Instructor: Tim O'Shei, Lecturer in Communication
E-mail: osheitw @ buffalostate.edu
Phone: 878-6008
Fax: 878-6730
Office: Bishop 210
Catalog Description: Role of mass media in the lives of individuals and society; exploration of development, structure and technology of media, as well as social, economic, ethical and related issues; focus on roles of both consumers and producers of media.
Prerequisite: None. Humanities core course.
Text: Baran, S.J. (2007) Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy & Culture (7th edition)
Students in COM-100 will be treated as they can expect to be treated in the work place; that is, as adult professionals, each responsible for his/her own performance.
Attendance: You are expected to come to every class meeting on time and prepared to participate. Missing three classes means you miss more than 15 percent of the class meetings; this will prevent you from getting higher than a C grade.
Participation: Active class participation involves more than mere physical presence. You are expected to be actively involved in this class. Take the initiative in discussion and projects; ask relevant questions; contribute to the over-all learning environment of this class. This is known as active learning. Class discussions will be wide-ranging and open; no relevant topic will be off-limits. Students are encouraged to share their media experiences, insights and professional observations. Class discussions must be conducted in an environment of respect and tolerance – both for people and for their ideas.
Assignments: You will receive ample notice of assignment deadlines. All writing assignments must be typed and proofread. Assignments are due on the assigned day, either in class or in the instructor's office prior to 5 p.m. Late assignments will be accepted only until the next class meeting, with a 10-point late penalty. No assignment will be accepted after the next class meeting, and a zero grade will be entered.
Workload: Each student begins this class with the presumption that s/he is an average student capable of undergraduate work. Students will determine their grade from this basis according to their academic performance. SUNY criteria for minimal out-of-class work is two hours for each hour of class time; students should expect to spend adequate time in reading, researching and writing homework assignments, and studying for exams. This is known as independent learning, a hallmark of an educated person.
Academic Integrity: Each student is expected to make an honest effort in this class and to be scrupulous in maintaining academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated, and college guidelines on academic misconduct will be enforced.
Special Needs: Students with disabilities or special needs should contact the Office of Disability Services (878-4500). Based on recommendations from that office, students may receive needed assistance, such as additional time or a quiet space to take exams, a reader for exams, and so on.
Final Grade: The course grade will be calculated according to the following formula:
Several videos will be used during the semester. Copies have been placed on reserve in Butler Library for students who wish to review them outside of class and in preparation for the exams. See Videos on Reserve
Additionally, several readings beyond the text will be assigned. Some of these will be class hand-outs. Others will be available on-line through Internet Web sites or through the on-line resources of Butler Library.