100. Public Speaking. Not open to seniors.
(3). (Excl).
This course is recommended for students who will be pursuing degrees
or careers in teaching, law, business, administration, or politics
and others who are concerned with communicating effectively with the general public. Course topics include audience and speech
analysis, source credibility, stage-fright, techniques of persuasion, and ethics. The ultimate purpose of the course is to encourage
more effective communication by providing students with instruction
and experiences which help them to be at ease before audiences
and which encourages them to develop and present messages which
have maximum audience impact. You must be present at the first
two class meetings to hold your spot. WL:1
103. Introduction to Mass Communication. Not
open to seniors. (4). (SS).
Providing an introduction to mass communication, this course examines the history and current processes involved in the creation of
media products as part of American culture. The course analyzes
political, economic, social and moral factors confronting television, radio, movies, news, advertising, public relations, book publishing, magazines, music videos and sound recording. Three lectures or
viewings per week plus one discussion section. Three or four short
writing projects required with emphasis on critical analysis of
media. Two exams. [WL:1] (Campbell)
202. Freedom of Expression. (3). (SS).
This course focuses on First Amendment protection of speech and expression. There is study of U.S. Supreme Court decisions and general principles of First Amendment law. Emphasis is given to
how discrimination against oppressed groups has been involved
in struggles for free expression. Topics covered include civil
rights protests, television and film censorship, book-banning, libel, advertising restrictions and free speech on university
campuses. There are 3 exams of equal weight and students may write
extra credit papers. Cost:2 WL:1 (Lowenstein)
250. Information Gathering for Mass Media. (3).
(Excl).
This course teaches the strategies used in seeking information
and evaluating its validity in a number of mass media applications, including journalism, broadcasting, marketing, media research
and public relations. The basic approach combines research methods
used by librarians and journalists in a problem-solving model that applies to many tasks in the information industry. Institutional, human, library and data base and special sources are examined.
A computer game helps introduce the search strategy model. There
are lectures and weekly assignments. There is a final project, not a final exam. Preference is given to Sophomores and Juniors
who are Communication concentrators. The course should be taken
prior to other writing courses in the department. [Cost:2] [WL:1]
(Marzolf)
301(401). Mass Communication Theory. (3).
(Excl).
This lecture and discussion course will present a broad overview
of the various theories of mass communication processes and effects
on individuals and the social system. Mass communication effects
on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals, as well
as influences on the functioning and ideology of social systems
will be covered. After initial review of basic social scientific
concepts and methods necessary for an understanding of the reading
material the course will give to the examination of theory and research efforts, proceeding, in general, from investigations
of individual to societal-level processes. Critical reading and evaluation of social scientific theory and research is expected, and is developed. Grading will be based on midterm, a final, and a paper, in addition to occassional section assignments. Cost:2
WL:4 (Waks)
302. Writing for the Mass Media. Comm.
290, or permission of instructor. (3). (Excl). May be repeated
for a total of 6 credits with permission of concentration advisor.
SECTION 002. The course provides an integrated approach to
mastering the basic concepts and techniques for feature writing
for the mass media. It is anticipated students will offer their
work to area media for publication. Multiple writing assignments
will foster improved writing and test students' mastery of course
material. It is anticipated students will write three papers of
approximately five pages each, revised one or more times. In addition, students will write additional assignments on outlining, character
development, and the analysis of other writing. Students will
receive written criticism, as well as oral evaluation by the instructor.
Students will also be expected to attend one or more readings
by visiting writers, as well as participate in class discussion.
Cost:1 WL:1 (Hall)
SECTION 004: CORPORATE COMMUNICATION. This course is designed to improve general writing skills and develop specialized media writing styles including news release, speech, brochure, advertising, business memorandum, broadcast, video mini-documentary, and technical writing for annual reports, position papers and marketing/public relations planning. Students are exposed to basic skills required in corporate communication. The current and future underlying management theories of the corporate culture and how corporate policy and goals affect American society and specific market populations will be analyzed and evaluated. Critical thinking regarding corporate responsibility for the 90's and into the 21st century will be encouraged. A final writing project replaces the standard final exam and represents sixty percent of the grade. Method of instruction includes lecture/discussion and writing lab work. For the Winter Term, 1992, Communication 250 and/or permission of instructor is required. Cost:2 WL:1 (Moseley)
310. Persuasive Communication. (3). (Excl).
This course presents an overview of the theory and application
persuasive communication in modern society. Lectures and readings
will cover theories of persuasion and the application of these theories in the contexts of sales, advertising, and political
campaigns. Required discussions sections will be used for discussion
of readings and related topics as well as completion of two class
projects. Students are evaluated based on the two class projects, a midterm and final exam, and participation in discussion sections.
