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4 credits Spring 2002 CRN Meets: Tues & Thursday 12-120 p.m. in 221 Allen Hall Office: 205
Allen Hall Office Hours:
Tues 2-4 and Thurs 10-1130 (other times by
appointment) Phone:
346.4189
I shut my eyes in order to see. Gaugiun
Course Description: Overview of theories used to study mediated communication, mass communication, and communication technologies; theory application of media processes; discussions of enduring issues in the field. Objectives: Communication is a symbolically mediated human activity. Individuals, groups, and institutions define themselves and function through communication. The goal of this large lecture course is to introduce beginning students to fundamental ideas in communication studies. It is required of all majors in communications studies and interested non-majors are invited as well. The course covers a diverse range of topics and ideas that span language to mass communication. The course provides you with a basic vocabulary of ideas and concepts as an introduction to communication studies. Grades are based on two exams, a longer term paper, two short (1-2 page) papers, and attendance/participation.
Specific goals include: 1. Oral, written, and visual communication skills that are vital for personal, political, social, and vocational effectiveness. Classes stress discussion, participation and writing. 2. Understanding of theories of communication and modes of criticism that provide classical and contemporary perspectives that are useful for framing and analyzing messages. This includes understanding the philosophical and cultural underpinnings of theories and modes of criticism and their relationship to social critique. 3. Sensitivity to ways that historically and socially constructed differences of class, culture, education, ethnicity, gender, geographical origin, race, and sexuality affect freedom of speech, access to the media, and the pursuit of social justice. Expectations Speaking of attendance and participation, attendance in this class is mandatory and will be taken each time we meet. If for some documented reason you cannot make class you must notify me the day before. A student who misses more than three classes will have his or her final grade reduced one full letter grade. Academic honesty: If you are in doubt of what academic honesty requires, please visit the University of Oregon's web page at http://www.uoregon.edu.
Grading: Test #1: 150 (18%) Test #2: 150 (18%) Short papers (2 @ 50) 100 (12%) Attendance & Participation 100 (12%) Total possible points: 800* (100%) * final course grades are non-negotiable except in the case of mathematical error. |