Course Schedule | COM120 home page
KEY DUE DATES
Weeks 1 & 2: Zoom class sessions only
Sept. 7: First day of in-person class sessions
Sept. 18: Exam #1
Sept. 28: Yom Kippur, no class
Oct. 12: Journalism assignment
Oct. 16: Exam #2
Weeks 12 & 13: Zoom class sessions only
Week 14: Thanksgiving week, no class
Nov. 23: Paper is due no, later than 8 a.m. via Blackboard
Dec. 7: Final essay due no later than 8 a.m. via Blackboard (LATE PAPERS NOT ACCEPTED)
WEEK 1. ICEBREAKER, INTRODUCTION & INNOVATION
Class via Zoom (link in Blackboard)
Monday, Aug. 24
What we will talk about:
Introduction to the class
Ourselves
RacialEquityTools.org icebreaker
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 1
*Write a one- to two-page essay on what you watch, read, listen to about race
*Turn it in under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Wednesday, Aug. 26
What we will talk about:
Your essays
Convergence (& different types)
Definitions of Communication
Functions of Mass Communication
What to do for next class:
*Track your media usage for a four hour period. I am asking you to track the time, what it is you're doing, what apps and devices are you using, and are you multitasking
*Use the format I show in class (Excel/Google sheets)
* After you've finished your media tracker, write a 200-word essay reflecting on what types of media convergence you see in your own media usage. Answer the questions I laid out in the Media Convergence lecture and in Chap. 1. Address all three types of media convergence
*Turn it in under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Friday, Aug. 28
What we will talk about:
Your essays
Discuss our devices
Watch Adam Alter's TED Talk "Why our screens make us less happy?
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 2 (pp. 33-44)
*Write a one- to two-page essay answering the following questions: Do you believe what you see and read in the media? Do you question the truth of information, particularly the news? How do you check whether information is correct or not?
*Turn it in under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
WEEK 2. MEDIA LITERACY
Class via Zoom (link in Blackboard)
Monday, Aug. 31
What we will talk about:
Your essays
Lecture on media literacy, framing & media effects
What to do for next class:
*Watch Stephanie Busari’s TED Talk, “How fake news does real harm”
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 2 (pp. 44-56)
Wednesday, Sept. 2
What we will talk about:
Bursari’s video
Lecture on corporate media, media conglomerates & bias
What to do for next class:
*Watch Sharyl Attkisson’s TED Talk, “Astroturf and manipulation of media messages”
*Write a short essay on a modern topic, manipulation of media messages and your thoughts on it
*Turn it in under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Friday, Sept. 4
What we will talk about:
Your essays
Divide into three Zoom breakout rooms (by your attendance cohort) and complete this worksheet
What to do for next class:
*Turn in worksheet under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 3 (pp. 60-70)
WEEK 3. BOOKS, AUDIO & VISUAL
Monday, Sept. 7 -- First in-person class for MONDAY GROUP
What we will talk about:
Discuss worksheets
Lecture on books
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 4
Watch Mark Ronson’s TED Talk, “How sampling transformed music”
Wednesday, Sept. 9 -- First in-person class for WEDNESDAY GROUP
What we will talk about:
Lecture on audio media
LGBT recording artists
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 5
Friday, Sept. 11 -- First in-person class for FRIDAY GROUP
What we will talk about:
Lecture on video media
What do you watch? Why?
What to do for next class:
*Watch Lauren Zalaznick’s TED Talk, “The conscience of television”
*Write a short essay on what you read, listen to & watch (news and entertainment) and what those choices say about who you are
*Turn in worksheet under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
WEEK 4. ROUNDUP & EXAM #1
Monday, Sept. 14
What we will talk about:
Your choices in media consumption
What to do for next class:
*Review and study
Wednesday, Sept. 16
What we will talk about:
Review for EXAM #1
What to do for next class:
*Study
Friday, Sept. 18
EXAM #1 administered via Blackboard
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 6
WEEK 5. INTERACTIVE & SOCIAL
Monday, Sept. 21
What we will talk about:
Lecture on interactivity
Racism & sexism in gaming
ASSESSMENT: Are you addicted to gaming?
