Introduction to Print Media:
A Journalist's Perspective on Communication - Syllabus
Contact: ctracy1@ninthmuse.org
Course Syllabus: Journalism 213-001: (15067) Fall 2007
Dr. Christine Tracy
Tuesday and Thursday 2 to 3:15 p.m., T Strong 200 and TH Halle G07A
Office Hours: T and TH 9:30-10:45 a.m.; 12:30-1:45 p.m. and by appointment
Office: Pray-Harrold 603E, Office Phone: 487-0148
E-mail: ctracy1@emich.edu
Course web site: www.ninthmuse.org/teaching/215.html
Required Text
Media and Culture: An Introduction to Mass Communication. Campbell, Martin & Fabos (Sixth Edition)
The Elements of Journalism. Kovach & Rosenstiel (Copyright 2001). Studying media and their influence necessitates regular monitoring and reading of Web sites, newspapers, magazines, and other and other credible sources of news and information.
Course Goals and Objectives
Goals: Through study of communication theory and its relationship to media and the practice and profession of journalism, students will grow as critical consumers of news and other forms of communicative media. Rhetorical theory, communication models, media logics, and the role of technology will provide the foundation to understand how media work, on whom and why, and the role of journalists in constructing media messages. We will take a rhetorical perspective and use cases and current practices, such as the current culture of newsroom, to better understand communicative media's power and influence and the reciprocal forces that shape and are shaped by media.
- developing a critical lens to consume, construct, and observe print and other media;
- analyzing and apply the NYTimes case as a model for how newspapers change and innovate;
- analyzing the relationship of media and digital technology;
- studying the history and function of newspapers in America;
- understanding the importance of ethics to the practice of journalism; and
- understanding the influence of globalization on the creation, distribution and function of news.
Major Assignments
Examinations: You will take two in-class examinations on the course readings, lectures, and presentations. These will count toward 50 percent of your total grade (25 points each, 50 points total).
Response Papers: Each student will write three one-page response papers throughout the semester.
In addition to submitting a hard-copy of each paper, students are required to post their responses on the class message board in myemich. The paper will follow a specific format and discuss the cases and theories presented in class. The papers are worth 15 points toward your final grade. (5 points each). NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED
News Quizes: Two unannounced news quizzes on the top news stories of the day will count for 10 points toward the final grade (5 points each).
Oral Report: Working in a team of four or five, each student will contribute to a 20-to-30 minute research presentation on a course related topic. Groups will be asked to make a strong case on a particular issue or trend and to lead class discussion and debate on the issue. All presentation topics must be approved by the instructor. This assignment is worth 25 points toward the final grade.
Grading, Attendance and other Policies: Attendance and participation in this class are very important. Both are mandatory. The primary way to do well in this course is to attend class regularly and to do all the assignments. Excused absences are limited to three. Beyond three, absences are unexcused regardless of cause: three points will be deducted for each class missed beyond the three allowed. (See the course contract for details.) EMU policy states that if you miss a total of two weeks or more of class, you should drop the course. Attendance is taken at every class: it is your responsibility to sign the attendance sheet each class.
The most important factors leading to a good grade in this course are consistent attendance and intellectual effort. If at any time during the semester you are concerned about your grade in the course or on a specific project, please set up a meeting with me early in the semester to discuss your concerns. Do not wait until the end of the term to raise questions or issues about previously graded work.
Late Work and Submission Guidelines
You should submit your work on the due date and in the proper format. No assignments should be sent to me electronically without my prior permission. Late work will only be accepted if you consult with me prior to the class period in which the work is due. Response papers are due in class on the assigned day: no late papers will be accepted.
Course Conduct
You are expected to be a courteous, respectful, and conscientious member of our class community. Disrepect in any form or at any level toward me or toward another member of the class will not be tolerated, and you will be asked to leave the class meeting and must meet with English Department Chairman and me before being allowed to return to class. In this context, disrespect means not honoring the intellectual enterprise we create as a community. Using cell phones in class, consistently arriving late for class, consistently coming to class unprepared, inattention, and talking when others have the floor all constitute disrespectful behavior.
Academic Integrity
The EMU Student Handbook defines various forms of academic dishonesty and procedures for responding to them. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with these policies. All forms are violations of trust between students and teachers. In a course on communication, failing to acknowledge accurately the work of another person whose writing you use (whether published author or a student) raises serious ethical concerns. Student-teacher relationships are built on trust. For example, students must trust that teachers have made good decisions about the content and structure of the course, and the teacher should assume that the assignments you hand in are yours (that you are the one who produced them). Acts that violate this trust undermine the educational process.
Please check the course schedule in the course emich space for deadlines and assignment information.