Mass Communication 3375
Electronic Media Programming

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The course is designed to study the principles and strategies employed by the electronic media industries in their effort to use programming content to attract audiences.  The course provides a framework for understanding program selection, scheduling and evaluation as practiced by stations and networks. This course is designed to encourage students to become more sophisticated consumers of the media.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES:

(1) To understand the history of electronic media programming;
(2) to understand and interpret programming strategies as they are employed by the electronic media industries;
(3) to be familiar with the concepts, vocabulary, and practices of programmers; and
(4) to have experience in analyzing and reporting on programming strategies and the possible ramifications of those strategies.

REQUIRED TEXT:

Programming for TV, Radio and the Internet: Strategy, Development & Evaluation, 2nd Ed., Philippe Perebinossoff, Brian Gross and Lynne S. Gross, Focal Press Publishing, 2005, ISBN-0-240-80682-4.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

Week 1 - Review of Syllabus
Week 2 - The History of Programming, Chapter One
              -1960s Shows of Note
Week 3 - Sources of Television Programming, Chapter Two
             - Development, Chapter Four
Week 4 - Program Testing, Chapter Five
Week 5 - Presentations: The Pitch
Week 6 - Elements of Successful Programming (Structure & Appeals), Chapter Six
              - Identify the Appeal
              - Appealing to a Diverse Audience
              - Influences on Television Programming, Chapter Seven
Week 7  - MIDTERM TEST
Week 8  - Mass Communication Week
Week 9 - Scheduling Strategies for Television, Chapter Nine
Week 10  - Program Evaluation, Chapter Eleven
               - Ratings Grid (B&C)
Week 11 - Changing and Canceling Programs, Chapter Twelve
Week 12 - TEST COVERING TWITTER LINKS
                  (to be available on TRACS Assessment)
Week 12 - Station Programming Decisions, Chapter Thirteen
Week 13 - Cable Programming, Chapter Fifteen
Week 14 - Sources of Radio Programming, Chapter Three
               - Influences on Radio Programming, Chapter Eight
               - Scheduling Strategies for Radio, Chapter Ten
Week 15 - Cable, Satellite, The Internet & Future Possibilities

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING:

Grades will be determined by three exams and approximately four projects/papers.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication permits faculty members to lower a student's final grade for absences or tardiness.  In this class, students are allowed four absences without penalty. However, if a student has cumulatively missed five times -- excused or unexcused -- before the midterm test, then his or her midterm test score will be reduced ten percent or one letter grade. If a student has cumulatively missed seven times -- excused or unexcused -- before the final test, then his or her final test score will be reduced ten percent or one letter grade. Attendance is taken using a sign-in sheet during each class. Students must accept responsibility for signing the roll sheet and for keeping count of their absences during the semester. If any student is ever tardy, then he or she must sign the roll immediately after the class to be given credit for attending. 

DROP DATES:

Sept. 11- Last day to drop with 100% refund
Oct. 26 - Automatic W deadline. Last day to drop a class.
Nov. 23- Withdrawal deadline. Go to zero hours enrolled.


FINAL: M-W section -- Monday, Dec. 14, 8-10:30, OM 201
              T-Th section -- Thursday, Dec. 10, 11-1:30 Hines 204

If you are a student with a disability certified by the Office of Disability Services and you require accommodation in my class, it is your responsibility to tell me at the beginning of the semester so that accommodation can be provided promptly.

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication commits itself to the preparation of ethical mass media professionals and scholars. Such a mission demands the highest standard of academic honesty and integrity. Violations of academic honesty, including but not limited to plagiarism, collusion, deception, conflict of interest and theft, are not tolerated and can lead to severe penalties. Disciplinary actions for violations of the standards for academic honesty are outlined in http://www.txstate.edu/effective/upps/upps-07-10-01.html

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