Syllabus

Course Contents

COMM 431 builds on what you learned in COMM 230 (Introduction to Mass Communication). The course offers the participants a deep insight into mass media research. Note that I am using the term mass media in plural (the singular form would be mass medium). Even if the term is commonly used in singular (mass media is, mass media has, etc), I will consciously and systematically use the term in the plural form (mass media are, mass media have, etc).
The course discusses, first of all, some of the classic theories in the field of mass communication, such as agenda setting, framing, cultivation, etc. During this segment of the course, students also become familiar with the name of indispensable authors in the history of mass media research. The work of Marshall McLuhan, Neil Postman, or Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann will be the subject of lectures and readings.
We will also analyze the effect of mass media on very specific areas, for instance, how explicit violence or sexual contents can affect different audiences, or what is the correlation between race and gender stereotypes in the media and the public perceptions of those social groups.
Finally, the course studies the radical change that new digital communication technologies have created in mass communication. Internet revolutionizes the way we receive and deliver information. It makes the ideal of the two-way communication possible. Convergence – or converging media – is the term that defines the new mass communication paradigm. The traditional differences between media contents, genres, formats and platforms are slowly vanishing. Students need to become aware of the impact of the digital revolution on individual, society, and media professions and industries.

Literature:

We will work with original literature (as opposed to textbooks). All the information you need will be available in the learning units.

Grading Elements

Examinations
1st Quiz20%
2nd Quiz20%
Final Exam30%
Case Study20%
Participation10%

Examinations

There will be two quizzes and a final exam, which includes the contents of the whole course. Examinations will exclusively cover material from the learning units. There will be no make-up exams (except for well documented medical emergencies).
Both exams will be completed online. They will be available 24 hours the scheduled day. You will have 90 minutes to complete the quizzes and 3 hours for the final exam.

Case Studies

You will have to write a case study,  worth 20% of your final grade, following the APA style guidelines. The case study should focus on a particular instance of your choice of any of the theories and concepts discussed in the course.
You can perfectly write your case study in 6-8 pages (doubles spaced, font size 12).

Papers are delivered online through the particular assignment’s page in Blackboard Learn. I will not accept papers sent through any e-mail system. Make sure that you attach you paper as a PDF or Microsoft WORD document. If you send the assignment in any other format, I may not be able to open it.

The case study is due the last day of classes (May 8th).

Participation

The grade for participation will be based on an active and positive participation in the online discussions.

Missed Assignments:

Missed assignments will be graded so you receive feedback, but will be worth only half credit (100 pt. paper receives 50 points). This is a severe penalty; it is not fair to others who met the deadlines if we accept yours late. The instructor will not accept any assignment more than one week late. The instructor suggests getting familiar with the Blackboard Vista learning environment and allowing ample time in case of problems.

 General Considerations

Please Note: The instructor reserves the ultimate right to modify the schedule of activities, assignments and tests for the class as it deems necessary. In addition, the professor reserves his rights to assess the overall ability of the students to meet the expectations of the course and will exercise his right to pass or fail the student accordingly.

Attendance

COMM 431 Mass Media an d Society, an entirely online, asynchronous course. In case you do not know, asynchronous means, in the context of online teaching, that we will NOT meet at regular times as a group. You will find online all the material you need to success in the course. You will have the flexibility to work whenever you can plan it in your schedule. It is, thus, very important that you regularly (at least once a day) log into your Blackboard Learn account in order to keep up to date.

Incompletes

The University’s policy on the awarding of incompletes is discussed in the catalog and will be followed in this class.

Academic dishonesty

CCSU has a zero tolerance policy on academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating on homework or exams, and also plagiarism. Demonstrated cases of academic dishonesty can result in severe penalties including receiving an “F” in the class.

To learn more about this subject, please read CCSU’s policy of academic misconduct at http://web.ccsu.edu/academicintegrity/

Special Needs

Please contact me privately to discuss your specific needs if you believe you need course accommodations based on the impact of a disability, medical condition, or if you have emergency medical information to share. I will need a copy of the accommodation letter from Student Disability Services in order to arrange your class accommodations. Contact Student Disability Services, room 241, Copernicus Hall if you are not already registered with them. Student Disability Services maintains the confidential documentation of your disability and assists you in coordinating reasonable accommodations with your faculty.

