COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society

FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES

ASSESSMENT INFORMATION SHEET

for
COM510 - MASS MEDIA AND MALAYSIAN SOCIETY
SEMESTER MARCH-JULY 2020
(Updated Version for UiTM Open & Distance Learning)
 COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society

No. Weekly Topics Assessment

1 Understanding Mass Media - CLO1
Quiz + Term paper
2 Malaysian Studies (Part 1) - CLO1
3 Malaysian Studies (Part 2) - CLO3 Individual assignment

4 Theories of Media Effects: An Overview - CLO1 Quiz + Term paper

5 The Economics of Malaysian Media - CLO3 Individual assignment
6 Media and Ideologies in Malaysia - CLO2 Group assignment
7 Media Regulations and Issues - CLO1 Term paper

8 Social Effects of Media on Malaysian Society - CLO2 Group assignment

9 Media and Politics in Malaysia - CLO2 Group assignment

10 Media Portrayal and Issues - CLO2 Group assignment

11 New Media and Malaysian Society - CLO2 Group assignment
12 Mass Media and Social World - CLO3 Individual assignment
13 Contemporary Issues in Mass Communication - CLO2 Group assignment
14 Mass Media and Selected Issues in Malaysia - CLO2 Group assignment
 COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
COURSE ASSESSMENT PLAN

Course Code COM510 Faculty/Academy Communication and Media Studies

Course Name (in English) Media and Malaysian Society Credit Unit 3
Course Name (in Malay) Media dan Masyarakat Malaysia Resource Person Nurhidayah Abdullah

Assessment Task (%) Specific Tasks Related to

No. Course Learning Outcomes PLO/ MOHE Taxonomy Ind. Grp. Quiz Term MOHE/MQF LOD Attribute SLT
MQF Domain Assg. Assg. Paper
Explain the perspectives, Written tests to emphasise
1 theories, and concept related attribute of ‘knowledge’ in MQF 34
to mass media and Malaysian 1 1 C2 10 20 1 LOD.
society. (C2)

Study the functions and Presentation and case study

2 practices of social skills and report to emphasise social 56
responsibilities in mass media 3 5 A3 45 responsibilities related to the
and Malaysian society. (A3) attribute of social skills and
responsibilities in MQF 3 LOD.

Demonstrate autonomous Written report on case

3 learning towards mass media study/analysis to emphasise 30
landscape and Malaysian 7 7 A3 25 the attribute ‘autonomous
society. (A3) learning’ in MQF 7 LOD.
 COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
CLO1: Explain the perspectives, theories, and concept related to mass media and Malaysian society. (C2)
Assessment: Written tests to emphasise attribute of knowledge in MQF 1 LOD.

QUIZ (10%)

1. Consists of 20 True/False questions from Topics 1, 2, and 4 in the syllabus.

2. The 30-minute in-class Quiz will be held on Week 10 of the semester.

3. The respective lecturers and their students will agree on a pre-determined online platform to conduct the online quiz.

TERM PAPER (20%)

1. Each student needs to write a term paper on one of the following topics:

a. Discuss the four roles and functions of mass media according to Harold Lasswell with examples of the current media environment in
Malaysian society.

b. Explain the different roles of government branches in Malaysia and examine the reasons for having the separation of power with
examples of the current political situation in the country.

c. Discuss the issue of media violence in Malaysian media using any two of the media effect theories.

d. Explain the two debates on media regulations. Discuss the positive and negative consequences of the media laws and regulations in
Malaysia.

2. The essay should be approximately 2000 words, 6 to 7 pages excluding the cover and reference page, Times New Roman 12pts, using
APA7, and 1.5 line spacing. Considering the length will help you to be able to decide how broad or narrow your subject will be.

3. Resources: Library or any available resources. You can also look for any available online resources. Make sure you have hands-on
books and other materials to use as references for your paper.

4. The dateline of submission is on Week 14 of the semester.

 COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society

The following is a general term paper format or layout that you should follow in presenting your topic:

• Cover page: Align the text that contains your name, course number, lecturer’s name, and the date of the deadline in the centre of the
page.

• Abstract: Usually less than a page long, the abstract describes your work. It lets readers know where the term paper is headed, the
issue at hand, and why the subject was interesting or important.

• Introduction: The introduction should begin with a statement of the topic to be discussed. Explain the significance of the topic or problem
at hand and write about how you plan to discuss the issue.

• Body: The body of your text should contain the main points of your topic. Provide information about the subject matter so that the
readers can further understand what is being discussed.

