MCOM 101 - online version
Professor Nigel Dobereiner
email: ndobereiner@wsc.ma.edu

Overview:

In this course we will conduct a comprehensive survey and critical analysis of mass communication. This will be accomplished through the study of the history and structure of mass media industries and an examination of social, economic, political, cultural, and global factors that create the context in which media operate. 

Topics will include examinations of such areas as violence in the media, economics of the media industry, conglomerates and concentration, media ethics, advertising, politics and technology. Media examined will include everything from magazines to the Internet.

 


Note: Cover may be different with new (9th) edition.

Requirements:

This kind of distance education is characterized by an emphasis on "learning on demand" or "as needed communication" between students and faculty from multiple locations at times convenient to participants.  There are no required sessions.  However, as an online course, there are certain requirements that are different than a "regular" course.  You will need access to the Internet and a computer that can play audio.  You will also need software that can read Microsoft Word documents, PowerPoint files Adobe Acrobat.  All are available for free.

You can get free Microsoft Word and PowerPoint readers (actually clones of the original tools) here at Open Office. You can get the free Adobe reader at Adobe.

REQUIRED TEXT: The Media of Mass Communication, John Vivian, 9th addition, - available at the bookstore

About the course instructor:

Nigel Dobereiner serves as assistant professor of Communication at a Westfield State college teaching courses in web development, television production, mass media and Theory.
Prior to teaching at Westfield, Nigel worked in corporate education and training for over 20 years. Throughout that time, his focus has been on the design and delivery of technology-based learning solutions. He is committed to expanding the traditional elearning experience by integrating activities and challenges that actively engage learners. His elearning solutions have been applied at firms such as Hewlett-Packard, Allmerica Financial, CIGNA HealthCare, Sikorsky Aircraft and other Fortune 1000 companies.

Past experiences include serving as Director of Development for two interactive learning businesses. In those roles, he oversaw the design, development and delivery of interactive learning for companies such as Chanel, Gucci, Sears and Polo Ralph Lauren. Before that, he acquired extensive experience in the health care industry developing instructional media for clinical education as well as marketing and general public education. His work included writing and producing a weekly television news piece for NBC affiliates and a broadcast special for which he was awarded a Journalist of the Year award from the Valley Press Club.

Professor Dobereiner holds an Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts and a graduate degree in Educational Media & Technology from Boston University.
Please note that this is a generic interaction plan and the official course syllabus will be available to you once the course begins.  Some things in the final course syllabus may be different.  However the text book is accurate.