PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES MDT 1000
Class Hours: 3.0						Credit Hours: 3.0
Laboratory Hours: 0.0						Revised: Fall 08
Catalog Course Description:
	This course critically analyzes mass media, its history and effect on society. It compares media representations of individuals, institutions, issues and beliefs of differing cultures and equips students with media literacy skills. Students study the business organization and production process of print, graphic, audio, film, television, and Web media and professional issues such as copyright and ethics in the converging media workplace. Students learn how to create and deploy various media.
Entry Level Standards:
	Students must be able to read and write at a college level.
Prerequisites:
	Basic working knowledge of PC or Mac computer and the Internet.
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:
	Dynamics of Mass Communication: Media in the Digital Age with Media World DVD Joseph R Dominick, University of Georgia, 10th edition ©2009, ISBN-13 9780073348506
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
	Week				Topic
	1				Design Principles for Communication Media; Language/Communication, Typography & Design, Photography & Graphics, Film and Video,  Internet and convergence
	2				Organization of Content and Narrative Structures; Verbal, Graphic, Auditory, Linear and Non-linear structure
	3				Application of Design Principles in Photographic Media: Historical and Cultural Context; Web resources - ArtStor - Smithsoninan Institution - US Geological Survey - The Getty; Design Principles, What is good design? How do you identify good design?
	4				Chapter 4: Newspapers; Career Paths; Developemnt of Typography & Design; Photography; Library resources - AP Photo Archives
	5				Chapter 5: Magazines; Career Paths; Departments and Staff, Publishing, Audiences; Development of Graphic Design & Typography; Media messages and their impact on violence, stereotyping, sexuality and political content
	6				Chapter 6: Books;  Career Paths; How science, technology, convergence and media influence the design of societal thinking; Development of Graphic Design & Typography; eBooks, AudioBooks - Library
	7				Chapter 7: Radio; History; Career Paths;  Satellite Radio, (XM),  Internet Radio, Wavelengths and Regulation
	8				Chapter 8: Sound Recording; Career Paths; The Digital Age, Industry Organization,  Economic Trends; Recording Industry
	9				Chapter 9: Motion Pictures; Media messages and social violence, stereotyping, sexuality and politics; Movie Careers; Development of cinematic style and Design
	10				Chapter 10: Television; Television’s message: Current topics in news, talk, tabloid; Jobs; Media literacy: critical viewing skills, media ethics; Graphic design and style
	11				Chapter 11: The Internet and the World Wide Web; History, Internet Evolution, Economics, Social Impact; Web-based Media Technologies; Blogs & Social Networking; Convergence & Careers
	12				Jobs and Careers in Media Technologies; Career Planning Resources; Education and Advising
	13				Chapter 15 & 16: Legal Regulation, Ethics and Informal Controls of Media
	14				Media Projects
	15				Final Exam Period
II. Course Objectives*:
	A.			Critically analyze media communication techniques and mediums, expressing (verbal and written examples) how mass media can influence and sway an audience and their decision-making skills. I.1, I.2,  III.1, III.2, III.3,  III.4
	B.			Evaluate and discuss current issues and take ethical standpoints, debating both the issue and how media conglomerates covered the issue. Delve into economics and how financial backing and advertising affects media messages. I.2, I.5, I.6, I.7, III.6, III.2
	C.			Groups will research convergence in the media workplace and present findings in a lecture style presentation format, using visual aids. Create a written report to the instructor that will highlight the benefits and pitfalls of converging more than one media discipline into one department. I.1, I.2, I.4, III.7, III.3 VII.1, VII.3
	D.			Production proposals and projects will identify a client’s goals in terms of needs analysis, scheduling and budgeting. A pitch will be required. This process will emulate the pre production meeting and will focus on acquiring the client and being awarded the bid. Researching the company / client and anticipating the needs and dynamics will be a focus. I.4, I.5, I.6, VII.1, VII.3, VII.4, VII.5, VII.6
	E.			View televised coverage and read print and cyber publications of stories (domestic and international) that cover the same issue. Consider why one source, or perspective is different from another. Choose a point of view and write or discuss why you’ve chosen to represent this stance. I.4, I.6, III.1, III.2, III.4
	F.			Instill a confidence with communication skills – verbal and written.  The course will allow opportunities for students to find and develop their intellectual and critical voice by means of debating current issues, analyzing media and approaching prospective clients for production jobs. I.3, I.5, I.6, III.2, III.3
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the MDT program.