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 7
*Answer questions on p. 218
Wednesday, Sept. 23
What we will talk about:
Discuss your answers
Lecture I on social media
What to do for next class:
*Watch Kate Starbird’s short video on disinformation on social media
*Read Here's How Russia Runs Its Disinformation Effort Against The 2018 Midterms, Oct. 23, 2018 – Philip Ewing/NPR
*Read (or listen to) Social Media Usage Is At An All-Time High. That Could Mean A Nightmare For Democracy, May 27, 2020 – Miles Parks/NPR
*Write a short essay about your opinions on this group of readings and viewings
*Turn in worksheet under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Friday, Sept. 25
What we will talk about:
Social media and the spread of disinformation
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 3 (pp.72-91)
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 8 (pp. 221-232)
WEEK 6. JOURNALISM & "FAKE NEWS"
Monday, Sept. 28
No class
Yom Kippur
Wednesday, Sept. 30
What we will talk about:
Lecture on the history of journalism
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap.8 (pp. 232-249)
Friday, Oct. 2
What we will talk about:
Lecture on journalism
Discussion on front-page stories
What to do for next class:
*Watch Christiane Amanpour’s TED Talk, “How to seek truth in the era of fake news”
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap.14 (pp. 385-390)
*Write a short essay about what you think of political news coverage (will discuss in detail)
*Turn in essay under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
WEEK 7. JOURNALISM & POLITICS
Monday, Oct. 5
What we will talk about:
Discuss your essays
Lecture/discuss political news
What to do for next class:
*Watch Jorge Ramos’ TED Talk, “Why journalists have an obligation to challenge power”
Wednesday, Oct. 7
What we will talk about:
Watch “Why reporting on Donald Trump is so difficult” Vanity Fair
Discuss video
What to do for next class:
*Journalism assignment due Monday, Oct. 12
Friday, Oct. 9
What we will talk about:
No class
What to do for next class:
*Journalism assignment due
WEEK 8. ROUNDUP & EXAM
Monday, Oct. 12
What we will talk about:
Journalism assignment is due
No class
What to do for next class:
*Study for Exam #2
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Review for Exam #2
What to do for next class:
*Study for exam
Friday, Oct. 16
EXAM #2 will be administered on Blackboard
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 9
WEEK 9. PUBLIC RELATIONS & ADVERTISING
Monday, Oct. 19
What we will talk about:
*Lecture on Chap. 9
*Begin group assignment on military recruitment
What to do for next class:
*Complete group assignment
*Turn in assignment under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 10
Wednesday, Oct. 21
What we will talk about:
Lecture on advertising
What to do for next class:
*Watch Killing Us Softly 4
*Write a short comparative essay
*Turn in essay under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Friday, Oct. 23
What we will talk about:
Your essays
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 11
*Answer questions on pp. 318
*Turn in answers under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss them
WEEK 10. MEDIA ETHICS & LAW
Monday, Oct. 26
What we will talk about:
Discuss answers
Lecture on ethics
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 12 (pp. 321-327)
Wednesday, Oct. 28
What we will talk about:
Lecture on media law
What to do for next class:
*Write essay on the difference between media law & ethics
*Turn in answers under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss them
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 12 (pp. 328-350)
Friday, Oct. 30
What we will talk about:
Your essays
Lecture on regulation in the digital age
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 13 (pp. 353-369)
WEEK 11. MEDIA THEORY & RESEARCH
Monday, Nov. 2
What we will talk about:
Lecture on theories
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 13 (pp.369-382)
Wednesday, Nov. 4
What we will talk about:
Quantitative vs. qualitative
What to do for next class:
*Group assignment
*Turn in assignment under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Friday, Nov. 6
What we will talk about:
Discuss papers and sourcing
What to do for next class:
Pick topics
WEEK 12. RESEARCH & SOURCING
Monday, Nov. 9
How to use the QU library; Research foundations
Wednesday, Nov. 11
Pick topics & Discussion on paper topics
Friday, Nov. 13
No class
WEEK 13. Paper
Monday, Nov. 16
Discussion on paper topics
Wednesday, Nov. 18
What's next?
Friday, Nov. 20
No class (work on paper)
What to do for next class:
Paper is due 8 a.m., Monday, Nov. 23 via Blackboard
WEEK 14.
No class
THANKSGIVING
WEEK 15. JOBS IN THE VARIOUS FIELDS
Class via Zoom (link in Blackboard)
Monday, Nov. 30
What we will talk about:
Assessment of occupations in mass communications
Read this article
Wednesday, Dec. 2
What we will talk about:
Discussion on final papers
Friday, Dec. 4
No class (work on final essay)
WEEK 16.
FINALS WEEK.
