com320: mass communications sample - csu globalcom320: mass communications credit hours: 3 contact...

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COM320: Mass Communications Credit Hours: 3 Contact Hours: This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 14-20 hours per week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers, completing projects, and doing research. Course Description and Outcomes Course Description: Gain an understanding of mass communication and its relationship to society including theories in mass communication, contemporary issues, and the impact of media. Course Overview: COM320 Mass Communication provides a critical examination of mass communication and its relationship to society. Topics include an overview of mass communication concepts and theory; critical and historical review of research pertaining to the effects of mass communication; inquiry into the history of mass communication and its relationship to technology and technical revolutions; examination of the production and content of mass communication including the workings of organizations and professional practices; exploration of the governance, business, and regulation of mass media; critical inquiry into new media and recent and current changes in the mass media landscape resulting from the transformation to a digital, networked communication environment; survey of the disciplines of public relations and advertising; and review of scholarship on media norms, ethics, and law including freedom of expression. Course Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe historical and technological developments in the evolution of mass media including print, electronic and online. 2. Evaluate communication theories as they relate to information dissemination functions of mass communication. 3. Evaluate mass communication theories as they relate to audience, community and society. 4. Assess the impact of and behavior of mass media on society and culture. 5. Identify current trends in media practices and organizations. 6. Distinguish the functions of mass media such as inform, educate, persuade. 7. Recognize tactics of persuasion and manipulation used in mass media. 8. Discuss evolving ethical and legal standards of media related to privacy, diversity, fairness, objectivity and social responsibility. SAMPLE

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Page 1: COM320: Mass Communications SAMPLE - CSU GlobalCOM320: Mass Communications Credit Hours: 3 Contact Hours: This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that

COM320: Mass Communications

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 14-20 hours per week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers, completing projects, and doing research.

Course Description and Outcomes

Course Description: Gain an understanding of mass communication and its relationship to society including theories in mass communication, contemporary issues, and the impact of media.

Course Overview: COM320 Mass Communication provides a critical examination of mass communication and its relationship to society. Topics include an overview of mass communication concepts and theory; critical and historical review of research pertaining to the effects of mass communication; inquiry into the history of mass communication and its relationship to technology and technical revolutions; examination of the production and content of mass communication including the workings of organizations and professional practices; exploration of the governance, business, and regulation of mass media; critical inquiry into new media and recent and current changes in the mass media landscape resulting from the transformation to a digital, networked communication environment; survey of the disciplines of public relations and advertising; and review of scholarship on media norms, ethics, and law including freedom of expression.

Course Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe historical and technological developments in the evolution of mass media including print,

electronic and online. 2. Evaluate communication theories as they relate to information dissemination functions of mass

communication. 3. Evaluate mass communication theories as they relate to audience, community and society. 4. Assess the impact of and behavior of mass media on society and culture. 5. Identify current trends in media practices and organizations. 6. Distinguish the functions of mass media such as inform, educate, persuade. 7. Recognize tactics of persuasion and manipulation used in mass media. 8. Discuss evolving ethical and legal standards of media related to privacy, diversity, fairness, objectivity and

social responsibility. SAMPLE

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9. Synthesize the pervasiveness and influence of mass media on all environments including social, cultural, political and economic.

Participation & Attendance

Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus. Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor. Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your instructor know as soon as possible. Course Materials

Textbook Information is located in the CSU-Global Booklist on the Student Portal.

Course Schedule

Due Dates The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday.

• Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. MT and Peer Responses posted by Sunday 11:59 p.m. MT. Late posts may not be awarded points.

• Opening Exercises: Take the opening exercise before reading each week’s content to see which areas you will need to focus on. You may take these exercises as many times as you need. The opening exercises will not affect your final grade.

• Mastery Exercises: Students may access and retake mastery exercises through the last day of class until they achieve the scores they desire.

• Critical Thinking: Assignments are due Sunday at 11:59 p.m. MT.

