Version 1.2.6191

1

Division of English and Communication

Communication Department https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/liberal-arts-humanities--

education/communication

COMM 1307: Intro to Mass Communication |#16914 Houston Community College

Online-Anytime Spring 2021 | 16 Week Semester (01.19.2021-05.16.2021

3 Credit Hours

Instructor Contact Information

Instructor: Debra Veal, MA Office Phone: 832-671-4606 HCC Email: debra.veal@hccs.edu Office Hours: Will be arranged by

appointment.

Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear your

concerns and just to discuss course topics.

Instructor’s Preferred Method of Contact Please contact me via The Canvas Inbox Email Tool or my HCC email address listed above. I will respond to emails within 24 hours, Monday, 9AM -Friday 5PM. I will reply to weekend

messages no later than Monday at noon. If you need to reach me by phone, please call me Monday-Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m.

What’s Exciting About This Course

We live in a world awash in media. We consume media messages from the time we wake up to check our emails to the time we fall asleep to our favorite streaming music service. We carry mobile devices with us that provide more music, movies, video series, novels,

magazines, and news sources than our parents had in their homes, offices, and the local library combined! Yet many of us don’t spare much thought for how the media affect us. Or

how we affect the media. That’s what this class is all about!

Version 1.2.6191

2

My Personal Welcome

I decided when I was very young that I wanted to work in mass communications. I spent

over 20 years working in the communications business in broadcast television, corporate communications, municipal government, and education. It has been an even more exciting

adventure than I ever anticipated. I’m looking forward to exploring the world of mass media with you over this semester. I hope to give you the tools to think about mass communication in a new way, as a consumer, and possibly as a media professional one day. I’m looking

forward to learning from you as well. If you have any concerns or uncertainty during the class, please reach out to me as soon as you see an issue on the horizon. The earlier I know

there’s a problem, the more options we have to solve it. And if you’re jazzed up by something in the class, and want to learn more about it, let me know!

Prerequisites and/or Co-Requisites COMM 1307 requires college-level reading and writing skills. Research indicates that you are

most likely to succeed if you have already taken and passed ENGL 1301. The minimum requirements for enrollment in COMM 1307 include placement in college-level reading (or

take INRW 0420 or ESOL 0360 as a co-requisite). If you have enrolled in this course having satisfied these prerequisites, you have a higher chance of success than students who have not done so. Please carefully read and consider the repeater policy in the HCCS Student

Handbook.

Instructional Materials

Textbook Information

To enhance your learning experience and provide affordable access

to the right course materials, this course is part of the HCC

Textbook Savings program that provides inclusive access to course

materials. You can easily access the required materials for this

course at a discounted price, and you will benefit from single sign-

on access with no codes required in Canvas. This course will use

the textbook, Media and Culture (12th edition) by Richard

Campbell, Christopher R. Martin, and Betina Fabos (MacMillan

Education) ISBN: 978-1319058517.

Your Houston Community College student account was billed for

these materials at the time of registration and the price is

guaranteed to be the lowest cost available for your required

materials. It is not recommended that you opt-out of these

materials, as they are required to complete the course. You may

choose to opt-out prior to the Census Date, but will then be

responsible for purchasing the course materials at the full retail

price and access to your materials may be suspended.

Version 1.2.6191

3

For more information about the HCC Textbook Savings program,

contact our bookstore manager, LaTonya Pate, at

sm515@bncollege.com or 713-528-0872.

Other Instructional Resources

Tutoring HCC provides free, confidential, and convenient academic support, including writing critiques, to HCC students in an online environment and on campus. Tutoring is provided by HCC

personnel in order to ensure that it is contextual and appropriate. Visit the HCC Tutoring Services website for services provided.

Libraries The HCC Library System consists of 9 libraries and 6 Electronic Resource Centers (ERCs) that

are inviting places to study and collaborate on projects. Librarians are available online to show you how to locate and use the resources you need. The libraries maintain a large selection of electronic resources as well as collections of books, magazines, newspapers, and

audiovisual materials. The portal to all libraries’ resources and services is the HCCS library web page at http://library.hccs.edu.

Supplementary Instruction Supplemental Instruction is an academic enrichment and support program that uses peer-assisted study sessions to improve student retention and success in historically difficult courses. Peer Support is provided by students who have already succeeded in completion of

the specified course, and who earned a grade of A or B. Find details at http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/supplemental-instruction/.