FINAL ESSAY IS DUE VIA BLACKBOARD at 8 a.m., MONDAY, DEC. 7
Weeks 1 & 2: Zoom class sessions only
Sept. 7: First day of in-person class sessions
Sept. 18: Exam #1
Sept. 28: Yom Kippur, no class
Oct. 12: Journalism assignment
Oct. 16: Exam #2
Weeks 12 & 13: Zoom class sessions only
Week 14: Thanksgiving week, no class
Nov. 23: Paper is due no, later than 8 a.m. via Blackboard
Dec. 7: Final essay due no later than 8 a.m. via Blackboard (LATE PAPERS NOT ACCEPTED)
WEEK 1. ICEBREAKER, INTRODUCTION & INNOVATION
Class via Zoom (link in Blackboard)
Monday, Aug. 24
What we will talk about:
Introduction to the class
Ourselves
RacialEquityTools.org icebreaker
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 1
*Write a one- to two-page essay on what you watch, read, listen to about race
*Turn it in under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Wednesday, Aug. 26
What we will talk about:
Your essays
Convergence (& different types)
Definitions of Communication
Functions of Mass Communication
What to do for next class:
*Track your media usage for a four hour period. I am asking you to track the time, what it is you're doing, what apps and devices are you using, and are you multitasking
*Use the format I show in class (Excel/Google sheets)
* After you've finished your media tracker, write a 200-word essay reflecting on what types of media convergence you see in your own media usage. Answer the questions I laid out in the Media Convergence lecture and in Chap. 1. Address all three types of media convergence
*Turn it in under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Friday, Aug. 28
What we will talk about:
Your essays
Discuss our devices
Watch Adam Alter's TED Talk "Why our screens make us less happy?
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 2 (pp. 33-44)
*Write a one- to two-page essay answering the following questions: Do you believe what you see and read in the media? Do you question the truth of information, particularly the news? How do you check whether information is correct or not?
*Turn it in under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
WEEK 2. MEDIA LITERACY
Class via Zoom (link in Blackboard)
Monday, Aug. 31
What we will talk about:
Your essays
Lecture on media literacy, framing & media effects
What to do for next class:
*Watch Stephanie Busari’s TED Talk, “How fake news does real harm”
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 2 (pp. 44-56)
Wednesday, Sept. 2
What we will talk about:
Bursari’s video
Lecture on corporate media, media conglomerates & bias
What to do for next class:
*Watch Sharyl Attkisson’s TED Talk, “Astroturf and manipulation of media messages”
*Write a short essay on a modern topic, manipulation of media messages and your thoughts on it
*Turn it in under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Friday, Sept. 4
What we will talk about:
Your essays
Divide into three Zoom breakout rooms (by your attendance cohort) and complete this worksheet
What to do for next class:
*Turn in worksheet under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 3 (pp. 60-70)
WEEK 3. BOOKS, AUDIO & VISUAL
Monday, Sept. 7 -- First in-person class for MONDAY GROUP
What we will talk about:
Discuss worksheets
Lecture on books
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 4
Watch Mark Ronson’s TED Talk, “How sampling transformed music”
Wednesday, Sept. 9 -- First in-person class for WEDNESDAY GROUP
What we will talk about:
Lecture on audio media
LGBT recording artists
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 5
Friday, Sept. 11 -- First in-person class for FRIDAY GROUP
What we will talk about:
Lecture on video media
What do you watch? Why?
What to do for next class:
*Watch Lauren Zalaznick’s TED Talk, “The conscience of television”
*Write a short essay on what you read, listen to & watch (news and entertainment) and what those choices say about who you are
*Turn in worksheet under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
WEEK 4. ROUNDUP & EXAM #1
Monday, Sept. 14
What we will talk about:
Your choices in media consumption
What to do for next class:
*Review and study
Wednesday, Sept. 16
What we will talk about:
Review for EXAM #1
What to do for next class:
*Study
Friday, Sept. 18
EXAM #1 administered via Blackboard
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 6
WEEK 5. INTERACTIVE & SOCIAL
Monday, Sept. 21
What we will talk about:
Lecture on interactivity
Racism & sexism in gaming
ASSESSMENT: Are you addicted to gaming?
