Skip to main contentSkip to footer

MEA 100 - Mass Media and Society - Jon Amador

Course:Mass Media and Society
Professor:Jon Amador
Email:jon.amador@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

Welcome to Mass Media and Society MEA-100 online section. This orientation letter is provided to give you a sense of the purpose, workload, and learning goals for the course. Because the course is 100 percent online, we will not meet on-campus for the duration of the course. All tests, exams, assignments, and conferences will be conducted online. There will be an official schedule published on the 1st day, and you will access this from the online course management system. For COC, we use a software program called Canvas; access to the course is included with your paid registration. The link to the course is: https://coc.instructure.com

Course Description

Mass Media & Society surveys and evaluates the mass media. We analyze, compare, and discuss concepts related to mass media and their effect on society, using media from the Internet, newspapers, magazines, radio, sound recordings, television, motion pictures, advertising and public relations. This course of study requires the reading of various materials (both online and via a course textbook), viewing of online websites and news media, and your participation in online research and discussion with colleagues. By the end of this course, you will be able to analyze the relationship between media and society, and how it affects form and content in mass communication.

Course Objectives:

Upon satisfactory completion, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the basic model of communication, and its implications in defining mass communication
  2. Distinguish key historical and technical developments in mass communication
  3. Describe how new media technologies and trends redefine “audience”
  4. Compare and contrast economic structures of mass media including organizational models, revenue streams, principle means of economic support and consumer impact
  5. Analyze how mass media impacts social, political, cultural and economic forces in the United States and abroad
  6. Recognize how specific media industries influence mass media content and meaning
  7. Compare ways in which various news media cover the same event or story
  8. Explain regulation of the mass media
  1. Analyze legal responsibilities of the mass media and issues regarding individual consumers’ rights
  2. Describe how globalization and corporatization of public communication affect consumers

What to Expect in this Course

MANDATORY ATTENDANCE DURING THE FIRST 72 HOURS OF THE COURSE:

In order to be counted as “present” and attending the course, the college requires that you attend the first day of instruction, and begin to complete coursework at that time. IMPORTANT: If you do not login and complete the first assignments by the third day of the session you will be dropped from the course (aka “No Show” Drop). FOR THIS COURSE, You need to login, and complete the instructions and tasks located in the Mandatory Orientation Module, no later than 72 hours from the start date of the course.

Types of Assessments

The course involves assigned reading from the official course textbook, articles and video clips from websites, and various news and other audio/visual media online. Coursework consists of short research and viewing of media assignments, discussions, tests, and exams to do according to a prescribed schedule.

Textbook Information / Link to ZTC Textbook

IMPORTANT:  IN ORDER TO PROCEED WITH THE COURSE, you will be required to either rent or purchase the course textbook, PLUS a supplementary digital media tool called LaunchPad. Together, the text and LaunchPad will contain all the reading, viewing, and critical thinking activities in the course.

The following are required learning materials for this course. You need to obtain BOTH the Textbook, AND the LaunchPad eLearning supplement.

Campbell, Richard. Media & Culture: Mass

Communication in a Digital Age, 13th Edition.

MacMillan. 2022

 

NOTE: Whether you choose to rent or purchase the text, you must select the correct bundle, which includes the text PLUS the supplemental LaunchPad courseware for the 13th Edition only (12th edition is no longer used).

Choose from the two options below:

 

 

Option 1. Obtain all-Digital materials from either our publisher direct, or through our campus bookstore

Most Popular option: rent both the eText (digital only, no print), PLUS LaunchPad supplemental courseware Access is for one term: CHOOSE EITHER:

Publisher’s direct link (publisher’s student store):

ISBN:9781319365769

Make sure to match the ISBN before confirming your selection.

OR

Barnes and Noble Campus Bookstore online option (eText plus LaunchPad digital supplement):

ISBN:9781319365752

SKU: 220_844004987_new

Edition: 13TH 22

Publisher: MAC HIGHER

ISBN 13: 9781319365752

Make sure to match the ISBN before confirming your selection.

