Syllabus
COM 418 - Mass Media & Public Policy
Instructor – Jim Carney
Wednesdays 3:30-6:00 PM
Office Hours: Wed. 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM &
By appointment
Phone: 960-7733; Carman Room 267 Email: james.carney@lehman.cuny.edu
Course Description:
This course is designed
to expose students to the history and processes which create, influence and regulate Mass Media and Journalism in America. Analysis of the legal, political and organic
elements of media policy will be examined including significant Supreme Court rulings regarding communications matters. Extensive
analysis of the ethics in mass media and journalism will also be a major component of the class. Class will include discussion
and analysis of current examples of ethical and policy matters facing Communications professionals and journalists.
Course Objective
The objective of
the course is allow students to gain an understanding of how mass media has been structured and continues to be influenced
by many diverse in elements ranging from congress, the courts, capitalism and public sentiment.
Course Requirements
This
course requires a minimum proficiency in reading and writing English. Students must be able to prepare assignments in printed
text form either through computer or typewriters. Hand written assignments, except
those prepared in class, will not be accepted.
Attendance
As
we only meet once each week, attendance at all classes is extremely important and expected.
Any more than three absences may subject the student to a reduced grade. If you must miss a class, please let me know
IN ADVANCE of your absence. Material covered in missed classes is the responsibility
of the student and absence does not excuse assignments from being submitted on time. Media
is a deadline-based business and so all assignments are due when indicated on this syllabus or as instructed in class. Late
assignments will be reduced in grade. Assignments may be emailed only by prior
arrangement.
Lateness
For
the courtesy of fellow students and in order to fully get the most out of the course; please make every effort to get to class
on time. Chronic lateness may also result in a reduced grade.
Participation
This class will be participatory
and everyone is expected to join in discussions. A portion of each class will be set aside to discuss observations relating
to course materials seen, read or heard during the preceding week. Students are encouraged to collect samples of written material
or tapes of audio or video material for discussion.
Grade Evaluation
A letter grade will be assigned
to each student consistent with CUNY grading policy, upon the successful completion of the course. Grade distribution will be as follows:
Two quizzes
30 %
Two 3-4 page papers
20 %
Final Exam
30 %
Attendance/lateness,
Participation
20 %
Statement of Academic Integrity
Lehman College and CUNY seek to prepare students
for professional roles within their fields. Congruent to the mission of the College, students are held to high standards of
ethical and professional practice. The knowledge of and adherence to standards
of professional ethics and practice is an integral part of professional preparation.
Faculty members and students have an obligation to maintain high standards of academic integrity established by the
City University of New York. Full information regarding these standards is available in the Lehman College bulletin.
Class Topics (approximate):
Week 1
2/1 Distribution of Syllabus, introductions and discussion of class objectives
Assignment (due 2/8): Read Chapter 1
Week 2
2/8
The US Legal System
Assignment ( due 2/15) Read Chapter 2
Week 3
2/15
The Constitution and The First Amendment (Guest Speaker)
Assignment (due 2/22): Read Chapter 3
Week 4
2/22
Public Safety
Assignment (due 3/1): Read Chapter 4
Week 5
3/1 Quiz #1(on
Chap. 1,2,3 ) Defamation & Libel
Assignment (due 3/8) Read Chapters 5
Week 6
3/8
Right to Privacy
Assignment (due 3/15) Read Chapter 6 & 7
Week 7
3/15
Access and the Media
Assignment (due 3/22) Read Chapter 8
Week 8
3/22
Creative Property. Paper #1
due
Assignment; (due 3/29) Read Chapt. 9 & 10
Week 9
3/29 The FCC & Broadcast Licensing,
Assignment (due 4/26) Read Chapter 11
Week 10/11
4/12 & 19
Spring Recess - No Class
Week 12
4/26
Quiz #2 (on Chapt.4 - 10)
Electronic Media & Content
Assignment (due 5/3) Read Chapter 12
Week 13
5/3
Obscenity & Indecency.
Week 14
5/10
Commercial Speech - Paper #2
due
Week 15
5/17
Last Class, Review & Supreme Court Cases
Week 16
5/26
Final Exam
Text (required):
ISBN 0-534-61794-8 Suggested Reading: ISBN
0-205-28986-X
Communications Law - 4 Ed (2004) Cases in Communications
Law (2002)
John D. Zelezny
Paul Siegel
Wadsworth/Thompson
Learning
Allyn and Bacon
Revised 2/5/06