Introduction to Media Studies

Instructor: Kevin Hohn

2016-2017

email:

voicemail: 668-2000

*please note: email is my preferred method of contact. Email is responded to within 24 hours, often much sooner as I check my email throughout the day.

Course Objective: Media Studies is an introduction to methods used to critically analyze and interpret the myriad forms of media that one is exposed to on a daily and hourly basis. This course does not discuss all forms of media. Instead, it offers insights into some familiar media forms and how they work to persuade, influence, or manipulate us into holding certain beliefs or taking specific actions.

Assignments: there will be a variety of shorter and longer assignments throughout the semester. Most in-class assignments involve taking notes on methods of interpretation, reading and interpreting various media sources in small and large groups, and working on the larger assignments that are listed below.

-  Two Advertising Analyses - 1 print ad, 1 internet/radio ad

-  Newspaper editorial analysis

-  Newspaper article analysis

-  Political/social criticism cartoon analysis

-  Photograph of person, place, event analysis

-  News topic review/analysis (may complete with a partner)

-  1/2 hour television show and ads analysis

Grading:

We will be using the grading policy set forth by Henry High School. This means that 20% of your grade will be based on formative work, while 80% of your grade will be based on summative assignments. Summative assignments include all final essays. Most class work is formative, and may not be handed in, but students should pay attention to those formative assignments that are handed in.Failure to hand in those assignments may also lead to significant points deduction depending on lateness.

GRADING SCALE:

Please note that it is Minneapolis Public Schools policy that there is no A+ grade.

94-100 = A

90-93 = A-

88-89 = B+

84-87 = B

80-83 = B-

78-79 = C+

74-77 = C

70-73 = C-

68-69 = D+

64-67 = D

60-63 = D-

59.99 = F

Materials Needed:

I strongly encourage each student to have a dedicated notebook and folder for this class. We will be taking notes throughout the semester, and there will be shorter writing assignments that may be done in handwriting. Please also bring a pen or pencil.

Class Policies:

• BE ON TIME: Students are expected to attend class every day class is held unless excused by activities or parents/guardians. Students are expected to be in their seats when the bell rings. Lingering in hallways and around the door is not acceptable. Unexcused tardiness is strongly discouraged. It should be understood that 3 tardy referrals, regardless of to which class the student is late, will constitute a lunch detention policy, and 4 in a week will lead to a bus card being shut off for the weekend.

• BE PREPARED: Students will have their own materials, and have them ready to use or turn in. Project materials will be supplied by the instructor.

BE MUTUALLY RESPECTFUL: Students will be expected to speak in class to raise or challenge ideas being discussed. Other students will be expected to listen carefully and respectfully to their peers and consider their input without interruption. When opinions differ, students are expected to maintain enough professional detachment to respect the opinion of others without becoming emotional. Students are also expected to respect the instructor’s position as mediator of discussion and custodian of classroom environment. Students will be expected to read instructions carefully and fully before asking for assistance. Of course, questions and further clarification are always welcomed by the instructor.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT: OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRA HELP

* After-School Tutorial: Mr. Hohn will be available from 3:05-3:45 on Tuesdays for after school tutorial sessions. Mr. Hohn is also be willing to make tutorial appointments for other days.

* Communication: Students and parents needing to contact Mr. Hohn can do so by sending email to .

MISCELLANY

* Planners and Passes: Students will receive a free planner at the beginning of the year. Students are encouraged to use them to keep track of assignments and due dates. It is the preference of the instructor not to issue passes, though other teachers may. A hall pass may be issued for emergency purposes at the instructor’s discretion, but students are expected to conduct themselves with the responsibility and maturity of an adult. As such, frivolous passes will not be issued.

* Peer Support: Students are encouraged to work and find support amongst their peers. Many students find it useful to find a “study buddy” that can act as a sounding board for ideas, a source of information for missed assignments, and a cooperative partner for exploring ideas and points of view. Students MUST NOT plagiarize or copy each other’s work. Doing so will result in both students receiving a zero (0) for the assignment and no opportunity to make it up.

*  Ethics: Students are expected to perform to the best of their ability, and with integrity. Plagiarism will not be tolerated, as student work is expected to be solely the authentic intellectual property of the student performing the work. If the ideas of others are used in written work for class assignments, citations MUST be provided, and original authors must be credited. In the event plagiarism is detected, the instructor will adjust the grade for the assignment at his discretion.

* Absences: Students who miss class are free to email the instructor for information regarding what was missed on the day or days he or she was absent. Students are expected to responsibly and independently seek and recover any information, notes, or materials he or she did not get while absent.

* Organization Stations: This station will be maintained at the back of the room.