Course Syllabus
Athabasca University
Communication Studies (CMNS) 201
Introduction to Mass Media (Revision 1)
CMNS 201 closed November 28, 2007, replaced by current version.
Delivery mode: Individualized study.
Credits: 3 - Social Science.
Prerequisite: None.
Centre: Centre for State and Legal Studies
CMNS 201 has a Challenge for Credit option.
Overview
CMNS 201 examines the effects of media on society from critical and historical perspectives. The main emphasis of the course, however, is on the relationship between mass media and culture-how the media affect individuals, communities, and nations. We examine each of the mass media, as well as new related technologies, in light of how they influence cultural mores. Key themes include the historical development of the mass media, future technologies and potential societal repercussions, and the role of the media in influencing Canadian culture.
Outline
Unit 1: The Media of Mass Communication
Unit 2: Public Relations
Unit 3: Advertising
Unit 4: Newspapers and Magazines
Unit 5: Sound Recordings
Unit 6: Radio
Unit 7: Television and the Moving Image
Unit 8: The Web and Globalization
Unit 9: Society and Media Effects
Evaluation
To receive credit for CMNS 201, you must complete all assignments, and the final examination, achieving a minimum grade of 60 per cent on the final examination and a minimum composite course grade of “D” (50 percent). The weighting of the composite mark is as follows:
| Unit Questions (Units 1 & 2, due Week 3) | 8% |
| Assignment 1 (due Week 6) | 8% |
| Unit Questions (Units 3 & 4, due Week 8) | 8% |
| Unit Questions (Units 5 & 6, due Week 11) | 8% |
| Assignment 2 (due Week 12) | 8% |
| Unit Questions (Unit 7, due Week 14) | 4% |
| Unit Questions (Units 8 & 9, due Week 17) | 8% |
| Assignment 3 (due Week 18) | 8% |
| Final Examination | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
Textbooks
Vivian, J. & Maurin, P. J. (2000). The media of mass communication (2nd Canadian ed.). Toronto: Pearson.
Hallahan, K. (1997). The consequences of mass communication: Cultural and critical perspectives on mass media and society. New York: McGraw-Hill, Primis.
Other materials
The course materials also include a study guide, student manual, and a reading file.