MCA-131: Introduction to Media Communication

School
Liberal Arts
Division
Communication & Media
Department
Media Communication Arts
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Media Communication Arts
Course Number
131
Course Title
Introduction to Media Communication
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Eligible to take ENG courses at HFC.
Catalog Course Description

A survey course investigating the various electronic communication media, as well as print media, from historical, economic, ethical, and social viewpoints.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement

To introduce and develop media literacy in students, by studying the history and major critical issues of the electronic, social, and print media of today, especially in regard to the “consumption” of news but also entertainment as provided by the media monopolies and how it all affects our everyday lives and our relationships to our society and our world.

Core Course Topics
  1. Mass Communication, Culture and Media Literacy
  2. Convergence and Reshaping of Mass Communication
  3. Books
  4. Newspapers
  5. Magazines
  6. Film
  7. Radio, Recordings, and Popular Music
  8. Television, Cable, and Mobile Video
  9. Video Games
  10. The Internet and Social Media
  11. Public Relations
  12. Advertising
  13. Theories and Effects of Mass Communication
  14. Media Freedom, Regulation, and Ethics
  15. Global Media
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Define mass communication and relate how media literacy is critical and necessary in all aspects of it.
  2. Explain the role of converging media in changing political and cultural dynamics on the local, national and global stage.
  3. Illustrate the history of how print communication technologies originated and developed into what they are today (i.e. books, newspapers and magazines).
  4. Illustrate the history of how electronic and digital communication technologies originated and developed into what they are today (i.e. film, radio, recordings, TV, cable and mobile video, social media, video games, Internet and world wide web).
  5. Identify the behind-the-scenes operations and decision-making processes of all major telecommunication industries.
  6. Compare and contrast a variety of relationships between the media and their audiences, and analyze what the role of PR and Advertising has evolved into in the changing times.
  7. Justify the general theory that media content provides insight into ourselves and our culture, and explain the value and importance in media effects research.
  8. Know of the ongoing government regulation of the U.S. media, as well as the constitutional and principles that guide it.
  9. Analyze the ethical and philosophical issues that arise in media culture, and contrast the range of viewpoints regarding each issue.
  10. Develop and assess a realistic world view based on an appropriate plan for media use, and compare and differentiate global media with that of U.S. media.
Detailed Learning Objectives (Optional)

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  • Tests on key historical events, persons, laws, and theories.
  • Evaluation of critical writing assignments.

Outcomes

General Education Categories
  • Humanities and Fine Arts
MTA Categories
  • Category 5: Humanities and Fine Arts
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No

Credit for Prior College-Level Learning

Options for Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Other Exam
Other
Effective Term
Winter 2024