Week # Readings Assignments

1

• The Audience as Mass. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/15790355/Mass-Media-Audience-Research1 (Read the sections entitled “Key Theory 4,” “Key Theory 5,” “The media in everyday life,” and “Gender differences.”)

• Understanding Media and Culture (University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing Edition). (2016). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. Retrieved from http://open.lib.umn.edu/mediaandculture/ (Read Sections 1.2 - 1.4).

• Discussion (25 points) • Opening Exercise (0

points) • Mastery Exercise (10

points) SAMPLE

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2

• University of Twente Theory Cluster on Mass Media Effects theory. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.utwente.nl/cw/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20clusters/ (Click each of the links under the heading Mass Media and read the linked pages.)

• Understanding Media and Culture (University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing Edition). (2016). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. Retrieved from http://open.lib.umn.edu/mediaandculture/ (Read Chapter 2).

• Discussion (25 points) • Opening Exercise (0

points) • Mastery Exercise (10

points)

3

• Kook Lee, J. (2015). Knowledge as a measure of news reception in the Agenda-Setting process. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media 59(1).

• Rimal, R., Chung, A., & Dhungana, N. (2015). Media as educator, media as disruptor: Conceptualizing the role of social context in media effects. Journal of Communication 65.

• Discussion (25 points) • Opening Exercise (0

points) • Mastery Exercise (10

points) • Critical Thinking (85

points) • Portfolio Project

Milestone (25 points)

4

• Chaffee, S. & Metzger, M. (2001). The end of mass communication? Mass Communication & Society 4(4).

• Understanding Media and Culture (University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing Edition). (2016). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. Retrieved from http://open.lib.umn.edu/mediaandculture/ (Read Sections 4.2, 5.2, 7.2, and 9.2)

• Weimann, G. Weiss-Blatt, N., Mengistu, G., Tregerman, M.M., & Oren, R. (2014). Reevaluating “The End of Mass Communication?”. Mass Communication & Society 17.

• Discussion (25 points) • Opening Exercise (0

points) • Mastery Exercise (10

points) • Critical Thinking (95

points)

5

• Kim, M. (2015). Partisans and controversial news online: Comparing perceptions of bias and credibility in news content from blogs and mainstream media. Mass Communication and Society 18.

• Milibrand, R. (2013). Communications in Capitalist Society. Monthly Review: An Independent Socialist Magazine, 65(3).

• Tufekci, Z. (2014). Social movements and governments in the digital age: Evaluating a complex landscape. Journal of International Affairs 68(1).

• Discussion (25 points) • Opening Exercise (0

points) • Mastery Exercise (10

points) • Critical Thinking (95

points) • Portfolio Project

Milestone (25 points)

6

• Martin, E.J. (2014). Casting a wider net: Get your branded content to the masses. EContent. Retrieved from: http://www.econtentmag.com/Articles/Editorial/Feature/Casting-a-Wider-Net-Getting-Your-Branded-Content-to-the-Masses-99014.htm

• New Media Institute (2014). What is new media? http://www.newmedia.org/what-is-new-media.html

• Seymore, C. (2013). Brand advertising on the web: The perennial pipe dream. EContent. Retrieved from: http://www.econtentmag.com/Articles/Editorial/Feature/Brand-Advertising-on-the-Web-The-Perennial-Pipe-Dream-91032.htm

• Discussion (25 points) • Opening Exercise (0

points) • Mastery Exercise (10

points) • Critical Thinking (95

points) SAMPLE

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7

• Costache, A.M. & Llorens, C. (2015). A bridge too far? Analysis of the European Commission’s new developments on media policy and media freedoms through the concept of soft regulation. International Journal of Media & Cultural Policitcs 11(4).

• Dawes, S. & Flew, T. (2016). Neoliberalism, voice, and national media systems: An interview with Terry Flew. Networking Knowledge 9(5).

• Understanding Media and Culture (University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing Edition). (2016). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. Retrieved from http://open.lib.umn.edu/mediaandculture/ (Read Section 1.5).