III. Instructional Processes*:
Students will:
	1.			Research, write and present reports that analyze media coverage of current issues, and representations of society. Group and individual presentations will be required. Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome, Active Learning Strategy
	2.			Deconstruct and analyze media messages and representations of gender, race, and socio-economic standing. Critically analyze media portrayals of violence, stereotyping, sexuality and politics. Social/Behavioral Sciences Outcome, Transitional Strategy
	3.			Review magazine and journal articles that discuss current software trends, workplace dynamics or societal reactions to new technologies. Collect and organize information into a deliverable package that will educate the class. Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome
	4.			Submit a bid on a job in one of the following career fields graphic design, video production, Web publishing or photography. Personal Development Outcome, Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome, Transitional Strategy
	5.			Illustrate comprehension of class material on exams, quizzes and in written discussion. These will include an essay component that requires students to present a logical argument supporting a particular viewpoint or explaining a current media theory, a convergence dynamic happening in the workplace, or analysis of a media event. Communication Outcome
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference TBR's goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting course work to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
	1.			Utilize media literacy skills to make informed decisions and consumer choices. A, B, E
	2.			Understand the production procedures for media projects and develop a project. D, F
	3.			Understand the history and evolution of communication technology and design theory. A, F
	4.			Communicate how information science and media technology have changed societal views. F
	5.			Understand copyright law and intellectual property. B, C
	6.			Identify client needs and produce a production project to meet client expectations budgeting and scheduling. C, D
	7.			Research coverage of current topics in print, broadcast and Web media, compare and debate. A, B, E, D, F
	8.			Write reviews of journal and magazine articles on related topics. A, C
	9.			Communicate effective content, narratives, and storytelling in various media projects; and publish the projects in a social networking Weblog they create on the Internet. A, F
	10.			Develop professional attitudes, behaviors, practices, values and ethical standards for media production.
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
	A. Testing Procedures:
			Exams and Quizzes: 500 points
	B. Laboratory Expectations:
		Projects, assignments, class-work: 500 points
	C. Field Work:
		Exhibitions, Film and Media Events or Professional experiences
	D. Other Evaluation Methods:
		Optional Assignments for extra credit
	E. Grading Scale: Total   1000 points
		90-100 %        (900 - 1000)       A  80-89 %          (800 - 899)         B  70-79 %          (700 - 799)         C  60-69 %          (600 - 699)         D  59 % - below   (599 - below)   F
VI. Policies:
	A. Attendance Policy:
		Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities. As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course. Individual departments/programs/disciplines, with the approval of the vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, may have requirements that are more stringent.
	B. Academic Dishonesty:
		The instructor has the primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance of academic integrity.  Plagiarism, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.  A student guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, is immediately responsible to the instructor of the class.  In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed through the regular Pellissippi State procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an F or a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an F in the course.  (Pellissippi State Catalog)
	C. Accommodations for disabilities:
		If you require an accommodation in order to function effectively in this class, please contact the Director for Students with Disabilities by phone at  865-539-7153  as soon as possible. ADA Contact Information Web site: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contacted by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by phone: 694-6751(Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.
	D. Other Policies:
		1. All PSTCC policies regarding tardiness, absenteeism, and academic dishonesty will be strictly followed and applied.   2. An atmosphere of professionalism will be maintained during all discussion of human similarities and differences; inflammatory or inappropriate language will not be tolerated.