Course Description
This course introduces aspects of communications and the impact of mass media on the individual and society. The survey includes newspapers, magazines, radio, television, cable, motion pictures, online media, advertising, public relations, theories of communication, and mass communication modes, processes, and effects. We also examine other related areas of study including media literacy, media research, media laws and regulations, media ethics, journalism, and the recording industry. Methods of instruction include textbook readings, online readings and research, discussion assignments, peer comments, and films, TV shows, and podcasts.
This syllabus serves as a contract between you and me for this class. Your continued presence indicates your compliance with the policies and procedures in this document.
Course Information
SPRING 2025: Sections 2653, 2654, 2655, and 2658
3 Units. Transfer: UC, CSU. IGETC: Area 4 Social & Behavioral Sciences (Group 11).
This online course is on Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Canvas login: https://online.smc.edu
Course Objectives
Students will gain an understanding of the history and organization of the media.
Students will explore media’s role in society.
Students will learn how to apply mass communication theories.
Students will learn how to become more intelligent users/consumers of media.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Review and discuss the historical development and impact of mass media industries.
Identify and analyze theories of mass communication.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work or ideas and presenting them as your own without proper credit (Dictionary.com). To learn more about plagiarism, visit Plagiarism.org.
I have designed activities and assignments that discourage plagiarism, cultivate creativity and critical thinking, and are both engaging and personal. Please read each assignment prompt carefully, as I update them each semester/session to prevent plagiarism. To avoid plagiarism, always cite your sources.
Please take a moment to watch this short 3-minute video on how to avoid plagiarism. In Media Studies, we use APA format for citations. If you want to learn more about APA format, check out this video video workshop created by the SMC Library.
Additionally, please review the full "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy" in the "Course Information" module on Canvas.
Course Expectations
Read all Module assignments on Monday. Knowing what is required each week will help you with time management. For example, you may need to listen to a podcast or watch a documentary that week.
It is very easy to fall behind in an online class. Modules will open up weekly on Mondays. This is not a self-paced course. There are no scheduled Zoom or on-campus meetings. Your only requirement is to complete assignments and exams as scheduled in the syllabus. You must be a self-directed student who can plan your schedule to accommodate the deadlines outlined in the syllabus schedule.
You are expected to visit our Canvas course daily. Once there, you will find announcements, emails, assignments, readings, videos, and exams.
Arranged Hours
As stated in the SMC class schedule, this online course has 3 arranged hours per week. If you were taking this course on-ground (in a traditional classroom), you would be required to attend class, for example, on Tuesday and Thursday for 1 hour and 20 minutes each day (e.g., 12:45 pm-2:05 pm). That's 2 hours and 40 minutes of classroom time per week, not including homework time. For this online course, your 3 arranged hours are considered classroom hours, not homework hours. You will need to allot time in your weekly schedule for readings, homework assignments, research, and study time.
Formula for Class & Homework Time
The general rule of thumb for homework time is 2 hours of study/homework time each week for each unit taken. For a 3-unit class:
Class time = 3 hrs per week (1 hr for each unit)
Homework time = 6 hrs per week (2 hrs for each unit)
Total time = 9 hrs per week for one 3-unit class
Required Textbook
Media & Culture: Mass Communication in a Digital Age
13th edition (2022) ISBN: 9781319244934 (MacMillan4 | SMC Bookstore | Amazon | Chegg)
Please only buy/rent the 13th edition (or 12th edition oldest). Content in older editions is way too out of date. Media Studies is a rapidly changing field with new developments, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. The newest edition of the textbook includes the most current information, case studies, and examples. You can buy the 14th edition (2025), which is excellent and includes many important updates, including AI (Artificial Intelligence). However, it is currently expensive and not yet available on cheaper online book retailers like Chegg, so we will use the 13th edition this semester.
Reading the textbook, Media & Culture: Mass Communication in a Digital Age, is essential for your success in this course. As a leading media studies textbook, it explores the most current issues, including the profound impact of the digital revolution on how we live, work, and communicate. The textbook provides in-depth insights into key topics such as the history of media, mass communication theories, advertising and public relations, and social media and mental health—helping you engage with the rapidly evolving media landscape. It aligns closely with our course discussions and assessments, offering valuable context and real-world applications. To get the most out of it, consider highlighting key points and summarizing concepts. Actively engaging with the textbook will enhance your critical thinking skills and deepen your understanding beyond what is covered in lectures. Remember, reading is not just about preparing for exams—it’s about developing essential skills for your academic and professional future. This is a great textbook with a wealth of knowledge, and I hope you enjoy it!