(Heavey)
312. Communication and Contemporary Society. (3).
(Excl).
The course will consist of a series of lectures by U of M and outside specialists on issues currently facing the mass media.
The survey will cover radio, TV, film and print media from a number
of legal, economic, historical and other viewpoints. There will
be two required texts, two papers during the term and two exams, one midterm and one final. [Cost:3] [WL:4] (Schumacher)
400. The Media in American History. (3).
(SS).
This lecture course places the development of American mass media
in broader social, economic, and political perspectives. While there are no specific prerequisites, a general grounding in American
history is recommended. Grades are based on one hourly exam which
is a mix of short-answer and essay questions, plus a term paper
and final comprehensive examination. Cost:3 WL:1 (Stevens)
403. Ethics of Journalism. (3). (Excl).
Section 001. This course will examine standards of performance
and codes of conduct for journalists. Students will apply those
standards and codes to real and hypothetical cases and situations
faced by journalists in the gathering and reporting of the news.
Class discussion will be emphasized. Cost:1 WL:1 (Bishop)
Section 002. Political campaign coverage. Understanding and developing the ethics paradagym by which to analyze, evaluate, and comment on journalistic accuracy, balance, in-depth reporting, integrity, and social responsibility in political ad campaigns, special powerful interest groups, and the possible personal bias of the reporter will be discussed in light of traditional theories regarding ethics. Campaign issues dealing with the economy, the military, domestic and foreign policy as well as issues of character, gender, race, class, and urban/suburban tension will be explored to some degree. A final writing project replaces the standard final exam and represents sixty percent of the grade. Method of instruction includes lecture/discussion/and class projects. Attendance is mandatory. (Moseley)
405. The Media and the Arts. Comm. 103
and upperclass standing. (3). (Excl).
SECTION 001. This course examines the role of popular arts as
a creator of meaning and identity for audiences. Students learn
interpretive and critical methods of looking at mass media products
as artifacts or art forms. The course investigates cultural traditions
as expressed through popular culture. The course considers feature
films, the recording industry, the popular press, and performing
arts. Critical papers are assigned. [Cost:2] [WL:1]
406. Mass Communication Research. (3).
(Excl).
An introduction to the logic and techniques of social scientific
research in mass communication. The course will address (a) methods
of framing media research questions, and (b) techniques for gathering
and interpreting empirical observations in an effort to answer these questions. It aims at enabling students to evaluate critically the validity of research findings and conclusions. In completing the course, students should also acquire an adequate background
in communication research methodology to pursue their own ideas, if they choose, from initial conceptualization of the research
question to final conclusions. Text: Babbie, E., THE PRACTICE
OF SOCIAL RESEARCH, 4th edition, Belmont, CA.: Wadsworth, 1986, plus course pack. [Cost:2] [WL:1] (Price)
409. The Michigan Journalist. Comm. 290
or permission of instructor. (3). (Excl).
The Michigan Journalist course introduces students to the subject
editing the news. It coves the theory and practice of news-, story-, and copy-editing for daily and weekly newspapers. Students will
learn the basics of assignment, supervision and editing for news
value, sense, style, grammar, spelling, syntax and factual accuracy.
Course covers newsroom structures and decisions about coverage
and display. Guest editors will discuss organization, management
and ethics in news. Students must have completed Comm. 290 or
302 or have equivalent news reporting/writing experience. Word-processing
on computers required. Grading based on in-class work, homework
and midterm and final examination. Instructional methods are lectures, discussions and laboratory work, including using desk-top publishing
to produce an issue of THE MICHIGAN JOURNALIST. Cost:2 WL:3 (Friendly)
410. Introduction to Group Communication. (3).
(Excl).
