CMS 2010 Goals

Course Number and Title

CMS 2010 Introduction to Media Studies

Course Description

This course offers an overview of the cultural, social, political, and economic impact of mediated communication. Topics include the nature and function of media, core media institutions, and media in transition. Students will analyze media critically, including the contemporary mediascape, and develop a historical perspective on major media forms.

Prerequisites

ENGL 1102 (C)

Credit Hours

3 credit hours (3-0-3)

Course Goals

CMS 2010 is a core class in the Communication and Media Studies (CMS) program; the goals for the class align with those of the CMS program outcomes. Through successful completion of the assignments, students demonstrate sophisicated reading, critical thinking, and writing skills along with a sound foundation in the theoretical, historical, and aesthetic contexts of media and media studies.

Reading and Writing Proficiency

Professional communicators need professional-caliber writing skills. As a core CMS class, CMS 2010 assumes that students enter the class with the ability to comprehend and produce sophisticated, college-level writing. Students with a shaky grasp of grammar, mechanics, or reading comprehension should plan to spend several hours each week working with tutors in the A&S Writers' Studio and/or the Center for Student Success.

The Writers’ Studio is located in the A&S building, room 224. There you can talk with trained writing tutors about your writing projects. They are available to work with you at any stage of your paper, from generating ideas to organizing your paper to understanding how to format it correctly. The service is free; you may drop in and wait for a tutor or sign up for a regular appointment. But remember: you, not your tutor, are ultimately responsible for the quality and content of the papers you submit.