration, globalization, audience fragmentation, public relations, hyper-commercialism, convergence, and digital distribution of mass media.
    3. Explain the influence the communication industry has had on society.
    4. Identify and apply mass communication theory toward improving one's own information and media literacy skills.
    5. Explain the effect of messaging across multiple platforms and formats in order to reach a global audience.
    6. Explain how mass communication industries operate as businesses, and summarize the historical, technological, legal, and economic forces affecting them.
    7. Examine the impact of advertising and commercialism on society.
  2. Differentiate among the different forms of media.
    1. Explain the history and development of individual mass media technologies and industries.
    2. Explain how various media are interconnected and how this affects the cultural texts they create.
    3. Explain how different media appeals to different audiences in terms of demographics, advertising appeal, and media consumption habits.
    4. Examine the economic and business practices of media and how advertising revenue is generated.
    5. Discuss news and entertainment programming through historical and contemporary perspectives.
    6. Examine the history of major FCC rules and regulations.
  3. Deliver a presentation on a significant topic in media.
    1. Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior when planning, preparing, and participating with a group of people from diverse backgrounds.
    2. Locate, evaluate, and use information effectively.
    3. Create and deliver a multimedia presentation.
    4. Identify sources and provide attribution.
    5. Present information to the class clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Analyze the impact of media on society.
  2. Produce media products that meet professional standards.
  3. Apply principle of design to media products.
  4. Demonstrate effective professional communication skills.
  5. Apply professional, ethical, and legal standards of behavior.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.