Emphasis is given to the oral communication process in small group
problem-solving situations. Subject matter includes: group leadership
styles; member functions; barriers and obstacles to understanding
in small groups, and techniques for group discussion effectiveness.
Methods of class operation include: class discussion; mini lectures;
research reports; participation in small group processes; case
problems, and class member evaluation of group discussions. Reading
materials include selected readings on oral communication and small group research. (Heavey)
417. Analyzing Television. (3). (HU).
The daytime soap opera, the evening newscast, the prime-time situation
comedy, and the late night talk show – all of the familiar programs
of popular American television are meaningful cultural documents that speak to the shifting values and the ongoing contradictions
of modern life. This course challenges students to explore new
ways of thinking about the social, moral, political, artistic, and economic implications of the television experience. Key topics
addressed in the course include: narrative theory; authorship
and readership; the representation of race and gender; stardom;
genre theory; intertextuality. Students should expect to encounter
several short writing assignments, as well as at least two exams
(a midterm and a final). Cost:3 WL:1
420/Pol. Sci. 420. Politics and the Mass Media. Pol.
Sci. 111, 300, 410, or 411. (3). (Excl).
See Political Science 420.
(Semetko)
423. Film Practicum for the Writer. English
412 and permission of instructor. (3). (Excl).
This class is a writing practicum where the student will learn the role of the writer in the greater process of the production
of media. Each student will participate in the various creative
steps involved in bringing a narrative script to the screen. By
developing an understanding of the way narrative films are shot
and the way the other creative people involved approach one's
written material, this course will enrich the student's visual
vocabulary, improve dramatic writing skills, and increase their
awareness of the collaborative process of film/video. The class
will be structured such that every student will write a number
of exercises, which someone else will direct, the writer, in turn, will direct another's writing and so on. We will also analyze the written and visual techniques in a number of contemporary
films and videos. Every student will write and direct several
short exercises in addition to a short, finished tape (5-7 min.).
Previous classes or experience with video production and/or screenwriting
advised. Cost:2 WL:1 (M.Hurbis-Cherrier)
427. Preparation of Radio and TV Continuity. Junior
standing. (3). (Excl).
Sections 001 and 002. Students will write several non-dramatic
scripts of radio and television program material. The weekly writing
assignments include commercials, editorials, commentaries, documentaries, entertainment reviews, and public service announcements. Students
must creatively write their scripts in the proper television or
radio format, and the scripts must read for a precise amount of
time. Good writing skills are essential for success in the course.
The course will consist of lectures, peer evaluation of written
work, in-class writing exercises, and analysis of professional
scripts that are on audio or video tape. Attendance at every class
is mandatory and students must participate in class discussions.
A final exam will be given, with material originating from the
text or class lectures. (Mikula)
Sections 003 and 004. Students will write several non-dramatic
scripts of radio and television program material. The weekly writing
assignments include commercials, editorials, commentaries, documentaries, promotions, and public service announcements. Students must creatively
write their scripts in the proper television or radio format, and the scripts must read for a precise amount of time. Good writing
skills are essential for success in the course. The course will
consist of lectures, peer evaluation of written work, in-class
writing exercises, and analysis of professional scripts that are
on audio or video tape. Attendance at every class is mandatory
and students must participate in class discussions. A final exam
will be given, with material originating from the text or class
lectures. Cost:2 WL:1 (Oswald)
428. Writing Drama for Film and Television. Junior
standing. (3). (Excl).
This course is a workshop in writing dramatic narrative scripts
for feature length films or made for T.V. movies. The objectives
of this class are to teach skills for the development of dramatic
concepts (structure, character, dialogue, etc.), to provide a
better critical understanding of the devices used by screenwriters
and filmmakers, to encourage an appreciation for the writer's
role in filmaking (both possibilities and limitations), and finally
to teach the standard format of the screenplay. This class requires the completion of a feature length screenplay, analysis of several
scripts, group critiques of work, and various other writing assignments.
Cost:1 WL:1 (Hurbis-Cherrier)
450. Undergraduate Internship. Junior
standing, concentration in Communication and permission of instructor.
(2) (Excl). Offered mandatory credit/no credit. (EXPERIENTIAL).
