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
Discussion Boards	30%
Reflection Papers (2 @15% each)	30%
Exam #1	10%
Exam #2	10%
Exam #3	10%
Exam #4	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 and below	F

Attendance/Participation:

Though this section of MST 100 is online asynchronous, students are expected to view course lectures, read assigned chapters, adhere to assignment guidelines, and submit work on time. Online engagement is a requirement for this course.

Regular class participation 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 participation, accept it as a personal responsibility, and apprise themselves of the consequences of poor engagement.

Student-athletes must make prior arrangements in advance for any conflicts with their schedule and due dates for this course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Campbell, R., Martin, C. R., Fabos, B., & Becker, R. (2022). Media & culture: Mass communication in a digital age. 13th edition.

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate, and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.