• Results: Explain why your study has led you to believe certain ideas about your topic. How has your view changed from when you
began the study? Has it stayed the same, and why? Tie everything you have been explaining into what you had stated in your
introduction.

• Discussion: End with a summary and a conclusion about the topic in question. Finish by stating an opening question or by prompting the
readers to continue their own study on the extension of the subject.

Rubrics for Term Paper (20%)
Criteria 5 (Excellent)
Content Student demonstrates full
Knowledge knowledge (more than required)
with explanations and
elaboration.
Content indicates synthesis of
Level of ideas, in-depth analysis and
Content evidences original thought and
support for the topic.
Research Excellent background, context,
and idea development
Development Main points well developed with
high quality and quantity
support. Reveals high degree of
critical thinking.
Organisation Student presents information in
logical, organised sequence.
Grammar & Essay is free of distracting
Mechanics spelling, punctuation, and
grammatical errors; absent of
fragments, comma splices, and
run-ons.
References Referencing is complete.
Effort Exceeds the requirements of the
assignment and student has put
care and effort into the process.
Score: /40 x 20%
4 (Good)
Student is at ease with
content, but fails to
elaborate.
Content indicates original
thinking and develops
ideas with sufficient and
firm evidence.
Good background,
context, and idea
development
Main points well
developed with quality
supporting details and
quantity. Critical thinking is
weaved into points
Student presents
information in logical
sequence.
Essay has few spelling,
punctuation, and
grammatical errors
allowing reader to follow
ideas clearly. Very few
fragments or run-ons.
Referencing is included
but not well organised.
Fulfils all of the
requirements of the
assignment.
COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
2-3 (Fair)
Student is uncomfortable
with information and is able
to answer only rudimentary
questions.
Content indicates thinking
and reasoning applied with
original thought on a few
ideas.
Adequate background,
context, and idea
development
Main points are present with
limited detail and
development. Some critical
thinking is present.
Reader has difficulty
following paper.
Most spelling, punctuation,
and grammar correct
allowing reader to progress
though essay. Some errors
remain.
Referencing is missing
some components.
Fulfils some of the
requirements of the
assignment.
1 (Poor) Score
Student does not have grasp of
information; student cannot
answer questions about subject.
Shows some thinking and
reasoning but most ideas are
underdeveloped and unoriginal.
Poor background, context, and
idea development
Main points lack detailed
development. Ideas are vague
with little evidence of critical
thinking.
Reader cannot understand paper
because there is no sequence of
information.
Spelling, punctuation, and
grammatical errors create
distraction, making reading
difficult; fragments, comma
splices, run-ons evident.
Errors are frequent.
Referencing is almost or
completely missing.
Fulfils few of the requirements of
the assignment.
Total /40
 COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT (25%)

CLO3: Demonstrate autonomous learning towards mass media landscape and Malaysian society. (A3)
Assessment: Written report on case study/analysis to emphasise the attribute ‘autonomous learning’ in MQF 7 LOD

Instructions:

1. Students are required to write a concept paper of 5 pages excluding the cover and reference page (APA7, Times New Roman 12pts or Arial
11pts, 1.5 spacing).

2. It has to include: Introduction, body of contents, conclusion, and list of references (APA7 standard).

3. Choose two local advertisements or short videos produced by organisations (e.g. Petronas, TNB, Malaysia Airlines, etc) for festival/national
celebration that portray Malaysian values (must be available on YouTube) and write two reflection papers/essays for each video.

4. In each essay:
a. Reflect on what did you learn about our society from the video.
b. How do you think media can assist with the propagation of Malaysian values?
c. How does media ownership influence the contents of media based on the video?
d. What would you suggest to local media producers on how to increase the sense of belonging to our country through creative works?

5. The dateline of submission is on Week 11 of the semester.

 COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
Rubrics for Individual Assignment (for each reflection essay)

Name: _________________________________________

Criteria 4 3 2 1 Score
Student properly generates Student generates questions Students requires prompts to Questions or problems are
Introduction/ questions and or problems and or problems. generate questions and or lecturer generated.
Topic around a topic. problem.

Numerous detailed Several detailed conclusions Some detailed conclusions are A conclusion is made from
Conclusion conclusions are reached are reached from the evidence reached from the evidence the evidence offered.
Reached from the evidence offered. offered. offered.

Information is gathered from Information is gathered from Information is gathered from Information is gathered from
Information multiple electronic and non- multiple electronic and non- limited electronic and non- either electronic or non-
Gathering electronic sources and cited electronic sources. electronic sources. electronic sources only.
properly.

Well organised, demonstrate Well organised but demonstrate Well organised, but demonstrate Weakly organised.
Summary logical sequencing and illogical sequencing or illogical sequencing and
Paragraph sentence structure. sentence structure. sentence structure.