Course Overview

The following is the description of this course is from the HCC Course COMM Course Descriptions:

“Analyzes communication theory and mass media in 21st century society. Surveys history, operation, and structure of the American communication system. Identifies major legal,

ethical, and sociocultural issues, studies basic communication theory, and the interrelations between media and the individual, media and society, and media and the future. Examines career potential and job prospects in today’s and tomorrow’s electronic culture. Core

curriculum course.”

Version 1.2.6191

4

Core Curriculum Objectives (CCOs) The HCCS Speech Discipline Committee has specified that the course address the following core objectives:

Critical Thinking Skills—to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and

analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. Communication Skills—to include effective department, interpretation and

expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication.

Personal Responsibility—to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Teamwork—to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

1. Recognize and/or evaluate the input of digitization on communications 2. Demonstrate an understanding of media literacy 3. Describe Communication Principles and theories 4. Communicate appropriately and effectively to various audiences

5. Apply elemental competency in the operation of selected media. 6. Understand and explain the terms mass communication (also referred to as media

communication). 7. Describe the development of print media, radio, television, and film. 8. Provide a chronology of some milestones relevant to the advancement of media from

their onset to today.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) Upon completion of COMM 1307, the student will be able to:

1) Recognize and/or evaluate the input of digitization on communications 2) Demonstrate an understanding of media literacy

3) Describe Communication Principles and theories 4) Discuss the development of print and broadcast media, advertising, public relations,

movies, and recordings. a) Subject to use various techniques to help students learn the history of media

communication, and work to influence the use of creativity in the conception of media

strategies for the future. 5) Examine theories about media communication and provide clarification to others about the

significance of the public viewer’s critical eye to reasonably comprehend that which is produced and aired by the media. a) Subject to facilitate students’ recognition and comprehension of theories associated

with media communication, and foster self-confidence to help others view media information more critically.

6) Understand and define mass communication. 7) Understand and explain the functions of the mass media.

a) Through various assigned readings from textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, class

discussions, student & peer presentations, media projects, and practical experience. 8) Understand and describe the development of radio and television and the film industry

and explain the relationships between them.

Version 1.2.6191

5

9) Understand the implications of electronic technology and the Internet on mass communication.

10) *Interpret personal media usage by writing a media intake log or diary of his or her media usage through theory-based information learned in class utilizing MLA or APA

formatting style and guidelines.

Learning Objectives

1.1 Identify each of the seven traditional mass media (books, newspapers, magazines, recordings, radio, movies, and television) and its complementary digital media format.

1.2 Explain how various digital media resemble and differ from their corresponding traditional formats.

2.1 Define media literacy and discuss its importance in the convergent environment of the latest digital technologies.

3.1 Describe various media theories such as those proposed by the Payne/Fund

Studies, Hadley/Cantrill Studies, the Lasswell Model, and various studies of the effects of television on children.

3.2 Identify and discuss some of the latest mass media studies and what conclusions may be drawn about the cause/effect relationship between mass media and their users.

Student Success

The assignments provided will help you use your study hours wisely. Successful completion of this course requires a combination of the following:

Reading the textbook Attending class online

Completing assignments Participating in class activities

There is no short cut for success in this course; it requires reading and studying the material using the course objectives as your guide.

Instructor and Student Responsibilities

As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to: Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades

are to be derived

Facilitate an effective learning environment through learner-centered instructional techniques

Provide a description of any special projects or assignments Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness, and make up Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any

special projects or assignments Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required

Version 1.2.6191

6

As a student, it is your responsibility to: Attend class online

Participate actively by reviewing course material, interacting with classmates, and responding promptly in your communication with me

Read and comprehend the textbook Complete the required assignments and exams Ask for help when there is a question or problem

Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts, and all assignments Attain a raw score of at least 50% on the departmental final exam

Be aware of and comply with academic honesty policies in the HCCS Student Handbook

Assignments, Exams, and Activities

Written Assignments

This class requires two major written assignments. The first is a three-day personal media diary with a one to two-page analysis. The second is a six page research paper on careers in communications. In addition, you will also be assigned various written assignments

throughout the semester on breaking news stories in the mass media.

Exams

This class has four exams. Each includes multiple choice, true and false, fill-in-the blank, and

a written question two to three paragraphs long.

