Screenings: Twice during the semester, we will have class screenings of two films, State of Play and Citizen Kane. You will not be required to write anything about these films, but they will appear on the midterm and final, and attendance on screening days is worth double, meaning an absence is equivalent to missing two classes.
Weekly Exercises: Throughout the semester, prepare to perform various task for class related to the weekly discussion. These exercises will range from reading news stories from major outlets for a week to keeping a daily log of your media consumption habits. They’re graded on a pass/fail basis for the week. Don’t stress about them; just have fun.
Term Project: You will conduct an in-person interview with an off-campus professional in a media field that interests you (public relations, advertising, reporting, film editing, etc.). Make sure to record to interview and get a picture of the two of you together to confirm that the interview was completed in person. You will then write an evaluative paper – drawing upon course lectures, discussions and readings – about the media industry according to your interviewee. This is not a Q&A but a paper that allows your source to serve as the practical voice to the theoretical discussions and ideas from class. (7-10 pages)
Presentation: In groups of 2, you will be required to lead a 10-minute discussion on a case study or public figure relevant to media studies. Your group will earn points together. All will be rewarded for excellence; all will be penalized for lack of preparation (long pauses, confused looks at group members, etc.), generic analysis or blandness. If it’s clear your group never met but simply divided things up (this is clearly visible if you all take turns and never chime in when other group members speak), your group will automatically receive a C grade. Your group must raise questions and connect the court case to contemporary examples. Use media clips, photos, websites and other elements to guide the class into discussion not dominate it. Lastly, do not rely on Internet access for any of your media clips; campus wifi is fickle, so download everything beforehand to ensure a smooth presentation.
Midterm: Based on readings and lectures, you will have two hours to complete the midterm exam (no time extensions allowed). Paper will be provided. Bring more than one pen or pencil so you do not have to borrow from others or leave the exam session. All material discussed in class prior to the exam date is fair game. You will receive a study guide the week prior. The exam will consist of true-false, multiple choice, short answer questions, and one essay question. A second essay topic will be available for extra credit.
Final Examination: This is an accumulative exam based on readings and lectures. You will have the entire period to complete it (no time extensions allowed). Paper will be provided. Bring more than one pen or pencil so you do not have to borrow from others or leave the exam session. I will post a review guide on Canvas the week prior to the exam. The exam will consist of true-false, multiple choice, short answer questions, and one essay question. A second essay topic will be available for extra credit.
Weekly Exercises: Throughout the semester, prepare to perform various task for class related to the weekly discussion. These exercises will range from reading news stories from major outlets for a week to keeping a daily log of your media consumption habits. They’re graded on a pass/fail basis for the week. Don’t stress about them; just have fun.
Term Project: You will conduct an in-person interview with an off-campus professional in a media field that interests you (public relations, advertising, reporting, film editing, etc.). Make sure to record to interview and get a picture of the two of you together to confirm that the interview was completed in person. You will then write an evaluative paper – drawing upon course lectures, discussions and readings – about the media industry according to your interviewee. This is not a Q&A but a paper that allows your source to serve as the practical voice to the theoretical discussions and ideas from class. (7-10 pages)
Presentation: In groups of 2, you will be required to lead a 10-minute discussion on a case study or public figure relevant to media studies. Your group will earn points together. All will be rewarded for excellence; all will be penalized for lack of preparation (long pauses, confused looks at group members, etc.), generic analysis or blandness. If it’s clear your group never met but simply divided things up (this is clearly visible if you all take turns and never chime in when other group members speak), your group will automatically receive a C grade. Your group must raise questions and connect the court case to contemporary examples. Use media clips, photos, websites and other elements to guide the class into discussion not dominate it. Lastly, do not rely on Internet access for any of your media clips; campus wifi is fickle, so download everything beforehand to ensure a smooth presentation.
Midterm: Based on readings and lectures, you will have two hours to complete the midterm exam (no time extensions allowed). Paper will be provided. Bring more than one pen or pencil so you do not have to borrow from others or leave the exam session. All material discussed in class prior to the exam date is fair game. You will receive a study guide the week prior. The exam will consist of true-false, multiple choice, short answer questions, and one essay question. A second essay topic will be available for extra credit.
Final Examination: This is an accumulative exam based on readings and lectures. You will have the entire period to complete it (no time extensions allowed). Paper will be provided. Bring more than one pen or pencil so you do not have to borrow from others or leave the exam session. I will post a review guide on Canvas the week prior to the exam. The exam will consist of true-false, multiple choice, short answer questions, and one essay question. A second essay topic will be available for extra credit.