COMS 225 - Media Institutions and Policies

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COMS 225
MEDIA INSTITUTIONS AND POLICIES
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
DEPT. OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES
PROFESSOR LESLIE REGAN SHADE
FALL 2007
Tuesdays, 1:15-4
CJ 4.320
Office: Loyola, CJ 4.407
Email: lshade@alcor.concordia.ca
Tel: 848-2424 x2550
Office Hours: Tuesdays, 12-1; and by appointment

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Calendar description: This course introduces students to the analysis of the institutional, political, and economic forces that have shaped the development of media during the twentieth century. Attention is given to the ownership structures, corporate practices, and state policy interventions affecting media institutions in both the public and private sectors. A particular focus is given to the interrelations between Cultural, Multicultural, and Communication Policy interventions.

Specific objectives of this course will be to:

Introduce students to critical (e.g., political economic and policy) perspectives within communication studies, both historical and theoretical

Encourage students to ask basic questions about the multi-faceted nature of media institutions and policies, including a range of communication technologies and specific policy initiatives and issues

Allow students to develop a critical perspective and apply this through the development of research and critical writing skills

READINGS
A course reader has been prepared by Eastman and is available for purchase at the Loyola Bookstore. Additional readings are available online and through the Concordia University Library (CLUES). Students are responsible for procuring all of these readings.

ASSIGNMENTS

Course participation: 10%
Students are expected to come to class on a weekly basis and be prepared to participate in interactive discussions and debates on the weekly topic and course materials. Attendance is required. Please notify me in advance if you must miss a class, and if you are ill.

Weekly Reading Questions: 10%
For each reading, students must submit at the beginning of the class a short question based on the individual readings. These will be used to generate class discussions on the weekly themes.

In-class presentation: 10%
Each student is asked to present a brief overview of one reading in class to generate discussion and debate. 10 min. max.

Research Exercises: 3 @ 15% each = 45%
Due dates: October 2, November 6, and November 20
Students are asked to choose three weekly themes, and for each theme locate five relevant bibliographic resources that are applicable and relevant. These resources can include academic articles, books, book chapters, newspaper and magazine articles, relevant blog and web resources, government documents, and/or policy briefs from government or non-governmental resources.

Research Essay: 25%
Due in class November 27
Length: 1500-words

Saturday, September 8th, 2007, by Lshade and is filed under "COMS 225 ". Both comments and pings are currently closed.