• Discussion (25 points) • Opening Exercise (0

points) • Mastery Exercise (10

points)

8

• Goodman, E.P. (2007). Media policy and free speech: First amendment at war with itself. Hofstra Law Review 35.

• Stoker, K. & Stoker, M. (2012). The paradox of public interest: How serving individual superior interests fulfill public relations’ obligation to the public interest. Journal of Mass Media Ethics 27.

• Discussion (25 points) • Opening Exercise (0

points) • Mastery Exercise (10

points) • Portfolio (300 points)

Assignment Details

This course includes the following assignments/projects: Module 1

NONE

Module 2

PORTFOLIO PROJECT REMINDER

Review the options for the Portfolio Project assignment and begin considering which option you would like to work on. Review the Portfolio Project rubric in the Module 8 folder to familiarize yourself with the expectations and requirements for this assignment. Next week you will post the topic you have selected in the Discussion Forum.

Module 3

CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (85 points)

Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.

Option #1: Theory in Mass Communication Research Paper

Search on the Internet or in the CSU-Global Library for an example of mass communication research on a topic that interests you and that relates to the effects of some form of mass communication on individuals, groups, and/or society as a whole. Reports on communication research can be found in any number of academic journals; so you might search the article databases in the CSU-Global Library by topic (plenty of search terms can

SAMPLE

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be found in the module content and Page 5 interactive), or focus your search on a particular journal (you will find some journal titles in the required reading assignments throughout this course).

Use the commentary on mass communication theory and effects research in the readings and module lectures to analyze your example. Address the following items:

1. What does the author (or authors) of your article write about the theoretical perspective that underlies his/her/their work? Summarize the author(s)’ comments about theory. Isolate the thesis or research question concerning the effects of mass communication as brought forth in the scholarly article.

2. How does the author(s) apply theory to test his or her thesis or research questions concerning the effects of mass communication?

3. Summarize and evaluate what the research concludes about the effects of mass communication. 4. Critically evaluate the study’s assumptions, methods, and conclusions. What does the work assume or

demonstrate about the mass communication audience and society as a whole?

Requirements:

• Refer to the Critical Thinking Rubric in the Module 3 Folder for more information on expectations for this assignment.

• Your written paper should be 3-4 pages in length not counting the title and reference pages, which you must include.

• The article selected should be different than the one chosen for the Discussion Board response for Module 3.

• You need to cite at least 2 scholarly or peer reviewed resources. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find resources. Only one of these resources can be from the course materials.

• Your paper must be formatted according to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. • If you need assistance with your writing style, start with the links under the Research Help and Writing

Help tabs on the CSU-Global Library’s homepage.

Option #2: Theory in Mass Communication Power Point Presentation

Search on the Internet or in the CSU-Global Library for an example of mass communication research on a topic that interests you and that relates to the effects of some form of mass communication on individuals, groups, and/or society as a whole. Reports on communication research can be found in any number of academic journals; so you might search the article databases in the CSU-Global Library by topic (plenty of search terms can be found in the module content and Page 5 interactive), or focus your search on a particular journal.

Use the commentary on mass communication theory and effects research in the readings and module lectures to analyze your example. Create a PowerPoint presentation with at least 8 slides that addresses the following items (you may organize them in the way that makes the most sense to you):

• What does the author (or authors) of your article write about the theoretical perspective that underlies his/her/their work? Summarize the author(s)’ comments about theory. Isolate the thesis or research question concerning the effects of mass communication as brought forth in the scholarly article.

• How does the author(s) apply theory to test his or her thesis or research questions concerning the effects of mass communication?

• Summarize and evaluate what the research concludes about the effects of mass communication. SAMPLE

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• Critically evaluate the study’s assumptions, methods, and conclusions. What does the work assume or demonstrate about the mass communication audience and society as a whole?

