Course Objectives
In this course you will: a) learn media theory relevant to the phenomenon of alternative media; b) address how to define alternative media; c) learn about the history and current practices of alternative media in the U.S; d) gain experience in producing your own alternative messages in a variety of media. 

Course Description
We will begin the course by addressing how and why mainstream media limit personal/political expression. We will then consider the sometimes contradictory ways that alternative media can be defined in terms of "content," creative processes, and/or economic aspects of production and distribution. Finally, you will apply what you have learned in developing your own alternative productions.

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• Branwyn, G. 1997. Jamming the media, a citizens guide: Reclaiming the tools of communication
• NOTE: Additional required reading will be on electronic reserve, accessable via the library web page, or on reserve as hard copy in Robertson Library.

• NOTE: There are two required chapters in the Duncombe text!
• Duncombe, S. 1997. Notes from the underground: Zines and the politics of alternative culture. London: Verso.
• Green, K. & Taormino, T., Eds. 1997. A girl's guide to taking over the world: writing for the girl zine revolution. San Francisco: Chronicle books.
• Rowe, C. 1997. The book of zines: readings from the fringe. NY: Henry Holt.
• Rushkoff, D. 1996. Media virus: Hidden agendas in popular culture NY: Ballantine.

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Assignments
The assignments in this class are designed to promote and assess your achievement of the course objectives. The assignments are briefly described below. Additional details of assignments will be posted on the web and discussed in class.

Grading
The Grading Scale for each assignment and for the final grade is based on a total of 100 points, as follows:

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Attendance
Regular attendance is expected. If you are absent more than twice your final grade will be lowered (athletes must inform me in advance of games/events that will necessitate excused absences). You are responsible for all materials covered in class during absences.

Lateness
Consistently showing up late is rude and disruptive. Repeated lateness will result in your final grade being lowered.

Late/Missing Assignments
The grade for any assignment handed in late will be lowered by one half of a letter grade per day of lateness. Failure to hand in any individual assignment will result in a failing grade for the entire course.

Honor Code
You are expected to be familiar with, and abide by, the student honor code, as laid out in the Student Handbook. In particular, pay attention to the definition of plagiarism.

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Reading & Discussion Assignments
Note the uneven distribution of reading assignments during the term. For the first few weeks, you will do a lot of reading in order to inform our discussions of media theory and philosophy, and historical and current alternative media practices. Thereafter, you will spend your time developing your skills as alternative media practitioners.
Week 1
8/31

• Course intro.

Week 2
9/5-9/7

• Keane, J. 1991. Liberty of the press. In J. Keane, The media and democracy, (pp.1-50).Cambridge, UK: Polity Press
• Brecht, B. 1983. Radio as a means of communication A talk on the function of radios. In A. Mattelart & S. Sieglaub (Eds.), Communication and class struggle: Liberation, socialism (pp. 169-171). New York: International General.

Week 3
9/12-9/14

• McChesney, R. W. (1997). Corporate media and the threat to democracy. New York: Seven Stories Press pp. 5-29
• Aufderheide, P. (1991). Public television and the public sphere. Critical studies in mass communication, 8, 168-183.
• Jamming: Introduction: The new media hackers pp. 12-39.

Week 4
9/19-9/21

• Steiner, L. (1992). The history and structure of women's alternative media. In L. F. Rakow (ed.), Women making meaning: New feminist directions in communication (pp. 121-143). New York: Routledge.
• Duncombe, S. (1997). The politics of alternative culture. In S. Duncombe, Notes from the underground: Zines and the politics of alternative culture (pp.174-194). London; Verso.
• OPTIONAL: Rushkoff, D. (1996). Chapter 6, Alternative media & Chapter 7 Tactical media. In D. Rushkoff. Media virus: Hidden agendas in popular culture (pp. 179-234). New York: Ballantine books.
• Lab: video

Week 5
9/26-9/28

• Jamming: Chapter 4, Over the edge of broadcasting, pp. 160-213.
• Boyle, D. (1995) Guerilla television. In P. d'Agostino & D. Tafler (Eds.), Transmission: Toward a post television culture (pp. 151-164). Thousand Oaks: Sage
• Ouelette, L. (1995). Will the revolution be televised? Camcorders, activism and alternative television in the 1990s. In P. d'Agostino & D. Tafler (Eds.), Transmission: Toward a post television culture (pp. 165-187). Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Week 6
10/3-105

• Jamming: Chapter 1, The passion press, pp. 52-85.
• Duncombe, S. (1997). Zines. In S. Duncombe, Notes from the underground: Zines and the politics of alternative culture (pp.1-16). London; Verso.
• Lab: Multimedia?

10/10-10/12

• Jamming: Chapter 7, Publishing with electrons, pp. 286-335.
• Rushkoff, D. (1996). The net. In D. Rushkoff. Media virus: Hidden agendas in popular culture (pp. 235-257). New York: Ballantine books.

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10/17-10/19

• Midterm due 10/17

10/24

10/26 (Thurs.) no class, fall break

10/31-11/2

• Competency portfolio & presentation due 10/31

11/7-11/9

• Final project proposal & presentation due

11/14-11/16

11/21 & 23 Give thanks!

11/28-11/30

• Alternative media sampler presentation & critique due

12/5-12/7

• Final project & presentation due

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