 

 

Option 2. Obtain Printed materials, AND LaunchPad supplemental materials from either our publisher direct, or through our campus bookstore

Rent or Purchase both the Print Textbook (bound or looseleaf), PLUS LaunchPad supplemental courseware CHOOSE EITHER:

Publisher’s direct link (publisher’s student store):

IMPORTANT: CLICK THE BLUE “PACKAGES” TAB, Then select either the Loose-Leaf PLUS LaunchPad option,

ISBN:9781319477516

OR

Select the Paperback PLUS LaunchPad option

ISBN:9781319477493

Make sure to match the ISBN before confirming your selection.

OR

Barnes and Noble Campus Bookstore online option: (Print text plus LaunchPad digital supplement)

ISBN:9781319477509

SKU: 220_844004988_new

Edition:13TH 22

Publisher: MAC HIGHER

ISBN 13:9781319477509

Make sure to match the ISBN before confirming your selection.

Other Relevant Course Information

All course materials for this course are delivered online; your computer and Internet connection should be outfitted for basic online communication to include:

  • A Mac OS, PC/Windows OS (Windows XP or higher), or Linux OS-based computer;
  • An Internet connection (broadband speed recommended for video and chat features);
  • A current web browser (Google Chrome recommended, however, Firefox, Safari, IE 9, should work as well);
  • QuickTime player software for viewing video materials (free player, available through Apple’s website at: http://apple.com/quicktime/download/
  • Adobe Reader software installed, (this is pdf file viewer to read online articles, available for free from Adobe at: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
  • There will additional software used for scheduled online meetings (these are synchronous ‘real-time’ meetings held online, on dates listed below); the CCC Confer web conferencing software will be used for real-time communication via web conferences (see below).
  • CCC Confer can be accessed here (software/system is free of charge): http://www.cccconfer.org.
  • Workload for online classes: Because we don’t meet on-campus, there are additional assignments and activities that require online research. On average, students will spend between 90-130 hours of study for this course over the full-length semester. If at any point in the session you have difficulty keeping up with course content/assignments, please do not hesitate to contact me; I will also make an effort to check in regularly with you via
  • Circumstances may arise which require modifications of the above guidelines and the following schedule of assignments for the course, as deemed necessary by The instructor reserves the right to make necessary changes, in compliance with COC academic policies.

CANVAS

  • Log-in to canvas at coc.instructure.com on the first day of the course.
  • For any Canvas related issues please call Canvas Student Support:
    (661) 362-3344 during college business hours or (877) 889-9052 for 24/7 support.
  • For technical support using Canvas, visit the Canvas tech Support page for students.

TECH READY CHECKLIST

  • You will need regular access to a reliable computer with stable, high-speed internet connection.
  • Microsoft Word. You can download the Microsoft Office Suite for FREE as part of your school My Canyons account (my.canyons.edu)
  • A Canvas smartphone app is available to download! (Canvas by Instructure)

HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR ONLINE STUDENTS

  • The Learning Center (TLC) provides FREE face-to-face and ONLINE tutoring, proctoring for courses that have required proctored exams, Study Jam review sessions, computers with over 300 software programs, and more! Go to: canyons.edu/TLC
  • Academic Accommodation Center (AAC) provide educational services and access for eligible students with documented Find information about this program and how to access these services at: www.canyons.edu/AAC
  • Online Counseling can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration. Visit the Online Counseling website to learn
  • Quest for Success is an online learning experience that can help you master the skills you need to be effective in an online or hybrid course.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

College of the Canyons cares about your emotional and physical health. Learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including free counseling and mental health services available during this time by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center website or by calling them at: 661-362-3259.

The National Suicide Lifeline number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK). Please call it if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress - it could save someone's life.

You can also use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. It's free, available 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 09/01/2022 Sub#: 1200