Requirements: • Refer to the Critical Thinking Rubric in the Module 3 Folder for more information on expectations for

this assignment. • You need to cite at least 2 scholarly or peer reviewed resources. The CSU-Global Library is a great place

to find resources. Only one of these resources can be from the course materials. • Your PowerPoint Presentation should be at least 8 slides in length, with document and citation

formatting per the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. (References must be cited on a slide of their own in addition to the other 8 slides).

• There should be extensive use of the “notes” feature in the presentation to indicate your source analysis.

• If you need assistance with your writing style, start with the links under the Research Help and Writing Help tabs on the CSU-Global Library’s homepage.

PORTFOLIO PROJECT MILESTONE (25 points)

Submit a 1-2 page APA formatted paper indicating which option you have selected and a description of the topic you have chosen for your Portfolio Project.

You will receive valuable insight from your instructor and/or classmates that can be applied to your work on the final Portfolio Project assignment. See the Portfolio Project grading rubric, which is accessible in the Module 8 folder, for details.

Module 4

CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (95 points)

Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.

Option #1: Mass Communication Organization in Historical Context

Select as a case study, an institution, or organization in the area of mass communication. This can be an organization such as the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) or National Public Radio (NPR), or a specific newspaper such as the New York Times or any singular mass media outlet. Undertake brief research to discover its history. Write a paper describing key historical events associated with your case and address the following questions:

1. What points of change or constitutive moments have occurred in the history of your example? 2. What is the current status of your example? 3. Could your example have developed other than it has? What alternative trajectories of development

might have been possible? 4. What are the prospects for your case looking forward? Will they be able to remain active in

contemporary mass communications? How will they adapt? Requirements: SAMPLE

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• Refer to the Critical Thinking Rubric in the Module 4 Folder for more information on expectations for this assignment.

• Your written paper should be 3-4 pages in length not counting the title and reference pages, which you must include.

• You need to cite at least one of the assigned readings for Module 4 and at least two additional scholarly sources describing the case study that is the focus of your analysis. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find resources.

• Your paper must be formatted according to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. • If you need assistance with your writing style, start with the links under the Research Help and Writing

Help tabs on the CSU-Global Library’s homepage.

Option #2: Mass Communication Medium in Historical Context

Select as a case study, a medium in the area of mass communication. This can be a medium such as broadcast television, social media, or newspapers (or others). Undertake brief research to discover its history. Write a paper describing key historical events associated with your medium and address the following questions:

1. What points of change or constitutive moments have occurred in the history of your example? 2. What is the current status of your example? 3. Could your example have developed other than it has? What alternative trajectories of development

might have been possible? 5. What are the prospects for your case looking forward? Will they be able to remain active in

contemporary mass communications? How will they adapt? Requirements:

• Refer to the Critical Thinking Rubric in the Module 4 Folder for more information on expectations for this assignment.

• Your written paper should be 3-4 pages in length not counting the title and reference pages, which you must include.

• You need to cite at least one of the assigned readings for Module 4 and at least two additional scholarly sources describing the case study that is the focus of your analysis. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find resources.

• Your paper must be formatted according to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. • If you need assistance with your writing style, start with the links under the Research Help and Writing

Help tabs on the CSU-Global Library’s homepage.

Module 5

CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (95 points)

Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.

Option #1: Evaluating a Charge of Media Bias – AIM or FAIR

Critically evaluate a charge of media bias. Numerous charges of liberal bias can be found at Accuracy in Media, and charges of conservative or pro-status quo bias can be found at Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. SAMPLE

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Evaluate the charge of bias and argument(s) made in your example in terms of the various elements of objectivity discussed in Module 4. Was the media content impartial, neutral, accurate, factual, relevant, and complete?

Applying concepts from this week’s readings and module content, reply to or account for each of the following items in your response:

1. Is the media content that is the object of your inquiry biased, partisan, both, or none of the above? 2. If the content displays bias, identify what might be a source, or sources, of bias displayed in your

example (e.g., ideology of communicator or ownership, political or economic influence from without, organizational and professional practices, etc.)? If the content does not display bias, critique the charge of bias.

3. What characteristics of the content identify the message as biased, or support the position that the content is not biased?

