Mass Media and Society
MASC 1100-90 · Fall 2026 · Bemidji State University
Course Information
MASC 1100 Section 90
Department of Integrated Media
Online Course via D2L Brightspace
[Course Description]
This course serves as an introduction to mass media, including radio, television, film, print and web publication. It is designed to lead the student to basic media literacy by exploring the evolution of mass media and their effects on society.
[Textbooks and Materials]
There is no required textbook for this course. Reading materials and links to related media will be available on D2L.
[Learning Outcomes]
- Gain an understanding of the origin and development of mass communication technologies and be current with new technologies.
- Describe the variety of relationships between media and their audiences.
- Recognize the ethical and philosophical issues that arise in media culture and develop a framework from which to analyze them.
- Effectively find and make use of information resources in the researching of mass media trends.
[Assignments]
Discussion Threads
Discussion threads will be posted throughout the semester regarding current topics in media. The purpose of these threads is to broaden your perspective on how media impacts you and others. Your response must be thoughtful and insightful. When posting, cite the sources that contribute to your opinion. Always use a respectful tone when expressing your thoughts and responding to others. Your thread must be posted by Friday and then you will respond to at least three other students' threads by end of day Sunday on the week the thread is due.
Media Blog
You will be given assignments that are media related; a news story, a photo essay, an audio/video recording. Advanced media editing will not be required. The purpose of these assignments is to help you begin using media as a form of meaningful expression. These assignments will be posted in a blog that you create online with WIX or a blog site of your choice; i.e. WordPress, SquareSpace, Facebook, etc. Select a free site that is easy for you to use. You will post a link to your blog on D2L so others can see your work.
Media Review
You will write a review of a favorite film, music artist/album, book, game, etc. When writing this review, you will use the tone and vernacular of a professional reviewer. You must cite at least two other reviews or sources that support your argument. Samples of published reviews will be provided to help you.
Final Critical Review
You will select a book written by a well-known media critic and write a formal review of their work. Details of this assignment will be posted in D2L.
[Grading & Assessment]
Grade Breakdown
| Discussion Threads | 25% of final grade |
| Media Blog | 25% of final grade |
| Media Review | 25% of final grade |
| Final Critical Review | 25% of final grade |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Scale
| A | 94-100 |
| A- | 90-93 |
| B+ | 87-89 |
| B | 84-86 |
| B- | 80-83 |
| C+ | 77-79 |
| C | 74-76 |
| C- | 70-73 |
| D | 65-69 |
| F | 64 and below |
[Course Schedule]
Schedule subject to change
| Dates | Topic | Readings & Assignments |
|---|---|---|
| Week 18/24-30 | Introduction & Syllabus | None assigned |
| Week 28/31-9/6 | Are you a digital native? | Read web article and respond to discussion thread. |
| Week 39/7-13 | Making a WIX webpage/blog | Sign up for a free WIX website and create your blog |
| Week 49/14-20 | Deep Fakes | Watch TED talk, do web research, and report back on discussion thread. |
| Week 59/21-27 | A.I. and Journalism: Issues of content, truth and objectivity | Read articles posted in D2L and write an editorial. |
| Week 69/28-10/4 | A.I. and Journalism: Issues of content, truth and objectivity | Post your editorial to your blog and D2L. |
| Week 710/5-11 | What media do you enjoy consuming? | Part 1: Select a favorite film, music artist, book, game, etc. and post your choice to the discussion thread. |
| Week 810/12-18 | What media do you enjoy consuming? | Part 2: Write your review and post it to your blog and also to the D2L assignments folder |
| Week 910/19-25 | Doing rhetoric: rhetorical analysis on a meme or trending social media topic | Part 1: Select your meme or topic and post it to the discussion thread |
| Week 1010/26-11/1 | Doing rhetoric: rhetorical analysis on a meme or trending social media topic | Part 2: Review the documents and PowerPoint lecture on rhetoric, write your analysis and post it to your blog and D2L |
| Week 1111/2-8 | Take a Break | No assignment this week |
| Week 1211/9-15 | Your Brain on Technology (YBOT) part 1 | Read YBOT assignment and begin |
| Week 1311/16-22 | YBOT part 1 | Complete YBOT Research and post to discussion thread |
| Week 1411/23-29 | YBOT part 2 | Begin response to others about YBOT |
| Week 1511/30-12/8 | YBOT part 2 | Complete responses to others about YBOT |
| FinalFinals Week | All assignments and blog posts must completed by Friday, DEC 11 by midnight. | Submit Assignments and posts to your blog. |
[University & Course Policies]
Academic Integrity
BSU students are expected to practice the highest standards of ethics, honesty, and integrity in all of their academic work. Any form of academic dishonesty (e.g. plagiarism, cheating, misrepresentation) may result in disciplinary action. Possible disciplinary actions include failure for part or all of the course, as well as suspension from the University. It is suggested that students review BSU's statement on academic integrity found within the Student Code of Conduct.
Mental Health and Counseling
Students may experience mental health concerns or stressful events that may lead to diminished academic performance. The Student Center for Health & Counseling is available to assist you with concerns and can include stress relief services. They can be reached in Cedar Hall, First Floor. Phone: (218) 755-2053.
Accessibility Statement
Upon request this document can be made available in alternate formats. Please contact the instructor or the Office for Student Disabilities (755-3883).