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 7
*Answer questions on p. 218
Wednesday, Sept. 23
What we will talk about:
Discuss your answers
Lecture I on social media
What to do for next class:
*Watch Kate Starbird’s short video on disinformation on social media
*Read Here's How Russia Runs Its Disinformation Effort Against The 2018 Midterms, Oct. 23, 2018 – Philip Ewing/NPR
*Read (or listen to) Social Media Usage Is At An All-Time High. That Could Mean A Nightmare For Democracy, May 27, 2020 – Miles Parks/NPR
*Write a short essay about your opinions on this group of readings and viewings
*Turn in worksheet under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Friday, Sept. 25
What we will talk about:
Social media and the spread of disinformation
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 3 (pp.72-91)
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 8 (pp. 221-232)
WEEK 6. JOURNALISM & "FAKE NEWS"
Monday, Sept. 28
No class
Yom Kippur
Wednesday, Sept. 30
What we will talk about:
Lecture on the history of journalism
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap.8 (pp. 232-249)
Friday, Oct. 2
What we will talk about:
Lecture on journalism
Discussion on front-page stories
What to do for next class:
*Watch Christiane Amanpour’s TED Talk, “How to seek truth in the era of fake news”
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap.14 (pp. 385-390)
*Write a short essay about what you think of political news coverage (will discuss in detail)
*Turn in essay under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
WEEK 7. JOURNALISM & POLITICS
Monday, Oct. 5
What we will talk about:
Discuss your essays
Lecture/discuss political news
What to do for next class:
*Watch Jorge Ramos’ TED Talk, “Why journalists have an obligation to challenge power”
Wednesday, Oct. 7
What we will talk about:
Watch “Why reporting on Donald Trump is so difficult” Vanity Fair
Discuss video
What to do for next class:
*Journalism assignment due Monday, Oct. 12
Friday, Oct. 9
What we will talk about:
No class
What to do for next class:
*Journalism assignment due
WEEK 8. ROUNDUP & EXAM
Monday, Oct. 12
What we will talk about:
Journalism assignment is due
No class
What to do for next class:
*Study for Exam #2
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Review for Exam #2
What to do for next class:
*Study for exam
Friday, Oct. 16
EXAM #2 will be administered on Blackboard
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 9
WEEK 9. PUBLIC RELATIONS & ADVERTISING
Monday, Oct. 19
What we will talk about:
*Lecture on Chap. 9
*Begin group assignment on military recruitment
What to do for next class:
*Complete group assignment
*Turn in assignment under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 10
Wednesday, Oct. 21
What we will talk about:
Lecture on advertising
What to do for next class:
*Watch Killing Us Softly 4
*Write a short comparative essay
*Turn in essay under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Friday, Oct. 23
What we will talk about:
Your essays
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 11
*Answer questions on pp. 318
*Turn in answers under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss them
WEEK 10. MEDIA ETHICS & LAW
Monday, Oct. 26
What we will talk about:
Discuss answers
Lecture on ethics
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 12 (pp. 321-327)
Wednesday, Oct. 28
What we will talk about:
Lecture on media law
What to do for next class:
*Write essay on the difference between media law & ethics
*Turn in answers under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss them
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 12 (pp. 328-350)
Friday, Oct. 30
What we will talk about:
Your essays
Lecture on regulation in the digital age
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 13 (pp. 353-369)
WEEK 11. MEDIA THEORY & RESEARCH
Monday, Nov. 2
What we will talk about:
Lecture on theories
What to do for next class:
*Read Pavlik & McIntosh, Chap. 13 (pp.369-382)
Wednesday, Nov. 4
What we will talk about:
Quantitative vs. qualitative
What to do for next class:
*Group assignment
*Turn in assignment under "Homework" in Assignments
*Prepare to discuss it
Friday, Nov. 6
What we will talk about:
Discuss papers and sourcing
What to do for next class:
Pick topics
WEEK 12. RESEARCH & SOURCING
Monday, Nov. 9
How to use the QU library; Research foundations
Wednesday, Nov. 11
Pick topics & Discussion on paper topics
Friday, Nov. 13
No class
WEEK 13. Paper
Monday, Nov. 16
Discussion on paper topics
Wednesday, Nov. 18
What's next?
Friday, Nov. 20
No class (work on paper)
What to do for next class:
Paper is due 8 a.m., Monday, Nov. 23 via Blackboard
WEEK 14.
No class
THANKSGIVING
WEEK 15. JOBS IN THE VARIOUS FIELDS
Class via Zoom (link in Blackboard)
Monday, Nov. 30
What we will talk about:
Assessment of occupations in mass communications
Read this article
Wednesday, Dec. 2
What we will talk about:
Discussion on final papers
Friday, Dec. 4
No class (work on final essay)
WEEK 16.
FINALS WEEK.
FINAL ESSAY IS DUE VIA BLACKBOARD at 8 a.m., MONDAY, DEC. 7