Grading Formula The final grade will be determined as follows:

Exams 30%

Media Log 15% Term Paper 20%

Final Exam 25%

Class Participation 10%

HCC Grading Scale can be found on this site under Academic Information: http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-handbook/

Version 1.2.6191

7

Course Calendar

Calendar for Comm 1307 Intro to Mass Comm Spring 2021

Class #16914 Instructor: Debra Veal

Online On A Schedule

Week 1

Video to introduce the syllabus and textbook content. First day writing assignment. (Students will

introduce themselves to the class and instructor, 1 ½ page paper.) Discuss Term Paper Requirements

Assignment: Read Chapter 1 Mass Communication: A Critical Approach.

Chapter 1 Review/Video: Intro to Mass Communications

Week 2

Chapter 1 Review

Video: The History of Communications

Chapter 1 Review/Study Guide

Video: Great Orators

Week 3

Chapter 1 Test Assignment: Read Chapter 6 Television and Cable the Power of Visual Culture

Chapter 6 Review

Video: Pioneers of Television (Sit-Coms)

Week 4

Chapter 6 Review

Video: Pioneers of Television (Game Shows)

Chapter 6 Review/Study Guide

Version 1.2.6191

8

Week 4 (continued)

Chapter 6 Review/Study Guide

Introduction of Students’ Media Diary/Log Video: Pioneers of Television (Prime Time Dramas)

Week 5

Test on Chapter 6 Assignment: Read Chapter 7 Movies and the Impact of Images

Chapter 7 Review

Video: A History of Cinema, Hollywood’s Greatest Actors

Week 6

Chapter 7 Review/Study Guide Video: Great Film Directors, Hollywood’s Greatest Films

Chapter 7 Test Assignment: Read Chapter 11 Advertising and Commercial Culture

Week 7

Chapter 11/Review

Video: Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood

Chapter 11 Review

Video: The History of Advertising

Week 8

Spring Break Week (March 15 – 21, 2021)

Week 9

Chapter 11 Review/Study Guide

Video: Manipulative Advertising

Version 1.2.6191

9

Test Chapter 11

Assignment: Read Chapter 15 Media Effects and Cultural Approaches to Research

Week 10

Chapter 15 Review

Video: Media and Our Culture

Chapter 15 Review/Study Guide

Video: Media and Culture

Week 11

Chapter 15 Test Assignment: Read Chapter 14 The Culture of Journalism: Values,

Ethics, and Democracy

Chapter 14 Review

Video: The History of Journalism in America

Week 12

Chapter 14/Review/Study Guide Video: The History of Journalism

Chapter 14 Test

Assignment: Read Chapter 2 The Internet Digital Media and Media Convergence

Week 13

Chapter 2 Review/Study Guide

Video: The History of the Internet Pt.3

Chapter 2 Test Assignment: Read Chapter 10 Books and the Power of Print

Version 1.2.6191

10

Week 14

Term Paper Due

Semester Review

Semester Review/Study Guide

Week 15

Semester Study Guide/Review

Semester Study Guide/Review

Week 16

05/10/21 (Final Exam)

Note: This schedule is subject to change.

Syllabus Modifications The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus at any time during the semester and

will promptly notify students in writing, typically by e-mail, of any such changes.

Instructor’s Practices and Procedures

Missed Assignments

Makeups for missed assignments will be allowed only in cases of documented personal emergency. Please do not be upset when I ask for documentation. I do so because some

students may take advantage of the privilege, and I want to preserve it for those students who truly need it. Work schedules do not qualify as a personal emergency, unless you are

called in to cover for a co-worker with a personal emergency and can provide documentation from your employer. Failure of your personal computer equipment or Wi-Fi are not considered an emergency. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete assignments and have

a backup plan. Issues with Eagle Online *may* qualify for an extension. If you have an issue with Eagle Online, contact technical support immediately. Email me with an incident/case

number.

Academic Integrity

Version 1.2.6191

11

I take academic integrity seriously. I expect you to do your own work, with the resources approved for you. First, there is no need to cheat. If you are willing to reach out to me and

do some work, I’m here to help. Second, cheating is disrespectful to your classmates who do their own work. Third, and most importantly, cheating robs you of the opportunity to learn

foundational concepts you’ll need to use your whole life, particularly if you want to be a media professional.

Scholastic Dishonesty will result in a referral to the Dean of Student Services. See the link below for details.

