MMC 2000 - Introduction to Mass Communications

Communications Department

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Spring 2024 (630)

Requisites

Prerequisite ENC 0025 or
Prerequisite EAP 1695 or
Prerequisite appropriate score on the college placement test

Course Description

In the progressive field of mass communications there exists an impact of mass media that is a vital presence in life and society. The historical evolution and contemporary developments provide an understanding of the importance of mass communications by examining topics such as newspapers and journalism, magazine and book publishing, radio and television broadcasting, motion pictures, music recording, Internet and social media, advertising and public relations, media law and ethics.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will review mass communication theories, trends, purposes, and relevance by:
    1. identifying the basic elements of communication theories.
    2. examining the characteristics and trends in mass communications.
    3. comparing the differences between various mass communications forms.
  2. The student will assess various aspects of the media on mass communications including historical development, economic, social, political, and cultural impact by:
    1. identifying the major names, dates, and events in the development of mass media, including print, film, electronic, and social media.
    2. examining the economic, social, political, and cultural impact of mass media.
    3. distinguishing the major problems and concerns involved in the media's relationship with the government and the courts.
  3. The student will develop strategies to interpret and assess the impact of freedom of the press on their daily lives and in a globalized society by:
    1. identifying the major names, dates, and events in the development of freedom of the press.
    2. examining the chief concepts, theories, and rights which are related to freedom of the press and other media
    3. identifying the various legal and social considerations which limit and/or define freedom of the press.
  4. The student will develop strategies to interpret and assess the impact of the media on their daily lives and a globalized society by:
    1. distinguishing the ways in which the media have been influenced by social, economic, and political environments.
    2. examining the ways in which social change has affected the mass media and particularly social media.
  5. The student will examine mass media values, ethics, laws, and industry guidelines by:
    1. comparing the types of audiences reached by the mass media in analyzing ethics, laws, and industry guidelines.
    2. determining the ways in which the media influence (or do not influence) the attitudes, opinions, and values of their audiences.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will demonstrate mastery of 70% of the above stated objectives through classroom assessment methods developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

Revised 8/84 DBT 11/15/84 Effective Session 19842 Reviewed C&I 9/25/90 Effective Session 19911 3 YR C&I Review 8/94 3 Year Review 9899. Effective date Session 20011. 2002 3-Year Review. 2006 3 Year Review. Amended prerequisites effective 20112(0450). 3-Year Review 2010: Acceptable As Is
C&I Approval: 07/21/2023, BOT Approval: 09/19/2023, Effective Term: Spring 2024 (630)