SALEM STATE COLLEGE, Fall 2004
COM 201: Introduction to Communications
Meeting time: Section 01: MWF 12:30-1:20
Section 02: MWF 1:30-2:20
Professor Brett M. Rhyne
telephone: 978-542-7088
e-mail: brett.rhyne@salemstate.edu
office: MH100B
Office hours: Wednesdays,10 a.m.–noon; Fridays, 11 a.m.–noon.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Catalogue description: A study of the communications media from a variety of
perspectives – historical, psychological, economic, political and social, as well as of the
moral and legal issues raised by technological developments. Course will explore theories of communications with particular application to the analysis of contemporary media.
Global goals: This course is intended to give students an introduction to communication
theory and to communications as it is practiced in this department of Salem State
College. Students will become familiar with some theories of human communication and
media content, as well as the three applications of the discipline we emphasize here —
journalism, public relations and advertising — and some criticisms of each concentration.
Instructional objectives: By course’s end, students should be able to (a) apply proper
AP style to their written work; (b) discuss knowledgeably the events of the day; (c)
explain some basic theories of communication; and (d) express a critical understanding of the communications concentrations of journalism, advertising and public relations.
Structure: This is a discussion course, based on distributed readings, the Boston Globe
and occasional screenings. I may also lecture. Students will practice both in-class and
take-home writing assignments.
REQUIRED TEXTS
AP Style Book and Libel Manual
The Boston Globe
Distributed readings
CLASS MEMBERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Read the Boston Globe every day. Ideally, well-informed people read at least three
daily newspapers, as well as other weekly, biweekly and monthly news periodicals.
Please read the Boston Globe every day.
“Must reads.” I will notify you by email stories you must read for this course from each
day’s Boston Globe. These must reads will be highly relevant to our news quizzes and
class discussions. Please send me an email immediately, to brett.rhyne@salemstate.edu, so that I can compile a class list for distribution of must reads.
News/style quizzes. Given on Fridays, these open-book quizzes will gauge students’
readings of the newspaper and familiarity with AP style.
Two take-home midterms. The midterms will gauge students’ understanding of basic
course principles and theories.
Final paper. Due the last day of class (Dec. 13), the content of the final paper will be
determined by consensus of the students and the instructor.
Class participation. Class participation is mandatory. Communicate your ideas!
Attendance. Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled class meetings. If for some
reason you can’t make a class, please let me know in advance.
Student conferences. I can’t stress strongly enough the importance of communication
between a student and an instructor. I encourage you all to visit me during office hours.
Grading. Class members’ grades will determined by the following formula:
• news/style quizzes: 25% (11 x 2% = 22% + 3%)
• take home midterm 1: 12.5%
• take home midterm 2: 12.5%
• take home final: 25%
• class participation: 25%
SECTION 504
Salem State College is committed to providing equal access to the educational experience for all students in compliance with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act and to providing all reasonable academic
accommodations, aids, and adjustments. Any student who has a documented disability
requiring accommodation, aid, or adjustment should speak with the instructor
immediately. Students with disabilities who have not done so should provide
documentation to and schedule an appointment with the Officer for Students with
Disabilities and obtain appropriate services.
SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS (due on the date indicated)
WEEK 1: Introduction to course & communication theory
Wednesday, Sept. 8: What is communication? What is media?
Friday, Sept. 10: news/style quiz 1
WEEK 2: A mediated theory of human communication
Monday, Sept. 13: Reading: Walker Percy
Friday, Sept. 17: news/style quiz 2
WEEK 3: An activity-based theory of human communication
Monday, Sept. 20: Reading: Yrjö Engeström
Friday, Sept. 24: news/style quiz 3
WEEK 4: A technologically determined theory of media content
Monday, Sept. 27: Reading: Marshall McLuhan
Friday, Oct. 1: take-home midterm #1 due; news/style quiz 4
WEEK 5: An ownership determined theory of media content
Monday, Oct. 4: Reading: Herbert I. Schiller
Friday, Oct. 8: news/style quiz 5
WEEK 6: Communication theory summary
Monday, Oct. 11: Columbus Day, no class
WEEK 7: Documentary screening: The Corporation
Monday-Friday, Oct. 18-22
WEEK 8: Introduction to practice & applied communication theory
Monday, Oct. 25: journalism, public relations & advertising
Friday, Oct. 29: take-home midterm #2 due; news/style quiz 6
WEEKS 9-10: Journalism
Monday, Nov. 1: Reading: Ben Bagdikian
Friday, Nov. 5: news/style quiz 7
Friday, Nov. 12: news/style quiz 8
WEEKS 11-12: Public relations
Monday, Nov. 15: Reading: Dale Carnegie
Friday, Nov. 19: news/style quiz 9
Wednesday, Nov. 24 & Friday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving, no class
WEEKS 13-14: Advertising
Monday, Nov. 29: Reading: Stuart Ewen
Friday, Dec. 3: news/style quiz 10
Friday, Dec. 10: news/style quiz 11
WEEK 15: Course summary
Monday, Dec. 13: Course evaluations
Take home final due