DEPARTMENT: Journalism and Mass Communications

COURSE NUMBER:       JMC 515               CREDIT HOURS: 3

I. TITLE:  History of U.S. Journalism and Broadcasting

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION:  History of journalism and broadcasting with emphasis on the role of newspapers, radio, television and other communications media in the United States. Prerequisites: Junior, senior, or graduate standing.

III. PURPOSE:  Upon completing this course, the student will have a broad understanding of the history of the mass media in the United States and its relationship to society, government, and culture, as well as specific knowledge about the development of important American media institutions.

IV.   COURSE OBJECTIVES:  Students will learn:

A. The chronological development of the mass media in the United States in the context of the general history of the nation

B. The narrative history of several individual media institutions, such as prominent newspaper and magazine publishers and television networks

C. The contributions of women, minorities, and immigrant populations to the development of American mass media

D. How to write a historical research paper.

V. CONTENT OUTLINE:  Current semester schedule is attached.

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:  Lecture, discussion, readings, class presentations

VII. FIELD, CLINICAL, AND/OR LABORATORY EXPERIENCES: VIII. RESOURCES: Individual research paper/project for both undergraduate and graduate students

IX. GRADUATE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS:  Students taking JMC 515 for graduate credit must do an in-class presentation based on their research project, to be evaluated as part of the grade for that item.

X. GRADING PROCEDURES:  Two examinations, each counting 30 percent of the final grade; an historical research paper/project, counting 40 percent of the final grade. The grading scale used in this class will be 90-100=A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 60-69=D; 59 and below=E.

XI. ATTENDANCE POLICY:  Attendance and punctuality are required. As you would be expected to be punctual and present on a professional job, you are expected to attend all classes and labs. A legitimate reason for being absent, such as illness or a University related trip, should be brought to the instructor's attention by notifying the instructor of an absence ahead of time, just as you would notify a professional employer. Work missed because of an excused absence may be made up, but work missed because of an unexcused absence may not be made up. Thus, unexcused absences will negatively affect a student's final grade. SEE THE COMPLETE UNIVERSITY-APPROVED ATTENDANCE POLICY IN THE CURRENT UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE BULLETINS.

XII. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty on an assignment in the class or cheating on any assignment or exam can result in a falling grade for the course. For the official university policy, see "Academic Honesty" in the current Murray State University Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletins.

XIII. TEXT AND REFERENCES:  Writing History: A Guide for Students, 3rd ed., William Kelleher Storey , ISBN  978 0195337556

Thunderstruck, Erik Larson, ISBN 978 1400080670

The Powers That Be, David Halberstam, ISBN 978 0252069413

XIV. PREREQUISITES:  Junior, senior, or graduate standing.

X. STATEMENT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Murray State University does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran's status in providing any educational or other benefits services of Murray State University to students or those applying for admission at Murray State University.  Murray State University attempts to provide equal opportunity in all areas of student admissions, financial aid, employment, and placement and provides upon request, reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all programs and activities.