COM450 CLASS SYLLABUS

COM450A - MEDIA AND THE BLACK EXPERIENCE
Wednesdays 6:00-9:30 p.m., Spring 2007
College of New Rochelle - DC37 Campus

Prof. Jennifer Heuson - jenheuson@yahoo.com
Office hours: by appointment
Website: http://mediablackness.blogspot.com/

This seminar analyzes the relationship of the media (films, TV, radio, and theater) with the members of Black communities: both encoders (writers, performers, creators and entrepreneurs) as well as decoders (audiences and consumers). The seminar focuses on an analysis of the Black cinema as an expression of the evolving consciousness from the perspective of the social historians. The students will view and analyze specific feature films, documentaries, television and radio programs. A Life Arts Project is required.

Course Objectives

1. Investigate how media depict, describe and define Blackness, and examine the impact of these depictions on identity, morality, equality and community.
2. Understand how and why racial images are constructed, and explore the ethical, economic and political aspects of the creation of racial difference through various media.
3. Identify and critique stereotypes pivotal to the construction of Black identity. Examine the impact of these stereotypes on Black and White communities and on concepts of race.
4. Recognize the historical development of Black communities and their connection to the media representations unique to various time periods (e.g. Civil War; Civil Rights).
5. Examine counter-movements of representation used to empower black communities.
6. Investigate a racial issue present in contemporary media.
7. Analyze readings, films and course lectures through weekly online assignments.
8. Create a video documentary examining racial representation and meaning.

Course Requirements

• Students are expected to complete ALL required reading and assignments. Students will complete weekly journal assignments online at: http://mediablackness.blogspot.com/.
• Students are expected to turn in a research paper in proper MLA style with an annotated bibliography. Students will complete AND present a Life Arts Project.
• Students are required to attend and to participate fully in every seminar. Arriving late and leaving early will count against your final participation grade.
• Students are expected to attend class sessions and all field trips, guest lectures and film screenings.

Grading
LAP 25%, Research Paper 25%, Online Journals 20%, Final Presentation 10%, Class Participation/Attendance 20%

• Late assignments will be downgraded. The research paper and LAP will not be accepted late.
• Students MUST attend LAP presentations to pass this class.
• Students who miss a class will be expected to complete the reading and view material screened for that week. Students will be allowed two excused absences. Additional absences will result in a grade reduction of one letter.
• Students who do not attend field trips, guest lectures or film screenings will be counted absent. Missing such events will count toward the allotted two absences.
• Students are expected to be in the classroom when class begins, at the top of the hour, and to stay for the entire period. Students who leave early will be counted absent.
• The use of cellular phones is prohibited in class.

Required Text
Entman, Robert M. and Andrew Rojecki. The Black Image in the White Mind: Media and Race in America. Chicago: U of Chicago P, 2000.