University of North Alabama

College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Communication and Theatre


Course Syllabus


Communication 450:

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Senior Seminar

3 semester hours

Discussion of a particular topic in field of communications and theatre and preparation of an academic paper on a subject relevant to the topic. Also listed as TH 450 but creditable only in field for which registered. Original Catalog Description: An upper-level seminar designed for the student who has completed all of the basic and intermediate courses in the major and allied areas. Topics will vary from year to year but will frequently include noncommercial radio and television, international broadcasting systems, analysis of production variables, and social effects of broadcasting and cable. Open to senior RTF majors or minors, or departmental approval.

Fall, 2007

MWF, 10:00 am -- 10:50 am

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.

Joseph N. DiStefano, Comcasted: How Ralph and Brian Roberts Took Over America's TV, One Deal at a Time, Philadelphia: Camino Books, 2005.

History of cable television systems in the United States with special emphasis on Alabama, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania systems.

Comcast's founders, history, practices, and policies. Other major cable companies such as Cox, Time-Warner, Liberty, AT&T Broadband, and Adelphia will also be studied. Sources of programming and secondary revenue streams for cable companies will be considered.

The student is expected to complete the following objectives:

  • To be able to identify the most important of the companies that developed cable services in the United States and know details of their history.
  • To be able to list the primary milestones in the historic development of Comcast.
  • To better be able to understand the attitude, expectations, and ethics of Comcast's founders.
  • To be able to list the primary milestones in the historic development of Time-Warner and Cox cable companies.
  • To be able to identify the current regulatory and organizational changes occurring in American cable companies.
  • To prepare a researched, documented paper suitable for academic journal publication or presentation at academic meeting.
  • To encourage students to consider graduate school by exposing them to a class with graduate-school-type format.
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    Student reports from assigned sources, independent student research and writing, class discussion, lecture, internet listening and viewing, DVDs or Videotapes.

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

    Two exams will count 25% each; 25% from two class reports from assigned sources and other class participation; 25% for research paper. See following statement on paper and reports.

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

    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 such as MLA or APA 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/reference list in good form (especially the Internet entries) and footnotes of the type recommended in the style manual. When students have known written language or style problems, outside editing assistance is acceptable and recommended. Hand-written research papers cannot be submitted for partial credit. The instructor recommends that the student discuss the topic in advance. If the paper or an earlier version of the paper or topic treatment has been used to meet the requirements for other academic credit, that fact must be shared with the instructor.

    Students will complete two reports assigned from professor's reading lists. Reports will be on index cards, which are to be turned in after the presentation. Final index card must be a "summary" card listing 5 to 7 major points/facts/conclusions which then will be used by the professor to create the examinations which in part cover the student reports. Direct quoting from the assigned material must be from index cards. No use of the printed material is allowed during reports. Reports are expected to be 15 minutes or less.

    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, especially when reports are to be presented. 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

    Exam one on October 22; Exam two at final exam period.

    Sources for the reports will be provided to each student individually.

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