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CMS 3101: Media & Culture

Instructor:	Dr. Virginia Bonner
Messages:	vbonner@clayton.edu :-) 678-466-4713 :-( 678-466-4769 fax
Semester: Credit: Prerequisites:	Fall 2010 3-0-3 credit hours Full CMS Major standing
Meetings:	CRN 86656: TR 9:50-11:05am in UC 262

Office hours:	Posted and reserved AdvisorTrac, by email, & by appt. in Music 105
Web Address:	http://a-s.clayton.edu/vbonner
Teaching Interns:	Mr. Kevin Liles Office hours in SAC, Room 205 MWF 1:00-2:45pm and by appointment Ms. Fallon Guess Office hours in the UC by the cafe T 2:10-3:30pm and Th 2:10-4:00pm and by appointment

The class roll will be available soon.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

This course focuses on the theories and practices of visual, aural, and written communication. We will survey the interrelationships among the current major forms of global communication and media, including cinema, television, advertising, print, and digital media. In addition, we will explore issues related to communication within culturally diverse communities and within new media environments, including the impact of cultural contexts and audience expectations on aesthetic and ethical interpretations. We will then question how we, as a society, learn to respond to and interpret these messages.

A central idea in our class is that knowledge and images conveyed through media texts are not neutral; rather, they socialize and discipline us even as they entertain and inform us. In this course, then, we will closely analyze several texts and discuss how cultural media work to create meanings. Through this process, we will become more thoughtful readers, viewers, and consumers of those messages.

Course Format

The format of this class is largely discussion-based (class and small group), with some lecture, films, in-class and out-of-class assignments, a group presentation, daily quizzes, and three exams.

I believe that the most productive teaching/learning experience results from an interactive process. Ultimately, this is your class; each of you will contribute to this learning experience through active contemplation and discussion. Though I will lecture on occasion, I will not be reading you facts that you will then regurgitate by rote. Instead, we will explore topics together, and we will all challenge ourselves to think critically about these ideas.

Since everyone will contribute to the teaching/learning experience this semester, this means that you must contribute to the class discussion daily. It also means that if you see or hear something outside of class that you think is relevant to what we've been discussing, please bring it to class and share it with us.

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Required texts

The following texts are available from the University Bookstore or from online retailers such as Amazon (direct links below). If you choose to order online, be sure you order the correct edition and that you order it WELL before class starts!

McLuhan, Marshall and Quentin Fiore. The Medium is the Massage. Paperback, Gingko Press; New ed (Oct 2005) http://www.amazon.com/
Glassner, Barry. The Culture of Fear, 2000. http://www.amazon.com/
Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. Penguin, 1972. http://www.amazon.com/
Selected PDF articles available online
Selected films screened either during class meetings or viewed outside of class

Required films

You are responsible for screening these films outside of class by the dates listed on the schedule. You may purchase these titles and add them to your collection, or you may rent them from a vendor of your choice. Or, to save money, you can always view them for free on reserve in the CSU library.

Fight Club (David Fincher, 1999; 139 min.)
Bowling for Columbine (Michael Moore, 2002; 125 min.)
Office Space (Mike Judge, 1999; 90 min. min.)
Disney's The Lion King (Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, 1994; 90 min.)

The following films may be screened in class.

Killing Us Softly 3 (Jean Kilbourne, 2000; 30 min.)
Color Adjustment (Marlon T. Riggs, 1991; 90 min.)

Computer Requirement

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites

• Able to use the Windows™ operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word™ word processing
• Able to send and receive e-mail using Outlook™ or Outlook Express™
• Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email
• Able to use a Web browser
• Able to use GeorgiaView/Blackboard

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers

Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course, except for one or two dates that will be posted on our syllabus in advance. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor outside of class.