MASS MEDIA FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) .......important information for students and their parents

Are you a sophomore or junior thinking about studying Mass Media next year? This handy FAQ section could make your decision process easier. Follow along!

Q. What exactly IS Mass Media?

A. Mass Media is the study of radio, television, newspapers, film, magazines, the internet, advertising & design—all of the media which disseminate information and entertainment to the masses (fairly large groups of people).

Q. Is there a difference between the terms media and medium?

A. Yes. Medium is singular. Radio is a medium. Television is a medium. Media is plural. Radio and television (together) are media. We study many 'media' designed to be consumed by  'mass' audiences. That's where the class gets its name!


Q. Who should study Mass Media?

A.  Mass Media is particularly important for students who want to major in college Mass Communications to prepare for a career in television, radio, newspapers, film--any of the various media. In fact, I based the original course outline on a local college’s Introduction to Mass Communications class. Students who take Mass Media enter college with information that most college freshmen simply do not possess about the media, giving them a competitive advantage over their college classmates. That’s a good thing!

Q. Do many college students major in Mass Communications?

A.  Yes, indeed.  In fact,  Mass Comm/Media Technology is among the most popular majors on most liberal arts college campuses. Contact the registrar's office of the college you plan to attend for more detailed information.

Q. Do students in other majors also study Mass Communications?

A. Absolutely! Students in many other disciplines find that knowledge of how the various media function gives them an edge when seeking employment after college. Pre-law, business, international studies, world language, and other students elect to study Mass Comm classes, seeking that real-world advantage. Many even commit to minoring in it,  studying at least 15 credits (5 courses).

Q. I don’t want to major in Mass Comm. I might not even GO to college. How can this class help me?

A. The media are so influential in our lives. Understanding the forces that control the various media (understanding how the media seeks to control YOU) will help you in all fields of study. Most importantly, Mass Media helps all students become more intelligent consumers of media—a benefit that will serve you throughout your lifetime. Just ask Ms. Casale, a “satisfied former Mass Media student”.

Q. I see that Mass Media falls among the Language Arts elective offerings. Will I have to write a lot of papers?

A. That all depends on what you consider ‘a lot’. If you’re heading to college, anticipate at least two major papers in each course per semester. Therefore, the more papers you write in high school, the better prepared you will be to meet that college requirement. In Mass Media, you will write at least one minor (short) paper per quarter--usually a review of an article about an important individual we are studying.  

For more information about the paper requirement, click on the Mass Media main page and scroll to the section on research projects. If you are an average to above average English student, the papers will present few obstacles for you. If you struggle with English, I will help you organize your thoughts so that they flow freely. You may be surprised to learn that the papers actually HELP students’ grades! (Unless, of course, you opt not to do one.......)

Q. Is this a production course? For example, will we be able to videotape, edit and display films when we study film?

A. Unfortunately No. The course is not designed as a production course. Major projects like the one above would take up too much class time at the expense of the other media forms we must study. In college, we call classes like Mass Media ‘survey courses’ because they present a wide variety of material within a relatively short time span--in our case, one school year. And schools that offer video production offer it as a 'stand alone' course.

Q. Does the class take field trips?

A. Yes. There are two scheduled field trips. We traditionally visit WNEP-TV and WEZX-Rock 107 in conjunction with our study of radio and television. We also visit the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. to view the various media exhibits there. While in Washington, we also tour as many national monuments as our schedule allows.


Do YOU have any questions not covered in these FAQs?  E-mail me today and I’ll include serious questions and my responses to them in this space!

Remember to include your name and grade with your question.

I hope this brief look at our course helps you in the often confusing process of choosing the electives that are right for you. Whatever classes you elect for the coming year, work hard in school and make the kinds of choices in your personal life that will help guarantee your success. Good luck!!!!

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