May be elected for a total of six credits.
Communication 450 is the Department's internship program, designed
to give junior or senior Communication concentrators credit for
appropriate practical work experience. Internships may be elected
for 2 credits only and are given credit/no credit (may not be
elected for a grade). Time requirement for a 2-credit internship
is approximately 15 hours per week for a 14-week term. Student
evaluation is based on satisfactory completion of the internship
and recommendation of the internship sponsor. Internship credit
is not retroactive and must be pre- arranged. For further information
and approval, students should contact the internship coordinator
in the Deaprtment of Communication. Cost:none WL: Registration
is by P.I. only. Students must see the internship coordinator
for required override.
462/Soc. 462. Cultural Theories
of Communication. Comm. 103, Soc. 100, or Anthro.
101. (3). (Excl).
In this course we will look at the ways in which "culture"
has been an object of sociological inquiry. We will first consider
competing definitions of the term culture in the social sciences, and the competing approaches to its study. We will then consider
several major themes in, and competing definitions of, the study
of American culture. We will conclude with a discussion of subcultures
within American culture, evaluating whether resistance to the
dominant culture is possible in modern societies. Course requirements
include a long research paper in which students will be asked
to investigate a subculture within American society, as well as
an in-class midterm and a take-home, essay, final examination.
Students will often be asked to participate in class, and will
be asked to talk about their research project to the class. WL:1
(Press)
500. Seminar. Open to senior concentrators.
(3). (Excl). May be repeated for credit.
SECTION 001: JAZZ AS A MEDIUM. This seminar will look at the world of jazz through various approaches: historic, economic, and critical. Focus will be more on the history and impact than
on the music itself but there will be extensive use of recordings
and some live demonstrations. Students will present regular reading
and listening reports and prepare one research paper. There will
be midterm and final examinations. Cost:2 WL:4 (Schumacher, Brooks)
SECTION 002: JOURNALIST IN FILM. This seminar will examine the way the newspaper reporter and editor have been depicted in Hollywood films, from the silents to the present. Knowledge of film history helpful but not essential. Students will report on readings and film viewings. Eight to ten films will be viewed in class. One text. Grades will be based on discussions, reports and a term paper. Cost:1 WL:1 (Stevens)
SECTION 003: VIDEO ART HISTORY/CRITICISM. This course is an introduction to and exploration of the emergence and ongoing development of video art the form and the critical discourses which it has spawned. The first component of this class is an historical survey to video art from its inception in the 1960's to the present. We will also examine the various approaches to alternative video such as image processing, "new documentary", performance, personal, political, etc. The emphasis will be on watching tapes and discussing the historical context, aesthetic characteristics, political implications as well as the means of production. There will be at least two visits from working video artists. The second component of this course will involve reading theoretical/critical texts on video. Students will be encouraged to participate in the new discourse which has developed for this new medium/art form. Video art is currently defining itself as separate from the other avant-garde media (i.e. avant-garde film) and therefore the old methods of classification (experimental, narrative or documentary) and analysis do not apply. An entirely new vocabulary is developing for the discussion of this new art form. This class will become acquainted with the writings of the pioneers of this new criticism. The writings will come from the artists themselves as well as writers whose work examines post-modern aesthetics. However, the students will also be required to become a part of this discourse as they will confront issues of description and analysis for the vast amount of images being produced. (K.Hurbis-Cherrier)
SECTION 004: JOURNALISTS AS COMMUNICATORS. This course is a seminar to discuss the techniques and consequences of the way journalists communicate with sources, readers, viewers and with each other. The goal is to develop a clearer, more sophisticated understanding of how journalists serve as communicators. Among the issues to be explored are: the theoretical versus the practical role of journalists; reportage on and off the record; ethical considerations in gathering information (Is it justifiable to steal information for a story, or ask others to do so?); journalists' responsibilities from a personal and corporate viewpoint; and recognizing and dealing with biases on a personal, professional, societal and informational level. Students will discuss whether reporting and presenting stories is the only role played by journalists? Can there be fair reportage? Is it okay to make up a story, quotes? Would Machievelli have been a good journalist? The course is for students who want to wrestle with some tough issues, who want to think deeply about some contemporary issues in journalism and their ramifications. A series of readings, videos and guest speakers will form the foundation for class discussions. Each student will be required to write a paper on a topic of their choice. WL:3. Permission of instructor. (Hall)
501. Departmental Tutorial. Open to senior
concentrators. (1-4). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May be repeated for
credit.
