SPCH 3710 
Theories and Effects of Mass Media

Winter 1997

Professor: Barbara Burke       
Office: 105B HFA    Office phone: 589-6243 
Office Hours: 1:00-2:00 pm Tues./ Thurs.   3:00-4:00 pm Wed.   
Email address: BURKEBR@caa.morris.umn.edu
WEB page address:

Required text:
Communication Theories: Origins, Methods, and Uses in the Mass Media 
(3rd edition) by Severin & Tankard

Course objectives:
1)  Discussion of scholarly concepts and theoretical foundations of 
    mass communication studies 
2)  Informed examination of the challenges faced by media researchers
3)  Exploration of the concerns faced by media practitioners
4)  Understanding and interpreting changes faced by media consumers


Assignments and grading:
Written directions for each assignment will be provided later in the term.

4 Unit Quizes				400 points
2 Small Group Chapter Summaries		200 points
2 Article Review Reports		200 points
Small Group Report & Oral presentation	100 points
Chapter study questions/ Participation	100 points
					1000 points total

Scale:  A= 900 points or greater,  B= 800-899,  C= 700-799,  D=600-699


SCHEDULE

Week	Reading	Activity

1/6-1/10	Chs. 1, 2	Form Groups, 		Discussion

1/13-1/17	Chs. 3, 4, 	Quiz 1 (Parts I, II) 

1/21-1/24	Chs. 5, 6	Summaries begin

1/27-1/31	Chs. 8, 9	Quiz 2 (Part III)

2/3-2/7		Ch 10, 11	Article review 	

2/10-2/14	Chs. 12, 13	Quiz 3 (Part IV)

2/17-2/21	Ch. 14, 15	Article review

2/24-2/28	Chs. 16, 17	Quiz 4 (Part V)

3/3-3/7		ORAL REPORTS

3/10-3/14	Ch. 18	ORAL REPORTS

Finals week