Diversity Statement

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (“CSCU”) is committed to providing an educational and employment environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment based on protected characteristics, and/or retaliation, including retaliation under applicable federal and state laws for engaging in protected activity. To ensure compliance with federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of its education program or activity, CSCU has developed this Discriminatory Harassment, Nondiscrimination, and Title IX Policy (the “Policy”) that provides for a prompt, fair, and impartial resolution of allegations of protected characteristic discrimination, harassment, and/or allegations of retaliation. CSCU values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of all individuals when resolving allegations during what is often a difficult time for all involved. https://www.ccsu.edu/OEI

I adhere to the university’s diversity policy. Please, take the time to read the whole statement.

Tentative Course Outline:

WeekCourse Contents
Week 0
1/22
to
1/24		Introduction to the Course
Week 1
1/27
to
1/31		Learning Unit 1
Mass Communication Defined:
Week 2
2/3
to
2/7		Learning Unit 1
Social Functions of Mass Communication:
Week 3
2/10
to
2/14		Learning Unit 2
Walter Lippmann
The Triangular Relationship between Mass Media, Public Opinion and Political Power in Democratic Societies
Week 4
2/17
to
2/21		Learning Unit 3
Classics Theories in Mass Communication Studies:
Paul Lazarsfeld: the Benefits of Conformity
The Agenda Setting Effect
Week 5
2/24
to
2/28		1st Quiz 2/28
Week 6
3/3
to
3/7		Learning Unit 3
Classic Theories in Communication Studies:
Framing/Priming
Social Learning Theory
Cultivation Effect
Week 7
3/10
to
3/14		Learning Unit 5
Marshall McLuhan’s
The Medium is the Message
Learning Unit 4
NETWORK
3/17
to
3/21		Spring Break
Week 8
3/24
to
3/28		Learning Unit 6
Neil Postman’s
Amusing Ourselves to Death
Week 9
3/31
to
4/4		2nd Quiz 4/4
Week 10
4/7
to
4/11		Learning Unit 7
Neil Postman’s
The Disappearance of Childhood
Week 11
4/14
to
4/18		Learning Unit 8
Effects of Mass media Contents:
Violence
Week 12
4/21
to
4/25		Learning Unit 8
Effects of Mass media Contents: Sex
4/25 Case Study Due
Week 13
4/28
to
5/2		Learning Unit 9
Persuasion Industries
Public Relations / Advertising
Week 14
5/5
to
5/9		Learning Unit 10
Digital Technologies
The New Communication Paradigm
5/12
to
5/16		Final Exams

University Calendar

Martin Luther King Holiday – No ClassesJanuary 20
100% tuition refund withdrawal deadline (full-time students)January 21
First Day of Classes January 22
Last Day to Add a Course January 28
90% tuition refund withdrawal deadline (full-time students)January 28
100% tuition refund course drop deadline (part-time students) January 28
60% tuition refund withdrawal deadline (full-time students) February 4
60% tuition refund course drop deadline (part-time students) February 4
Last Day to Drop a Course without “W” February 11
Last Day to Declare Audit or Pass/Fail February 11
Full-time to part time status change deadline February 11
Withdrawal Period (no permission required) February 12 – April 22
Enrollment census (5 p.m.) February 12
Presidents’ Holiday Recess – No Classes February 14 – February 17
40% tuition refund withdrawal deadline (full-time students) February 18
40% tuition refund course withdrawal deadline (part-time students) February 18
Spring Break – No Classes  March 17 – March 23
Fall 2025 Academic Advising period March 24 – April 4
Midterm March 25
INC grades from Spring & Summer lapse to “F” (undergraduates) March 25
Summer 2025 registration begins March 26
Fall 2025 registration begins for matriculated students April 4
Day of Reflection Recess – No ClassesApril 18 – April 20
Late Course Withdrawal Period (permission required) April 23 – May 18
Last Day of Classes May 11
Final Exam Period May 12 – May 18
Spring CommencementMay 17
Spring Commencement (inclement weather date)May 18
Non-matriculated graduate level student registration for Fall 2025 beginsJune 2
Non-matriculated undergraduate level student registration for Fall 2025 beginsJuly 14
Top