4. Specify and discuss at least one concept from the readings or module content to explain what might be the source or sources of bias on the production side. (For example, consider the biases or ideologies of journalists, ownership, professional practices, demands of the economic market, commercialism, etc.)

5. How might the message be interpreted or “read” by different members or groups within the audience? What can an examination of the audience, and of various theories concerning the audience, tell us about media bias?

Note: as you evaluate a charge of bias and the occurrence of bias in the media, be mindful of your own biases and take account of them when framing your analysis.

Requirements:

• Refer to the Critical Thinking Rubric in the Module 5 Folder for more information on expectations for this assignment.

• Your written paper should be 3-4 pages in length not counting the title and reference pages, which you must include.

• You need to discuss and cite at least one scholarly source, other than the required readings for the module. This may be the source that provides the charge of bias. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find resources.

• Your paper must be formatted according to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. • If you need assistance with your writing style, start with the links under the Research Help and Writing

Help tabs on the CSU-Global Library’s homepage.

Option #2: Evaluating a Charge of Media Bias – Scholarly Journal

Critically evaluate a charge of media bias that has been evaluated in a scholarly examination. You can search the CSU-Global Library to find examples in academic journals or news media. The CSU-Global Library provides databases where you can search for scholarly articles (EBSCO and Proquest) or for news and commentary (LexisNexis Academic).

Evaluate the charge of bias and argument(s) made in your example in terms of the various elements of objectivity discussed in Module 4. Was the media content impartial, neutral, accurate, factual, relevant, and complete? SAMPLE

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Applying concepts from this week’s readings and module content, reply to or account for each of the following items in your response:

1. What does the author of your article write about bias in the media presented? What argument do they make about if the media is inquiry-based, partisan, or both?

2. What does the author identify as what might be a source, or sources, of bias displayed in the example (e.g., ideology of communicator or ownership, political or economic influence from without, organizational and professional practices, etc.)?

3. Do you agree with the author’s assessment of the bias? Why or why not? 4. What characteristics of the content identify the message as biased, or support the position that the

content is not biased? 5. How might the message be interpreted or “read” by different members or groups within the audience?

What can an examination of the audience, and of various theories concerning the audience, tell us about media bias?

6. Reflect on concepts from the module content and reading. Note: as you evaluate a charge of bias and the occurrence of bias in the media, be mindful of your own biases and take account of them when framing your analysis.

Requirements:

• Refer to the Critical Thinking Rubric in the Module 5 Folder for more information on expectations for this assignment.

• Your written paper should be 3-4 pages in length not counting the title and reference pages, which you must include.

• You need to discuss and cite at least one scholarly source, other than the required readings for the module. This may be the source that provides the charge of bias. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find resources.

• Your paper must be formatted according to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. • If you need assistance with your writing style, start with the links under the Research Help and Writing

Help tabs on the CSU-Global Library’s homepage.

PORTFOLIO PROJECT MILESTONE (25 points)

Based on your choice between option #1 or option #2 for the portfolio project, submit an outline for your portfolio project paper. This should be 1-2 pages in length and include the introduction with a clear thesis.

Module 6

CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENT (95 points)

Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.

Option #1: Changing Mass Communication in the Digital Environment

Select as a case study a government (local, national, or international) that has evolved to use digital media to disseminate information. SAMPLE

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You may, if you wish, use the case study you selected for your Portfolio Project as your example.

Write an essay examining how the case study you have selected has responded to, and been shaped by, the change in the media environment to a digitalized, network-based system of mass communication.

Requirements:

• Refer to the Critical Thinking Rubric in the Module 6 Folder for more information on expectations for this assignment.

• Your written paper should be 3-4 pages in length not counting the title and reference pages, which you must include.

• To support your analysis and position(s), discuss at least three concepts taken from the module content throughout the course site and/or readings.

• You need to cite at least two scholarly sources, other than the required readings for the module. This may be the source that provides the charge of bias. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find resources.

