Required text: “Mightier than the Sword: How the News Media Have Shaped American History” by Rodger Streitmatter

Catalog description: “Historical backgrounds of journalism, tracing the rise of mass communications in the Western world with social, economic and political trends.”

Course procedure: We’ll use a narrative approach to examine the development of journalism in America, from its origin in England and elsewhere through the maturing of broadcast media. Keep in mind the factors that have influenced that development: technology, politics, economics and society/audience.

Grading: The final grade will be based on a total of 100 points, as follows:
• Two take-home essays, worth 15 points each.
• Two in-class quizzes, worth 10 points each.
• A mid-term exam, worth 20 points.
• A final exam, worth 30 points.
Essays and exams will be graded for content and for writing organization and proper use of the language. Failure to return in an assignment on time without a verifiable excuse will cost 10 percent of the grade each day the assignment is late.