Punctuation and There is one error in There are two or three errors in There are four or more
Grammar capitalisation are correct. punctuation and/or punctuation and/or errors in punctuation and/or
and Spelling capitalisation. capitalisation. capitalisation.

Done in the correct format Done in the correct format with Done in the correct format with Done in the correct format
References with no errors. few errors. some errors. Internet site. with many errors.

Total /24

Score:

Reflection 1 = /24 x 12.5% + Reflection 2 = /24 x 12.5%

Total = /25%
 COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
GROUP ASSIGNMENT (45%)
Written Report 35%; Presentation Slides 10%

CLO2: Study the functions and practices of social skills and responsibilities in mass media and Malaysian society. (A3)
Assessment: Presentation and case study report to emphasise social responsibilities related to the attribute of social skills and responsibilities in
MQF 3 LOD.

Instructions:

1. Students are to get themselves into a group of 4 to 5 members. The same group members are maintained for other group assessments.

2. Each group is required to write a report of 15 to 20 pages excluding the cover and reference page (APA7, Times New Roman 12pts or Arial
11pts, 1.5 spacing).

2. The report has to include: Introduction, body of contents, conclusion, and list of references (APA7 standard).

3. The group is required to prepare 10-15 PowerPoint slides presentation to capture and present the main ideas in the written report.

4. Students will choose only one theme from the following list to elaborate and discuss accordingly:

a. How can media be used to share political ideology to the public? What are some of the examples that you see in Malaysia?
b. Represents marginalised groups (e.g. OKUs, Orang Asli, indigenous people of Sabah Sarawak, etc) and what are the impacts of
such representation on media of your choice towards public perception? Elaborate and provide examples.
c. How can social media influence mental health? What are some of the effects? How to mitigate the negative impact of social media?
d. Discuss the Korean Wave in Malaysia. How does the Korean wave impact Malaysian socio-economic landscape? Elaborate and
provide examples.
e. Explore the issue of media and Islamic identity in Malaysia. How does Malaysian media facilitate the formation of Islamic identity in
contemporary Malaysia? Elaborate and provide examples.

5. Dateline of submission for the presentation slides is on Week 12 and the written report on Week 13 of the semester.
 COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
Rubrics for Group Assignment – Written Report (35%)

Group Members: _________________________________________ Score : /64 x 35%

_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

Criteria 4 3 2 1 Score
Title, names, date, neatly Evidence of four. Evidence of three. Evidence of two or less.
Title Page finished, no errors.

The introduction is The introduction states the The introduction states the There is no clear
Introduction engaging, states the main main topic and previews the main topic but does not introduction or main topic
topic and previews the structure of the paper. adequately preview the and the structure of the
structure of the paper. structure of the paper. paper is missing.

Demonstrates a Demonstrates an Demonstrates an acceptable Demonstrates an adequate

Understanding sophisticated understanding accomplished understanding understanding of the topic(s) understanding of the
of the topic(s) and issue(s). of the topic(s) and issue(s). and issue(s). topic(s) and issue(s).

Each paragraph has Each paragraph has Each paragraph lacks Each paragraph fails to
Body thoughtful supporting detail sufficient supporting detail supporting detail sentences. develop the main idea.
sentences that develop the sentences that develop the
main idea. main idea.

Analysis, Presents an insightful and Presents a thorough Presents a superficial analysis Presents an incomplete
Evaluation and thorough analysis of all analysis of most issues of some issues identified. analysis of the issues
Recommendations issues identified. identified. identified.

Makes appropriate and Makes appropriate Makes appropriate but Makes little or no
powerful connections connections between the somewhat vague connections connections between the
between the issues issues identified. between the issues identified. issues identified.
identified.

Supports diagnosis and Supports diagnosis and Supports diagnosis and Supports diagnosis and
opinions with strong opinions with reasons and opinions with limited reasons opinions with few reasons