• Your paper must be formatted according to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. • If you need assistance with your writing style, start with the links under the Research Help and Writing

Help tabs on the CSU-Global Library’s homepage.

Option #2: Changing Mass Communication in the Digital Environment

Select as a case study an example of a newspaper or journal that has been in existence since before the beginnings of the Internet.

You may, if you wish, use the case study you selected for your Portfolio Project as your example.

Write an essay examining how the case you have selected has responded to, and been shaped by, the change in the media environment to a digitalized, network-based system of mass communication.

Requirements:

• Refer to the Critical Thinking Rubric in the Module 6 Folder for more information on expectations for this assignment.

• Your written paper should be 3-4 pages in length not counting the title and reference pages, which you must include.

• To support your analysis and position(s), discuss at least three concepts taken from the module content throughout the course site and/or readings.

• You need to cite at least two scholarly sources, other than the required readings for the module. This may be the source that provides the charge of bias. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find resources.

• Your paper must be formatted according to CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. • If you need assistance with your writing style, start with the links under the Research Help and Writing

Help tabs on the CSU-Global Library’s homepage.

Module 7

NONE SAMPLE

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Module 8

PORTFOLIO PROJECT (300 points)

Important! Read First

Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.

Option #1: Critical Evaluation of a Case

The final project for the course requires that students select and critically evaluate a research topic based on a medium of mass communication in the United States and global society.

For Option 1, select a mass communications medium (broad or specific, new media or long existing). Some sample topics include but are not limited to:

- Cable television - The MSNBC network - Facebook - Broadcast radio - The political blogosphere - A particular blog - A specific newspaper or journal

Write a critical essay analyzing your medium in terms of history, relationships with society and the public sphere, and established categories of media theory and research.

Elements of the completed project must:

1. Describe the current state of your medium, based on credible sources, which can be news-related or scholarly.

2. Explain the historical evolution of your medium: how it originated and came to its current status; what were its antecedents; and what was the role of public activity, the market, government, and technology in its development.

3. Discuss the roles played by organizational, professional, economic, and political factors in shaping the development of your medium.

4. Discuss the implications of your medium for effects on individuals, society, and the public sphere. How is the character and application of your example shaped by individuals, society, and culture, and how in turn has it impacted individuals, society, and the public sphere?

5. Evaluate your scholarly sources, providing a brief comment on the theoretical underpinnings of each. Final Paper Instructions:

1. Include an introduction. It must provide a clear statement of your position on the topic. 2. Your paper must be 8-10 pages in length, not counting the title and reference pages, which you must

include. 3. Support the description of your topic, and your analysis and position(s), by citing course readings, as

applicable, and at least four credible or scholarly sources other than the assigned readings. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find scholarly sources.

4. A credible source is defined as: SAMPLE

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a. a scholarly or peer-reviewed journal article b. a government – based website or publication c. a trade or industry journal article, publication, or website, including those from trade

organizations 5. The paper shall comply with the requirements defined within CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA

Requirements. 6. Refer to the Portfolio Project rubric for grading criteria.

Your paper is expected to have depth and offer a thoughtful analysis. The paper should be based on references to scholarly materials (rather than on introductory textbooks, popular website writings, or musings, for example) and should support your claims with evidence.

The most common mistakes in writing an essay are (a) simply summarizing the topic and not analyzing it or discussing your views and (b) failing to relate the subject to the broader context as discussed in class and as found in the readings.

The paper and preliminary deliverables must be well written and formatted in conformity with the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements

Option #2: Critical Evaluation of a Case

The final project for the course requires that students select and critically evaluate a research topic based on a medium of mass communication in the United States and global society. For option 2, you may select a specific question to address about a mass communication issue. Sample topics include but are not limited to:

- How has social media affected the way the government interacts with its citizens? - Should private media companies be regulated by governmental entities? - How has the advancement of technology changed bias in media? - Do historical media still have relevance in the digital age for distributing mass communications?

