University of North Alabama

College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Communication and Theatre


Course Syllabus


Communication 316:

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Test dates: 		Fundamentals of Electronic Media

3 semester hours

A lecture course emphasizing the functions and responsibilities of electronic and film communication systems, including such areas as history, operations, regulation, economics, programming and social responsibilities.

Fall, 2007

MWF, 9:00 -- 9:50 pm

Avon Edward Foote, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Room 108

Office: (256) 765-4489
E-mail: aefoote@una.edu
FAX: (256) 765-4839

Office Hours: MWF 11 am to 12 noon, MWF 12 noon to 1 pm, Tu 12:15 to 1:15 pm and Th 12:15 to 3:15 pm. Or by appointment.

Head, Spann, McGregor, Broadcasting in America: A Survey of Electronic Media, 9th edition  Houghton Mifflin, 2001.

The student is expected to complete the following objectives:

  • To understand how electronic media help empower media consumers.
  • To be able to discuss nature and extent of electronic media effects.
  • To list and define major types of electronic media channels.
  • To know the technological basics of analog and digital media.
  • To understand the regulatory structure of electronic media.
  • To be able to list and give the significance of major events and to be familiar with the lives and contributions of the people responsible for the events.
    •

    Assigned readings in text, lectures, DVDs and videotapes of important history milestones, guest speakers (two expected), research in library and on internet prior to writing paper for up to one third of grade.

    The following are methods by which the course objectives will be evaluated:

    Three exams will count 33% each unless decision is made to write optional research. See following statement on evaluation.

    A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=<60

    The course grade will be determined by averaging three exams for 100 per cent of the grade. The exam format will be multiple choice. The student will have the opportunity to substitute a research paper grade for either of the first two exams, either before or after taking these exams. In these first two cases, the paper will be due within four weeks of the exam, but no later than the last day of spring semester classes. If the student wishes to write the research paper rather than take the final exam, the paper is due at the beginning of the final exam period before the exam questions are passed out to the students. Only one research paper for the whole semester may be substituted for any one exam. The decision on a paper substitution for an exam score must be made before the paper is graded.

    The research paper must be at least 10 pages of text in 12 point type, not of a fancy or bold face. Title page, illustrations, appendices, and bibliography do not count in the minimum of 10 pages. The paper must conform to an academically accepted format style which the student must identify on the title page of the paper. Whichever format style is selected, the student is required to have a traditional bibliography in good form (especially the Internet entries) and footnotes of the type recommended in the style manual. When students believe they have language or style problems, outside editing assistance is acceptable and recommended. Hand-written research papers cannot be submitted for partial credit. The instructor requires that the student discuss the topic in advance. If the paper or an earlier version of the paper or same topic has been used to meet the requirements for other academic credit, that fact must be shared with the instructor in writing on a separate page after title page.

    Attendance is required by University policy. After four weeks of absences your grade will be become an "F" as announced in University literature. Grade may be lowered for excessive absences over three. Because of the importance of being on-time and meeting deadlines, tardiness will be noted on the roll and may affect the grade.

    September 3 --- Labor Day Holiday
    September 19 --- Convocation
    October 11 --- Middle of Term (no test is scheduled)
    October 12 --- Fall Break
    November 21 to 25 --- Thanksgiving Holiday
    November 26 --- Last Day to Drop a Class with WP/WF
    December 6 --- Study Day
    December 7 to 12 --- Semester Exams

    Early History of Radio and Television, Chapter 2

    The New Media including Cable, Chapter 1 and 3

    Commercial and Public Differences, Chapter 6 and 7

    How the Electronics Works, Chapter 4

    Bringing Information, Entertainment and Power, Chapter 11

    Governments' Regulation and Influence Practices,
    Chapter 12 and 13

    Programs for an Audience, Chapters 9 and 10

    Chapters 1, 2, 3 on October 8; Chapters 4, 6, 7, 11 on November 2; and Chapter 9, 10, 12, 13 at final exam period.

    University of North Alabama Policy regarding student disabilities is on separate web page.