arguments and evidence;
presents a balanced and
critical view; interpretation is
both reasonable and
objective.
Presents detailed, realistic,
and appropriate
recommendations clearly
supported by the information
presented and concepts
from the reading.
Supplements case study
Research with relevant and extensive
research into the present
situation of the company;
clearly and thoroughly
documents all sources of
information.
Demonstrate logical and
Organisation subtle sequencing of ideas
through well-developed
paragraphs; transitions are
used to enhance
organisation.
Depth and complexity of
Development of ideas supported by rich,
Ideas engaging and pertinent
details; evidence analysis,
reflection and insight.
No errors in punctuation,
Mechanics capitalisation and spelling.
evidence; presents a fairly
balanced view; interpretation
is both reasonable and
objective.
Present specific, realistic
and appropriate
recommendations supported
by the information presented
and concepts from the
reading.
Supplements case study
with relevant research into
the present situation of the
company; documents all
sources of information.
Paragraph development
present but not perfect.
Depth of idea development
supported by elaborated,
relevant details.
Almost no errors in
punctuation, capitalisation
and spelling.
COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
and evidence; presents a
somewhat one-sided
argument.
Present realistic or appropriate
recommendations supported
by the information presented
and concepts from the reading.
Supplement case study with
limited research into the
present situation of the
company; provides limited
documentation of sources
consulted.
Logical organisation;
organisation of ideas not fully
developed.
Unelaborated idea
development; unelaborated
and/or repetitious details.
Many errors in punctuation,
capitalisation and spelling.
and little evidence;
argument is one-sided and
not objective.
Presents realistic or
appropriate
recommendations with
little, if any, support from
the information presented
and concepts from the
reading.
Supplements case study, if
at all, with incomplete
research and
documentation.
No evidence of structure or
organisation.
Minimal idea development,
limited and/or unrelated
details.
Numerous and distracting
errors in punctuation,
capitalisation and spelling.
 COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
No errors sentence structure Almost no errors in sentence Many errors in sentence Numerous and distracting
Usage and word usage. structure and word usage. structure and word usage. errors in sentence structure
and word usage.

All cited works, both text Some cited works, both text Inconsistencies evident. Few cited works, both text
Citation and visual, are done in the and visuals, are done in the and visual, are done in the
correct format with no correct format. correct format.
errors.

Done in the correct format Done in the correct format Done in the correct format with Done in the correct format
References with no errors. with few errors. some errors. Internet site. with many errors.

The conclusion is engaging The conclusion restates the The conclusion does not Incomplete and/or
Conclusion and restates the thesis. thesis. adequately restate the thesis. unfocused.

Total /64
 COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
Rubrics for Presentation Slides (10%)

Group members: _____________________________________________ Score: /24 x 10%

_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Needs Improvement (1) Score
Student properly generates Student generates questions Students requires prompts to Questions or problems are
Introduction/ questions and or problems and or problems. generate questions and or lecturer generated.
Topic around a topic. problem.

Strong and engaging
Organisation introduction provides
overview of presentation;
presentation supports
introduction; conclusion
reinforces main points in
memorable fashion.
Introduction provides overview
of presentation; presentations
supports introduction and ends
with appropriate conclusion.
Some overview is given;
connection between
introduction and presentation is
sometimes unclear; conclusion
is limited.
Introduction does not give
overview; organisation is
unclear, or presentation
ends without conclusion.

Content throughout the
Content presentation slides is well
researched and presented
succinctly; presentation is
well prepared and has
obviously been rehearsed.
Content is presented succinctly Content shows problems with Presentation of content is
for the most part. Research research and succinct disjointed and incoherent;
and preparation are evident. presentation; more preparation little evidence of
of the material is necessary. preparation.

Main ideas are presented
Sources and with depth and effectively
documentation supported with facts, vivid
details, and engaging
examples. All key elements
are included. Several
sources (3 +) are used,
mentioned, and cited.
Main ideas are supported with
appropriate facts, examples,
and details. One or two key
elements may be missing; 2-3
sources are used, mentioned,
and cited.
Some main ideas are supported
with facts, examples, or details.
More than two key elements are
missing; only 1-2 sources are
used OR mentioned/cited
inappropriately.
Main ideas are unclear;
facts, examples, and details
are lacking or fail to support
ideas; presentation lacks
several key elements or
contains inaccuracies; no
sources are used/
mentioned/cited.

Visuals are attractive and
Visuals effectively enhance the
presentation; show
considerable originality
illustrate important points.
Background, font formats
Formatting (colours, size, type), and
and graphics significantly
mechanics enhance the presentation;
no misspellings or
grammatical errors.
A few visuals are not attractive
but all support the
theme/content of the
presentation.
Background, font formats, and
graphics generally support the
readability and content of the
presentation; only 1-2
misspellings or grammatical
errors.
COM510 – Mass Media and Malaysian Society
All visuals are attractive but few
do not seem to support the
theme/content of the
presentation.
Some interference of
background, font formats, or
graphics with readability and
content of the presentation;
several misspellings or
grammatical errors.
Visuals are unattractive and
detract from the content of
the presentation.
Background, font formats,
or graphics make reading
and understanding the
material difficult detract from
the presentation or; many
misspellings or grammatical
errors.
Total /24