Intended for individualized research and writing instruction in
subject areas not covered by scheduled courses. Must be arranged
with the faculty member.
521. History of the Motion Picture. Upperclass
standing. (3). (HU).
Emphasizing the Hollywood studio system during the 1930s and 1940s, this course challenges students to make sense of the complex economic, technological, and social influences governing the history of the American sound film. During Black History Month, the course
focuses on African American images in Hollywood films and the
history of Black independent filmmaking. About half the class
meetings are devoted to lectures and the other half to viewing
representative films of Hollywood's major and minor studios. In
addition to these in-class screenings, students must also attend
a required Tuesday night viewing lab. Scheduled exams (of the
essay and fill-in-the-blank type) account for 66% of the final
grade; a 10-15 page history paper accounts for the other 33% of the grade. [Cost:4] [WL:1] (Reeves)
553. Media Economics. (3). (Excl).
Detailed examination of the economics of the media, including
technology, market strategy and industry trends, buying and selling, management and product development. [Cost:2] [WL:1] (Nielsen)
555. Media History. (3). (Excl).
SECTION 001: DOCUMENTARY FILM. This course offers the student
of Communication the opportunity to study a history of the Documentary
Film and potentially gain a background reference for this visually
influential medium. This survey course presents selected examples
of the genre from 1922 to 1982, which are screened for purposes
of comparative analysis. Lectures and discussion relate the Documentary
with its historical, political and social contexts. The course
is designed to also introduce various structural forms and techniques
used by historically recognized film directors in building what
has come to be known as the "Documentary Tradition".
Basis of student evaluation: Written film analyses, term paper, oral participation. Methodology: Lectures, 16mm film screenings, discussion. Cost:1 (Rideout)
SECTION 002: THE SOCIOLOGY OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS. This course is intended as an interdisciplinary graduate seminar debating sociological issues in the study of mass communications. Among the topics covered will be the relationship of "mass communications" to culture; issues concerning "high culture" and "popular culture"; factors determining the shape of popular culture in our society; influences on the production, distribution, and interpretation of images in our society: How shall we understand the place of mass-manufactured, mass-marketed images in the life of modern societies? What kind of social process unifies, or disunifies, the production and consumption of images? What sort of politics takes place in the production of them? The history of theoretical debates about these questions in sociology will be considered. Readings will include selections from Critical Theory of the Frankfurt School, the neo-Marxist British New Left ("British Cultural Studies"), French Cultural Theory (Bourdieu), Feminist Cultural Theory (French, British, and American). We will also look at the way cultural issues have been researched in sociology and in communications, and evaluate the different research methodologies which have been used. Students from all disciplinary backgrounds are welcome! Cost:3/4 WL:4 (Press)
557. Media Law. (3). (Excl).
SECTION 001. A case method study of the First Amendment and other legal principles related to the rights and responsibilities
of the mass media with emphasis on news gathering, libel, privacy, and obscenity. Students will read approximately 120 appellate
court decisions (contained in a course pack) and must be prepared
to discuss and analyze these decisions in class. Because the course
materials and the application of the legal principles developed
are cumulative, the evaluation of students is based primarily
on the midterm and final examinations. Cost:2 WL:2 (Murray)
SECTION 002. This course focuses on First Amendment speech and expression. There is study of U.S. Supreme Court decisions and general principles of First Amendment law. Topics covered include civil rights protests, television and film censorship, book-banning, libel, advertising restrictions and free speech on university campuses. There are 3 exams of equal weight and students may obtain extra credit points. Cost:2 WL:1 (Lowenstein)
559. Foreign Correspondence. Permission
of instructor. (3). (Excl).
The seminar compares news organizations on a cross-cultural basis
by monitoring how publications and broadcast organizations cover the same news event. Students select organizations from around the world, research them, and report to the class. Reading knowledge
of a foreign language is preferred. [Cost:2] [WL:1] (Eisendrath)
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