Write a critical essay analyzing your topic in terms of history, relationships with society and the public sphere, and established categories of media theory and research. Elements of the completed project must:

1. Describe the current state of your issue, based on credible sources, which can be news-related or scholarly.

2. Explain the historical evolution of your issue: how it originated and came to its current status; what were its antecedents; and what was the role of public activity, the market, government, and technology in its development.

3. Discuss the roles played by organizational, professional, economic, and political factors in shaping the development of your issue.

4. Discuss the implications of your case for effects on individuals, society, and the public sphere. How is the character and application of your example shaped by individuals, society, and culture, and how in turn has it impacted individuals, society, and the public sphere?

5. Evaluate your scholarly sources, providing a brief comment on the theoretical underpinnings of each. Final Paper Instructions: SAMPLE

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1. Include an introduction. It must provide a clear statement of your position on the topic. 2. Your paper must be 8-10 pages in length, not counting the title and reference pages, which you must

include. 3. Support the description of your topic, and your analysis and position(s), by citing course readings, as

applicable, and at least four credible or scholarly sources other than the assigned readings. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find scholarly sources.

4. A credible source is defined as: a. a scholarly or peer-reviewed journal article b. a government – based website or publication c. a trade or industry journal article, publication, or website, including those from trade

organizations 5. The paper shall comply with the requirements defined within CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA

Requirements. 6. Refer to the Portfolio Project rubric for grading criteria.

Your paper is expected to have depth and offer a thoughtful analysis. The paper should be based on references to scholarly materials (rather than on introductory textbooks, popular website writings, or musings, for example) and should support your claims with evidence.

The most common mistakes in writing an essay are (a) simply summarizing the topic and not analyzing it or discussing your views and (b) failing to relate the subject to the broader context as discussed in class and as found in the readings.

The paper and preliminary deliverables must be well written and formatted in conformity with the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.

Course Policies

20% Discussion Participation 0% Opening Exercises 8% Mastery Exercises 37% Critical Thinking Assignments 35% Final Portfolio Project

Grading Scale and Policies

A 95.0 – 100

A- 90.0 – 94.9

B+ 86.7 – 89.9

B 83.3 – 86.6

B- 80.0 – 83.2

C+ 75.0 – 79.9

C 70.0 – 74.9

D 60.0 – 69.9

F 59.9 or below

In-Classroom Policies For information on late work and incomplete grade policies, please refer to our In-Classroom Student Policies and Guidelines or the Academic Catalog for comprehensive documentation of CSU-Global institutional policies. Academic Integrity SAMPLE

Page 14: COM320: Mass Communications SAMPLE - CSU GlobalCOM320: Mass Communications Credit Hours: 3 Contact Hours: This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that

Students must assume responsibility for maintaining honesty in all work submitted for credit and in any other work designated by the instructor of the course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, reusing /re-purposing your own work (see CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements for percentage of repurposed work that can be used in an assignment), unauthorized possession of academic materials, and unauthorized collaboration. The CSU-Global Library provides information on how students can avoid plagiarism by understanding what it is and how to use the Library and Internet resources. Citing Sources with APA Style All students are expected to follow the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements when citing in APA (based on the APA Style Manual, 6th edition) for all assignments. For details on CSU-Global APA style, please review the APA resources within the CSU-Global Library under the “APA Guide & Resources” link. A link to this document should also be provided within most assignment descriptions in your course. Disability Services Statement CSU–Global is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability requesting academic accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Coordinator at 720-279-0650 and/or email [email protected] for additional information to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

Netiquette Respect the diversity of opinions among the instructor and classmates and engage with them in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner. All posts and classroom communication must be conducted in accordance with the student code of conduct. Think before you push the Send button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words? Maintain an environment free of harassment, stalking, threats, abuse, insults or humiliation toward the instructor and classmates. This includes, but is not limited to, demeaning written or oral comments of an ethnic, religious, age, disability, sexist (or sexual orientation), or racist nature; and the unwanted sexual advances or intimidations by email, or on discussion boards and other postings within or connected to the online classroom. If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.

SAMPLE