C/L 133 Intro to Mass Media

	COMMUNICATION STUDIES 339 The Internet & American Life
	Spring Semester 2009 TR at 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Olin 201

INSTRUCTOR: Mark D. Johns

Office: Campus House -- Phone: x1347 -- E-mail: mjohns@luther.edu
Office hours: see my schedule

LINKS

Schedule of readings, topics, and assignments (Katie site)		Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky
	JCMC
More Journalism & Mass Communication Resources		Luther College homepage

OVERVIEW

This course explores the history and development of the internet and the various communication media that have emerged from it, such as e-mail, web sites, blogs, IM, listservs, mobile networks, podcasts, etc. Through reading and discussion, students will consider how these technologies have impacted daily life, interpersonal relationships, and American culture.

OBJECTIVES

Each student will be capable of defining computer-mediated communication, will be familiar with the various types of computer-mediated communication currently in use.
Each student will become familiar with the political, economic, and ethical issues currently surrounding use of the internet.
Each student will begin to demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills required to link mass communication theory with cultural understandings and personal internet use habits.
Each student will develop fundamental skills in writing for the various media of computer-mediated communication.

COURSE FORMAT

This class meets for lecture and discussion twice each week. Students who are not present at class sessions deprive themselves of information provided by the instructor that will be essential to successful completion of the course. Even more, they also deprive their classmates of the opportunity for interactive discussion and the sharing of experiences, opinions, questions, arguments and ideas. Each member of the class is expected to prepare for class by completing the readings and other assignments for the day, and to be present, on time, for the entire class period.

READINGS

Reading assignments are noted on the schedule posted on the class KATIE site. It is expected that readings will be completed as scheduled without specific assignment in class. The required text is:

Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations by Clay Shirky. Penguin Press HC (February 28, 2008,
ISBN-10: 1594201536).

This text is available in the book store and should be obtained before the beginning of the second class session.

Additional readings, as noted on the schedule, will be distributed in class and/or made available on library reserve or on the class KATIE site.

OBLIGATIONS, ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

Each student needs an e-mail account. This is the best way to communicate with classmates and instructor between classes. It is essential that you have access to the class world-wide web site to access all required readings.

Your overall grade for the course will be based on a scale of 1000 points calculated from:

Reading & Participation: Being present, on time, prepared and engaged with the subject material in class discussions (may include “pop” quizzes, 150 points).
Writing & Research: Four analysis papers of 3 to 4 pages each, based on course readings and sources independently researched, plus a final paper with class presentation. Papers will be graded on the basis of depth of topic, substance, focus, clarity, the number, quality and intelligent use of appropriate sources, strength and originality of ideas, caliber of writing. (100 points each, plus 50 for presentation, 550 point total).
Quizzes: Four (of five) in-class quizzes (25 points each, 100 points total).
Tests: Mid-term and Final exams (100 points each, 200 points total).

A complete schedule of all assignments, deadlines and exams is posted on the class KATIE site, and will be kept up to date as any changes or adjustments are made through the semester.

OTHER COURSE POLICIES

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