Introduction to Mass Communication Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

COMM-1307-003 Introduction to Mass Communication

Prerequisites

Course Description

Survey of basic content and structural elements of mass media and their functions and influences on society.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

Hours

(3 sem hrs 3 lec )

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Textbook & Software

Title: Introduction to Mass Communication, Media Literacy & Culture (12th Edition)

Author: Stanley J. Baran

ISBN: 1264305094

Copyright / Publisher: 2024 / McGraw-Hill

Format: McGraw-Hill Connect (Digital Edition)

Note: It is not possible to pass the course without the Connect version.

How to Register for Connect via Blackboard Ultra

Video Guide: View the McGraw-Hill Blackboard Ultra Registration Video.

• Step 1: Log into your campus Blackboard Ultra account.
• Step 2: Select COMM 1307.
• Step 3: Open the folder containing your course assignments.
• Step 4: Click any McGraw-Hill Connect assignment link to initiate registration.
• Step 5: Enter your email address and click Begin (use "Forgot Password" if an account already exists).
• Step 6: Create your account (school email recommended) and accept the Terms and Conditions.
• Step 7: Choose one of three access options
  • Enter an access code purchased from the AC Bookstore.
  • Buy access directly online.
  • Select 14-day Courtesy Access (recommended to start immediately if purchasing later).
• Step 8: Click Confirm to complete registration.

Supplies

Reliable Internet access and note taking materials

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental types, purposes, and relevance of mass communication.

2. Demonstrate understanding of mass media in historic, economic, political, and cultural realms.

3. Demonstrate understanding of the business aspects of mass media and the influence of commercialism.

4. Demonstrate understanding of evolving media technologies and relevant issues and trends.

5. Demonstrate understanding of mass media values, ethics, laws, and industry guidelines.

6. Demonstrate understanding of globalization of mass media.

7. Demonstrate understanding of media effects on society.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

No controlled substances or equipment violating the AC Student Code of Life are permitted.

Academic Dishonesty & Scholastic Integrity

Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a failing grade.

• Cheating: Includes copying from another student, using unauthorized testing materials, collaborating during an exam, transporting unadministered test content, or substituting for another student.
• Plagiarism: Defined as appropriating, buying, receiving, or incorporating another’s work without acknowledgement. AI-generated text must be properly cited as a source.
• Collusion: Unauthorized collaboration with another person or through AI/computer translation tools. Using AI to generate document assignments constitutes collusion.

Grading Criteria

Assignment Descriptions

• Student/Instructor Learning Agreement (5%): Completion of the Blackboard agreement outlining course expectations.
• Pre-course Quiz (5%): A 20-question multiple-choice online diagnostic assessment gauging entry-level knowledge.
• Smart Book Chapter Reviews (30%): Weekly McGraw-Hill Connect chapter readings and questions.
• Midterm Exam (10%): Open-book online multiple-choice exam covering the first half of the semester.
• Final Exam (10%): Open-book online multiple-choice exam covering the second half of the semester.
• Discussion Postings (20%): Weekly forum posts requiring 1 main post and 2 substantial peer replies due Sundays by 11:59 PM (except Weeks 1 and 8).
• Self-Reflection Essay (10%): Comprehensive essay analyzing mass media's effect on culture, values, and personal habits based on class exercises.
• Critical Analysis Presentation (10%): Visual presentation (PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Canva) critically analyzing a selected piece of media.

Grade Breakdown Table

Grading Scale

A: 90% – 100%

B: 80% – 89%

C: 70% – 79%

D: 60% – 69%

F: 59% and below

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information

Blackboard & AC Connect Portal

• Access Blackboard and course communications through the AC Connect Portal.
• Check email and announcements daily.

Student Help Center (Center for Teaching & Learning)

For assistance with login resets, Blackboard navigation, or software questions:

Location: Library 205 (or Library Research Desk 4th Floor)

Phone: (806) 371-5992 or (806) 371-5932

Hours:

• Mon – Thu: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Library 205)
• Mon – Thu: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Library 4th Floor Desk)
• Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Library 205)

Resource Link: AC Connect Student Resources

Computer Lab Locations

• Mass Media Lab: Parcells Hall 214
• Lynn Library: Ware Student Center, 4th Floor

Student Media & Department Links

• Department Website: Matney Mass Media Department
• Department Blog: Matney Mass Media Messenger
• Student Newspaper: The Ranger
• Facebook: AC Mass Media Facebook | The Ranger Facebook
• Twitter / X: AC Mass Media Twitter | The Ranger Twitter
• Instagram: The Ranger Instagram