Com 450: Senior Seminar -- Politics and Media

Dr. Janet McMullen 

Syllabus

Last Updated:  11/19/2002


 TTH 9:30-10:45

Rm. CB116 3 credit hours

Prerequisites: None


TEXTS:

ADDITIONAL READING

A list of titles will be provided. Each student will be assigned a minimum of one and a maximum of two additional books to read for which the student will make an oral presentation when the subject matter of the books is presented in lecture and class discussion and present the instructor with a written review of the book.

INTERNET MONITORING

Each student will be assigned at least one internet site. The student will be responsible for monitoring the site on a near-daily basis and reporting on the contents in class discussions. Each student must have the appropriate clearances for use of the campus internet system or have access to the internet at home.

TELEVISION/MEDIA MONITORING

Each student will be expected to monitor broadcast and print media on a regular and sometimes assigned basis. Students must have access to television and VCR is preferred.

CLASSROOM OPERATION

Students will be expected to promptly attend ALL class meetings and contribute information and discussion. A minimum of two and a maximum of three exams will be given (including non-comprehensive final). All written work will by typed and structured properly, with appropriate documentation (APA preferred).

All work will be turned in on time or a full letter grade will be deducted for each day the work is late. Quizzes will be frequent and unannounced and may not be made up. Each student will write one term paper on an approved topic; 10 page minimum; topic and outline will have a separate due date and the paper will be due the last regular class meeting day.

EVALUATION:

Evaluation will be made on the clarity and thoroughness of thought as well as professional presentation in all oral and written work.

Plagiarism:  Because of recent concerns about plagiarism, the ready availability of material on the net, and occasional confusion about what constitutes plagiarism, all students will turn in all written work in hard copy and electronic format. Work should be saved in Microsoft Word, a text format (.txt) or Rich Text Format (.rtf).  If or when the University subscribes to an online service to check for plagiarism, students will be required to upload their work to the service site by the appropriate due date in lieu of turning in a disc to Dr. Mc.  ANY use of another person's ideas, work or words without their permission or credit given to them is plagiarism.  If in doubt....DON'T.  Any work which is plagiarized will automatically receive an "F." If the plagiarism is intentional or blatant, the student may receive an "F" for the course.  Students should be aware of the university policy concerning this issue and the serious consequences which may result from engaging in plagiarism.


COURSE LINKS:

Reading List: Suggested Titles for Book Reviews

Tentative topic list for the course.

Political Links    to be monitored by students in the course. Check here for a list of links providing information about the 2002 elections in Alabama and on a national scale.  

Discussion Questions:  Bias by Bernard Goldberg

Lecture 1: The Press and Democracy

Lecture 2: Why We "Hate" the Media

Lecture 3: Governing or Game? 

Viewing Guide: Game Scheme Study Guide for President Bush's Address to the United Nations, September 12, 2002  

Lecture 4: Campaign Strategy 

Lecture 4: Campaign Strategy Part II

Lecture 5: Politics and Polling -- Covered for Final Exam

Lecture 6: Debates: What's the Point?

Lecture 7: Political Advertising 

MIDTERM TAKE-HOME EXAM  

Lecture 8: Campaign Finances

Lecture 9: New Approaches

BOOK REVIEW ASSIGNMENT LIST

Lecture10: History of Political Coverage: Key Events  


Additional  Recommended Book Titles of Interest for Support of this Course


Copyright, 2002

Dr. Janet McMullen

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