Courses
Mass Media
9001. 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.
9002. 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.
9003. Doctoral 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.
9004. Teaching Communication (4 s.h.)
A practical course in pedagogical methods, i.e., how to teach communication. Students learn to plan course objectives, design syllabi, develop classroom techniques, establish assessment methods, and acquire polish as instructors. Required course for all MM&C students.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002 (may be taken concurrently).
9101. Communication Theory II (4 s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002
9102. Researching Communi cation II (4 s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002
9503. Advanced Quantitative Methods (4 s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002
9505. Psychological Proc/Media (4 s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002 (may be taken concurrently).
9525. Communications Institutions (4 s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002 (may be taken concurrently).
9605. VIisual Communication (4
s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002 (may be taken concurrently).
9612. Critical Analysis of Mass Media (4 s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002 (may be taken concurrently).
9625. Communication Abroad (6 s.h.)
Participation in one of Temple University's study abroad programs, including Temple/London, Temple/Japan, etc.
9647.
Political Communication (4 s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002 (may be taken concurrently).
9700. Advanced Topics in MM&C (4 s.h.)
Consideration o fadvanced and timely topics in Mass Media and Communication.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002 (may be taken concurrently).
9735. Information Society (4
s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002 (may be taken concurrently).
9744. Public Information Campaign (4 s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002 (may be taken concurrently).
9748. Media and Social Memory (4 s.h.)
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.
Prerequisites: MMC 9001, 9002 (may be taken concurrently).
9882. 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).
9883.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).
9946. Theory and Research Seminar (STARSS) (1 s.h.)
Students attend the SCT Theory and Research Seminar Series (STARSS) and write a short paper. May be repeated for credit.
9994. Preliminary Exam Prep (1 s.h.)
Students prepare to take preliminary examinations.
9998. Pre-dissertation Research (4 s.h.)
Students write their dissertation proposal.
9999. 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.