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HistoryofJournalism |
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CMMN A450, History of Journalism surveys the origin and development of journalism in the United States in the context of U.S. political, social, and economic history. It covers major newspapers, magazines and electronic media agencies and important figures within each field.
The text is
Sloan, William David and James D. Startt. The Media in America:
A History. 5th ed. Northport, AL: Vision Press, 2002.
One book review is required: a biography or autobiography of a journalist or the history of a newspaper or other journalistic organization. You are to write a review of each one during one class session, as shown on the calendar. You may use the book and notes you have taken, but nothing else. Reviews are to be written in blue books (large size: 8 1/2" x 11").
A list of books
for reviewing is posted below.
You may also use books mentioned in the Books
to Read section of this site.
Two examinations will be given:
March 4: Exam 1, Chapters 1-7
May 4: Exam 2, Chapters 8-24.
Examinations are to be written in a blue book (large size: 8 1/2" x 11"). Neither exam can be made up.
Two papers are required. They are to be in the form of
newspaper op-ed essays or broadcast essays of the sort heard
on NPR's "All Things Considered." Each should run about
900 words.
In the first you are to examine attitudes toward freedom of the press since September 11, 2001, and the historical background presented in Chapter 6, then argue one of two positions: that the crisis we face today requires a departure from the notions of press freedom held by the Founders or a rigid adherence to those notions. Due Date: February 19.
Your second essay should examine whether the media of the 21st century, with their fascination with sensations such as the cases of Chandra Levy, Lacey Peterson, Michael Jackson, the Madonna-Briney Spears kiss, and the like, have developed very far beyond the newspapers of the 19th century. Due date: April 1.
In each instance you should develop an argument grounded in historical factnot just make assertions based on feeling. Use the discussions in pertinent chapters in the text and in at least four of the required recommended readings at the end of those chapters. You should be sure to incorporate a counter-argument that challenges the principal position that you take in the paper, and then tell why your positions overcomes the challenge.
Papers must be typed, double-space, in 12 point Times. Number each page. Use endnotes and a bibliography prepared in accord with the style outlined in Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, or use abbreviated versions of Chicago style at University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center or the Ohio State University Library.
The quality of the writing will be considered
in the evaluation of each paper, as will spelling, grammar and
neatness. Be sure to proofread your paper to catch any spelling
or typing errors (keeping in mind that your computer's spelling
and grammar checker will not catch all problems).
Classroom decorum: Attendance is crucial. You will be examined on
material covered in class as well as on material in the text.
Tardiness is disruptive. You are expected to be in class when it begins.
Do not leave during class. People leaving and returning disrupt the concentration of the teacher and other students.
Men: please do not wear your hats in class.
Grading: Exams, essays
and book review will each count 20 percent. Each is required;
if you miss an exam or do not turn in an assignment, you will
have failed to meet the course requirements and, thus, will receive
an F in the course.
Provisions of the "Integrity of Scholarship and Grades" section of the 2003-2005 Undergraduate Bulletin (pp. 46-7) will apply to all work done in this class. To put it simply, plagiarism will result in an F in the course.
BOOKS FOR REVIEWING
