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COM 226
MASS MEDIA & SOCIETY
Fall, 2021
ONLINE
Lecturer: Dr. Jeffrey Bolt E-Mail: j.bolt@csuohio.edu
Required Text:
Bryant, J., Thompson, S., & Finklea, B. W. (2013). Fundamentals of media effects (2nd edition).
Lake Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press
Course Purpose:
This course is designed to increase your understanding of research and theory of the impact of
media on individuals and society. It will help you become a more aware and critical consumer of
media. We will begin with an overview of the scientific approach to the study of media. Then,
we will review theory and research on media effects within a variety of areas, including media
violence, sexual media content, frightening images, news, political media content, media
stereotypes, and new media technologies.
Course Content:
Throughout this course you will be assessed through thirteen weekly quizzes (noncumulative), a
content analysis assignment (annotated bibliography and original research), and participation in
thirteen weekly discussion boards. The quizzes (10 points each) will consist of ten multiple-
choice questions and must be completed in fifteen minutes. Each student will conduct a content
analysis (35 points) for two hours in one particular medium (television program, radio broadcast,
video game, etc.) After conducting the analysis, each student will write up his or her results and
implications (more details on this assignment will be provided in a separate learning module). In
addition, each student will complete an annotated bibliography on two scholarly published
articles related to their own content analysis. Finally, each week a new discussion board will be
posted. To earn full credit (5 points), each student must created an original thread that spawns the
discussion beyond what has already been discussed and must contribute to the dialogue of
another student’s thread.
NOTE: If you are struggling in the class, PLEASE email me. Waiting until week 14 of the
semester is too late for you to tell me you are having problems. If you have any questions about
whether or not you think you might be cheating and/or plagiarizing, talk to me. I am willing to
help you to succeed but you must seek me out. As an instructor I will work tirelessly to help
you in any way possible but you must start the dialogue.
About the Online Environment:
Although an online environment offers many advantages to students, online learning is a very
challenging experience and may not be suitable for everyone. For example, while offering much
flexibility, an online course requires a high level of self-discipline and self-motivation. Students
who failed online courses in the past tended to have the misconception that online courses
require less time studying. This is not true! Like a conventional onsite course, in order to perform
well, you have to invest a great deal of time and effort into learning. Students who succeed in the
past were able to cultivate and rigorously exercise a learning routine on a daily basis. It is much
more effective to study two hours a day everyday than to devote a whole day studying every
week.
Communication presents another significant challenge to online learning. Online communication
filters out much of our nonverbal cues on which we rely so much when communicating in
person. Because online communication is prone to misunderstanding, we need to be mindful and
responsible in how and what we write online and to be reflective on our communication
behavior.
Assignment Submission and Late Work:
Writing Assignments should be submitted to the "Assignment Drop Box" in
Blackboard. Assignments submitted through email, fax, or postal service will not be accepted.
You are responsible for completing work on time and meeting all the deadlines for assignments.
