Welcome Message
Welcome to the Course
Welcome to the course COMM 230 Introduction to Mass Communication.
In this first welcome message, I will discuss the contents of the course, the learning material (readings and audiovisual material), and the grading elements.
As I explained in the syllabus, I am using the term mass media in plural (the singular form would be mass medium). When we talk about mass media, we refer to different channels to reach broad audiences, such as cinema, television, radio, newspapers, Internet, or traditional books. Even if the term is commonly use 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).
But before I would like to introduce myself.
Personal Introduction
My name is Jose Carlos del Ama.
Although I originally come from Spain, I have spent the most important part of my life and academic career in Germany. I received my PhD from the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz.
Before I came to the United States in 2003, I had been teaching and researching in Spain at the Universidad de Navarra (Pamplona) and in Germany at the above mentioned university.
My emphasis areas of teaching and research are
public opinion research,
Mass media effects
persuasive communication,
new technologies and
filmic narrative.
More information about the instructor, you can become in this link:
Learning Material
We will not have any particular textbook in this course. Instead of that, I have created learning modules with different contents: online lectures, book chapter, journal articles and audiovisual material. Again, this is a reading intensive course. You need to know the readings in order to success in this course.
I have also placed an edition of the different books used in the course in the reserve room at CCSU’s library, in case you need to consult, are interested in going into depth in any of the subjects, or simply prefer to work with a traditional book (as opposed to electronic files).
About the Contents
The main goal of this course is to help you gain awareness of the role of Mass Communication in our society.
Mass media are a constant reference in the individual process of socialization. They accompany us in our growth as citizens and become a necessary reference in the process of shaping our identity. Through the media we are exposed to a myriad of messages that try to influence the way we think and act. In this course, we will reflect on how we use those media, with which purpose. We need to learn which are the fundamental needs we satisfy with media usage. And, of course, mass media do not only have an effect on individuals. Newspapers, radio, TV strongly influence the political discourse and the economic development of the country.
The course offers a survey on the historical development of print (books, newspapers, magazines), audio (radio), and audiovisual media (film, TV).
The different professional fields that use mass media to reach their target audience are also an important focus of the course. We will analyze similarities and differences between journalism, advertising and public relations.
In the last years, an actual revolution is taking place in the field of mass communication. New digital communication technologies are changing the ways messages are produced and delivered through traditional or channels. This process, known as convergence, will be analyzed in detail in this course. We need to reflect on how converging media might affect all possible aspects of our culture, of our lives.
Learning Modules
The learning modules you will find in the course contents folders are the key to success in this course. Thus, it is important that you are using them properly.
Every learning module contains three basic types of material:
- Online Lectures
- Book Chapters and Journal Articles
- Audiovisual Material
Grading Elements
- 1st Quiz 25%
- 2nd Quiz 25%
- Final Exam 35%
- Participation 15%
The three quizzes and the final exam will have the same format: short essay questions. You can perfectly answer each question in 200-250 words. The quizzes will cover the contents of the learning modules for every week and the supplemental material (video). The final exam covers the contents of the whole course.
You will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete every quiz and 3 hours for the final exam. The quizzes will be available the whole day scheduled for the exam. The final exam will be available for three days. Still, be aware that time starts running when you begin the assessment.
I will post the examinations following dates:
- 1st Quiz – Friday April 5
- 2nd Quiz – Friday April 19
- Final Exam – (May 6, 7, 8)
The participation grade will be based on the discussions forums and the quality and quantity of your entries. Every week, I will post a discussion subject related to the contents of the corresponding learning modules. The forum will be open Monday through Friday.
Interaction with the Instructor
Please, use the “Contact the Instructor” area in the course’s main menu to ask questions related to this course. I am in Blackboard Learn several hours every day and check regularly your messages.
Good luck!