MGT 310 Introduction to the Entertainment Industry, Fall 2009
(This course eligible for additional one credit hour of Service Learning)

Professor: Dr. Philip C. Rothschild

Time and Location: Section 01 - T, R 11:00 am - 12:15 pm (Glass 435)
Time and Location: Section 02 - T, R 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm (Glass 350)
Office: GLASS 412         Office Phone: 836-5082 E-mail: philrothschild@missouristate.edu
Office Hours: M: by appointment 2-3 pm, T & TR: 9:30-10:30 am & 2:30-4 pm & W: 2:30-4:30 pm

To find syllabi and other helpful resources, click on Rothschild, Philip at
www.mgt.MissouriState.edu/faculty.htm or go to http://blackboard.MissouriState.edu

Required Texts and Resources
We do not have a traditional textbook for this course. However, each student will be required to subscribe to an entertainment related trade publication (Sports Business Journal, PollstarOnline.com, Billboard.com, Amusement Business, etc.).  During the second week of class an approved list will be provided. Students may also be required to pay for online articles and other downloadable resources. In lieu of a textbook, students should budget an amount equivalent to $90 for the above.

There will be additional assigned readings and books on reserve in Music Library and Meyer Library.

Recommended entertainment related books: (not required)
Wolf, Michael J. The Entertainment Economy: How Mega-Media Forces are Transforming Our Lives, Random House, 1999

Mogel, Leonard, Careers in Communications and Entertainment, Simon and Schuster, 2000

Pine, B. Joseph, and Gilmore, James H. The Experience Economy, Harvard Business School Press, April 1999

Vogel, Harold L. Entertainment Industry Economics: A Guide for Financial Analysis, 7th Edition Cambridge University Press, 2007


 

Course Objectives
After completing this course, students will:
1.   Be able to articulate the nine characteristics of the entertainment economy.
2.   Be able to identify the practices associated with companies known for "creating experiences" in the "experience economy."
3.   Be able to identify relevant stakeholders for an entertainment company, and be able to suggest the potential consequences of present and future managerial decisions.
4.   Be able to discuss the trends taking place in the entertainment industry, and address entertainment specific issues through an ethical framework.
5.   Be able to identify multiple career paths for employment in the entertainment industry.
6.   Be able to identify the major players, processes, and practices associated with four areas of live entertainment – music, events, sports, and venues.
7.   Understand the nature and characteristics of consumers of entertainment.
8.   Be able to suggest specific strategies to improve the entertainment experience of both customers and employees across industries.
9. Develop an awareness and appreciation for giving back to the community. 
10. Improve writing skills targeted for entertainment professionals.

Service Learning Option: Students can opt to add a one credit hour of Service Learning Course to this class. By registering for MGT 300 - Service Learning, students can earn one hour of elective credit (counted toward an entertainment curriculum elective credit) in return for 40 hours of service to a non-profit agency or government agency. The office of Service Learning can place you with one organization, or you can choose to participate in several non-profit related special events over the semester. This service learning option will provide a laboratory for some of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes learned during MGT 310. For example, you may use your skills to help plan an event, write news releases, manage ticketing, or work a benefit concert or Special Olympics event. See the Syllabus for MGT 300 here.

¹ Peer Assessment: Due to the fact that a significant portion of your time will be spent in teams, each student will anonymously evaluate his/her group members' contributions to the team's output. The average score you earn from your peers will be multiplied by the final project grade of your team's output. Thus if your team members peer assessment of you indicates you expended about 80% level to complete the team project, then your final grade on a project will be multiplied by 80%. While the team grade for the project might be an A (90) your individual grade would be 80% of 90 = 72%.
² Assignments may include: Weekly reading synopses or quizzes, 1 minute papers, point counter point, observation exercises.
³ No Rounding. Please note that grades will be assigned based on the total number of points earned, not a percentage of points earned. There will be no rounding of points. For example, 895 points does not round up to 900 points.
⁴ Dr. Rothschild also reserves the right to redistribute up to 10% of the total 1000 points to a different project(s) if he deems it contributes to the overall learning experience. Example: May make the Exam worth 200 points and the career profile worth 175 points. Students will be notified of the change prior to the assignment being due.

Individual Exams: You will have two exams over the material from the readings, discussions, and presentations.  The instructor may change scheduled examinations to an earlier or later date. If any exam dates are changed, students will be notified at least one week in advance. It's the policy of this course that no make-up exams will be given after the predetermined test date. When conflicts are known in advance, see the instructor about taking the exam earlier.

Team Project: Students will join teams, and create and deliver a professional quality training seminar. Alternatively, student teams may be assigned a research project.

Online Magazine Installments: To fulfill the University's public affairs mission, our class will participate in a project that will serve the needs of our stakeholders. The specifics of the project will be discussed during the first two sessions of the class. Our goal is to publish an online magazine featuring content relevant to seasoned and aspiring entertainment management professionals. Each student will produce content worthy of submission to our online magazine. This course is writing intensive.

Weekly Quizzes/Assignments: Students are expected to be active participants in the learning process. Thus, mere attendance does not constitute participation. Students should view themselves as active learners, with information and knowledge to share, rather than as passive repositories of information delivered by the professor. Active participation is especially important due to the rapidly changing environment of the entertainment industry. We will have weekly quizzes and assignments to encourage self-directed learning.