Here’s the link to the HCC information about academic integrity (Scholastic Dishonesty and Violation of Academic Scholastic Dishonesty and Grievance):

http://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/student-procedures/

Attendance Procedures

Class attendance is mandatory. According to our catalog a student may be dropped from a course for absenteeism after the student has accumulated absences in excess of 12.5 percent of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory time). For a three

credit-hour lecture class meeting three hours per week (48 hours of instruction), a student may be dropped after six hours of absences equal to four (4) sessions of one hour

and a half. Students are expected to be online on time. Three tardy log-ins (after 15 minutes of

starting) or two tardy log-ins (more than 30 minutes) will count as one absence.

Notice: Students who repeat a course for a third or more times may soon face significant tuition/fee increases at HCCS and other Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your instructor/counselor about opportunities for tutoring/other assistance prior to

considering course withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing grades.

Student Conduct

Classes are a great opportunity to practice professional behavior. All participants in the class are expected to treat one another with respect and courtesy. If you disagree, do so politely,

addressing the topic or issue, not the person. If someone makes you angry, calmly ask for clarification. Remember, the Internet is not always the most context rich communication medium. If you still feel your classmate has been disrespectful, contact me immediately and

allow me to deal with it.

Racism, homophobia, gender discrimination, and any other personally attacking behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances!

Communication Program Information

The Communication Department at HCC offers the students a variety of courses to help fulfill the Communications portion of their core requirements.

AWARD TYPES: Associate of Arts in Communication

Version 1.2.6191

12

AREA OF STUDY: Liberal Arts, Humanities & Education

HCC Policies Here’s the link to the HCC Student Handbook http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-handbook/ In it you will find information about the following:

Academic Information Incomplete Grades

Academic Support International Student Services

Attendance, Repeating Courses, and

Withdrawal

Health Awareness

Career Planning and Job Search Libraries/Bookstore

Childcare Police Services & Campus Safety

disAbility Support Services Student Life at HCC

Electronic Devices Student Rights and Responsibilities

Equal Educational Opportunity Student Services

Financial Aid TV (FATV) Testing

General Student Complaints Transfer Planning

Grade of FX Veteran Services

EGLS3

The EGLS3 (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System) will be available for most courses near the end of the term until finals start. This brief survey will give invaluable information to your faculty about their teaching. Results are anonymous and will be available

to faculty and division chairs after the end of the term. EGLS3 surveys are only available for the Fall and Spring semesters. EGLS3 surveys are not offered during the Summer semester

due to logistical constraints. http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/egls3-evaluate-your-professors/

Campus Carry Link Here’s the link to the HCC information about Campus Carry: http://www.hccs.edu/departments/police/campus-carry/

HCC Email Policy When communicating via email, HCC requires students to communicate only through the HCC

email system to protect your privacy. If you have not activated your HCC student email account, you can go to HCC Eagle ID and activate it now. You may also use Canvas Inbox to communicate.

Housing and Food Assistance for Students Any student who faces challenges securing their foods or housing and believes this may

affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students at their college for support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so.

This will enable HCC to provide any resources that HCC may possess.

Office of Institutional Equity

Version 1.2.6191

13

Use the link below to access the HCC Office of Institutional Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement (http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/)

disAbility Services HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or

experience academic barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a campus Abilities Counselor as soon as

possible in order to establish reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and Ability Services. It is the policy and practice of HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning

environments consistent with federal and state law. For more information, please go to http://www.hccs.edu/support-services/disability-services/

Title IX Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from inappropriate conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual

assault, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-based misconduct and violates an individual’s fundamental rights and

personal dignity. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and parental status in educational programs and activities. If you require an accommodation due to pregnancy please contact an Abilities Services Counselor. The Director of EEO/Compliance

is designated as the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator. All inquiries concerning HCC policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as

Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to: David Cross

Director EEO/Compliance Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity

3100 Main (713) 718-8271 Houston, TX 77266-7517 or Institutional.Equity@hccs.edu

http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/title-ix-know-your-rights/

Office of the Dean of StudentsContact the office of the Dean of Students to seek assistance in determining the correct complaint procedure to follow or to identify the appropriate academic dean or supervisor for

informal resolution of complaints.

https://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/student-complaints/speak-with-the-dean-of-students/

Department Chair Contact Information

Please see below for the Speech Program Department Chairs’ contact information; the Dean’s contact information is also provided.

Department Chair: Dr. Danielle Stagg Email address: danielle.stagg@hccs.edu

Version 1.2.6191

14

Telephone Number: 713-718-5478 Dean of English & Communication: Dr. Amy Tan

Email address: amy.tan@hccs.edu Telephone number: 713-718-7814