Mrs. DafgekFall 2012

(860) 844-3014 ext.2122

Course Overview: Mass Media

“All of us who professionally use the mass media are the shapers of society. We can vulgarize that society. We can brutalize it. Or we can help lift it onto a higher level.” William Bernback

Hello and welcome to Mass Media. I hope this semester will be productive and engaging. That you’ll learn a little more about the media, our relationship to it, and it’s place in the culture in which we live.

Course Description

This course will critically examine the historical context and current processes that shape mass media as part of U.S. culture. Media included in this course are film, television, music, print, advertising, and computer related technologies.

Resources

Selected films, television programs, and musical selections

Text: Media and Culture 7

Feed by M.T. Anderson

Teacher supplied materials including print and other media

Student generated material

The internet

Goals

  • Respond personally, aesthetically, and critically to media
  • Identify and analyze forms of manipulation, persuasion andinfluence of the media on individual society and culture
  • Identify and analyze society’s influence on the media
  • Analyze and evaluate selected media
  • Track the history and evolution of media
  • Identify and analyze the influence of business on media
  • Analyze the role of media in a democratic society
  • Apply techniques and knowledge gained from course to studentgenerated work
  • Understand the emerging role of the internet as a media outlet and it’s role as a conveyer of information and entertainment of traditional media sources

Topical outline of course (major units/ big ideas)

  1. Introduction to Critique
  2. Advertising
  3. Internet
  4. Feed by M.T. Anderson
  5. Film

Major Assessments

  • Projects (individual and group)
  • Essays
  • Tests
  • Quizzes
  • Final Exam

Materials

You will need to bring the following materials to every class. Asking to go to your locker at the beginning of class or stating that you “forgot” your materials for that day will impact your ability to learn in this class.

Binder/Notebook– You will need a 1 ½ binder or one subject notebook dedicated to this class. If you happen to lose an important handout, you are expected to obtain another copy through my teacher website. Keeping notes, assignments, and handouts is essential to your performance on the final cumulative exam.

Journal – You will be given a small journal for this class. Your journal will be kept in class, unless you request otherwise. Writing prompts will be written on the board several times a week and it is expected that you take out your journal at the beginning of class and begin working immediately upon entering the classroom.

Writing Utensil – Please bring a pen and pencil to every class. Most assignments can be completed in your choice of writing utensil. I may ask you to complete some assignments (in class essays mostly) in pen.

Grading

Your grade will be based on a points system. Every assignment will be worth a certain number of points, and at the end of the quarter, your grade will be the number of points you received divided by the number of possible points for the quarter. Points range from ten points for smaller assignments to 200 points for major projects/papers.

Many assignments will be assessed using the English Department rubric (attached). Please read over this rubric and be familiar with assignment expectations.

Homework policy

The purpose of homework is always one of three functions: 1) to prepare you for the upcoming lesson; 2) to reinforce a concept or skill learned in that day’s lesson; or 3) to assess your overall acquirement of a skill or concept. I will not be giving a lot of homework in this course. This being said, it is expected that you turn in all assignments given on time.

Late homework can be turned in for half credit. (*Please be aware, if you turn in every homework assignment late, you will have a 50 homework average.) If your homework completion becomes habitually missing or late, you will be required to stay after school so that your learning and success in the course will be supported in a more direct manner. Major papers and projects will be deducted 10% for every day they are late.

***All written work should be typed and should be printed before class. Work cannot be printed off during class time. If you don’t have it at the beginning of class, the assignment will be considered late.

Tardiness

It is essential to the class that you show up on time. However it is understandable that we all run late from time to time. Therefore, you may be tardy to class two times per quarter without penalty (if you’re tardy you must not be more than three minutes tardy). If you are over three minutes tardy you will be given a detention regardless if it is your first time or not. If you are tardy three or more times in a quarter you will be written up per school rules

Make-up work

It is your responsibility as a student to keep track of work you have missed while absent. For your convenience, I have created a folder of extra handouts for all assignments.

All make-up work is due the day following your return to school. If you have been absent for more than one day, and your absences were excused, you will have a week to turn your work in. Work completion for extended absences will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Extra Help

I am here to support your learning! If you are having any difficulty, please communicate with me. I am available to work with you after school or during mutually convenient times during the school day. In addition to my help, GMHS offers another valuable resource for you:

Writing Tutor: you may visit the writing tutor for help with specific writing assignments. You should make an appointment with the writing tutor well before the assignment is due. The writing tutor can help you at any phase of the writing process, and you may find multiple appointments are beneficial. You may be required to visit the writing tutor under certain circumstances. The writing tutor is located in the back corner second floor of the media center.

Social Expectations

Respect:
The student community will consistently demonstrate a consideration for the individuality of their peers and an appreciation of themselves, faculty and staff, and their environment.
Integrity and Ethical Behavior:
The student community will consistently demonstrate responsibility, honesty, integrity, and courtesy through ethical behavior.

Academic Expectations:

  • Students will evidence proficiency and fluency in reading and writing.

Contact Information

For specific questions/concerns, you may use my email. I check email often and I will get back to you in a timely matter. In addition, I will often use email to provide reminders and/or to check in with you. My email address is:

For general questions about assignments or due dates, please check my website. I will post all major assignments on a weekly basis. This resource will be helpful if you are absent, but you should remember to check with me as well. You can access the website by going to the GMHS home page.

I am available during the following periods:

Period 1 – room 1231

Period 4 – room 1231

Period 6 –room 1231

*Please do not interrupt my other classes to meet with me, unless mutually arranged prior to that period.

Please feel free to contact me by email at

Have a great year and good luck!

Mrs. Dafgek

English Department Daily Assignment Rubric

While the point value of individual assignments may vary, most of your daily homework and classwork will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • + / 95%: Assignment reflects precise attention to instructions; the question being asked or writing topic is completely and accurately addressed. Main points are fully developed with supporting details, using direct quotes from the text where appropriate. Assignment displays a minimum of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Additionally, word choice and sentence variety reflect the writer’s careful attention. Assignment includes student’s name, date, and title of assignment. Work is prepared carefully and neatly, reflecting the student’s best efforts.
  •  / 83%: Assignment basics are completed, though student work may not follow all of the instructions. Main points are partially supported with details, but not to the extent of a + answer. Assignment may contain several grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and may not be written in complete sentences. Assignment may be missing date or title. Assignment appears to be hastily prepared as compared to + work and does not reflect the student’s best efforts.
  • - / 69%: Assignment is not complete and/or only partially follows the instructions. The response minimally addresses the question being asked. Work is short, general, and/or superficial. Answers are generally not in complete sentences, and there are many grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation errors. Assignment may be missing date and title. Written work may be messy or illegible and does not reflect much effort.
  • - - /55% or lower: Assignment is attempted but less than half done. Assignment absolutely does not represent what student is capable of producing with more time and effort.

In addition to these grades, student work may earn an “in-between” grade:

 / + (89%);

 / - (78%);

Truly extraordinary work may earn a + + (100%).