Understanding Media

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Gain an understanding of the history of the development of media from the beginnings of interpersonal communication and the first uses of media up to the varied and expanding forms of current-day media. Included in this discussion will be basic theories of the communication process and how society has learned to utilize media to communicate.
• Gain basic knowledge about the mechanics of contemporary mass media, including print, motion pictures, radio, television, cable, and digital media. Included in this discussion will be information on how to pursue a career in the various forms of media.
• Gain a working knowledge of the vocabulary and vernacular of contemporary mass media.
• Be provided with an orientation to the Media Studies major at UNCG, including the curriculum requirements and policies and procedures of the Department of Media Studies.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Professional Pathways & Career Plan	30%
Personal Exploration Media Project	40%
Class Discussion and Participation	20%
Media Studies Departmental Engagement	10%

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
100-93	A
92-90	A-
89-87	B+
86-83	B
82-80	B-
79-77	C+
76-73	C
72-70	C-
69-67	D+
66-63	D
62-60	D-
59 & below	F

Attendance/Participation:

Regular class attendance is a responsibility and a privilege of university education. It is fundamental to the orderly acquisition of knowledge. Students should recognize the advantages of regular class attendance, accept it as a personal responsibility, and apprise themselves of the consequences of poor attendance.

It is your responsibility to keep in contact with me if you will miss class.

You may have two absences (excused or unexcused) before your grade begins to drop. All unexcused absences after 2 will drop your final grade by 5 points per absence (based on 100 possible points). Any additional absences after 5 could result in the student being removed from the course or failing it.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.