Courses

Mass Media

0400. Communication Theory I   (4 s.h.)

Introduction to the field through a review of theoretical frameworks that have served as foundations for and shaped the study of mass communication. Required course for MM&C students in their first semester.

0420. Researching Communication II   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400 and 500

Introduction to qualitative research approaches applicable to the study of mass communication. Includes consideration of philosophical and conceptual approaches, epistemological and ethical concerns, and practical methodologies and tools. Required course for MM&C students in their second semester.

0500. Researching Communication I   (4 s.h.)

Introduction to the processes of communication research, common quantitative research methodologies, and concepts of statistical literacy. Required course for MM&C students in their first semester.

0503. Advanced Quantitative Methods  (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Study of parametric and non-parametric statistics and electronic data processing in the context of mass communication research problems, with an emphasis on multivariate analyses.

0505. Literature of Journalism   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Survey and analysis of major works that have shaped the nature and evolution of the professional practice and the social role of journalism.

0510. VIisual Communication   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Critical examination of the ways photographs inform our everyday lives, focusing on photography's relationship with "truth" and "reality." Consideration of the uses of photographs for informative, interpretive and persuasive communication.

0520. Communications Institutions   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Examination of the structure and function of the media in today's global society, including consideration of patterns of corporate ownership and control, political economy of media, democratic theory, globalization, governmental regulation of media, new technologies, and the nature of various media industries.

0540. Communication Theory II   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400 and 500

Survey of the principal social sciences and humanities approaches that have led to the emergence of mass communication as a field in the modern academy. Includes review of the history of the study of the modern media as well as the perspectives guiding behavioral and social effects studies related to mass communication. Required course for MM&C students in their second semester.

0581. Information Society   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Examination of theories and research related to what is commonly referred to as the Information Society and exploration of the economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions of new media technologies.

0612. Critical Analysis of Mass Media   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Examination and application of sociological, anthropological, literary studies, historical and cultural studies approaches to the analysis of media. The course surveys the major theoretical perspectives and explores content themes that have shaped contemporary media.

0621. Communication History   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Study of the technological and social development of communication systems from ancient to present times with emphasis on historical/descriptive research methods.

0622. Communication Law   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Legal and philosophical study of government regulation of information transmission from 15th century to the present. Emphasis on legal descriptive research methods.

0625. SEM/Communication Abroad   (6 s.h.)

Participation in one of Temple University's study abroad programs, including Temple/London, Temple/Japan, etc.

0639. Mass Media Sociology   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Behavioral and structural stability and transformation in society in relation to communication systems.

0642. Psychological Proc/Media  (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Research and theory concerning the contemporary psychological significance of media. Topics include attention, memory, comprehension, emotional response, arousal, picture perception, unconscious processing, and person perception as they relate to traditional (radio, TV, print, film) and emerging (virtual reality, teleconferencing) media.

0647. Political Communication   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Introduction to how communication scholars study politics and the media. The course considers prevalent political communication theories and trends, the relationship between political institutions and the press in the US and in other countries, elections, debates, political campaigning and advertising, new media and politics, political socialization, education, politics and popular culture.

0727. Ethical Standards in MM&C   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Ethical, moral, and legal standards applicable to the mass media including governmental, societal, institutional, and self-regulation issues. Responsibilities of individuals, groups, and organizations engaged in message construction, transmission, or consumption.

0729. Global Telecommunication   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Comparison of systems throughout the world in terms of types of control, content, purposes, and effects.

0731. International MM&C   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Topics in international mass communication.

0742. Mass Media and Children   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Influence of the media on children's development. Includes problems of studying socialization effects, media usage patterns, functions of the media, effects on family interaction, issues of social class and race, political socialization, sexual behavior, consumer behavior, music and aggression.

0744. Public Information Campaign   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Exploration of techniques and issues used in information campaigns regarding health, energy conservation, environmental protection, and other topics, and the effects of campaigns on public knowledge and behavior. Students conduct an actual campaign on campus.

0748. Media and Social Memory   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Examination of the role of mass media in the creation and revision of collective (or "social") memory and the role of collective memory in the creation and revision of mass media.

0780. Advanced Topics/MM&C I   (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: MMC 400, 420, 500, and 540

Consideration of advanced and timely topics in Mass Media & Communication.

0799. Preliminary Exam Prep   (1 s.h.)

Students write their dissertation proposal and prepare to take preliminary examinations.

0800. Seminar in MM & C   (4 s.h.)

Special seminar in Mass Media & Communication topics.

0945. PH.D. Colloquium  (1 s.h.)

Introduction to doctoral study, the field of communication, and the MM&C program. Fall semester: Current problems and opportunities in the field, discussions and presentations of current research, and presentations by senior scholars and students. Spring semester: writing workshop. Required of MM&C students in fall and spring of their first year.

0946. Theory and Research Seminar   (1 s.h.)

Students attend the SCAT Theory and Research Seminar Series (STARSS) and write a short paper. May be repeated for credit.

0951. Directed Readings/Comm  (1-8 s.h.)

Tutorial course supervised by a specific MM&C faculty member. Obtain required form from SCAT Graduate Office (344 Annenberg Hall).

0961. Directed Projects/Comm  (1-8 s.h.)

Tutorial course supervised by a specific MM&C faculty member. Obtain required form from SCAT Graduate Office (344 Annenberg Hall).

0995. Advanced Studies   (4 s.h.)

By invitation only. Development of publishable research and advanced abilities to design, evaluate, supervise, and conduct research. Intended for post-doctoral students.

0999. Dissertation Research   (1-6 s.h.)

Open only to Ph.D. candidates in MM&C. Students may register only after a dissertation proposal is officially approved. At least one credit must be taken each semester until the dissertation is successfully defended.