Notebook: Due to the fact that we do not have a textbook for this course, we will create our own. Each student will be responsible for maintaining, and turning in a 2-3" "clear-view" 3-ring binder (notebook) at the end of the semester. The notebook should contain copies of all completed assignments, handouts, notes, etc. The notebooks will be evaluated on organization and completeness. At a minimum, the notebook should have a title displayed on the cover and spine of the notebook, a table of contents, and should use tabs to organize material. Notebook Guidelines, and a link to a Title Page Creator can be found at http://blackboard.MissouriState.edu .
Career Profile: Each student will be responsible for identifying a career path and developing a career profile for a position within that career path. See http://blackboard.MissouriState.edu for Benchmark Samples.

Attendance Policy: I reward good attendance. Due to the fact that much of the learning will take place in a discussion format and in-class activities, it is imperative that you attend each class. Almost perfect attendance (defined as only one absence) will add 15 points to your final number of points. On the other hand, for each absence above 3, your final points will be reduced. The following scale applies: 4 absences = reduction of 30 points, 5 absences = reduction of  50 points, 6 absences = reduction 70 points, 7 absences = reduction of 90 points, 8 or more absences will result in a failing grade. Students should always notify professor (through office phone or during class) of anticipated absence PRIOR to absence. When an absence is unanticipated, notification should take place on the day of the absence.  If a student is absent on the day of he/she is schedule to make a presentation, and the student makes no arrangements for a replacement, the student will receive a zero on that assignment. Consistent early departures and late arrivals may constitute an absence - at the discretion of the professor. In addition, disruptive behavior (verbal or nonverbal) in class may result in student being asked to leave by professor, and will result in one absence per occurrence. It is the student’s responsibility to inform professor (in person and on paper) of a late arrival.

Entertainment Management Association Extra Credit: The Entertainment Management Association is an important part of our overall program's success. This student organization provides multiple opportunities for professional enrichment, and networking with entertainment professionals. Students can earn up to 30 points of extra credit for joining EMA, attending meetings and tours, participating in committee work, and serving the community. In order to earn points, you must be a paid member by the stated cut-off date. Each EMA meeting, tour, or fundraising opportunity you participate in is worth 3 points. A maximum of 30 points can be earned. More information: http://organizations.missouristate.edu/ema

MSU Sponsored Events: On occasion, there are students that must miss class due to participation in official Missouri State events (i.e. athletics, music tours, etc.). Please examine your event schedule immediately to determine how often you will miss this class. If you anticipate you will miss more than 2 class periods during the semester, you should strongly consider registering for this course some other semester. To receive an excused absence for official Missouri State events, students must follow these procedures: 1. Notify instructor in advance in (hand) writing. 2. Within 7 days of absence, student must provide a copy of official document with signature of sponsor, phone #, and date of absence. When considering deductions for absences, no distinction is made between unexcused and excused absences.

Assignments:
All assignments must be turned at the beginning of class, unless otherwise noted. Students may arrange for delivery prior to due date. Assignments will not be accepted after class, and cannot be completed during class. Any assignments not turned in according to the following standards will not receive full credit.

1. Multiple pages should always be stapled.
2. Top right corner of front page should have the following: First Last Name, MGT 310, Date, Assignment Name
3. Use standard 8.5"x11" paper for all quizzes and assignments turned in.

ADA Statement and Disability Accommodation: At Missouri State University, we believe all students should have equal access to higher education and university life. Disability Support Services (DSS) helps ensure an equitable college experience for MSU students with disabilities.

Academic accommodations are available at no cost to students who can provide documentation of a disability and can demonstrate that the requested accommodations are necessary for participation in university programs within established guidelines. Academic accommodations coordinated by DSS include, for example, sign language interpreters, out-of-class testing, taped textbooks, note takers, adjustable tables, closed captioning, etc. An Assistive Technology Support Specialist is also on staff.

Any prospective or currently enrolled student interested in obtaining information about academic accommodations at Missouri State University should contact DSS at 417/ 836-4192 (voice), 417/836-6792 (TTY), DisabilitySupportServices@missouristate.edu  It is the responsibility of the student to inform DSS or his/her professor if assistance is desired.

Academic Honor Code: Any student who has been found by the instructor to have committed academic dishonesty, as defined on page 1 of the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures manual, will, at the discretion of the instructor, be subject to any of the sanctions described on page 4 of the manual, up to and including a grade of XF (failing because of academic dishonesty). Missouri State is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following Missouri State's student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at http://www.MissouriState.edu/acadaff/AcademicIntegrity.html and also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library. Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy.

Non-Discrimination Statement: Missouri State is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to Jana Estergard, Equal Opportunity Officer, Siceluff Hall 296, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head.

Policy on Use of Cell Phones in Classes: As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of Academic Affairs prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent mode and cannot be taken out during class. At the discretion of the instructor, exception to this policy is possible in special circumstances.  Sanctions for violation of this policy are determined by the instructor and may include dismissal from the class – see Class Disruption (http://www.MissouriState.edu/recreg/classdis.html). In testing situations, use of cell phones or similar communication devices may lead also to a charge of academic dishonesty and additional sanctions under the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures (http://www.MissouriState.edu/acadaff/AcademicIntegrity.html). There are two appeal processes available to students. A sanction for class disruption may be appealed using the appeal process stated in the Class Disruption policy; however, a violation that involves a charge of academic dishonesty must be appealed using the process described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures. Students have the right to continue attending class while an appeal is in progress.

Schedule of Assignments: The Schedule of Activities found on the next page may change over the course of this semester. I will notify you of any changes via email and will give you ample time to complete the assignments. It is important that you check your email on a daily basis.

Schedule of Class Assignments (as of Aug 26, 2009)
MGT 310 – Introduction to the Entertainment Industry, Fall 2009
Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00am - 12:15pm (Sec. 2)  & 12:30pm - 1:45pm (Sec. 3)