Communications Studies (COMS) 381 - Lecture 02
History of Communications
Winter 2007
Tuesdays and Thursdays 14:00 - 15:15  

Instructor:	Mr. Richard Sutherland
Office Location:	SS 339
Office Phone:	220-7775
E-Mail:	rfsuther@ucalgary.ca
Web Page:	Blackboard
Office Hours:	By Appointment

Course Description

In this course we will study major developments in communication technology from prehistoric symbols to the advent of electronic mass media. Topics will include the nature of orality and literacy, the consequences of various writing systems, the impact of the printing press, and the implications of various technologies which extend sight, sound, and memory. Although the technology of various communication systems is of interest, the social and cultural consequences of these artifacts are equally important. In order to appraise and understand the significance of various communication technologies, we will employ the theoretical insights of a number of scholars including Ong, Innis, and McLuhan.

Objectives of the Course

By combining history, theory and practical applications, the course offers students: (a) a broader understanding of the complex and dynamic relationship between technology and the social world, and the mutual shaping influence they exert on each other; (b) an appreciation of societal and cultural change and technical innovation, and the conceptual shifts associated with major events in human communications history; and (c) a broader understanding of what constitutes information and communications technologies.

Textbooks and Readings:

Book of Readings: Available at the University Bookstore.

Assignments and Evaluation

It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

Midterm: February 27 20% Paper Proposal: February 1 15% Term Paper: April 12 35% Final Exam: Registrar Scheduled 30%

Note: Please return assignments directly to the instructor if possible. If it is not possible to do so, a daytime drop box is available in SS110; a date stamp is provided for your use. A night drop box is also available for after-hours submission. Assignments will be removed the following morning, stamped with the previous day's date, and placed in the instructor's mailbox.

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination: Yes

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline may be penalized with the loss of a grade (e.g.: A- to B+) for each day late.

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, although to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will be assessed at least partly on writing skills. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc) but also general clarity and organization. Research papers must be properly documented.

If you wish help with your writing at any stage, including drafts, you are invited to contact the Writing Centre, SS110, 220-7255.

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+ (96-100); A (92-95); A- (86-91); B+ (81-85); B (77-80); B- (71-76);
C+ (65-70); C (62-64); C- (59-61); D+ (55-58); D (50-54); F (0-49)

 

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offense. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly suspension or expulsion from the university.

You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people’s words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as Web pages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (SS110) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

To be handed out in class.